20-22.13: We Find Ourselves, A Larger World, and Something to Fear (Walking Dead Volumes 15-17), by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn (v 15 and 16 ComiXology digital versions; v 17 2012 trade paperback)

Many folks are familiar with The Walking Dead television show that debuted on AMC in the fall of 2010 with a short 6-episode season that has been renewed for two longer seasons since then. A portion of those viewers may know that the show is actually based on this graphic novel series, but I'm guessing that even fewer of those people have actually read the comics. I'm on the other end of the spectrum: a long-time reader of the comics that has not yet watched the TV show. It's in my sights, and I've recently set our DVR to record episodes that play, but I am still resistant of watching the TV show. Like most book-to-movie leaps, it has the danger of being disappointing: characters who aren't the way I imagined, changed plot lines, and too much focus on different elements. 

And, quite frankly, I'm pretty happy with the way The Walking Dead comic series has developed. Sure, a lot of folks may dismiss it as just another of many things written about zombies, but it might be worth pointing out that the book really isn't about zombies: it's about humans managing to live in a world where zombies exist, and that's not a very easy thing to do. As a  result, the characters developed in this series are interesting, resourceful, violent, and loving. Sure, I can get all metaphorical about the idea that all of us face zombies of some sort at some point of our life--and many are unfortunate enough to face off against monstrous things for long periods of time. But, you, my readers, are intelligent humans and know this already. 

By this point in time, the series is well underway, and volume 17 passes the magical 100-issue mark. I have reviews of a couple earlier trades posted here and here, but I was already on to volume 13 by the time I started this blog. You're simply going to have to trust me on the fact that this series is worth the time and effort involved. Plus, you won't have to wait between issues and trades if you do start now: you have an entire 102 issues to enjoy. Unless you're afraid, of course.

96.11: No Way Out, The Walking Dead Volume 14, by Robert Kirkman (writer), Charlie Adlard (inker), and Cliff Rathburn (gray tones), (trade paperback, issues 79-84, 2011)

It recently become popular as a television show, but The Walking Dead began as a comic series in 2006. (Since I started this blog in 2011, only one other review can be found here, for trade 14.) I started following it shortly after encountering the authors at an Image signing table at Comic Con 2006. What started out from circumstance and curiosity--I was relatively new to comics and testing the waters as to what was out there--has grown into a full appreciation for a well-written and illustrated series.

In this story arc, the uneasy comfort and quiet the original cast of survivors have enjoyed in a walled city is shattered when gunshots draw an entire herd (hundreds) of the dead to their walls. The ensuing gore-fest is action packed. As human and zombie bodies pile up around them, the characters further their lessons of loyalty, risk, survival, and zombie ass-kicking (or skull smashing, as is actually the case). More importantly, despite the carnage and stress, the book ends with a feeling not evident in recent volumes: hope. Ultimately, I think it's that element that keeps readers reading.  And the zombies, of course.

48: The Walking Dead (Volume 13): Too Far Gone, by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn (2010 trade paperback, issues 73-78)

Humans versus zombies.

If you've made it past that bit and are still interested, I suppose I'll tell you a bit more. The premise is pretty standard--something caused some humans to become zombies, and they spread the disease by attacking other humans and eating pieces of them. You've seen it in every zombie book, film, or show. However, this series has been successful, I think, because of the interesting characters developed on the human side. The zombies rarely make an appearance--only enough to unsettle the survivors and complicate their lives.  To survive, the diverse crew of once-strangers must make difficult decisions, trust one another, and seek out ever-dwindling resources.

It's a long, stumbling road to the thirteenth trade, but well worth the journey of you are up for it. I didn't have the chance to watch it, but there was a TV series based on the series that was released last season and got pretty good reviews. Anyone watch it and/or know if it's been picked up for a second season?