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The Walking Dead (Single Issues)
The Walking Dead #157
NEW STORY ARC. "THE WHISPERER WAR," Part One. 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.
Unknown Binding
Published August 3, 2016
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,616 books7,138 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
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...
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April 6, 2017
Negan brings Rick a present.
July 21, 2026
After Alpha's shocking death at Negan's hands, I immediately wondered where the story would go next. With the Whisperers suddenly left without their leader, the biggest question in my mind was whether Beta would step up and become the new Alpha or if the group would completely collapse under the weight of losing the person they had built their entire ideology around. At the same time, I couldn't stop thinking about the massive horde that Alpha had been controlling. Would Beta unleash it immediately as an act of revenge against Rick and the communities, or would he be patient enough to formulate an even more devastating plan? This issue wastes no time answering those questions while simultaneously setting the stage for what feels like the largest conflict the series has built toward in a long time.
The story opens one week after Negan mysteriously disappeared. The communities have become much more organized since Alpha's massacre, establishing checkpoints and assigning different patrol groups to guard the surrounding areas. Dwight, Laura, Magna, and Heath are stationed at one of these checkpoints when they suddenly spot a familiar figure walking toward them. Negan appears alone, slightly dirtier than before with a noticeable beard beginning to grow, giving him an even rougher appearance. Naturally, Dwight's first instinct is to kill him on sight. Considering everything Negan had done to him and everyone else, his reaction is completely understandable. Magna, however, refuses to shoot an unarmed man who isn't acting aggressively. After realizing Negan has no visible weapons and isn't making any threatening movements, they decide to escort him back to Alexandria instead. Even while surrounded by people who despise him, Negan can't resist being Negan. Seeing Lucille strapped to Dwight's back, he jokingly reaches for it and confidently tells Dwight, "You're going to fucking give her to me." Even in such a tense situation, his personality never changes. He constantly walks the fine line between confidence, humor, and arrogance.
Meanwhile, the perspective shifts to the Whisperers, where Beta discovers Alpha's headless corpse. This scene is surprisingly emotional despite everything Alpha had done throughout the story. Beta kneels beside her body in complete silence, clearly devastated by the loss of the woman he had followed with absolute loyalty. Other Whisperers gather around and point out that Negan is nowhere to be found, suggesting that perhaps he killed Alpha in order to become the next leader. Beta immediately dismisses that possibility. More importantly, he also rejects becoming Alpha himself. Instead, he declares that there will never be another Alpha. According to him, Alpha's teachings will continue guiding them forever, and rather than replacing her, they will honor her memory through vengeance. His command is terrifyingly simple yet incredibly effective: they will kill everyone. There are no speeches, no negotiations, and no debates. In that single declaration, Beta transforms the Whisperers from a dangerous enemy into an unstoppable force driven entirely by grief, rage, and revenge.
Back in Alexandria, Negan presents Alpha's severed head to Rick and Andrea as undeniable proof of what he has accomplished. Unsurprisingly, neither of them is willing to trust him so easily. After everything Negan has done over the years, bringing Alpha's head back doesn't magically erase his past. Negan insists that his imprisonment changed him and that Rick's philosophy inspired him to become a better person. He points out that he had countless opportunities to betray Rick or simply disappear forever but instead chose to return. He claims he wants to fight alongside Rick rather than against him. Rick doesn't fully believe him, but he also recognizes the enormous value of what Negan has accomplished. Rather than granting him complete freedom, Rick reaches a compromise. Negan will no longer live inside a prison cell, but neither will he be welcomed into the communities. Instead, he will live alone at an isolated outpost with only enough food and weapons to survive. He will fight alongside the militia during the war, remain under constant surveillance, and only earn true freedom after proving himself throughout the conflict. Should he betray them even once, Rick promises he will be executed immediately. It is a cautious but fair decision, balancing practicality with accountability.
Rick then discusses military strategy with Dwight, revealing that this upcoming conflict will be entirely different from the Savior War. Unlike before, this isn't about conquering territory. Their greatest advantages are superior firearms, better coordination, and organized tactics. Rather than fighting one decisive battle, Rick intends to launch repeated attacks that force the Whisperers into retreat before systematically hunting down every remaining member. Because Alpha's horde remains their greatest weapon, Rick also assigns cavalry units whose responsibility will be redirecting the walkers whenever possible. Even though he still doesn't trust Negan, Rick openly admits that Negan is now one of their most valuable assets because of everything he knows about the Whisperers. He asks Dwight to personally keep watch over Negan, knowing Dwight's experience with him makes him both cautious and capable.
Elsewhere, Aaron finally regains consciousness at the Hilltop after surviving Beta's brutal attack. Jesus remains by his side, checking on his recovery while also preparing to recruit additional soldiers for the militia. In a surprisingly lighthearted moment amidst all the tension, Alex jokingly comments that Aaron and Jesus would make a good couple. Jesus immediately brushes off the suggestion, but the brief exchange provides a refreshing reminder that these characters are still capable of smiling despite everything happening around them.
At the Hilltop, Maggie demonstrates her unwavering commitment by offering a surprisingly large number of volunteers to join Rick's militia. Even Michonne is impressed by how many people are willing to fight. Carl and Lydia volunteer as well, hoping to contribute, but Michonne refuses. Instead, she orders them to remain behind and help defend the Hilltop should the Whisperers attack there instead. Lydia, having grown up among the Whisperers, confidently predicts that Beta will attack. According to her, failing to retaliate after Alpha's death would be interpreted as weakness, something the Whisperers would never allow.
Preparation for war continues as Dwight organizes his soldiers with remarkable precision. He divides groups into carefully planned positions that allow them to support one another while covering large areas. Gabriel receives one of the most important assignments, taking position atop a water tower equipped with a rifle and a signaling horn. His elevated position gives him visibility for miles, making him the communities' early warning system should the Whisperers approach. These strategic details make the preparations feel believable and grounded rather than rushed.
Not everyone supports Rick's leadership, however. At the Kingdom, lingering resentment still exists. Some residents question why they should contribute soldiers to Rick's war at all. Others argue that Michonne should never replace Ezekiel because of the complicated history between them. These conversations subtly remind readers that although the communities are allies, unity remains fragile. Internal disagreements continue to threaten everything Rick has spent years building.
One of the quieter but most intriguing parts of the issue focuses on Eugene's ongoing radio conversations with Stephanie. The two continue slowly building trust as Eugene finally reveals that his community is located near Washington, D.C. Stephanie hesitates before revealing that her own community is in Ohio, admitting she hopes Eugene isn't secretly a dangerous person. Their conversation feels incredibly hopeful because, for the first time in a long while, the possibility of another large surviving civilization no longer feels impossible. In the middle of a story dominated by war preparations, this subplot quietly reminds readers that the world may still be much bigger than anyone imagined.
Before the issue concludes, Rick speaks privately with Andrea. Unable to participate directly in battle because of his injuries, Rick admits how difficult it is to remain behind while everyone else fights. He asks Andrea if she trusts his decision regarding Negan. Andrea honestly admits she still doesn't trust Negan, but she trusts Rick's judgment enough to support his choice. That distinction says a great deal about their relationship. Their partnership isn't built on always agreeing—it is built on mutual respect and faith in one another.
The final pages deliver an incredible sense of tension. Dwight's scouting unit signals that all positions are secure using reflected sunlight from mirrors, showing how carefully coordinated the militia has become. Gabriel finally climbs into the water tower, peers through his rifle scope, and freezes. Stretching across the landscape is an enormous sea of walkers mixed with Whisperers, moving steadily toward the communities. The sheer scale of the approaching horde is enough to make Gabriel visibly panic. Meanwhile, back in Alexandria, Rick calmly reassures the civilians that they are safe and that everything is under control. The heartbreaking irony is that readers know he has absolutely no idea what is already marching toward them.
This issue does an outstanding job transitioning the story from preparation into full-scale war. There are no unnecessary action scenes or shocking deaths used purely for spectacle. Instead, nearly every page focuses on strategy, logistics, leadership, and the emotional burden of making decisions that will determine the survival of thousands of people. The tension comes from anticipation rather than constant violence, making every conversation feel just as important as every fight.
One thing I appreciated was Magna refusing to immediately execute Negan. Dwight's hatred is completely understandable because of everything Negan did during the Savior War, but allowing emotion to dictate that decision would have been shortsighted. Rick needed answers, and Negan possessed information that no one else could provide. Sometimes the smartest decision isn't the most emotionally satisfying one.
Beta's reaction to Alpha's death was also fascinating. I expected him to immediately crown himself as the new Alpha, but instead he completely rejected the title. That decision makes him even more frightening because he isn't driven by ambition or personal power. He's driven by absolute devotion. His declaration that there will never be another Alpha and that everyone must die instantly established him as a different kind of villain. Unlike Alpha, who manipulated people through ideology, Beta seems motivated almost entirely by grief and vengeance, making him feel far less predictable.
Negan continues to be one of the most difficult characters to read. Every conversation leaves me questioning whether he is genuinely trying to redeem himself or simply playing a much longer game. Bringing Alpha's head back certainly earns him some credibility, but it doesn't erase years of cruelty and manipulation. Rick's decision to keep him isolated while forcing him to prove himself on the battlefield feels like the only reasonable compromise. Trust isn't something Negan deserves immediately—it is something he has to earn piece by piece.
I also found myself questioning Rick's overall battle strategy. Redirecting a massive walker herd is already dangerous under normal circumstances, but this isn't an ordinary herd. Hidden among those walkers are Whisperers actively controlling its movements. That completely changes the battlefield. Every cavalry unit attempting to redirect the horde risks unknowingly riding directly into enemy soldiers disguised among the dead. I hope Rick has considered this possibility because it could become one of the militia's biggest weaknesses once the fighting begins.
The small interactions between Aaron and Jesus were surprisingly refreshing. Even with war looming over everyone, there are still quiet moments that remind us these characters are ordinary people trying to hold onto pieces of normal life. Michonne's earlier observations about the two of them continue to linger, and I genuinely wouldn't mind seeing that relationship develop naturally over time.
Dwight continues proving himself as one of the strongest military leaders among all the communities. Every decision he makes feels calculated, practical, and based on real battlefield experience rather than emotion. His positioning of the troops, communication methods, and defensive planning all inspire confidence. If anyone besides Rick can lead these people through the coming war, it's Dwight.
The ending genuinely gave me chills. Gabriel's horrified expression after looking through his scope says everything without needing many words. The Whisperers are no longer just a distant threat—they are already advancing in overwhelming numbers while most of Alexandria continues living under the illusion that everything is under control. Rick's speech reassuring everyone that they are safe becomes tragically ironic because the danger is already much closer than anyone realizes. This issue perfectly captures that dreadful feeling before a storm arrives, where everyone is making their final preparations while the audience already knows disaster is only moments away. It is a phenomenal setup for the war ahead, leaving me both excited and incredibly anxious to see how the communities survive what is clearly going to be their greatest battle yet.
The story opens one week after Negan mysteriously disappeared. The communities have become much more organized since Alpha's massacre, establishing checkpoints and assigning different patrol groups to guard the surrounding areas. Dwight, Laura, Magna, and Heath are stationed at one of these checkpoints when they suddenly spot a familiar figure walking toward them. Negan appears alone, slightly dirtier than before with a noticeable beard beginning to grow, giving him an even rougher appearance. Naturally, Dwight's first instinct is to kill him on sight. Considering everything Negan had done to him and everyone else, his reaction is completely understandable. Magna, however, refuses to shoot an unarmed man who isn't acting aggressively. After realizing Negan has no visible weapons and isn't making any threatening movements, they decide to escort him back to Alexandria instead. Even while surrounded by people who despise him, Negan can't resist being Negan. Seeing Lucille strapped to Dwight's back, he jokingly reaches for it and confidently tells Dwight, "You're going to fucking give her to me." Even in such a tense situation, his personality never changes. He constantly walks the fine line between confidence, humor, and arrogance.
Meanwhile, the perspective shifts to the Whisperers, where Beta discovers Alpha's headless corpse. This scene is surprisingly emotional despite everything Alpha had done throughout the story. Beta kneels beside her body in complete silence, clearly devastated by the loss of the woman he had followed with absolute loyalty. Other Whisperers gather around and point out that Negan is nowhere to be found, suggesting that perhaps he killed Alpha in order to become the next leader. Beta immediately dismisses that possibility. More importantly, he also rejects becoming Alpha himself. Instead, he declares that there will never be another Alpha. According to him, Alpha's teachings will continue guiding them forever, and rather than replacing her, they will honor her memory through vengeance. His command is terrifyingly simple yet incredibly effective: they will kill everyone. There are no speeches, no negotiations, and no debates. In that single declaration, Beta transforms the Whisperers from a dangerous enemy into an unstoppable force driven entirely by grief, rage, and revenge.
Back in Alexandria, Negan presents Alpha's severed head to Rick and Andrea as undeniable proof of what he has accomplished. Unsurprisingly, neither of them is willing to trust him so easily. After everything Negan has done over the years, bringing Alpha's head back doesn't magically erase his past. Negan insists that his imprisonment changed him and that Rick's philosophy inspired him to become a better person. He points out that he had countless opportunities to betray Rick or simply disappear forever but instead chose to return. He claims he wants to fight alongside Rick rather than against him. Rick doesn't fully believe him, but he also recognizes the enormous value of what Negan has accomplished. Rather than granting him complete freedom, Rick reaches a compromise. Negan will no longer live inside a prison cell, but neither will he be welcomed into the communities. Instead, he will live alone at an isolated outpost with only enough food and weapons to survive. He will fight alongside the militia during the war, remain under constant surveillance, and only earn true freedom after proving himself throughout the conflict. Should he betray them even once, Rick promises he will be executed immediately. It is a cautious but fair decision, balancing practicality with accountability.
Rick then discusses military strategy with Dwight, revealing that this upcoming conflict will be entirely different from the Savior War. Unlike before, this isn't about conquering territory. Their greatest advantages are superior firearms, better coordination, and organized tactics. Rather than fighting one decisive battle, Rick intends to launch repeated attacks that force the Whisperers into retreat before systematically hunting down every remaining member. Because Alpha's horde remains their greatest weapon, Rick also assigns cavalry units whose responsibility will be redirecting the walkers whenever possible. Even though he still doesn't trust Negan, Rick openly admits that Negan is now one of their most valuable assets because of everything he knows about the Whisperers. He asks Dwight to personally keep watch over Negan, knowing Dwight's experience with him makes him both cautious and capable.
Elsewhere, Aaron finally regains consciousness at the Hilltop after surviving Beta's brutal attack. Jesus remains by his side, checking on his recovery while also preparing to recruit additional soldiers for the militia. In a surprisingly lighthearted moment amidst all the tension, Alex jokingly comments that Aaron and Jesus would make a good couple. Jesus immediately brushes off the suggestion, but the brief exchange provides a refreshing reminder that these characters are still capable of smiling despite everything happening around them.
At the Hilltop, Maggie demonstrates her unwavering commitment by offering a surprisingly large number of volunteers to join Rick's militia. Even Michonne is impressed by how many people are willing to fight. Carl and Lydia volunteer as well, hoping to contribute, but Michonne refuses. Instead, she orders them to remain behind and help defend the Hilltop should the Whisperers attack there instead. Lydia, having grown up among the Whisperers, confidently predicts that Beta will attack. According to her, failing to retaliate after Alpha's death would be interpreted as weakness, something the Whisperers would never allow.
Preparation for war continues as Dwight organizes his soldiers with remarkable precision. He divides groups into carefully planned positions that allow them to support one another while covering large areas. Gabriel receives one of the most important assignments, taking position atop a water tower equipped with a rifle and a signaling horn. His elevated position gives him visibility for miles, making him the communities' early warning system should the Whisperers approach. These strategic details make the preparations feel believable and grounded rather than rushed.
Not everyone supports Rick's leadership, however. At the Kingdom, lingering resentment still exists. Some residents question why they should contribute soldiers to Rick's war at all. Others argue that Michonne should never replace Ezekiel because of the complicated history between them. These conversations subtly remind readers that although the communities are allies, unity remains fragile. Internal disagreements continue to threaten everything Rick has spent years building.
One of the quieter but most intriguing parts of the issue focuses on Eugene's ongoing radio conversations with Stephanie. The two continue slowly building trust as Eugene finally reveals that his community is located near Washington, D.C. Stephanie hesitates before revealing that her own community is in Ohio, admitting she hopes Eugene isn't secretly a dangerous person. Their conversation feels incredibly hopeful because, for the first time in a long while, the possibility of another large surviving civilization no longer feels impossible. In the middle of a story dominated by war preparations, this subplot quietly reminds readers that the world may still be much bigger than anyone imagined.
Before the issue concludes, Rick speaks privately with Andrea. Unable to participate directly in battle because of his injuries, Rick admits how difficult it is to remain behind while everyone else fights. He asks Andrea if she trusts his decision regarding Negan. Andrea honestly admits she still doesn't trust Negan, but she trusts Rick's judgment enough to support his choice. That distinction says a great deal about their relationship. Their partnership isn't built on always agreeing—it is built on mutual respect and faith in one another.
The final pages deliver an incredible sense of tension. Dwight's scouting unit signals that all positions are secure using reflected sunlight from mirrors, showing how carefully coordinated the militia has become. Gabriel finally climbs into the water tower, peers through his rifle scope, and freezes. Stretching across the landscape is an enormous sea of walkers mixed with Whisperers, moving steadily toward the communities. The sheer scale of the approaching horde is enough to make Gabriel visibly panic. Meanwhile, back in Alexandria, Rick calmly reassures the civilians that they are safe and that everything is under control. The heartbreaking irony is that readers know he has absolutely no idea what is already marching toward them.
This issue does an outstanding job transitioning the story from preparation into full-scale war. There are no unnecessary action scenes or shocking deaths used purely for spectacle. Instead, nearly every page focuses on strategy, logistics, leadership, and the emotional burden of making decisions that will determine the survival of thousands of people. The tension comes from anticipation rather than constant violence, making every conversation feel just as important as every fight.
One thing I appreciated was Magna refusing to immediately execute Negan. Dwight's hatred is completely understandable because of everything Negan did during the Savior War, but allowing emotion to dictate that decision would have been shortsighted. Rick needed answers, and Negan possessed information that no one else could provide. Sometimes the smartest decision isn't the most emotionally satisfying one.
Beta's reaction to Alpha's death was also fascinating. I expected him to immediately crown himself as the new Alpha, but instead he completely rejected the title. That decision makes him even more frightening because he isn't driven by ambition or personal power. He's driven by absolute devotion. His declaration that there will never be another Alpha and that everyone must die instantly established him as a different kind of villain. Unlike Alpha, who manipulated people through ideology, Beta seems motivated almost entirely by grief and vengeance, making him feel far less predictable.
Negan continues to be one of the most difficult characters to read. Every conversation leaves me questioning whether he is genuinely trying to redeem himself or simply playing a much longer game. Bringing Alpha's head back certainly earns him some credibility, but it doesn't erase years of cruelty and manipulation. Rick's decision to keep him isolated while forcing him to prove himself on the battlefield feels like the only reasonable compromise. Trust isn't something Negan deserves immediately—it is something he has to earn piece by piece.
I also found myself questioning Rick's overall battle strategy. Redirecting a massive walker herd is already dangerous under normal circumstances, but this isn't an ordinary herd. Hidden among those walkers are Whisperers actively controlling its movements. That completely changes the battlefield. Every cavalry unit attempting to redirect the horde risks unknowingly riding directly into enemy soldiers disguised among the dead. I hope Rick has considered this possibility because it could become one of the militia's biggest weaknesses once the fighting begins.
The small interactions between Aaron and Jesus were surprisingly refreshing. Even with war looming over everyone, there are still quiet moments that remind us these characters are ordinary people trying to hold onto pieces of normal life. Michonne's earlier observations about the two of them continue to linger, and I genuinely wouldn't mind seeing that relationship develop naturally over time.
Dwight continues proving himself as one of the strongest military leaders among all the communities. Every decision he makes feels calculated, practical, and based on real battlefield experience rather than emotion. His positioning of the troops, communication methods, and defensive planning all inspire confidence. If anyone besides Rick can lead these people through the coming war, it's Dwight.
The ending genuinely gave me chills. Gabriel's horrified expression after looking through his scope says everything without needing many words. The Whisperers are no longer just a distant threat—they are already advancing in overwhelming numbers while most of Alexandria continues living under the illusion that everything is under control. Rick's speech reassuring everyone that they are safe becomes tragically ironic because the danger is already much closer than anyone realizes. This issue perfectly captures that dreadful feeling before a storm arrives, where everyone is making their final preparations while the audience already knows disaster is only moments away. It is a phenomenal setup for the war ahead, leaving me both excited and incredibly anxious to see how the communities survive what is clearly going to be their greatest battle yet.
December 15, 2017
"There is no cause for worry."
January 16, 2019
I'm liking the build-up to this new conflict, although it seems to echo All-Out War and the conflict with the Governor. The Walking Dead may need to step up its game after this War and address new concepts, like the most pressing one: what/who exactly caused this zombie apocalypse?
Either way, Kirkman keeps saying this story will be a lot different from anything we saw before, so I'm hopeful it will turn out that way.
Either way, Kirkman keeps saying this story will be a lot different from anything we saw before, so I'm hopeful it will turn out that way.
December 1, 2018
This is a random Walking Dead comic I picked up from an antique store. It's far ahead of where I am in the comics, but I don't care. It was fun to read it knowing that the Whisperers are going to be the main antagonists in the show. What I read was extremely engrossing. I can't wait to watch and read what comes next!
October 24, 2017
Wow, trust can be a tricky thing!
November 6, 2019
The build up to the war with the dead
November 22, 2016
One whole isue to have Negan return and have preparations for war. Yeah. Fast not.
October 8, 2016
I agree with Dwight that Magna or whatever her name is, should have shot Negan. Sure, he did a good thing in killing Alpha, but that doesn't change the fact that he killed Glenn.
The whole conversation with Dwight and Negan, had me agreeing with Dwight. I don't trust Negan at all. He's really just not a good guy at all. Negan's attachment to Lucille is downright creepy.
Also, gross. I know that Negan has Alpha's head in the bag. I wonder how Rick's going to react to that. I have a feeling he's going to freak the fuck out.
As for Beta, he can fuck off for all I care. The guy's just a damn prick. If he think he and his people are going to take on Rick's people and win, he's delusional.
Both sides will have tremendous loss, but Rick and his people will always win. That's what makes him such a good character to set the series around.
Well, the talk between Negan, Rick and Andrea isn't going well for Negan. I felt like Negan was too eager to take the deal that Rick offered. I can't help feeling suspicious.
I like the conversation between Rick and Dwight. And I agree with what Rick said. They put together an army to defend the place and when the Whisperers fall back to regroup, kill them all.
I'm glad that Dwight agreed to work with Negan. I just hope that he doesn't end up being right and Negan kills him and a whole bunch of others.
Aww, I really like Jesus and Aaron together. And Alex saying that he thought Aaron and Jesus should get together, was awesome. I'm glad they're all getting along.
I like that Michonne told Carl and Lydia to stay back and help protect Maggie and the others. I get the feeling that the Whisperers aren't just going to attack Rick's group. They're going to attack all the communities.
I like Dwight's plan and hope that Negan doesn't say or do anything to screw it up. Though I get the feeling that that's exactly what's going to happen.
The conversation between the two men from the Kingdom has me worried. The one who was bitching the whole time might try to attack Michonne or Rick.
Yeah, so Eugene's radio friend makes me think that she and HER group will turn out to be evil. I don't know. I just have a bad feeling about that woman and her people.
Andrea and Rick always make me laugh. I like their conversations. I'm glad that Andrea always knows the right thing to say to Rick to assure him that he's doing the right thing.
Oh man. That pile that looked like zombies. Wonder if it was zombies, or if it was just a bunch of the Whisperers. I just hope that things don't go too badly for everyone.
Love this issue and can't wait to read the next one.
The whole conversation with Dwight and Negan, had me agreeing with Dwight. I don't trust Negan at all. He's really just not a good guy at all. Negan's attachment to Lucille is downright creepy.
Also, gross. I know that Negan has Alpha's head in the bag. I wonder how Rick's going to react to that. I have a feeling he's going to freak the fuck out.
As for Beta, he can fuck off for all I care. The guy's just a damn prick. If he think he and his people are going to take on Rick's people and win, he's delusional.
Both sides will have tremendous loss, but Rick and his people will always win. That's what makes him such a good character to set the series around.
Well, the talk between Negan, Rick and Andrea isn't going well for Negan. I felt like Negan was too eager to take the deal that Rick offered. I can't help feeling suspicious.
I like the conversation between Rick and Dwight. And I agree with what Rick said. They put together an army to defend the place and when the Whisperers fall back to regroup, kill them all.
I'm glad that Dwight agreed to work with Negan. I just hope that he doesn't end up being right and Negan kills him and a whole bunch of others.
Aww, I really like Jesus and Aaron together. And Alex saying that he thought Aaron and Jesus should get together, was awesome. I'm glad they're all getting along.
I like that Michonne told Carl and Lydia to stay back and help protect Maggie and the others. I get the feeling that the Whisperers aren't just going to attack Rick's group. They're going to attack all the communities.
I like Dwight's plan and hope that Negan doesn't say or do anything to screw it up. Though I get the feeling that that's exactly what's going to happen.
The conversation between the two men from the Kingdom has me worried. The one who was bitching the whole time might try to attack Michonne or Rick.
Yeah, so Eugene's radio friend makes me think that she and HER group will turn out to be evil. I don't know. I just have a bad feeling about that woman and her people.
Andrea and Rick always make me laugh. I like their conversations. I'm glad that Andrea always knows the right thing to say to Rick to assure him that he's doing the right thing.
Oh man. That pile that looked like zombies. Wonder if it was zombies, or if it was just a bunch of the Whisperers. I just hope that things don't go too badly for everyone.
Love this issue and can't wait to read the next one.
December 28, 2016
I do not like this ''WAR'' episodes or stories, but I must admit this one is much different than the ones with Governor and Negan.
August 6, 2016
Ah.. and it finally starts here.
Whisperer War Part 1.
I have to say.. I would give this one 2 stars because from the looks of it... Rick... well is not gonna be involved much in it. I hate of what he slowly becomes. Like he's an old man or something. Sure, he's absolutely beat up, walking with a damn crane, no hand and he's barely doing anything at all besides giving orders. And that's just SAD.
IF.. all of this shit that's happening is for The Walking Dead to be a comic that I'll have to read about Dwight's and Jesus' and Michonne's badass action-packed moments.. then all of it is going to ruins faster than I thought.
Rick Kirkman. RICK. We can't watch the main protagonist be a secondary character who says do this and do that and what should I do? Have I made the right decision? This is what's been happening this far with Rick and nothing else. All the tension and fun is long gone.
Yeah, the new arc sounds nice, yeah, the Whisperers ever since they showed up, I couldn't wait to see what happens and it was a really smart and fresh idea to bring to the series, but where's Rick's involvement? Rick has become the old man who yells "get off my lawn" tells his kid to do this and not do that and at the end of the day not much else is going on for him.
Sad.
I hope it gets better. For Rick.
PS. Negan is still awesome.
Whisperer War Part 1.
I have to say.. I would give this one 2 stars because from the looks of it... Rick... well is not gonna be involved much in it. I hate of what he slowly becomes. Like he's an old man or something. Sure, he's absolutely beat up, walking with a damn crane, no hand and he's barely doing anything at all besides giving orders. And that's just SAD.
IF.. all of this shit that's happening is for The Walking Dead to be a comic that I'll have to read about Dwight's and Jesus' and Michonne's badass action-packed moments.. then all of it is going to ruins faster than I thought.
Rick Kirkman. RICK. We can't watch the main protagonist be a secondary character who says do this and do that and what should I do? Have I made the right decision? This is what's been happening this far with Rick and nothing else. All the tension and fun is long gone.
Yeah, the new arc sounds nice, yeah, the Whisperers ever since they showed up, I couldn't wait to see what happens and it was a really smart and fresh idea to bring to the series, but where's Rick's involvement? Rick has become the old man who yells "get off my lawn" tells his kid to do this and not do that and at the end of the day not much else is going on for him.
Sad.
I hope it gets better. For Rick.
PS. Negan is still awesome.
March 5, 2020
In the first of the six part arc The Whisperer's War we devote first issue to planning and preparation for the war. It's no wonder The Walking Dead is a legendary series, it truly deserves all the praise it can get. I love The Walking Dead and it's style. It's wonderful and I love the journey taken with Rick and the group as they roam the wasteland in search of life and stability.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
September 16, 2016
Call to arms
Everyone is rallying. Rick is seeking out more allies. He's keeping both eyes on Negan. He misses being in the fray-Rick is older,walks with a cane, the years haven't been kind to him. Carl and Lydia want to be apart of the action,but Maggie and Andrea don't want them involved and I don't blame them. Carl is too smitten and blinded by Lydia who I get bad vibes from. Dwight,Michonne, and the others warrior up once again, ready for action.
Everyone is rallying. Rick is seeking out more allies. He's keeping both eyes on Negan. He misses being in the fray-Rick is older,walks with a cane, the years haven't been kind to him. Carl and Lydia want to be apart of the action,but Maggie and Andrea don't want them involved and I don't blame them. Carl is too smitten and blinded by Lydia who I get bad vibes from. Dwight,Michonne, and the others warrior up once again, ready for action.
August 5, 2016
Glad to see that Rick is giving Negan a chance. Don't get me wrong. It's totally possible that Negan could be planning something really bad. But having Rick lock him up again would've been repetitive. Glad this is going somewhere. Can't wait to see how they continue fighting the Whisperers now that Alpha is gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2017
Ill be the first to admit not a lot happened in this issue but its still getting 5 stars from me.The writing is top notch and i love that we get issues like this where things are way more dialogue based then action based.The tension is really heating up.The Whisper War is about to begin and frankly im scared to death at who we may lose in this war.
October 12, 2016
I have no idea if Negan is being remotely sincere, but if his stated intentions are at all true, this is actually a lot more intriguing than his previous role. It also seems pretty clear that the overall state of play is going to be radically altered very soon...!
October 23, 2016
Negan comes back with the head of Alpha, leader of the Whisperers to gain trust from Rick. Rick let's him remain free. The Whisperers War has just begun, as a large herd of walkers head towards Alexiandria....
August 24, 2016
¡Que comience la guerra!
August 7, 2016
This could get interesting!
August 3, 2016
Now the war begins...
August 4, 2016
Very nice start to the whisper war. I think the artwork in 157 was fantastic.
August 4, 2016
Oh Negan, What is your plan??? That reach for Lucille...
THEY ARE COMING!!!!!!
This is going to be good.
THEY ARE COMING!!!!!!
This is going to be good.
August 21, 2016
Quite liking the 16-panel grid layout! Good story, too.
September 6, 2016
3.5 stars. Ready for the war
October 16, 2016
Rick: “We are safe, and we are doing everything in our power to remain safe. There is no cause for worry”.
Hmmm honey, the issue is called "The Whisperer War. Part 1 of 6.
Hmmm honey, the issue is called "The Whisperer War. Part 1 of 6.
October 26, 2016
You can read my review on my blog at Once Upon A Book
November 4, 2016
I'm really intrigued to find out if Negan is being sincere or not.
Rick continues with the false hope; while the Whisperers make their way to group.
Rick continues with the false hope; while the Whisperers make their way to group.
January 4, 2017
Preparations are underway for the Whisperer threat and Rick gains a very unlikely ally.
January 19, 2017
could be a decent setup or could be a pointless issue. we'll see
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