Rick Grimes finds himself… BETRAYED.

Here it is, the big 150th issue of The Walking Dead, arguably, the most successful indie comic ever. Writer Robert Kirkman has been building up to something, lets face it he has a pattern in his storytelling.

For some time now, the series has had Rick dealing with their new nemesis the Whisperers, a group of individuals who wear walker skin and walk among them. There’s still unrest over Rick’s wavering and taking time as to what he wants to do in response. Some want war. Some want something smarter.

Last issue had Rick seeking out the advice of his rival Negan who of course is rather Machiavellian in his advice. What is Rick to do?

We have our answer here, as a decision is made, but not before he can be betrayed by some of his own people.

Saying that isn’t a spoiler at all, but what happens is pretty brutal and feels realistic. Rick has been a bit of a pacifist post Negan, and there’s absolutely been valid questions if he’s lost his edge and willingness to fight. Here we see classic Rick, badass, and a leader.

The comic isn’t as shock and awe as I expected, a much more muted experience from issue 100. But, what it does do is set up the next phase of The Walking Dead. The next phase too is new in many ways, and I’m sure will up the philosophical debate that has been occurring for some time in the series.

The art by Charlie Adlard with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn is the usual solid visuals. The brutality of the fight Rick goes through, and the act he commits is captured fantastically. It’s black and white, but in your mind you can see the blood he’s drenched in.

This issue has a lot more going for it, but it’s really about the next phase of Rick’s leadership, and I’m convinced things won’t go smoothly. I’m expecting there to be debates about dictatorships, and possibly fascist leadership, we can see some of that already. Kirkman dioesn’t really gives us as many shocks as he has in the past, but he has set the series on a more mature adult path for at least a little while.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Ink: Stefano Gaudiano Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn
Story: 8.1 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review