Reading The Walking Dead Issue #2 presents a different kind of excitement, with some key moments that were partially and not fully adapted in the television series. This issue highlights some very intimate and emotional character-building moments for Rick, making it a powerful continuation of his journey.
One of the key scenes that stood out for me is when Rick finds the horse on the farm. As he sets off toward Atlanta, Rick begins to talk to the horse about how happy he was when Carl was born. This inner monologue serves as a deeply vulnerable moment for Rick, and it adds a layer of humanity to his character. Unlike in the TV adaptation, where Rick’s relationship with his family is revealed more gradually, the comic wastes no time showing how much Carl and Lori mean to him. This scene alone sets Rick up as a character deeply driven by the need to reunite with his loved ones, and it makes his journey even more poignant.
Another notable scene is when Rick’s horse gets swarmed by walkers in Atlanta. As Rick makes his way into the city, he's quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies, leading to a moment of chaos when he's thrown off his horse. The horse, tragically, becomes the walkers' target, and Rick watches as it is brutally devoured. This moment is especially powerful because it not only marks the loss of Rick's primary means of transportation, but it also serves as a harsh reminder of how savage and unrelenting the world has become. Rick's reaction—his immediate anger and desperation as he tries to fend off the walkers—shows the intensity of his emotional response. While the attack on the horse isn't just about survival, it represents a loss of innocence, highlighting how quickly life, no matter how pure or good, can be stripped away in this apocalyptic world. The scene isn't merely about fighting zombies, but about Rick coming face to face with the brutal reality of this new existence. This key moment wasn’t fully explored in the television adaptation, but in the comic, it stands as a visceral turning point for Rick, showing that even the smallest sense of normalcy can be swiftly taken away.
Finally, Rick’s rescue by Glenn was nothing short of amazing. The scene where they escape through the city by climbing from building to building was so exhilarating, and I loved seeing how they parkour across rooftops. This part of the comic gives a dynamic edge to Glenn’s character, emphasizing his quick-thinking and agility. It also adds a sense of real danger to the situation as Rick experiences the chaos of Atlanta for the first time. While the TV adaptation had an equally iconic tank scene, the rooftop escape in the comic highlights the different strengths of each medium—one offering a fast-paced urban adventure, the other focusing on strategic survival. Both are incredible, but this comic sequence is its own kind of brilliance.
In Issue #2, we pick up with Rick continuing his journey after waking up from his coma in a world completely changed by the apocalypse. He arrives in Georgia, only to find gas stations abandoned and without fuel. Frustrated and running low on options, Rick runs out of gas and is forced to continue his journey on foot.
As Rick walks along the road, he comes across a small farm and decides to investigate. What he finds is nothing short of horrifying—inside the farmhouse, an entire family has committed suicide to avoid turning into zombies. This is a chilling and sobering moment, one that reveals the true emotional toll of the apocalypse. The sight of this family's tragic end is too much for Rick, who runs outside and vomits in response. This moment hits hard because it shows that even after everything Rick has been through so far, the weight of this new world is still overwhelming.
After composing himself, Rick searches the barn and finds a horse and a hatchet. With renewed determination, he sets off for Atlanta, riding the horse. During his journey, Rick starts to talk to the horse as if to calm himself. He reflects on the birth of his son, Carl, revealing just how deeply he longs to be reunited with his family. This scene adds an intimate layer to Rick’s character, portraying him not just as a survivor, but as a father desperate to find his loved ones. It also shows how much hope Rick is clinging to, despite the horrific sights he’s encountered so far.
As Rick finally reaches the outskirts of Atlanta, he finds the city seemingly deserted. But as he rides deeper into the city, the streets begin to fill with zombies, slowly at first but then in greater numbers. Rick tries to turn back, but he is soon surrounded. The tension builds quickly as he is thrown from his horse, which is immediately devoured by the zombies. In one of the most heart-pounding moments of the issue, Rick pulls out his hatchet and gun, desperately trying to fend off the undead horde.
Just when it seems like Rick is going to be overwhelmed, a young man named Glenn appears, grabbing Rick and telling him to stop shooting and follow him. Glenn leads Rick through the maze of alleyways and rooftops, showing off his agility and quick thinking. They manage to escape the zombies by jumping from one building to another, with Rick hesitating for a moment before realizing he has no choice but to follow Glenn’s lead. This sequence is a thrilling display of survival instincts, with Rick’s raw determination complementing Glenn’s street-smart tactics.
After successfully escaping the zombies, the two men make their way to the outskirts of town. Glenn is surprised by Rick’s lack of experience, and Rick explains that he has just woken up from a coma and knows nothing about the apocalypse. Glenn proceeds to explain what happened in Atlanta: the government had tried to herd people into the cities, promising safety, but it didn’t work. The city became overrun with zombies in just a week. Rick is devastated at the thought that his wife and son might be dead, and he collapses in despair. Glenn, showing a sense of empathy and optimism, tells Rick that he’s with a small camp of survivors and offers to take him there.
As they reach the camp, Rick’s fears are momentarily forgotten as he sees his wife, Lori, and his son, Carl. The reunion is a powerful and emotional moment, with all three embracing each other, thankful to have survived and found each other.
Issue #2 of The Walking Dead is a standout in its portrayal of Rick’s vulnerability, the introduction of Glenn’s character, and the horrifying reality of the zombie apocalypse. The emotional moments, such as Rick’s reflections on his family and his reunion with Lori and Carl, are beautifully contrasted with the brutal violence and desperate survival tactics of the new world. The pacing is excellent, and the artwork perfectly captures the raw emotion and intensity of the story. This issue masterfully balances the human element with the horror of the apocalypse, making it a gripping and heart-wrenching read.
The combination of these key moments—Rick’s personal struggles, the shocking encounters with the undead, and Glenn’s daring rooftop rescue—make this issue a pivotal chapter in the story, offering readers both thrilling action and deeply emotional storytelling.