The Walking Dead #127

By Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn and Stefano Gaudiano

The All Out War storyline wrapped last issue and now The Walking Dead jumps ahead two years. We get another chance to see the survivors settled down and functioning as normal people with Negan out of the taken care of, but how long will everything be quiet?

We jump ahead two years this issue and Robert Kirkman shows the readers how good things are without Negan in the picture. Many of the major characters look different and things are about as normal as they get. Kirkman has planted some interesting blanks that need to be filled in. While we know what happened last issue, there was a time jump and things have changed. Carl is older now and slowly becoming a man, Rick’s body is giving him trouble and Jesus may be a samurai. Kirkman introduces us to a new group and he writes them well and of course we want to know more about them. One of Kirkman’s strongest points as a writer is that he can take people we don’t care for and make them likable. The conclusion to this issue also raises some questions that will make the next 30 days a bit harder.

Charlie Adlard is wonderful on this title and should never be replaced…ever. That being said, Adlard does his usual great job, but it might be even better considering the number of full page pictures he had to draw this issue. Anything form a gigantic herd following the distraction wagon to zombies tipping over Magna’s trailer, Adlard’s moody art shines. Of course he is helped out immensely by the talented Cliff Rathburn and Stefano Gaudiano to ink and supply the gray tones. This was an exceptionally well drawn issue with some great work from Rathburn and Gaudiano.

As the beginning of a new arc and a good jumping on point for new readers, this is a wonderful issue. Kirkman leaves us with enough questions and intrigue to excite us for the next issue. The art is great as always and the tones and inks make it even better. This is a great time to start reading for anyone who loves great story telling!