Jumping into The Walking Dead Issue #20 after the thrilling introduction of Michonne in the previous issue was exhilarating. The series continues to expand its roster of complex characters while diving deeper into the dangers of the world and the psychological toll of survival. This issue strikes a unique balance between the calm, everyday moments within the group and the intensity of clearing out the prison and dealing with constant threats. I was especially interested to see how Michonne’s introduction and interaction with the group would develop further.
The issue opens with a grim and strangely humorous scene: a walker trips on the disemboweled corpse of Thomas Richards, its intestines getting tangled in his rib cage. This grotesque scene immediately pulls the reader back into the harsh, unforgiving world of The Walking Dead. Glenn and Maggie make their first appearance in this issue, with Glenn testing out a new strategy for clearing walkers from the prison fences. Armed with a knife, he stabs a walker through the head while Maggie watches, somewhat troubled. Their tension hints at unresolved emotions after Maggie’s traumatic experience of killing Thomas in the previous arc.
Before they can delve into their issues, Glenn is called away as Andrea gathers the group in the cafeteria for an announcement. Andrea’s role within the group has subtly shifted, and we see her becoming a more self-reliant and proactive figure. She hands out prison jumpsuits, a utilitarian but necessary gesture, which lightens the tone momentarily. Andrea also mentions plans to sew new clothes for the group, showing her initiative to adapt and support the group in a non-combat role. It’s small moments like these that help build a sense of camaraderie in an otherwise bleak world, even though the group’s response to the jumpsuits is lukewarm at best. It’s a reminder that while the physical fight for survival is always present, the emotional and psychological battle is just as significant.
Meanwhile, the tension between Rick and Lori continues to simmer. Lori is still deeply shaken, not only from her pregnancy but from the constant threat of danger that lurks within their group. Her concerns about Axel and Patricia highlight the fragile trust between the prisoners and the survivors. It’s interesting how Lori, despite being married to Rick, has a clearer sense of who might still be a threat, even though Rick tries to reassure her by reminding her that the most significant threats, Thomas and Dexter, are gone.
The next emotional thread comes when Otis confronts Patricia. His anger towards her naivety and dangerous decisions is palpable. He’s brutally honest, telling her that she’s “dead to him,” leaving her in tears. This interaction further deepens the emotional scars within the group, showing how even though external threats loom large, internal relationships are fracturing under the pressure of survival.
A more lighthearted moment follows when Tyreese and Carol are shown relaxing in the gym, lying on the floor and discussing their day-to-day lives. It’s an interesting snapshot of how people try to find normalcy in a chaotic world. However, Carol’s jealousy begins to surface when Tyreese starts a friendly conversation with Michonne. Michonne, previously shown as stoic and isolated, lets down her guard, recognizing Tyreese as a former football player for The Falcons. This is one of the first moments where we see Michonne's more personable side. The interaction is brief but humanizing, showing that Michonne is more than just the deadly warrior with a katana—we’re beginning to see glimpses of her past and personality, a stark contrast to the hardened survivor facade she initially presented.
Glenn and Maggie’s relationship takes another emotional turn when Glenn tries to approach her after the earlier awkwardness. Maggie opens up, saying she doesn’t want to push Glenn away despite the trauma she’s gone through. Their bond, forged in the fire of survival, seems to grow stronger as they reconcile. This moment of vulnerability adds a layer of tenderness that balances the heavier themes in the story.
In the yard, Axel attempts to bridge the gap between himself and the rest of the survivors. His conversation with Hershel reveals how isolated he feels from the group due to his past as a prisoner. While Axel tries to clear his name and establish trust, Hershel’s silent judgment speaks volumes, showing the deep divide between the prisoners and survivors. Axel’s frustration is understandable, and when he snaps with a "Fuck you, too," it’s a harsh reminder that everyone is constantly on edge, and trust is a fragile thing in this new world.
The climax of the issue comes when Rick, Tyreese, Dale, Allen, and Axel enter A-Block to clear out the remaining walkers. What starts as a standard clearing mission quickly escalates when Allen is unexpectedly bitten by a lurker on the ankle. This moment is intense and shocking. The suddenness of the bite adds to the ongoing unpredictability of the world they’re living in. Rick’s reaction is a mixture of shock and resignation, and the group’s attempts to remain calm in the face of disaster are palpable. We also see the group's luck turn slightly as they discover a generator in A-Block, potentially offering a solution to their power problems. But the joy of finding the generator is immediately undercut by the gravity of Allen’s situation, leaving the reader on a cliffhanger, wondering if they’ll be able to save him.
This issue of The Walking Dead continues to masterfully juggle character development, tension, and the constant threat of death. Andrea’s decision to take on the role of the group’s seamstress shows her growing independence and resourcefulness. In contrast, Otis' outburst towards Patricia was jarring, and his racism adds layers of ugliness to his character.
The moment with Michonne in the gym was one of the highlights for me. We see a more relaxed, human side of her that the TV adaptation didn’t show as much early on. Her conversation with Tyreese about football was unexpected, and it made her feel more real, more relatable—something beyond the stoic, sword-wielding warrior we’ve come to know.
Allen’s bite was a shocking twist, and the fact that it mirrors what happens to Hershel in the TV series adds an extra layer of anxiety for comic readers. As someone who appreciates how the comic universe diverges from the TV show, it’s moments like these that keep me on edge, unsure of what the fate of certain characters will be.
Finally, finding the generator was a great way to end the issue on a hopeful yet tense note. I’m eager to see what happens next—will they be able to save Allen? How will the group deal with the growing tension between members, and will Michonne fully integrate herself into the survivors?
The stakes are high, and the group dynamic is more complex than ever, making this issue a fantastic continuation of the series.