Salvation? Nice try, Kirkman.
The Walking Dead #61: Those We Left Behind
Publisher: Image
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard
Inker: Charlie Adlard
Colorist: Cliff Rathburn
Covers: Cliff Rathburn
Summary: Kirkman delivers another one for the win: In issue #61, we discover a greater enemy than zombies and perverted adults in the form of a small, sociopathic child. The tension and relative luck experienced in the previous issues are shattered in a disquieting turn of events. Did Kirkman significantly change the direction of the story or was this another thrill and shock side-step? The question is quickly answered within the first two pages of the issue.
Review: The cover alone suggests an introduction of new characters and undoubtedly a new plot twist. A preacher amidst the decaying roads of zombies? Apocalyptic irony. In this issue, the group runs into a bit of luck when Andrea discovers an abandoned van full of plump mattresses to use at their disposal. After the surprising lack of any roamers lurking about, things seem to be heading in an uplifting direction for the survivors. However, all their hopes and reliefs soon give way to a heart-breaking discovery that shakes up the entire dynamic within the group. Two survivors are killed in a startling manner, and one of our favorite little heroes is behind a part of it. Add to that an addition of a still-practicing preacher and you have an issue that explodes with substance.
Kirkman makes slaves of us all with his roller-coaster ride of emotional crescendos and action-packed disasters. He proves to us again that he can take a small ray of hope floating about in previous issues and mightily crush it without a moment’s hesitation. The previously hinted at sociopathy is explored full force in #61 with a disturbing revelation on Andrea and Dale’s ‘kids’. Children are the prospects of our future, and when they seem to be a little off their rocker (who can blame them?), things don’t look so good for the adults or the zombies.
While full of disconcerting events, The Walking Dead #61 also seems to leave room for some character development. Carl’s most especially, for we are beginning to see just how vital a role he will play later on in the story. His unparalleled observations on the fellow survivors and zombies alike allow him to carry out unspeakable deeds that, in the end, are actually deemed necessary for survival. The earlier fear I possessed that Kirkman was going to kill off Carl was also satisfyingly soothed. It is abundantly clear that Kirkman has big plans for him in the future, and in quite the exciting way. Additionally, the tension that initially existed between Rick and Abraham has nearly vanished by now, while Dale’s adversity towards the other’s is magnified by the recent turn of events.
Kirkman once again delivers a powerful addition to the series that manages to shock and unsettle you with an intriguing, emotion-packed story. This issue alone discredits the claim that The Walking Dead can’t be fully experienced in an issue by issue basis. Every single page is even more shocking than the first, with disturbing yet fantastic artwork to boot. The intense build-up as seen in previous issues climaxes in this dramatic unveiling. Though missing a primary ingredient of the series, zombies, The Walking Dead #61 leaves you breathless with anticipation and heartbreak. Change is on the way.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Damn, Melissa. I know the series is good, but your fantastic reviews make it sound even better. I have to catch up with this title! Compendium, I must own you.
May 20th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I second what WITA said!