“Once we’re inside–if it moves, kill it! It’s time for this war to END!”
– Negan

I don’t know about any of you, but my hand was trembling with each page turn reading The Walking Dead #124. I started reading The Walking Dead about four years ago and consumed about seven years of comic greatness in one weekend. Since, Rick and Carl have been the subject of many late night rantings with my friends, family and coworkers. I know it might sound ridiculous to some, but I actually worry about these characters each month (or every 2 weeks as of late). When Rick lost his hand, I put the book down because I couldn’t believe it, foolishly thinking that his hand would reattach itself after I opened the book again. When Carl lost an eye I had similar thoughts; not Carl, please don’t kill off Carl is what I would think, hoping it would come true if I only willed it. Luckily, for all of us, Carl was ok and actually came out of that disastrous situation a stronger man. Now, with All Out War, we are equally worried about the first family of the zombie apocalypse but the prognosis is murky. Negan is on their doorstep…and he’s not leaving until he gets in.

The Walking Dead #124 continues the All Out War story arc and the continued struggle of Rick and the gang’s search for peace and conformity in the zombie ravaged world. Eugene gets a few extra pages this issue and an awesome splash page from Charlie Adlard. I have a feeling his story is going to collide with the main feature for a dramatic ending in #126. If you remember from a few issues back, Eugene and some other survivors escaped with the help of Carson and other Saviors that were willing to abandon Negan and his tyrannical ways. Eugene asserts his leadership role over Carson and even kills his first human in this issue. Way to go Eugene! I’m liking his character with each subsequent issue and now that he is on the TV show it’s nice to see him get some storylines. I’m excited to see where his story ends up in the next few issues.

Meanwhile, back at the Hilltop, we continue right where we left off with Rick being shot through the abdomen by Dwight’s arrow. Rick knows it was Dwight that did it and say as much. However, he says it in front of Nicholas, who knows nothing of what Rick, Dwight and some others had planned. That was one thing that bothered me about the storyline leading up to All Out War; Rick decided to keep so many people out of the loop that I think It cost some folks their lives. Rick can barely walk so he is helped into the house where most of the hilltop has retreated to. Jesus comes to his rescue when more of Negan’s men come to finish the job and I honestly was worried turning each page wondering if I was going to see Rick with a knife sticking through his throat. They make it into the infirmary and Dr. Carson makes a startling discovery about the wounded after seeing a dirt and gunk covered knife that Jesus brought him. They realize they have not been bitten, but have fevers and symptoms consistent with that of someone who was. They now understand that Negan and his men have been tainting their weapons with walker pus and discharge so even the smallest of cuts would have devastating and deadly results. That’s why we fear for Rick’s life because we think the arrow that hit him will cause him to turn. He can’t!…can he? For now, Rick is fine and if Dwight’s arrow hasn’t been tainted (that’s what I think) theory then he will be fine.

I don’t remember the last time a comic had me so concerned about the outcome. Robert Kirkman has really done a masterful job with The Walking Dead and the All Out War arc. He has been teasing that issue #126 is going to be completely unexpected and awesome and it’s something we would never guess. I have no idea what it could be. I’m almost certain that the arrow that struck Rick was not tainted and if that’s the case then he will heal from it. The only other theory I can come up with is that he will get a fever and turning into a walker will be all but certain until someone, maybe Eugene, comes up with a cure. I could spend all day coming up with strange and odd theories to what I think will be the outcome but that will get us nowhere. What is certain, however, is that Kirkman will deliver an outstanding story once again and Adlard will wow us with art that is out of this world. I suppose only time will tell, one more month to be exact.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Cover: Charlie Adlard/Dave Stewart
Story: 9 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy