Cassie’s Image Comics Review: THE WALKING DEAD #98
Things continue to heat up, as Rick is faced with more threats from Negan’s gang and one of his own loses their life. Just as things are looking up in the world, everything comes crashing down around the survivors in the second issue this month. High on action and violence, “Something to Fear” is the arc that will change everything.
Two issues in one month, especially two issues of The Walking Dead is a rare occurrence, but times the series perfectly with San Diego Comic Con and the monumental 100th issue. Not to mention the possible teased appearance of television series standout, Daryl Dixon portrayed by Norman Reedus. Where are you Daryl?
When we last left our heroes, Abraham and Eugene had left (without telling anyone) to go on the hunt for ammunition making supplies. Smart. Unfortunately for them, they were being watched by Negan’s group, who didn’t take too kindly to Rick sending a message by attacking his men. This issue deals directly with the aftermath of this confrontation and only four pages in, all hell breaks loose. Don’t be fooled by the talk of relationships and feelings and assorted blah blah blah in the first few pages, this plot is centered around action, action, action.
This confrontation shows us an even more in-depth look at Negan’s lackies. We still have not seen Negan himself and we don’t know the groups’ motivation for their actions, but we are given the definite sense that they are vicious, cruel, and not above using human lives to get what they want. In a word: ruthless. One of these men, Dwight, has a burned face, a rough exterior, and carries TV fan favorite Daryl Dixon’s trademark crossbow. Still no word on the correlation between these two men yet. If there is any.
One prominent theme explored that we have rarely seen thus far (sans talking into a disconnected phone) is a vulnerable Rick, a complete 180 from the comic open. The issue starts with Rick in a comfortable place, finally finding something to look forward to- a zombie free world. As a result, Carl finds Rick in a, shall we say, compromising position. Before we can explore this more fully, the Alexandria Safe-Zone is thrown into chaos. Despite his acceptance of the world and a definite sense of optimism, by the last page Rick struggles with something new: uncertainty. Things are beyond his control, and for once, he doesn’t know what to do. This should have disastrous consequences.
There is so much going on in this singular issue that it had my mouth hanging open in shock as things got rougher and the body count rose. And there’s only more to come. If only every month gave us multiple issues, I think my Walking Dead fix would be sated.
Story: Robert Kirkman
Art: Charlie Adlard
Cover: Charlie Adlard
32 Pages/FC
$2.99
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