The Walking Dead Vol. 32

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 32: Rest in Peace

Author: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, Cliff Rathburn, Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2019

Genre: Comics

Pages: 224

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

The Commonwealth and Alexandria have joined forces but at what cost to Rick? Collects THE WALKING DEAD #187-193.

We have finally come to the end… and I’m a little disappointed. I read the afterward from Robert Kirkman and understand his reasons for ending the series the way he did. However, I was still a little thrown by the time jump for the last issue. I wasn’t quire sure that I wanted to see the surviving people that many years in the future. And yet, I still found myself enjoying this last trade. It was a nice ending to a very very very long series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 31

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 31: The Rotten Core

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2019

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Rick leads the Commonwealth's Governor, Pamela Milton, on a tour of the various communities Alexandria is aligned with. Naturally... terrible things begin to happen very quickly.
Collects THE WALKING DEAD #181-186.

After the last volume, i was a bit worn out and unsure of where this story was going. Thankfully this volume helped get the story back on track. The leader of the Commonwealth is a fascinating character addition. Things are going to end badly, I just know it. And I’m super here for it all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 30

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 30: New Order World

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

NEW FRIENDS. NEW ENEMIES. NEW THREATS. IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #175-180

Hmmm… while I really enjoyed this volume and will continue to read this series, I do wonder where it’s going. Now we have a whole new community of people run by some not-so-great-people. Not really new material, just a new geographic setting. I hope this particular storyline gets wrapped up in the next trade.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 29

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 29: Lines We Cross

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Recent events have thrown Alexandria into turmoil, and now Rick, Dwight, Eugene and Negan all have something to prove.

Collects THE WALKING DEAD #169-174.

This volume was less about zombies and more about the divisions between the survivors left. Interest conflicts and moral dilemmas. I was especially interested to see how Maggie's interactions played out. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead: Here's Negan

Title: The Walking Dead: Here's Negan

Author: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn, Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 70

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Who is Negan? Since his debut in THE WALKING DEAD #100, the charismatic psychopath has antagonized Rick Grimes, murdered his friend with a baseball bat wrapped in barb wire (which he calls "Lucille"), and led the Saviors into war against Alexandria and the neighboring communities. But who was he before society broke down? That question will be answered here, collecting the “HERE’S NEGAN!” story originally serialized in IMAGE+ magazine.

Great backstory for one of the most interesting villains in comics books. I was so very interested in how Negan became the man we see in the main series. Loved every page in this volume. Great story! 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 28

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 28: A Certain Doom

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the aftermath of The Whisperer War--ALL IS LOST as Rick and all of Alexandria fight for survival against the largest horde of walkers they’ve ever faced.

Collects THE WALKING DEAD #163-168.

I was wholly not prepared for this volume. I assumed that the residents of Alexandria would deal with the zombie hoard and be done with it. I didn't expect one specific death and it gutted me. The last few pages reminded me of the first few pages of the entire series. No need for words when the images are so detailed.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 27

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 27

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Comics

Pages: 130

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The time has come. The forces are aligning. The war has begun! Has Rick brought about the demise of everything he’s built? Or will he triumph once again? Know this...there will be a cost. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #157-162

Another volume in this never-ending saga. I really do love this series and this volume was an exciting addition. I love how it lulls you into a feeling of safety, but of course that's not going to help. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 24

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 24: Life and Death

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries;Graphic Novel

As the fair opens at Alexandria, old friends return from afar and new adversaries make their introductions.

Collects THE WALKING DEAD #139-144.

Holy cow! That was one crazy volume. It's always something the world of The Walking Dead, but this one was a real shocker. I was floored by the end of the last page. I can't believe what happened. Now I need to find Volume 25.

The Walking Dead Vol. 23

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 23

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Graphic Novel; Popsugar - Under 150 pages

The new era of peace and prosperity is interrupted by a new type of enemy. One that travels amongst the walkers. One that will turn whispers of their appearance to screams.

Happened upon this volume at the library two days ago. Definitely checked it out right then and there and read it today. A nice addition to the storyline even if it was very limited in scope. This volume shows more of the mysterious new enemy as well as more of Carl, but that's about it. We don't get much more from other characters. I liked the volume, but wished the story would progress a bit faster.

The Walking Dead Volume 18-22

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 18

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2013

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - W

Following the events of "Something to Fear," Rick and the other survivors start their new life under Negan and the Savior's rule...but not everyone agrees to go along. Also, who is Ezekiel? And why does he have a tiger? Collects The Walking Dead #103-108.

Wow! First I had remind myself of where the story left off since I last read a volume back in 2013. Once I refreshed my memory, I realized just how scary Negan was from the last volume. And in this volume he lives up to some of his threats. Scary dude. I like how the series is now more about different groups of people trying to get along instead of just about the zombies. That could have gotten boring really fast.

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 19 

Author: Robert Kirkman 

Publisher: Image Comics 2013 

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie 

Pages: 136 

Rating: 4/5 stars 

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Rick. Ezekiel. Gregory. Negan. Each man holds the fate of their community in their hands... and WAR is on the horizon! This volume collects THE WALKING DEAD #109-114, the prelude to ALL OUT WAR-the epic battle that will change the world of THE WALKING DEAD for years to come.

Obviously this volume is more of a prelude to the coming war with Negan. Although we do get some interesting insight inside some of the other character, especially Ezekiel. Very interesting guy...

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 20

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

The biggest storyline in Walking Dead history starts here! It's Rick versus Negan with a little help from everyone else! - Collects issues #115-120.

Holy crap, I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire volume. I was so scared our favorite characters were going to be killed and they nearly were. Most live to fight another day, but the war is definitely not over yet...

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 21

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Alexandria has been destroyed. Can Rick rally the other communities against Negan's army? This second part of the game-changing "All Out War" story arc collects The Walking Dead #121-126.

The conclusion to the big war was epic. I think this might have even been better than the war with the Governor. Maybe... At any rate, it was a nice conclusion to a chapter in the saga.

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 22

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 136

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

They've survived the walkers. Survived war with a ruthless enemy. And now, in THE WALKING DEAD, hope for the future emerges. A perfect jumping-on point for readers, Volume 22 of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series marks a new era for THE WALKING DEAD as the survivors pick up the pieces of their shared humanity to create A NEW BEGINNING. In the aftermath of ALL OUT WAR, Rick Grimes and his allies begin to rebuild their communities. But in the world of the dead, tranquility is only temporary. How long will it be before a new, unexpected foe emerges? Find out in A NEW BEGINNING. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #127-132.

This volume lures you in with a nice little storyline about new additions to the community. But somewhere in the middle you start to wonder if there isn't something else out there. That bit of dread stays with you throughout the rest of the volume. And then the reveal at the end shows you that the dread you felt was real, very real.  Quite an explosive volume to end on...

The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga

Title: The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor (Walking Dead Series #1)

Author: Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books 2011

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 308

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC - J First Name; Zombie; 52 Books - W3; Bingo - 5 from TBR

How I Got It: Library Loan

In the Walking Dead universe, there is no greater villain than The Governor. The despot who runs the walled-off town of Woodbury, he has his own sick sense of justice: whether it’s forcing prisoners to battle zombies in an arena for the townspeople’s amusement, or chopping off the appendages of those who cross him. The Governor was voted “Villain of the Year” by Wizard magazine the year he debuted, and his story arc was the most controversial in the history of the Walking Dead comic book series. Now, for the first time, fans of The Walking Dead will discover how The Governor became the man he is, and what drove him to such extremes.

I picked this up at the library largely due to the fact that I love the comic series.  But this book just didn't really do it for me.  It was too brutal, too full of villains, too much.  I just couldn't get past my utter revulsion at Philip, Brian, and Nick.  The only one I could feel for was Penny, but we all know how she ends up.  I thought this would be an interesting side story to the comic series, but turns out I really didn't want to know how The Governor became The Governor.

Walking Dead Series

1. Rise of the Governor
2. Just Another Day at the Office
3. The Road to Woodbury
4. The Fall of the Governor

The Walking Dead Volume 17

Title: The Walking Dead Volume 17

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel, Zombie

Pages: 132

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Library Loan; Bingo -- 5 from everyone but me

How I Got It: Library Loan

In this volume of the NYT bestselling survival horror, Rick and his band of survivors work to build a larger network of thriving communities, and soon discover that Negan's "Saviors" prove to be a larger threat than they could have fathomed. Crossing Negan will lead to serious, dire consequences for the group; it seems that for the first time since the Governor's reign of terror that Rick may have Something to Fear.

After the slightly less exciting Volumes 15 and 16, the story is back on track.  This volume contained actual surprises and action sequences.  People we cared about died.  New plans were formulated.  I feel like things are finally back on track.  I'm excited to be reading again.  Unfortunately, I have to wait until Volume 18 is released in June to see what happens.  Loving the big cliffhanger!

The Walking Dead: Book 7

Title: The Walking Dead: Book 7

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Library Loan; Bingo - 5 from everyone but me

Rick and his group learn the dangers of living behind the safety of the Community walls, and much worse: what happens when those walls give way to those outside. Collects The Walking Dead #73-84. Rick and his group rebuild from the events of NO WAY OUT, and learn that maybe they can take part in A LARGER WORLD. Collects The Walking Dead #85-96. (Volumes 15 and 16)

I'm still loving the series, although I will admit that some of the characters bug me.  For example, at times Andrea is strong and independent.  She knows exactly what to do and how to act.  At other times, she is just so darn insecure.  I want to have her killed off.  I much prefer Michonne, even with the look into her emotions.  But I still enjoy seeing what happens to the survivors.  I'm keeping with the series until the end, or at least for another couple of volumes...

The Walking Dead: Book 5 and 6

Title: The Walking Dead: Book 5 and 6

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304/304

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Library Loan; Bingo -- 5 from everyone but me

This hardcover features another 12 issues of the hit series along with the covers for the issues all in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers, and anyone interested in reading a zombie movie on paper that never ends. Collects The Walking Dead #49-60. This hardcover features another 12 issues of the hit series, all in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers, and anyone interested in reading a zombie movie on paper that never ends. Collects The Walking Dead #61-72.

I'm coming these two books as I read them back-to-back.  I do love my zombies.  And these two volumes did not disappoint.  I didn't know where the story would go after the events from the prison.  Thankfully new adventures await our survivors.  I love the addition of new acquaintances.  My favorite by far is Abraham.  He fills a void; I like that.  I sped through these books and I'm sure I will speed through the next two books.  I have those in my ottoman just waiting to be opened.

The Walking Dead: Book 4

Title: The Walking Dead: Book 4

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Support Your Local Library

The hardcover features another 12 issues of the hit series along with the covers for the issues all in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long-time fans, new readers, and anyone interested in reading a zombie movie on paper that never ends.

Every time I think this series has reached the limit, the next chapter just flies right past the previous limit.  It is crazy!  I cannot even begin to imagine where the series is going.  Yet I want to continue reading it until the end.  I like how this book focused more on the threat from fellow survivors than the zombies.  We get a real feeling of what the survivors we follow are up against.  It makes for a suspenseful read.  I'm also interested to see how the television series departs from the comic storyline.  Should be an interesting read.  And you know I always love my zombies!

The Walking Dead: Book 3

Title: The Walking Dead: Book Three

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: borrowed from library

This hardcover features another 12 issues of the hit series along with the cover art - all in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers and anyone interested in reading a zombie movie on paper that never ends.

Another winner.  I just love this series.  It hasn't topped Fables, but it's a close second as my favorite graphic novel series.  Every page is horrifying, even if you don't see any zombies.  The ever-present danger and unease comes through.  As much as I love zombies, I don't want to live in world of The Walking Dead.  I will pass, thank you very much.  We finally get to meet The Governor.  I've heard bits and pieces from other readers and fans of the television series (speaking of it start's this weekend!).  He is just as interesting and dangerous as I heard.  I love the ending (or is it?) for his character.  Plus we get see more of Glenn, Michonne, and Rick.  And we get to meet some new survivors.  I loved Dr. Stevens.  The zombie attacks were horrifying.  The quiet moments were filled with unease.  The confrontations were high tension.  All the aspects of the series that I have grown to love.  Can't wait for the next book.

The Walking Dead: Book Two

Title: The Walking Dead: Book Two

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2007

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: borrowed from library

This hardcover features issues #13-24 of the hit series along with the covers for each of the issues, all in one oversized hardcover volume. Continuing the tale of Rick Grimes and his band of survivors from the zombie apocalypse that has ravaged the world.

This series just keeps getting darker and darker, and I absolutely love it!  Once again, I was struck by the black and white drawings.  One would think that they wouldn't be enough for a scary zombie story.  Yet they convey the stark world the survivors now live in.  We aren't focused on the zombie but on the desperate reality of the situation.  I love that.  The characters are wonderful.  We meet some new characters in the prison.  We lose some characters.  I won't say who, but you know that people are going to die.  It's the zombie apocalypse for goodness sakes.  However, I was surprised at how many we lost in this book.  It was quite starling.  Overall it continues this feeling of uneasy.  We never know who is going to die next.  The Walking Dead is definitely not a predictable story.  I can't wait to see what's in store for the next book...

The Walking Dead: Book One

Title: The Walking Dead: Book One

Author: Robert Kirkman

Publisher: Image Comics 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Zombies

Pages: 304

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

This hardcover features the first 12 issues of the hit series along with the covers for the issues in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers and anyone needing a slightly heavy object with which to fend off the walking dead.

Very much in love with this series already.  The drawings, all black and white, show such emotion and movement in single frames.  It's just fantastic.  I especially loved the pages of no dialogue, but multiple single frames acting out the screen.  Just beautiful.  And I definitely agree with the black and white coloring.  Somehow it makes everything more bleak and horrifying.  Even the zombies look scarier.  s great.  Each one has its own story to tell and mysteries to solve.  But I think my favorites are Rick (duh!) and Tyrese.  Both are those kind of people anyone would be lucky to have in the zombie apocalypse.  I just hope they don't die soon.  I like them way too much.

To be honest, I watched the AMC series before reading the graphic novel.  They are alike, but not alike.  Many of the characters are the same in the beginning, but the series definitely branches off on its on at some point.  And I'm okay with that.  These are two different entities.  They can be different.  So I'll keep reading the graphic novel and keep watching the series.