The Walking Dead #121 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Charlie Adlard

Has this war taken it’s toll on Rick? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“ALL OUT WAR,” Part Seven

In the aftermath of the unthinkable.

All Out War finally shifted up a gear last issue, and although it remains as interesting as ever, it has dropped back down to it’s normal pace. Following Rick’s collapse last issue there is the question of how big a strain this war has had on the groups fearless leader, with the developments of this issue giving an interesting twist for the groups dynamic.

Robert Kirman yet again delivers a script that is both interesting and realistic (if zombies existed of course). There is however a part of me that’s getting a little bored of this war, as despite it being constantly good, I feel like it’s dragging at times. In saying that Kirkman does give some brilliant character development, with the sudden change in Rick’s attitude being especially interesting. Added to this the development of Negan’s side and there’s still promise. Despite that I still think it’s time that this story pushes towards the end, with Rick and Negan fighting to the death.

Charlie Adlard once again does a spectacular job on the artwork in this issue, with his style never failing to impress me. The layout of Adlard’s art along with the emotion that he adds during the character interaction is simply magnificent, giving a very realistic and dramatic tone to the story. Adlard also manages to adjust the tone perfectly throughout the issue, with his scenery giving a lot of depth to the devastating events. As ever Adlard’s art was accompanied by the fantastic inks from Stefano Gaudiano and the amazing grey tones from Cliff Rathburn, with the final look being perfect as usual.

All Out War is dragging on a bit for me, with it’s only saving grace being the wonderful character depth. Despite that this is still a great issue which I fully recommend.

Rating: 7/10

The Walking Dead #120 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard

What will happen now that Negan has brought the war to Rick's doorstep? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

"ALL OUT WAR," PART 6
This war has taken a toll.

We reach the half way stage in All Out War and we finally the story reaches a higher gear. I personally feel that All Out War has tried to do too much, and that due to it committing to a twelve issue length that it's stretching it's material too thin, and that it could've possibly have been even better at a shorter length.

Robert Kirkman did however give us some really exciting moments throughout this issue, with the continuation from last issues cliffhanger being nothing short of epic. The way that Kirkman showed the frantic nature of Rick's group along with the sadistic joy of Negan was simply wonderful, with there being some brilliant dialogue as well. Despite the action and excitement Kirkman also managed to add a lot of drama and suspense to this issue, giving a dynamic tone to the issue. The cliffhanger on the other hand wasn't one of the best that I've seen, but nonetheless it still has me excited for the next issue.

As usual Charlie Adlard did an outstanding job on the artwork, with it having a very dramatic and explosive feel to it. His layouts as always were brilliant, flowing smoothly from one page to the next, adding a lot of energy to Kirkman's lively script. Adlard also handled the action perfectly, with the intensity being easily noticeable. On top of all this Adlard also manages to show the panic and determination of the characters perfectly, adding a lot of realism at the same time. Added to this the terrific inks from Stefano Gaudiano and the spectacular grey tones from Cliff Rathburn and you get a visually stunning issue that matches the powerful script perfectly.

All Out War finally kicks it up a notch, having some intense and explosive developments, as well as some very interesting ones as well. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10

The Walking Dead #119 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard

The war between Rick’s gang and the Saviors continues, but who will get the upper hand in this issue? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

"ALL OUT WAR," PART 5

The war comes home.

Every issue of All Out War has been brilliant in it’s own right, but as a story so far it has fell a little overall, having too much build-up with nothing major to show for it. This issue does however start to change this a little, as despite still being more of a teaser issue, it definitely looks like things will be shaping up from now on.

Robert Kirkman does a great job of bringing the characters home in this issue, also showing the shock of some of the news they learn perfectly. There was however some developments that although shocking could have been prolonged slightly, with there being some questions left unanswered. In saying this Kirkman could very well be planning to answer these questions in a later issue, wanting to drive on the story with some shock and excitement. On top of this Kirkman also once again leaves us with a brilliant cliffhanger and I’m sure that the next issue will see a vast improvement in the overall quality of the story.

The artwork from Charlie Adlard was as usual superb, being very gritty and realistic. As usual it is the amazing layouts and the way that Adlard shows the characters emotions that impress me the most, with it really adding a lot to the overall tone of the story. Adlard also worked off Kirkman’s script brilliantly, creating some fantastic suspense throughout, with the little bits of action also adding excitement. On top of this inker Stefano Gaudiano continues to add great texture to Adlard’s art, with Cliff Rathburn as usual doing a stellar job of the grey tones.

All Out War continues to progress slowly, but the suspense and excitement that Kirkman creates keeps it very interesting. This issue also showed some outstanding developments and I for one can’t wait for the next issue. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

The Walking Dead #118 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard

All Out War is taking The Walking Dead back to an explosive series. Will this explosive nature continue throughout this issue? Read on to find out.

Official Description from Image:

ALL OUT WAR CONTINUES!
Maggie takes a stand as Rick’s new plan comes together.

Although All Out War has been extremely exciting and explosive so far, the overall progression of the story has been rather slow. It does however show a lot of promise having a lot of suspense and drama, and it’s only a matter of time before it pays off big time.

Robert Kirkman has yet to disappoint me when it comes to this series, as although there may have been some issues that haven’t been amazing, the series has always been good. Kirkman did however take a different approach to writing with this issue having the story told through the thoughts of Ezekiel for a good portion of the issue. Now it was a interesting way of telling the story and I always give new ways of telling a story a try. I do however feel that this doesn’t really suit the style of The Walking Dead and that after doing 117 issues with normal sequences that it’s a dramatic change to the overall tone of the series.

The artwork from Charlie Adlard was as usual outstanding and he has definitely been doing some of his best work since Stefano Gaudiano has been doing the inks for him. The best thing about Adlard’s art in this issue had to be the way he showed the characters emotions, as they were extremely impactfull, adding a lot of depth and suspense to the issue. I also as usual loved his layouts which added a lot more intensity to the issue as well as helping it flow smoothly. On top of that as usual Adlard did a terrific job with the action in this issue, making it very entertaining to read.

All Out War continues to progress slowly, but the overall tension and suspense that is building up makes this a must read story and I highly recommend it.

Rating: 8/10

The Walking Dead #117 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Charlie Adlard

The Walking Dead has been one of the best series out over the last few years, and although it hasn't been quite as awesome recently, this current story is showing a lot of promise for that to change and with it being an anniversary story I really hope it does.

Plot

Negan interrogates Holly whilst Rick and his army plan their next move.

Review

This was an amazing issue and the best in this storyline so far. Robert Kirkman has done a great job with the pacing of this twelve part story so far, as although it hasn't been top level excitement so far, it is setting things up nicely, with this instalment adding a lot more tension and suspense to the story. Kirkman would also as usual do a great job of showing the characteristics of the characters in this issue with them having their usual traits with Negan and Rick's characteristics in adding a lot more tone to this issue. There would also be some brilliant dialogue throughout this issue with some shocking developments as well, all of which make the story that much more interesting.

The artwork in this issue was once again outstanding with Charlie Adlard doing some of his best work yet. The detail in his art was particularly better, as although it has always been consistent, it felt much more smoother and deeper in this issue. I do however feel that this will be helped by the fact that Adlard is no longer doing his own inks, with Stefano Gaudiano taking over in that role. The layout of Adlard's art would also be astonishing adding a lot of depth as well as adding the perfect tone and atmosphere to the issue, helping it flow much smoother as well. On top of that Adlard would also show the emotion through the characters facial expressions brilliantly, with it adding much more tone and depth to the issue.

This issue would see Negan interrogate Holly, believing her to be Rick's partner, not believing that Holly's goal was simply revenge. Now I loved this development as it would show the mentality of Negan, as well as the courage and determination of Holly. On top of this I also enjoyed how Negan would continue to show himself as a man who seems to have violence as a last resort, acting as if he doesn't enjoy the pain he inflicts on Rick and his gang. I also found Holly's response to all this to be very interesting adding a lot more excitement to the issue.

As this is happening we'd see Rick worrying about Holly, believing that if it was him in their that he'd be safe. This sequence would add a lot of depth to the issue, making it much more natural and emotional, also adding some humanity to the story at the same time. I also loved the conversations that Rick would have with Jesus and other members of the group and how he must be strong in order to have any chance at saving Holly.

Negan's Saviors would also have a lot of work on their hands as due to Holly's actions in the last issue they'd be surrounded by zombies, having to try and clear them every now and then. This would add yet more excitement and intensity to the issue, as well as suspense and drama, also helping the overall tone. I however loved how it would yet again show Negan's mind set, and how although the Saviors have seemed pretty invulnerable, without a fence they are the same as anyone else.

Final Verdict

Although the story is still not quite at the high level that I'm hoping for, it is certainly starting to get nearer and it is only a matter of time before this story explodes into a phenomenal and exciting event. This issue itself however had plenty of drama and suspense, showing the characters nature and reaction to current events perfectly. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue as well as the story so far.

Rating: 8/10

The Walking Dead #116 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Charlie Adlard

The Walking Dead has been a series that I have been enjoying for the last few years and although the quality has dropped ever so slightly in the last year and a bit it has still been an outstanding series and I have faith that this current story will propel it back to the phenomenal series it was.

Plot

The war between Rick's army and Negan's Saviors continues with the question of the Hilltop's involvement being brought up.

Review

This was yet another great issue for the Walking Dead and a terrific continuation to the opening issue of this anniversary story with Robert Kirkman as usual doing an outstanding job of the writing. I did however feel that it wasn't as exciting as the last issue set it up to be, as although it still had plenty of exciting moments, the follow-up to the cliffhanger from the last issue was slightly disappointing. In saying that Kirkman continues to pace this storyline well, keeping it both suspenseful and exciting, as with another ten issues after this one it would make no sense to have it turn into the All Out War right now. Kirkman would also show the characteristics perfectly once more and this is certain shaping into a great story.

The artwork in this issue was once again spectacular and Charlie Adlard did an outstanding job. The detail in his art was as usual very consistent, as although his artwork isn't quite as detailed as some of the other artists working the now, it is far from poor. The layouts and depth of his art does however overshadow this anyway, as it is very impactful, having the perfect tone. Adlard also handles the suspense and excitement in this issue perfectly, with his layouts helping to add even more excitement and tension to the action sequences. The grey tones from Cliff Rathburn would also be spectacular, and would as usual add the perfect tone and atmosphere to the series.

The last issue would end on a cliffhanger questioning whether the Hilltop would stay and fight alongside Rick and the rest of his army or whether they'd leave to protect themselves. Now I won't go into too much detail over this as it was a very interesting cliffhanger to end the previous issue, but the way it was followed up in this issue wasn't that spectacular, being a bit mundane and disappointing. I did however enjoy the characters reaction to this as it would add more tension and suspense to the issue, even though as a whole it wasn't as good as it could have been.

During this issue Holly would also step up a bit wanting to have a bigger role in the fight, in an attempt to get revenge for Abraham's death. Now I personally liked this development as although it was a little sudden to see Holly make such a statement, it does add some more tension and excitement to the story. I also loved the minor conflict between her and Rick during this development, as although it was clear that they are friends and are working together, there was a clear difference of opinion which would also add some friction to the issue.

The action throughout this issue would also be very exciting with nearly anything you could hope for happening, including a lot of gun fight as well as zombies getting involved. Now as I've already said the fighting wasn't quite to the level that the cliffhanger teased, but it was still immense, and perfect to build up more tension and suspense for the story as a whole. I also loved the chaotic nature of the fighting and how Negan and his men really appeared to be fighting on instinct with little to no plan whatsoever, showing just how prepared Rick's army is.

Final Verdict

All Out War is starting to get even more exciting as although the issue is still very much setting things up, it would still have some very intense and suspenseful moments throughout. It would also have some brilliant dialogue and as usual a interesting ending and I for one can't wait for the next issue. Due to this I'd highly recommend this issue as well as the opening issue of All Out War and any Walking Dead comics or trade paperbacks that you can find.

Rating: 8/10

The Walking Dead #115 Review

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard

This has been a series that I've been enjoying for quite a few years now, and although I wasn't reading it when it started it still doesn't feel like it's been out for ten years now. I am however very happy that they are doing something big to celebrate this, as having read every issue since I have become a massive fan, and although it's continued to be great lately, it needs to find the high level of quality that it had back when the Governor was around.

Plot

Rick and the collective groups make their final preparations before going to war.

Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although it didn't stand out as a phenomenal anniversary issue, it was still amazing, being a brilliant start for this epic storyline. Robert Kirkman did a great job of setting up this war in this issue, and although I would have loved something shocking due to the fact that it's the anniversary issue, it was probably a good idea to slowly work it's way into the main battle. Kirkman also wrote some fantastic dialogue during this issue, once again showing the depth of the characters, and how far they've come over the series. On top of that Kirkman managed to add a lot of suspense and drama throughout this issue, with the issue showing a ton of promise for this storyline.

The artwork from Charlie Adlard was as amazing as usual, with the detail throughout being brilliant. Adlard also once again did a fantastic job of laying out his artwork, adding a lot of suspense and depth throughout. Adlard also did a great job of showing the characters expressions and emotions throughout this issue, as it added a lot of drama an tension throughout, with the Rick and Negan interaction near the end of the issue really being intense. Cliff Rathburn as usual did a fantastic job with the grey tones, as did Stefano Gaudiano at inking the issue, though it did feel ever so slightly different without Adlard doing the inking himself. I also loved the array of variants for this issue, and I wish I could have gotten them all.

This issue would start with an interaction between Rick and Andrea, during which Rick reveals to Andrea that he has doubts over the outcome of this war. Now I felt this was a brilliant way of opening the issue, as although I had my concerns about Rick and Andrea becoming a couple, they are very much alike, and she's the only person that Rick could say such a thing to. I also liked how it showed that Rick isn't any better than anyone else in the group, or at least that he sees things that way. On top of that the sequence also added a lot of tone and drama to the issue, showing the kind of character depth that makes the series so unique and interesting.

After this the group would make it's final preparations, with Rick talking with Eugene, and then the group as a whole. Although this is what slowed the issue down a bit, I felt that this was a necessary sequence, and overall enjoyed it. I especially liked seeing Rick rally the troops, giving them some morale, as with a lot not being used to fighting it's a big risk they're taking going up against Negan and his Saviors. There was also a small interaction between Andrea and Carl during this preparation that I really enjoyed, as there hasn't really been a connection between the two, even though Andrea and his father have been together for a while now.

This issue would also see the start of this war, as although there wasn't any fighting in this issue it would see Rick and the collective group reach the Saviors location. Now I won't go into any plot details besides what I've already said as this was the final sequence in the issue. I will however say that I really enjoyed this sequence, and it was easily the best part of the issue. It was very suspenseful, and had a lot of tension throughout, with the interaction between Rick and Negan being as intense as you'd expect. This sequence would also have some shocks involved as well, and has me very excited about the next issue.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant issue, as although it wasn't a phenomenal celebration for the series, it was still very fitting, setting this epic arc of to a fantastic start. It had some really intense and dramatic sequences throughout, with some wonderful interactions. It also shows a lot of promise for the future quality of this story, and on a whole has me extremely excited about the next issue. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and it's also a great jumping on point for new readers.

Rating: 8/10