*Spoiler Warning*

Major events in comics are often left for big numbers like 25, 50, or 100. Writer Robert Kirkman shakes things up in The Walking Dead #192 delivering an emotional issue that’ll leave you in tears.

I have no shame in admitting the issue hit me emotionally. Like a ton of bricks. I choked up. Multiple times. I fought back tears.

For 191 issues, I’ve gotten to know Rick Grimes and his son Carl. They’re characters I’ve followed their ups and downs. And in this issue I, and we, say good-bye to Rick. We get to see Carl deal with the emotional pain of losing his father. We get to feel that sadness ourselves.

The Walking Dead #192 nails it in saying good-bye.

As Carl prepares to bury his father the realization of what Rick has done. What Rick has helped bring to the world hits you. And you realize the comic is truly about hope and the world we can create, together. It’s also about the wisdom parents pass to their kids. And as a father, I can hope I’m just a sliver of Rick was. The good he’s done. The positive outlook on the world he’s passed down. Civility. Justice. These are the lessons of The Walking Dead.

Even though this comic is a tear filled emotional ride, I know there’s more to go and come. This isn’t the true good-bye.

Charlie Adlard continues to amaze bouncing between the zombie gore and the human emotion. Brought to life with the inks of Stefano Gaudiano and gray tones of Cliff Rathburn, the issue’s visuals show the emotion when words can not do. Simple looks are all you need to see. Rus Wooton‘s lettering drives home the emotion of Kirkman’s words. The anger and sadness drip from the page.

The Walking Dead #192 is an issue I dreaded to read. I knew what was likely to come. I’ll be on the couch now curled up in a ball working through some stuff.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard
Ink: Stefano Gaudiano Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review