The Walking Dead #111 Review


Finally! It’s been quite a few issues where the stakes have been raised and real threat has been an issue for Rick and Co. The Walking Dead #111 brings it back.

Official description from IMAGE:

Lucille is going to be so jealous.

I have been rather harsh on The Walking Dead for several issues now. My biggest complaint is that I felt that the story would tease something and never follow through. Each issue just ended, no cliffhanger, no edge. Rick has been plotting to take on Negan for some time now and I just haven’t felt there has been much payoff. Issue #111 puts things back on the right track and the right direction. All three factions are finally gathered to make their move on Negan, Rick, the Hilltoppers and Ezekiel’s group and I finally feel like they are prepared. But knowing the work of writer Robert Kirkman, I am under the impression that’s just what he wants. Somehow he has lulled me into a state of complacence and he’s about to knock me the $*#k out!

There are many things to like about this issue. Jesus and Gregory have a “come to Jesus meeting,” pun intended. Jesus finally confronts Gregory and makes him come to face to face with his own actions and Jesus makes clear his dedication has never wavered. Rick, Andrea and Carl have a moment that reminds you of the early days of The Walking Dead and Ezekiel and Michonne grow a little closer which is always nice to see for Michonne.

All through this time of planning and scheming I have always believed that Negan is somehow aware of the plot against him. We’ve never seen it but it’s been hinted at so much it’s a no-brainer that he’s not in the dark. Negan confirms as much when he shows up early to Rick’s group to collect. One thing about Negan is that he’s unpredictable and that make’s him a much more complicated villain than someone like the Governor. How he handles Spencer, the son of the man who used to lead Rick’s current group, is typical Negan, but so much more. Rick is about to enter hell and I for one am happy it’s finally here. Artist Charlie Adlard’s art feels slightly inspired here as he has more to illustrate that just dialogue plus the bonus of defining the viciousness of Negan’s judgement.

 

4/5

S#!T Talking Central