Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Walking Dead #83
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn
For as long as I can remember this series moves along with steady, terrific stories, issue after issue. Generally, there is a period of time where things seem to be going well for the cast, with some mild drama on the side. Then, when the characters (and the reader) seem the most comfortable, everything goes to Hell and characters - main characters die. This is one of those issues. Part Four of "No Way Out" starts out no different than a lot of issues, but escalates into chaos by the end and leaves the series changed forever. This issue validates sticking with this series through the more "normal" issues because when there is a payoff, like this issue, it's so much more worthwhile.
Surrounded by zombies, in a house, Rick tries to convince the others that their best option is to make a run for it. Rick isn't able to convince everyone, but he does devise a plan. As seen in the very first arc, Rick decides to drape zombie parts all over everyone to mask their smell from the undead. It's a solid plan except not everyone plans to wear the zombie pieces.
Rick, Carl, Michonne, Jessie, Ron and Denise make a run for it while Maggie and Sophie stay behind. The situation explodes into disaster as the zombies are drawn to Denise because she isn't wearing zombie guts. Denise wants to be ready to tend to the wounded in the infirmary hence the reason for not dressing in blood and guts. This problem is compounded by the fact that it seems that Ron hasn't really been exposed to zombies before and he panics. This has costly results for the whole group.
Obviously someone dies. However, it's the way Kirkman tells the story that is so griping. He throws in a wild card that changes the situation, a situation that is already uncontrollable becomes worse somehow. And it all works so well for the story. Kirkman just knows how to put some shock in his book.
The issue is enhanced by Adlard's artwork, as usual. He picks his spots well as he builds the tension in those last few panels leading up to the big death. Adlard excels when drawing zombies, but he has become a master of capturing the human reaction and this issue is a perfect example of that talent. You won't find a more consistent and steady art team than in this series.
Not everyone issue of this series is amazing, but some are truly exceptional. The ones that rise above the rest contain a story that drains the reader of their emotions and is full of surprises. This issue simply has everything that makes comic books entertaining. This is an emotional roller coaster ride that is just a fantastic read cover to cover. I can't recommend a book more than this one.
5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
