Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Book Review: The Walking Dead: Vol. 29 by R. Kirkman et al.

The Walking Dead: Volume 29 Lines We Cross written by Robert Kirkman, penciled by Charlie Adlard, inked by Stefano Gaudiano and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn


Having pretty much vanquished the Whisperers and driven the ocean of zombies into the ocean, Rick and his people begin recovery from the Whisperer War. Rick decides to release Neegan from his imprisonment and give him his freedom outside of their communities. Not everyone is happy with this, especially Maggie (Neegan brutally killed her husband Glenn a long time ago) and Dwight (Neegan's lieutenant who betrayed him a long time ago). Rick isn't happy to discover that Eugene has been in radio contact with someone from another community far away. Eugene has been discreet with the radio woman about their location. Rick decides to make friends with them if they can. Most everyone he asks to go to the meet-up with the mystery community refuses, leaving it to Michonne and some others. Meanwhile, Maggie rebuilds the Hilltop community with Carl's help. She also sends someone to keep an eye on Neegan.

The last issue seemed like a recovery of the better storytelling days earlier in the book. This book vacillates back and forth. Rick's story and Neegan's story provide an interesting parallel as they grieve over dead wives and question their choices. Carl has a bit of drama over being an adult (which feels like a retread of previous issues). Two gay couples decide to be open and self-approving in a "lecture the reader" sort of way. Another character flags up the diversity of Michonne's expedition group, another instance of "look how inclusive and non-judgmental I am" from the creators. Being lectured to is bad storytelling, whether you agree with the lecture or not. The good parts aren't enough to outweigh the bad here, so I think I'm finally done with The Walking Dead.

Not recommended.


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