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The Walking Dead (Single Issues)
The Walking Dead #156
"QUEEN AND KING"
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2016
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,712 books7,199 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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November 19, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
Rick Grimes is a strong-willed deputy who missed the end of the world because he was in a coma for a month after getting shot in the line of duty. Shaken, starving and confused, Rick escapes the horror of the abandoned hospital only to be met with something far more terrible. Not only has the world ended, but the dead have learned to walk and to kill without mercy. After learning that his wife and son have fled to Atlanta from a single survivor and his son, Rick goes on a journey to reunite with his family and search for more survivors.
Rick quickly has to come to terms with the fact that the world has ended and only a select few survived. The dead have risen from their graves and they prey on the living. In a world where every minute feels like hours, where there's no such thing as law and order, where finding a small meal is a tremendous task, the walking dead are quite possibly the least threatening thing for the survivors to have on their breaking minds. Humanity is pushed to the brink of destruction, forcing them to embrace their cruel and primal nature in order to survive. Sometimes you have to be more concerned about who you let into your community so they don't kill you in your sleep and steal everything you once cared about. Rick has no choice but to abandon the ways of law and order that he's upheld as an officer for so long in order to protect the few loved ones he has left. He has to become a monster to protect his crew or risk being devoured by those who became more monstrous than him and even the walking dead.
Despite zombies running the world and having the series named after them, what really sets this series apart from the average zombie apocalypse tale is the focus on realism and the daily struggles, flaws and depth of the characters. There's plenty of badass zombie killing action, but the action often takes a back seat to give the characters plenty of times to share their extremely tragic yet endearing stories, grow through mutual suffering and learn to adapt to a world that has left them to die. Even after the world has ended, many people still can't see eye to eye. They turn on each other and kill each other when they should come together. Others form alliances in spite of their differences and try to rebuild over the corpse of everything that was lost. The daily human drama and conflict is more intense than any monster apocalypse could hope to be.
We watch Rick struggle to balance his old moral code with the many necessary evils he has to commit in order to survive and make the world a better place for the ones he holds close. We watch people like Glen, Dale and Maggie attempt to find love in spite of having every reason to be filled with fear, hate and self-loathing. Characters like Michonne have to learn how to forgive themselves and convince themselves they deserve to be loved despite all the blood on their hands. We watch the weak like Carl and Andrea become strong and sometimes the strong become evil like The Governor. Even monsters like the wicked yet oddly lovable Negan are given the chance to find new ways of redeeming themselves by struggling alongside the other survivors that have all been changed by the horrors of the fallen world.
The pacing is extremely slow and I can understand why that may be a turnoff for a lot of people, but I eventually learned to enjoy watching the characters grow, overcome their trauma, find meaning in life and learn to love again. The characters are forced to do many terrible things to survive and it haunts them every waking moment. The ways they overcome these regrets is very realistic, human and hopeful. The slow pacing really gives the feeling that we're living beside these people. The way every tiny detail of their lives and who they are is explored makes them feel very real and believable.
When I first started reading the series, I wasn't expecting it to have such an uplifting ending. It seemed so bleak and nihilistic for a long time and things would go horribly wrong even when they seemed to be going so well, but the finale channels all the pain, suffering and betrayal of the previous volumes and tops it off with a very touching and inspiring finish. This was never a story about hopelessness. It's about learning to appreciate the little things, learning to forgive yourself and learning to move on even when it's hard. When everything seems lost there's always more to be found, even when we believe otherwise because we convince ourselves that we don't deserve to be happy ever again. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, strive to try and make things better than they were before.
I've never been a huge fan of zombie apocalypse stories, but The Walking Dead had enough heart and strong social commentary to make me stick by the characters until the end and I enjoyed every moment of their long trial.
***
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Rick Grimes is a strong-willed deputy who missed the end of the world because he was in a coma for a month after getting shot in the line of duty. Shaken, starving and confused, Rick escapes the horror of the abandoned hospital only to be met with something far more terrible. Not only has the world ended, but the dead have learned to walk and to kill without mercy. After learning that his wife and son have fled to Atlanta from a single survivor and his son, Rick goes on a journey to reunite with his family and search for more survivors.
Rick quickly has to come to terms with the fact that the world has ended and only a select few survived. The dead have risen from their graves and they prey on the living. In a world where every minute feels like hours, where there's no such thing as law and order, where finding a small meal is a tremendous task, the walking dead are quite possibly the least threatening thing for the survivors to have on their breaking minds. Humanity is pushed to the brink of destruction, forcing them to embrace their cruel and primal nature in order to survive. Sometimes you have to be more concerned about who you let into your community so they don't kill you in your sleep and steal everything you once cared about. Rick has no choice but to abandon the ways of law and order that he's upheld as an officer for so long in order to protect the few loved ones he has left. He has to become a monster to protect his crew or risk being devoured by those who became more monstrous than him and even the walking dead.
Despite zombies running the world and having the series named after them, what really sets this series apart from the average zombie apocalypse tale is the focus on realism and the daily struggles, flaws and depth of the characters. There's plenty of badass zombie killing action, but the action often takes a back seat to give the characters plenty of times to share their extremely tragic yet endearing stories, grow through mutual suffering and learn to adapt to a world that has left them to die. Even after the world has ended, many people still can't see eye to eye. They turn on each other and kill each other when they should come together. Others form alliances in spite of their differences and try to rebuild over the corpse of everything that was lost. The daily human drama and conflict is more intense than any monster apocalypse could hope to be.
We watch Rick struggle to balance his old moral code with the many necessary evils he has to commit in order to survive and make the world a better place for the ones he holds close. We watch people like Glen, Dale and Maggie attempt to find love in spite of having every reason to be filled with fear, hate and self-loathing. Characters like Michonne have to learn how to forgive themselves and convince themselves they deserve to be loved despite all the blood on their hands. We watch the weak like Carl and Andrea become strong and sometimes the strong become evil like The Governor. Even monsters like the wicked yet oddly lovable Negan are given the chance to find new ways of redeeming themselves by struggling alongside the other survivors that have all been changed by the horrors of the fallen world.
The pacing is extremely slow and I can understand why that may be a turnoff for a lot of people, but I eventually learned to enjoy watching the characters grow, overcome their trauma, find meaning in life and learn to love again. The characters are forced to do many terrible things to survive and it haunts them every waking moment. The ways they overcome these regrets is very realistic, human and hopeful. The slow pacing really gives the feeling that we're living beside these people. The way every tiny detail of their lives and who they are is explored makes them feel very real and believable.
When I first started reading the series, I wasn't expecting it to have such an uplifting ending. It seemed so bleak and nihilistic for a long time and things would go horribly wrong even when they seemed to be going so well, but the finale channels all the pain, suffering and betrayal of the previous volumes and tops it off with a very touching and inspiring finish. This was never a story about hopelessness. It's about learning to appreciate the little things, learning to forgive yourself and learning to move on even when it's hard. When everything seems lost there's always more to be found, even when we believe otherwise because we convince ourselves that we don't deserve to be happy ever again. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, strive to try and make things better than they were before.
I've never been a huge fan of zombie apocalypse stories, but The Walking Dead had enough heart and strong social commentary to make me stick by the characters until the end and I enjoyed every moment of their long trial.
***
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My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
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July 5, 2016
HOLY SHIT!!!???
July 7, 2016
Some great dialog, then... Whoa...
April 2, 2017
Shiiiiiiiitttt! I knew Alpha and Negan were going to be sinister but damn, this takes the creepiness to another level.
Awesome issue.
Awesome issue.
July 6, 2016
Negan is in a very interesting position now. Will he become the new Alpha of the Whisperers and make them a bit more civilized? Or will he take Alpha's head to Rick in hopes of redeeming himself? This issue also reinforces that he disapproves of rape, thus separating him from The Governor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2016
Shit. Wasn't expecting that ending. Shit. But Negan is... Impressive? Resourceful? A son of a bitch? All of the above?
January 2, 2017
"WHHHHAAAATTTT?! Holiest of holys I did NOT see that coming!" This followed by a slew of curses that would make Negan proud was my reaction to this issue of TWD. There was excellent dialogue that elicited so many emotions from within me and then that ending, whoa, that's some good stuff right there. Well played, Kirkman, well played.
July 8, 2016
It's issues like this that keep you reading! I've always love/hated Negan and this issue starts to show you more of who he is. Gives you a feel for why he became the leader of the saviors and then, bam!! What an ending!
September 21, 2016
Negan was right: that was f***ing awesome.
June 21, 2020
HOLY SHIT!
That was unexpected.
That was unexpected.
September 19, 2017
OMG!!!
Dialogues were pretty powerful...
And the ending was FABULOUS...
5/5*
Dialogues were pretty powerful...
And the ending was FABULOUS...
5/5*
July 21, 2026
After the shocking ending of the previous issue, I honestly couldn't stop thinking about what Negan's real objective was. He had successfully earned Alpha's trust, but there was no way someone as unpredictable as Negan would simply submit to another leader without an ulterior motive. At the same time, Alpha allowing him to stay inside the Whisperer camp felt like an incredibly dangerous gamble. Beta clearly didn't trust him, and if I were in his position, I wouldn't either. Negan is loud, sarcastic, constantly pushes people's buttons, and never behaves the way anyone expects. Putting someone like him inside the heart of the Whisperers felt like inviting chaos into an already unstable group.
The issue opens with Beta immediately voicing his objections to Alpha's decision. He argues that Negan lied his way into the Whisperers' territory and should be executed before he becomes a problem. Beta insists that Negan could never understand their philosophy or their way of life. Rather than becoming intimidated, Negan responds with his usual confidence, claiming that he genuinely wants to learn how they live. He even questions how the Whisperers are able to recruit anyone if they greet every newcomer with suspicion instead of trust.
His remarks infuriate Beta, who interprets them as mockery. He steps forward, prepared to strike Negan, but Alpha immediately intervenes. She questions Beta's actions and asks whether he is finally challenging her authority after years of unwavering loyalty. The accusation alone completely changes Beta's demeanor. The massive, intimidating man immediately drops to his knees, apologizing profusely and begging for forgiveness. Alpha accepts his apology and orders him to leave.
Watching this unfold, Negan immediately recognizes how authority functions within the Whisperers. He cleverly kneels as well, pledging his obedience to Alpha while still slipping in one of his inappropriate jokes before quickly apologizing. Alpha remains skeptical that Negan will survive among her people but ultimately allows him to remain in the camp. She clarifies that he has not truly become one of them yet. He may stay, but only if he follows their rules and proves himself worthy. As a sign of submission, Negan voluntarily surrenders his knife and eagerly asks when he'll receive one of the Whisperers' skin suits. Alpha simply tells him he'll have to earn it first.
Negan begins integrating himself into the daily routines of the camp. He performs basic chores without complaint, hauling supplies and assisting with whatever work is given to him. He attempts to make conversation with the other Whisperers, but most of them completely ignore him, much to his frustration. Used to dominating every conversation, Negan suddenly finds himself surrounded by people who barely acknowledge his existence.
During a hunting trip, Negan successfully kills a wild boar using only a bow and arrow. Proud of himself, he celebrates loudly, completely forgetting where he is. His excitement immediately earns him a scolding from Alpha, who reminds him that unnecessary noise attracts walkers and goes against everything the Whisperers stand for. Negan sheepishly apologizes, explaining that it was simply his first successful hunt with a bow and he got carried away.
Over the following days he slowly adapts to the Whisperers' bizarre lifestyle. One Whisperer patiently teaches him how to move naturally among roaming walkers without drawing attention. He observes other members skinning walkers to create fresh masks but is ordered to keep moving rather than watch. Although he continues learning their customs, it is obvious he still struggles to fully embrace their philosophy.
While carrying firewood through the woods, Negan suddenly finds himself attacked by a walker. Unarmed after surrendering his knife, he desperately calls for help. Instead of assisting him, one Whisperer coldly tells him that if he is truly strong, he'll survive on his own. Frustrated, Negan points out that surviving without a weapon is nearly impossible. At that moment Alpha tosses his knife back to him, declaring that he has finally earned it. Armed once again, Negan quickly dispatches the walker before killing another one that approaches. He drags both bodies back to camp for processing, impressing several Whisperers with his resourcefulness. Beta, however, remains completely unimpressed.
Later that evening Alpha invites Negan to sit beside her during dinner. Negan happily accepts, while Beta silently watches with obvious jealousy and disapproval. The growing tension between Beta and Negan becomes impossible to ignore. It is becoming increasingly clear that Beta sees Negan not merely as an outsider, but as a threat to Alpha's attention and influence.
That night Negan searches for somewhere to sleep. Naturally, he attempts to settle close to Alpha, but Beta immediately forces him elsewhere. As Negan reluctantly wanders through the camp looking for another place to rest, he suddenly hears a woman screaming for help.
Following the cries, Negan discovers two male Whisperers attempting to rape a female member of their own group. Without hesitation he throws both men off her and viciously attacks one of the attackers, beating him relentlessly. Before he can continue, Beta strikes him across the head and knocks him down.
To Negan's complete disbelief, Beta accuses him of interfering with nature. According to Beta, Negan robbed the woman of her opportunity to defend herself and prove her strength. Alpha arrives moments later and, while acknowledging Negan's concern, calmly explains that this is simply how their society works. Survival belongs to the strong, and those too weak to defend themselves must become stronger or perish.
Negan is absolutely disgusted by what he hears. Unable to stay silent, he argues that perhaps their way of life is fundamentally wrong. Beta immediately insists that such disrespect cannot go unpunished. Alpha agrees and sentences Negan to spend the night completely alone outside the safety of the camp without any protection from walkers.
During the night Alpha quietly visits Negan. She admits that despite his constant jokes and refusal to conform completely, he has proven himself useful and has earned both her respect and a degree of trust. However, she still believes he doesn't truly belong among the Whisperers.
Their conversation gradually transforms into one of the most fascinating philosophical debates in the series.
Negan passionately argues that allowing rape and abuse in the name of strength makes the Whisperers no better than monsters. Alpha counters by claiming that protecting weak people only prevents them from becoming stronger. Civilization, according to her, is merely an illusion created by humanity before the apocalypse. In the natural world, only the strongest deserve to survive.
Negan completely rejects her worldview. He argues that protecting those who cannot protect themselves is exactly what separates civilization from barbarism. If people take pleasure in causing suffering, they are monsters who deserve to die. He openly admits that he himself committed terrible acts during his time leading the Saviors. However, he insists that everything he did was done because he believed it protected the larger group, even if his methods were deeply flawed.
As Alpha continues defending her beliefs, cracks finally begin appearing beneath her cold exterior. Speaking about strength forces her thoughts toward Lydia. She remembers allowing terrible things to happen to her own daughter because she convinced herself it would make Lydia stronger. For the first time since her introduction, Alpha begins crying openly, admitting that she misses her daughter and quietly confessing that she herself isn't as strong as she pretends to be.
Negan immediately recognizes her vulnerability. Rather than mocking her, he gently encourages her to stop pretending. He admits that after losing someone important in his own life, he shut off his emotions entirely because it was easier than dealing with the pain. But surviving without feeling anything isn't truly living. He tells Alpha that she and the Whisperers are only pretending to be emotionless animals when, in reality, they are simply broken people hiding behind masks.
He points out that Beta protects her every single day whether she admits it or not. Without Beta, Alpha's own followers would likely overthrow her. By her own philosophy, needing someone else's protection should make her weak, exposing the hypocrisy at the heart of everything she believes.
Completely overwhelmed, Alpha lowers every emotional barrier she has maintained for years. She quietly tells Negan that perhaps he truly does belong with the Whisperers after all.
Negan agrees.
Then, without warning, he slits Alpha's throat.
As she collapses to the ground, Negan calmly tells her that he never wanted to belong with the Whisperers in the first place. He severs her head, lifts it into the air, and smiles.
"Wait until Rick gets a look at you."
This might honestly be one of the most shocking issues I've read in the entire series. Throughout the first half of the comic I genuinely believed Negan was slowly integrating himself into the Whisperers. He adapted surprisingly well to their lifestyle, earned Alpha's respect, learned their customs, and even began gaining the trust of some members. It almost felt as though he had found another place where his brutal survival instincts actually fit. Looking back, though, every interaction was simply another step in a carefully calculated plan.
Beta's distrust of Negan was completely justified from the very beginning. He saw through Negan's charm almost immediately and understood that someone this charismatic and unpredictable could never truly become a Whisperer. As Alpha continued giving Negan more opportunities, Beta became increasingly sidelined, and I honestly thought the story was building toward a rivalry where Negan would eventually replace him as Alpha's right-hand man. Instead, Robert Kirkman completely subverted that expectation in the most brutal way possible.
Ironically, the moment that impressed me most wasn't Alpha's death—it was Negan stopping the assault on the female Whisperer. Considering everything Negan did during the Savior era, I never expected him to be the one standing up against something so horrific. His outrage felt genuine. He wasn't trying to impress anyone because doing so actually got him punished. That scene reminded me that despite all the terrible things Negan has done, there are still lines he refuses to cross. It doesn't erase his past, but it adds another complicated layer to his character.
The conversation between Negan and Alpha was easily the strongest part of the issue. Rather than relying on action, it became a clash of two completely different philosophies. Alpha truly believes humanity must abandon civilization to survive, while Negan argues that protecting weaker people is exactly what makes civilization worth preserving. The irony is almost unbelievable because the person making that argument is the same man who once ruled the Saviors through fear and violence. It shows just how much time in Rick's prison cell changed the way he views the world, even if he would never openly admit it.
Seeing Alpha finally break emotionally completely changed how I viewed her. For so long she appeared fearless and emotionless, but beneath all of that she was simply a mother crushed by guilt. She convinced herself that allowing Lydia to suffer was an act of love because admitting otherwise would force her to confront the horrifying truth about the choices she had made. Watching her cry while remembering her daughter didn't excuse her actions in any way, but it made her feel far more human than I ever expected.
Then came the ending.
I genuinely stared at the page for several seconds after Negan cut Alpha's throat. I expected manipulation. I expected betrayal. I even expected him to slowly take control of the Whisperers from within. I never imagined he would simply kill Alpha himself. The speed and suddenness of it made the moment even more impactful. One second Alpha believed she had found someone who finally understood her, and the next she was dead.
Now I'm left wondering where Negan truly stands. Is he doing this entirely for Rick? Is this his twisted way of redeeming himself? Or is he simply eliminating Alpha because it serves his own interests? Even after this incredible moment, I still don't completely trust him. That's what makes Negan such a fascinating character. Just when I think I've figured him out, he completely changes the game.
Overall, Issue #156 is one of the strongest chapters of the Whisperer storyline. It delivers intense psychological drama, explores conflicting philosophies about survival and civilization, peels back the layers of one of the series' most terrifying villains, and ends with one of the biggest jaw-dropping moments in The Walking Dead. It is an unforgettable issue that completely changes the direction of the story and proves once again that in this world, the most dangerous weapon isn't a gun or a knife—it's an unpredictable person with a plan.
The issue opens with Beta immediately voicing his objections to Alpha's decision. He argues that Negan lied his way into the Whisperers' territory and should be executed before he becomes a problem. Beta insists that Negan could never understand their philosophy or their way of life. Rather than becoming intimidated, Negan responds with his usual confidence, claiming that he genuinely wants to learn how they live. He even questions how the Whisperers are able to recruit anyone if they greet every newcomer with suspicion instead of trust.
His remarks infuriate Beta, who interprets them as mockery. He steps forward, prepared to strike Negan, but Alpha immediately intervenes. She questions Beta's actions and asks whether he is finally challenging her authority after years of unwavering loyalty. The accusation alone completely changes Beta's demeanor. The massive, intimidating man immediately drops to his knees, apologizing profusely and begging for forgiveness. Alpha accepts his apology and orders him to leave.
Watching this unfold, Negan immediately recognizes how authority functions within the Whisperers. He cleverly kneels as well, pledging his obedience to Alpha while still slipping in one of his inappropriate jokes before quickly apologizing. Alpha remains skeptical that Negan will survive among her people but ultimately allows him to remain in the camp. She clarifies that he has not truly become one of them yet. He may stay, but only if he follows their rules and proves himself worthy. As a sign of submission, Negan voluntarily surrenders his knife and eagerly asks when he'll receive one of the Whisperers' skin suits. Alpha simply tells him he'll have to earn it first.
Negan begins integrating himself into the daily routines of the camp. He performs basic chores without complaint, hauling supplies and assisting with whatever work is given to him. He attempts to make conversation with the other Whisperers, but most of them completely ignore him, much to his frustration. Used to dominating every conversation, Negan suddenly finds himself surrounded by people who barely acknowledge his existence.
During a hunting trip, Negan successfully kills a wild boar using only a bow and arrow. Proud of himself, he celebrates loudly, completely forgetting where he is. His excitement immediately earns him a scolding from Alpha, who reminds him that unnecessary noise attracts walkers and goes against everything the Whisperers stand for. Negan sheepishly apologizes, explaining that it was simply his first successful hunt with a bow and he got carried away.
Over the following days he slowly adapts to the Whisperers' bizarre lifestyle. One Whisperer patiently teaches him how to move naturally among roaming walkers without drawing attention. He observes other members skinning walkers to create fresh masks but is ordered to keep moving rather than watch. Although he continues learning their customs, it is obvious he still struggles to fully embrace their philosophy.
While carrying firewood through the woods, Negan suddenly finds himself attacked by a walker. Unarmed after surrendering his knife, he desperately calls for help. Instead of assisting him, one Whisperer coldly tells him that if he is truly strong, he'll survive on his own. Frustrated, Negan points out that surviving without a weapon is nearly impossible. At that moment Alpha tosses his knife back to him, declaring that he has finally earned it. Armed once again, Negan quickly dispatches the walker before killing another one that approaches. He drags both bodies back to camp for processing, impressing several Whisperers with his resourcefulness. Beta, however, remains completely unimpressed.
Later that evening Alpha invites Negan to sit beside her during dinner. Negan happily accepts, while Beta silently watches with obvious jealousy and disapproval. The growing tension between Beta and Negan becomes impossible to ignore. It is becoming increasingly clear that Beta sees Negan not merely as an outsider, but as a threat to Alpha's attention and influence.
That night Negan searches for somewhere to sleep. Naturally, he attempts to settle close to Alpha, but Beta immediately forces him elsewhere. As Negan reluctantly wanders through the camp looking for another place to rest, he suddenly hears a woman screaming for help.
Following the cries, Negan discovers two male Whisperers attempting to rape a female member of their own group. Without hesitation he throws both men off her and viciously attacks one of the attackers, beating him relentlessly. Before he can continue, Beta strikes him across the head and knocks him down.
To Negan's complete disbelief, Beta accuses him of interfering with nature. According to Beta, Negan robbed the woman of her opportunity to defend herself and prove her strength. Alpha arrives moments later and, while acknowledging Negan's concern, calmly explains that this is simply how their society works. Survival belongs to the strong, and those too weak to defend themselves must become stronger or perish.
Negan is absolutely disgusted by what he hears. Unable to stay silent, he argues that perhaps their way of life is fundamentally wrong. Beta immediately insists that such disrespect cannot go unpunished. Alpha agrees and sentences Negan to spend the night completely alone outside the safety of the camp without any protection from walkers.
During the night Alpha quietly visits Negan. She admits that despite his constant jokes and refusal to conform completely, he has proven himself useful and has earned both her respect and a degree of trust. However, she still believes he doesn't truly belong among the Whisperers.
Their conversation gradually transforms into one of the most fascinating philosophical debates in the series.
Negan passionately argues that allowing rape and abuse in the name of strength makes the Whisperers no better than monsters. Alpha counters by claiming that protecting weak people only prevents them from becoming stronger. Civilization, according to her, is merely an illusion created by humanity before the apocalypse. In the natural world, only the strongest deserve to survive.
Negan completely rejects her worldview. He argues that protecting those who cannot protect themselves is exactly what separates civilization from barbarism. If people take pleasure in causing suffering, they are monsters who deserve to die. He openly admits that he himself committed terrible acts during his time leading the Saviors. However, he insists that everything he did was done because he believed it protected the larger group, even if his methods were deeply flawed.
As Alpha continues defending her beliefs, cracks finally begin appearing beneath her cold exterior. Speaking about strength forces her thoughts toward Lydia. She remembers allowing terrible things to happen to her own daughter because she convinced herself it would make Lydia stronger. For the first time since her introduction, Alpha begins crying openly, admitting that she misses her daughter and quietly confessing that she herself isn't as strong as she pretends to be.
Negan immediately recognizes her vulnerability. Rather than mocking her, he gently encourages her to stop pretending. He admits that after losing someone important in his own life, he shut off his emotions entirely because it was easier than dealing with the pain. But surviving without feeling anything isn't truly living. He tells Alpha that she and the Whisperers are only pretending to be emotionless animals when, in reality, they are simply broken people hiding behind masks.
He points out that Beta protects her every single day whether she admits it or not. Without Beta, Alpha's own followers would likely overthrow her. By her own philosophy, needing someone else's protection should make her weak, exposing the hypocrisy at the heart of everything she believes.
Completely overwhelmed, Alpha lowers every emotional barrier she has maintained for years. She quietly tells Negan that perhaps he truly does belong with the Whisperers after all.
Negan agrees.
Then, without warning, he slits Alpha's throat.
As she collapses to the ground, Negan calmly tells her that he never wanted to belong with the Whisperers in the first place. He severs her head, lifts it into the air, and smiles.
"Wait until Rick gets a look at you."
This might honestly be one of the most shocking issues I've read in the entire series. Throughout the first half of the comic I genuinely believed Negan was slowly integrating himself into the Whisperers. He adapted surprisingly well to their lifestyle, earned Alpha's respect, learned their customs, and even began gaining the trust of some members. It almost felt as though he had found another place where his brutal survival instincts actually fit. Looking back, though, every interaction was simply another step in a carefully calculated plan.
Beta's distrust of Negan was completely justified from the very beginning. He saw through Negan's charm almost immediately and understood that someone this charismatic and unpredictable could never truly become a Whisperer. As Alpha continued giving Negan more opportunities, Beta became increasingly sidelined, and I honestly thought the story was building toward a rivalry where Negan would eventually replace him as Alpha's right-hand man. Instead, Robert Kirkman completely subverted that expectation in the most brutal way possible.
Ironically, the moment that impressed me most wasn't Alpha's death—it was Negan stopping the assault on the female Whisperer. Considering everything Negan did during the Savior era, I never expected him to be the one standing up against something so horrific. His outrage felt genuine. He wasn't trying to impress anyone because doing so actually got him punished. That scene reminded me that despite all the terrible things Negan has done, there are still lines he refuses to cross. It doesn't erase his past, but it adds another complicated layer to his character.
The conversation between Negan and Alpha was easily the strongest part of the issue. Rather than relying on action, it became a clash of two completely different philosophies. Alpha truly believes humanity must abandon civilization to survive, while Negan argues that protecting weaker people is exactly what makes civilization worth preserving. The irony is almost unbelievable because the person making that argument is the same man who once ruled the Saviors through fear and violence. It shows just how much time in Rick's prison cell changed the way he views the world, even if he would never openly admit it.
Seeing Alpha finally break emotionally completely changed how I viewed her. For so long she appeared fearless and emotionless, but beneath all of that she was simply a mother crushed by guilt. She convinced herself that allowing Lydia to suffer was an act of love because admitting otherwise would force her to confront the horrifying truth about the choices she had made. Watching her cry while remembering her daughter didn't excuse her actions in any way, but it made her feel far more human than I ever expected.
Then came the ending.
I genuinely stared at the page for several seconds after Negan cut Alpha's throat. I expected manipulation. I expected betrayal. I even expected him to slowly take control of the Whisperers from within. I never imagined he would simply kill Alpha himself. The speed and suddenness of it made the moment even more impactful. One second Alpha believed she had found someone who finally understood her, and the next she was dead.
Now I'm left wondering where Negan truly stands. Is he doing this entirely for Rick? Is this his twisted way of redeeming himself? Or is he simply eliminating Alpha because it serves his own interests? Even after this incredible moment, I still don't completely trust him. That's what makes Negan such a fascinating character. Just when I think I've figured him out, he completely changes the game.
Overall, Issue #156 is one of the strongest chapters of the Whisperer storyline. It delivers intense psychological drama, explores conflicting philosophies about survival and civilization, peels back the layers of one of the series' most terrifying villains, and ends with one of the biggest jaw-dropping moments in The Walking Dead. It is an unforgettable issue that completely changes the direction of the story and proves once again that in this world, the most dangerous weapon isn't a gun or a knife—it's an unpredictable person with a plan.
July 5, 2016
The stage has been set for the upcoming Whisperer War. Actually, thanks to Negan, things have sped up much faster than I feel Rick would like. He's gonna be in for a big surprise when Negan comes strolling back to Alexandria with Alpha's head. I know for sure Maggie and Andrea are gonna be pissed!
This was a solid issue. We got to see Negan being the little badass he is, but we also got pieces of his backstory and character development. Plus it's nice to see that he still his moral boundaries while schooling Alpha on why their little "community" is so backwards.
Also nice little throwback to Glenn's death, Kirkman "...if I have to turn someone's head into a bowl of fucking gravy..." :'(
Can't wait to see what happens during the war!
This was a solid issue. We got to see Negan being the little badass he is, but we also got pieces of his backstory and character development. Plus it's nice to see that he still his moral boundaries while schooling Alpha on why their little "community" is so backwards.
Also nice little throwback to Glenn's death, Kirkman "...if I have to turn someone's head into a bowl of fucking gravy..." :'(
Can't wait to see what happens during the war!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2016
I think this is my favorite number for The Walking Dead, really, OMG
Negan It's a fucking genius.
No se que decir este comic es uno de mis favoritos por muchas cosas estar con los susurradores hace que su personaje sea genial.
Negan ya era una persona fuerte, inteligente y astuta al estar con los susurradores solo hace que él crezca mas.
Una de mis partes favoritas es cuando sale el lado humano de Negan al querer impedir que violen a la mujer y como la defiende ya que el ya tenia en su comunidad esas reglas y funcionaban como el quería claro.
Y el final OMG, creo que Negan quiere que funcionen las cosas bien con Rick.
Creo que estoy enamorada de este personaje. Te amo, te amo, te amo Negan. Confió en el, me gusta lo que hace y la manera en lo que lo hace. Solo esta sobreviviendo.
Negan It's a fucking genius.
No se que decir este comic es uno de mis favoritos por muchas cosas estar con los susurradores hace que su personaje sea genial.
Negan ya era una persona fuerte, inteligente y astuta al estar con los susurradores solo hace que él crezca mas.
Una de mis partes favoritas es cuando sale el lado humano de Negan al querer impedir que violen a la mujer y como la defiende ya que el ya tenia en su comunidad esas reglas y funcionaban como el quería claro.
Y el final OMG, creo que Negan quiere que funcionen las cosas bien con Rick.
Creo que estoy enamorada de este personaje. Te amo, te amo, te amo Negan. Confió en el, me gusta lo que hace y la manera en lo que lo hace. Solo esta sobreviviendo.
November 9, 2016
Holy shit...
July 11, 2016
Didn't see that coming
January 15, 2019
Negan never stops amazing me. I was already going to complain about the sudden shift in character he was undergoing in this issue, but... Of course, I was an idiot to even think Kirkman would turn him into a morality bugged individual.
Excited for his role in the Whisperer War!
Excited for his role in the Whisperer War!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
Wow Negan, who would have thought!
December 14, 2017
WTF is Neigan thinking?!
January 24, 2019
Cada ves se vuelve mejor!!
May 12, 2019
What? So easy
November 6, 2019
Holy crap, I did NOT see that coming! Well played!
April 27, 2023
Well done, Negan
The best thing ever that you cut off the snake head
The best thing ever that you cut off the snake head
November 14, 2025
OH MY GOD NEGAN YOU FUCKING GOAT I FORGIVE YOU
December 12, 2025
While everyone else is having a mopey The Road apocalypse, Negan proves to be a very Mad Max kind of psychopath. Those last couple pages were awesome. To be continued!
Best ad: What's up with Kill or Be Killed?
Best ad: What's up with Kill or Be Killed?
April 16, 2026
Wow, that was…. Wow… I hated Negan, I almost lost any desire to continue reading during his first encounters, because he almost ruined the Walking dead for me, but he’s growing on me quite a bit!
November 4, 2016
NEGAN IS A TRIP. His story never ceases to surprise me. lol, Wow.
October 8, 2016
Beta needs to shut the hell up. He's just a pain in the ass. Not that I like Alpha any better, but the point still stands. Beta's an annoying prick and I want him to die.
Also, Negan just can't help himself, can he? It seems like being an ass comes naturally for him. He needs to start thinking before he speaks, or someone's gonna kill him.
Alpha and Beta are a match made in Hell. I can't stand either of them and Negan just needs to kill them both so we can be done with these assholes already.
Really? Beta just bows to Alpha's will like that? Not fucking likely. I have a feeling that even though he said he'd never challenge Alpha, that he's going to do so anyway.
Ah, Negan. He's such a weirdo. Getting an all worked up over Alpha's display of power. Yuck. Negan's so eager for a skin suit and it makes me want to puke all over the place.
I don't like that Negan seems to fit in so well with the Whisperers. He's almost as crazy as they are Hell, maybe he IS as crazy as they are. I can't believe Negan wants to join them.
Heh. Negan just pissed Beta off even more when he killed the two zombies with his knife. I really don't want Negan and Alpha to become friends or close in any way.
I just want Negan to stab Alpha in the face and then repeat that with the rest of the Whisperers. I have to admit that I was surprised when Negan interrupted the men who were in the process of raping that woman.
I didn't think he'd actually try to stop them. Ugh. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Negan in this instance. Alpha should've drop kicked the men who were raping that woman.
So, Negan gets punished for not being a monster for the first time in his life? What a crock of bullshit. Since Alpha's not gonna do anything, Negan needs to kill all of them.
Alpha and Negan's conversation about the weak not becoming strong, made me want to punch Alpha. Just because someone is protected, doesn't mean that can't learn to defend themselves in a not so horrible situation.
Man, Negan needs to seriously kill Alpha. Every time she opens her mouth, I want someone to kill her. My hatred for her character is just that bad. She's a damn lunatic.
I literally laughed out loud when Negan said, "I'm Negan, that's better." His ego is so unreal. Hmm. So, now Negan's saying he wants to protect Alpha. I bet he's lying.
Okay, so Alpha's actually showing some emotion about her daughter. It's about fucking time. She walks about like she doesn't give a shit and it drives me bonkers.
Also, Alpha's tears do nothing for me. They just irritate me and make me want to punch her even more. Her crying in front of Negan makes me hope that he'll use her weakness against her.
Oh man! Negan just killed Alpha! LOVED IT! It's about fucking time that he killed her. I was worried that I'd have to sit through more of Alpha's bullshit for another few issues before she was killed.
Okay, so I don't understand. Did Negan kill Alpha to get into Rick's good books? I don't know if doing that will actually help or not. I'm sure Beta will step up and take over being the asshole leader.
Anyway, loved this issue and can't wait to read the next one.
Also, Negan just can't help himself, can he? It seems like being an ass comes naturally for him. He needs to start thinking before he speaks, or someone's gonna kill him.
Alpha and Beta are a match made in Hell. I can't stand either of them and Negan just needs to kill them both so we can be done with these assholes already.
Really? Beta just bows to Alpha's will like that? Not fucking likely. I have a feeling that even though he said he'd never challenge Alpha, that he's going to do so anyway.
Ah, Negan. He's such a weirdo. Getting an all worked up over Alpha's display of power. Yuck. Negan's so eager for a skin suit and it makes me want to puke all over the place.
I don't like that Negan seems to fit in so well with the Whisperers. He's almost as crazy as they are Hell, maybe he IS as crazy as they are. I can't believe Negan wants to join them.
Heh. Negan just pissed Beta off even more when he killed the two zombies with his knife. I really don't want Negan and Alpha to become friends or close in any way.
I just want Negan to stab Alpha in the face and then repeat that with the rest of the Whisperers. I have to admit that I was surprised when Negan interrupted the men who were in the process of raping that woman.
I didn't think he'd actually try to stop them. Ugh. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Negan in this instance. Alpha should've drop kicked the men who were raping that woman.
So, Negan gets punished for not being a monster for the first time in his life? What a crock of bullshit. Since Alpha's not gonna do anything, Negan needs to kill all of them.
Alpha and Negan's conversation about the weak not becoming strong, made me want to punch Alpha. Just because someone is protected, doesn't mean that can't learn to defend themselves in a not so horrible situation.
Man, Negan needs to seriously kill Alpha. Every time she opens her mouth, I want someone to kill her. My hatred for her character is just that bad. She's a damn lunatic.
I literally laughed out loud when Negan said, "I'm Negan, that's better." His ego is so unreal. Hmm. So, now Negan's saying he wants to protect Alpha. I bet he's lying.
Okay, so Alpha's actually showing some emotion about her daughter. It's about fucking time. She walks about like she doesn't give a shit and it drives me bonkers.
Also, Alpha's tears do nothing for me. They just irritate me and make me want to punch her even more. Her crying in front of Negan makes me hope that he'll use her weakness against her.
Oh man! Negan just killed Alpha! LOVED IT! It's about fucking time that he killed her. I was worried that I'd have to sit through more of Alpha's bullshit for another few issues before she was killed.
Okay, so I don't understand. Did Negan kill Alpha to get into Rick's good books? I don't know if doing that will actually help or not. I'm sure Beta will step up and take over being the asshole leader.
Anyway, loved this issue and can't wait to read the next one.
February 16, 2017
Negan es el pu** amo, no sé que seria de The Walking Dead sin él, esto esta cada vez mejor.
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