The Walking Dead #61

Walking Dead #61

Written by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Charlie Adlard
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Grey tones, Cover colors: Cliff Rathburn
Editor: Aubrey Sitterson

The greatest strength of this book is the question that it keeps asking. What is more dangerous? The zombies or the survivors? While it refuses to outright answer this, it always gives great arguments for both sides and this issue is no different.

Without giving anything away, this issue is intense. Kirkman doesn‘t need the undead to keep things interesting and he proves that in spades with this issue. Rick, Abraham and the rest of the group continue their long march to Washington free of the zombie menace for the moment. This doesn’t mean however there won’t be trials to face. Things happen fast in this issue with some powerful consequences and a few secrets. It will be interesting to see how these things play out later.

I also enjoy the shifting dynamic of the group. Rick and Abraham haven’t always seen eye to eye, yet here they almost finish each other’s sentences. All of this comes naturally though, and never feels forced or inorganic. Real motives, create real dialogue that comes from character rather than plot. It’s an impressive trait that this book has held onto well.

The art does a nice job of bringing all this dialogue to life. Even without zombies there’s still real power in the pencils and inks. This books feels like you could figure out what is going on without relying on the words, but they do manage to compliment each other well.

If I have any complaints about this book, it’s that these characters never seem to get a real win. There’s small victories here and there, but there’s never any lasting peace or happiness for anyone. I realize that it may put an end to the book if they did find some relief, but it would be nice to see someone get a real victory. Finally, there’s a tease at the end of the book, but I’m still waiting for an honest to God reveal of these so-called “hunters,” whoever they may be.

This may not be the best starting out point for new readers, but “The Walking Dead” remains one of the best books on the shelves today. If you are looking to get into this series I would recommend reading the collection they just printed which gives you issues 1-48 for only 60 bucks. A great deal, if you have the time and money to invest.

A-