Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

A zombie story with decent characters at last, 13 May 2008
The first thing that strikes you when reading this for the first time is the long time frame in which the story is set. The concept of Walking Dead is to follow on beyond the end of a traditional zombie movie and answer the question of what happens next.
There are real, fully formed characters in this, and as the series goes on, you really get to explore the full range of emotions and what they got through. Wives and husbands are lost, children are born etc etc.
I agree with other reviews as far as resembling the original Romero films is concerned. It is more character driven than action driven. Saying that there are plenty of genuinely terrifying zombie encounters. Just bear in mind that this is all about the characters and their lives after the end of the world. It's up to part 8 now too, so be prepared for a long ride!

When there`s no more room in hell....., 17 Aug 2007
let me put it this way: if you like the original dawn of the dead, you`ll probably think this is brilliant, if you preffered the 2004 remake (urgh) you`ll probably think that this series has far too many "thinky" bits and not enough explosions. if you liked neither, you`re probaly not reading this review.
THe story begins with a policeman who is wounded in a shootout and wakes up in a hospital....oh, and the hospitals full a zombies. this is very similar to the beggining of 28 days later. (which in turn is very similar to day of the triffids) some might say it is a rip-off. to be honest it doesn`t matter, becos the idea is to have the main characters normal, everyday life turned upside down with no warning or build up, so that he has to come to terms with it very quickly, and constantly feels out of his depth.
the series features great characters who each have their own story, this means that you can really connect with them and feel genuinely sorry everytime one is killed. also most characters have a good side and a darker side. this is refreshing in western comics, you`d never se it in Bat/rat/cow/mouse/kapybara man where all the brighly coloured people are actually extremely black and white.(a kapybara is a large rodent). it feels more at home in japanese manga like battle royale.
so read a genuinely mature, well written comic that really earns the title of "graphic novel". read this. DO IT!!!!!


A Zombie Classic, 17 Jan 2007
The Walking Dead series is one of the best zombie stories ever told in any form, using the comic book medium to tell a slowly evolving, character based story that would not be possible in a 2hr film. For those who have ever asked 'what would I do if zombies attacked?' this series offers an answer by not just showing the immediate aftermath of a zombie uprising, but also detailing the months that follow, the loss of life, the psychological effects on people, and the slow loss of humanity that people face in terrible situations. It is a series well worth sticking to, as it only gets better as the characters face new challenges along the way, and the slow realisation that it takes more than just guns and machetes to stop the end of civilisation, but the desire to stay human.

The art in the first trade paperback is the best, but don't let the change of artists in the other collections put you off. Charlie Adlard's art is, while less glossy than Tony Moore's, far more expressive of the characters' inner turmoil. While we come to less enjoy the action taking place, the characters' personal stories come to the foreground, giving a more profound and realistic impression of the aftermath of such events.

A must buy for Zombie fans.

A different read than expected., 11 Jan 2007
As stated in Kirkmans opening blurb, just as you get into a Zombie movie the credits start rollin'! So, here, Kirkman has the ability to avoid leaving the viewer/reader wondering if the victims succeed, by charting the life of protagonist Rick Grimes to the bitter end.
The book kicks of with a bang, as Rick, a small town cop, and his partner and friend Shane, are trapped in a shoot out with an (implied) escaped convict. Rick is wounded and wakes up in a hospital bed. From here the story advances, as Rick wakes up to a nightmare situation and must escape, start over and defend his new life from the Walking Dead.
The story stays strong and consistant throughout, with particular attention paid not to the violence and depravity of the zombie subject, but to the relationships and psyche of the characters. This is not to say that gore hounds won't get thier fix, contained are some horrific scenes. Only it's secondary to character development, which clearly shows mental cracks appearing, and conversley minds strengthining and maturing. This leads to behaviour and actions of characters that you don't expect when they are first presented to you, yet feel natural at the time.
Also worth comment is the art style. Volume one is unique as it opens with a slight cartoon feel, which betrays the dark subject matter and actually takes away from the experience. People and objects seem deformed from real life. However, volume two onwards has a better standard of art direction.
Excellent pacing and dialogue means you will reach the last page before you want to, which leaves a long and agonising wait for the next installment.
The wait is worth it though, for the most modern and engaging horror storys I've ever read.

Stuart Pe-Win, 22 Oct 2006
An excellent comic story for any fan of the zombie genre. This volume introduces us to a group of survivors who struggle to remain alive as well as to hold onto their humanity.

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

A zombie story with decent characters at last, 13 May 2008
The first thing that strikes you when reading this for the first time is the long time frame in which the story is set. The concept of Walking Dead is to follow on beyond the end of a traditional zombie movie and answer the question of what happens next.
There are real, fully formed characters in this, and as the series goes on, you really get to explore the full range of emotions and what they got through. Wives and husbands are lost, children are born etc etc.
I agree with other reviews as far as resembling the original Romero films is concerned. It is more character driven than action driven. Saying that there are plenty of genuinely terrifying zombie encounters. Just bear in mind that this is all about the characters and their lives after the end of the world. It's up to part 8 now too, so be prepared for a long ride!

When there`s no more room in hell....., 17 Aug 2007
let me put it this way: if you like the original dawn of the dead, you`ll probably think this is brilliant, if you preffered the 2004 remake (urgh) you`ll probably think that this series has far too many "thinky" bits and not enough explosions. if you liked neither, you`re probaly not reading this review.
THe story begins with a policeman who is wounded in a shootout and wakes up in a hospital....oh, and the hospitals full a zombies. this is very similar to the beggining of 28 days later. (which in turn is very similar to day of the triffids) some might say it is a rip-off. to be honest it doesn`t matter, becos the idea is to have the main characters normal, everyday life turned upside down with no warning or build up, so that he has to come to terms with it very quickly, and constantly feels out of his depth.
the series features great characters who each have their own story, this means that you can really connect with them and feel genuinely sorry everytime one is killed. also most characters have a good side and a darker side. this is refreshing in western comics, you`d never se it in Bat/rat/cow/mouse/kapybara man where all the brighly coloured people are actually extremely black and white.(a kapybara is a large rodent). it feels more at home in japanese manga like battle royale.
so read a genuinely mature, well written comic that really earns the title of "graphic novel". read this. DO IT!!!!!


A Zombie Classic, 17 Jan 2007
The Walking Dead series is one of the best zombie stories ever told in any form, using the comic book medium to tell a slowly evolving, character based story that would not be possible in a 2hr film. For those who have ever asked 'what would I do if zombies attacked?' this series offers an answer by not just showing the immediate aftermath of a zombie uprising, but also detailing the months that follow, the loss of life, the psychological effects on people, and the slow loss of humanity that people face in terrible situations. It is a series well worth sticking to, as it only gets better as the characters face new challenges along the way, and the slow realisation that it takes more than just guns and machetes to stop the end of civilisation, but the desire to stay human.

The art in the first trade paperback is the best, but don't let the change of artists in the other collections put you off. Charlie Adlard's art is, while less glossy than Tony Moore's, far more expressive of the characters' inner turmoil. While we come to less enjoy the action taking place, the characters' personal stories come to the foreground, giving a more profound and realistic impression of the aftermath of such events.

A must buy for Zombie fans.

A different read than expected., 11 Jan 2007
As stated in Kirkmans opening blurb, just as you get into a Zombie movie the credits start rollin'! So, here, Kirkman has the ability to avoid leaving the viewer/reader wondering if the victims succeed, by charting the life of protagonist Rick Grimes to the bitter end.
The book kicks of with a bang, as Rick, a small town cop, and his partner and friend Shane, are trapped in a shoot out with an (implied) escaped convict. Rick is wounded and wakes up in a hospital bed. From here the story advances, as Rick wakes up to a nightmare situation and must escape, start over and defend his new life from the Walking Dead.
The story stays strong and consistant throughout, with particular attention paid not to the violence and depravity of the zombie subject, but to the relationships and psyche of the characters. This is not to say that gore hounds won't get thier fix, contained are some horrific scenes. Only it's secondary to character development, which clearly shows mental cracks appearing, and conversley minds strengthining and maturing. This leads to behaviour and actions of characters that you don't expect when they are first presented to you, yet feel natural at the time.
Also worth comment is the art style. Volume one is unique as it opens with a slight cartoon feel, which betrays the dark subject matter and actually takes away from the experience. People and objects seem deformed from real life. However, volume two onwards has a better standard of art direction.
Excellent pacing and dialogue means you will reach the last page before you want to, which leaves a long and agonising wait for the next installment.
The wait is worth it though, for the most modern and engaging horror storys I've ever read.

Stuart Pe-Win, 22 Oct 2006
An excellent comic story for any fan of the zombie genre. This volume introduces us to a group of survivors who struggle to remain alive as well as to hold onto their humanity.

Poor dialogue and 2d characters let down some good ideas, 24 Aug 2008
Robert Kirkman has been praised for creating this ongoing zombie saga; and while he deserves the credit for a great idea, and a decent plot, his execution and technique are sorely lacking. His dialogue has each character providing detailed exposition for their every action, leaving nothing to the reader's imagination. The characters themselves are pretty two dimensional and predictable, especially the women (I really wouldn't recommend this for female readers - you'll probably come away frustrated).

It's a pity because there are times when the book veers to enjoyable, as Kirkman uses a few good ideas to create interesting scenarios. The story also moves forward and you get a nice feeling of progression from the changing relationships and locales that is most often missing in ongoing comic book scenarios.

The artwork in the first half is excellent, the use of the gray tones and detailed pencils make it feel almost like an old black and white horror show on TV. The art takes a downturn at the halfway point, however it is still passable and easily followed.

Not bad then, but would be a lot better if Kirkman passed the scripting duties to someone who knew how to write dialogue.

They keep on coming - great!, 23 May 2008
I was 10 years old when Dawn of the Dead was made, and 13 when I finally saw a grainy version on home video. From that moment on I was a fan of the zombie genre (Day of the Dead was the first X film I ever sneaked into!)

One thing about a great zombie film though, is how they always seem to end with lots of unanswered questions and unexplored scenarios. Evidentally Robert Kirkman felt the same, and The Walking Dead was created in an attempt to present an ongoing story of survival in a world overrun by the living dead.

He doesn't worry about why it happened, or what official responses were (these are brushed aside fairly quickly and at the periphery of the story). Instead, he extrapolates the effect on a band of ordinary people - their relationships, their plans and their struggles.

Kirkman obviously knows human nature, and that in such a situation people wouldn't do the logical things needed to survive but still concentrate on selfish agendas and petty jealousies, as well as the struggle between the male members of each group to be the "alpha". As in Romero's films, female characters tend to be strong, having to fight not only the undead, but the testosterine pig-headedness of the menfolk as they squabble, or run off to execute hair-brained plans of dubious benefit.

Taking a further leaf from Romero, the zombies are often merely a catalyst for drawing out the drama - the real enemy is within. Books 2 and 3 especially take this path, and contain some of the most shocking scenes ever to grace the pages of a graphic novel - generally ones where the zombies are barely in sight. When they do become the direct threat, though, the creators pull no punches.

Tony Moore's polished initial artwork is fine, but when it gives way to Charlie Adlard's more robust style of drawing (though it is a lot tighter than his work on The X Files comics) things really ramp up. Like classic Mike McMahon Judge Dredds and ABC Warriors from the late 1970s and early 1980s, his sparse but energetic lines and high contrast use of shadow catch an urgency that suits the story magnificently. My background is in illustration, and I would always overwork things a little to the detriment of the piece - I envy Adlard's confident looseness!

As this review is written we are at number 3 in terms of hardback collections, with the comic run ongoing. The wait for a new collected book seems interminable, but the reread value of these stunning stories is high. May Kirkman and Adlard's dead keep on walking.

BEST EVER!, 09 May 2008
i got hooked!!! the artwork starts off gr8 but gets a bit slapdash near the end, BUT don't let that put you off! the story is so good! by far the best Zombie comic out there, the only down side is that you will end up getting book:2 then book:3 and thats where the cost starts adding up, but well worth every penny!

roll on the movie!

The evil other half!, 02 May 2008
The first half of this graphic novel is great, the art by Tony Moore is crisp, clear, stylised and works very well. It's all very entertaining...

until...

The evil other half of the graphic novel, were for some strange reason Charlie Adlard takes the reigns of the art work. Suddenly the characters look different, some of the characters look so alike it's hard to distingish who is who! I would go as far as saying some of the artwork is sloppy...in particular a child character in the novel is out of proportion most of the time, with a huge head and hands that are too big for the body.

The change in artwork is like flying first class for half of a flight and then being put in to economy class for the second half of the journey...it hampers your enjoyment.

The fact fact that Tony Moore only did half the novel stops me from giving it 5 stars...and will stop me buying the rest of the series.

zombie genre classic, 30 Jan 2008
if, like me you love everything about zombies; in particular the terror of an inevitable, creeping death, then this collection is perfect. an open ended, continuing story that highlights not only action and horror but the strain on interpersonal relationships and morals that this kind of apocalypse would bring about.
my only criticism would be that in some places the artwork is a bit rough, it starts great but an early change of artist is not to it's credit, although charlie adlard's zombie drawings are excellent, his human characters can look a little rough. however this really does not take anything away from the story.
join the story now and be a part of what could be the greatest zombie yarn of all time and let's hope for a televisation!

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

A zombie story with decent characters at last, 13 May 2008
The first thing that strikes you when reading this for the first time is the long time frame in which the story is set. The concept of Walking Dead is to follow on beyond the end of a traditional zombie movie and answer the question of what happens next.
There are real, fully formed characters in this, and as the series goes on, you really get to explore the full range of emotions and what they got through. Wives and husbands are lost, children are born etc etc.
I agree with other reviews as far as resembling the original Romero films is concerned. It is more character driven than action driven. Saying that there are plenty of genuinely terrifying zombie encounters. Just bear in mind that this is all about the characters and their lives after the end of the world. It's up to part 8 now too, so be prepared for a long ride!

When there`s no more room in hell....., 17 Aug 2007
let me put it this way: if you like the original dawn of the dead, you`ll probably think this is brilliant, if you preffered the 2004 remake (urgh) you`ll probably think that this series has far too many "thinky" bits and not enough explosions. if you liked neither, you`re probaly not reading this review.
THe story begins with a policeman who is wounded in a shootout and wakes up in a hospital....oh, and the hospitals full a zombies. this is very similar to the beggining of 28 days later. (which in turn is very similar to day of the triffids) some might say it is a rip-off. to be honest it doesn`t matter, becos the idea is to have the main characters normal, everyday life turned upside down with no warning or build up, so that he has to come to terms with it very quickly, and constantly feels out of his depth.
the series features great characters who each have their own story, this means that you can really connect with them and feel genuinely sorry everytime one is killed. also most characters have a good side and a darker side. this is refreshing in western comics, you`d never se it in Bat/rat/cow/mouse/kapybara man where all the brighly coloured people are actually extremely black and white.(a kapybara is a large rodent). it feels more at home in japanese manga like battle royale.
so read a genuinely mature, well written comic that really earns the title of "graphic novel". read this. DO IT!!!!!


A Zombie Classic, 17 Jan 2007
The Walking Dead series is one of the best zombie stories ever told in any form, using the comic book medium to tell a slowly evolving, character based story that would not be possible in a 2hr film. For those who have ever asked 'what would I do if zombies attacked?' this series offers an answer by not just showing the immediate aftermath of a zombie uprising, but also detailing the months that follow, the loss of life, the psychological effects on people, and the slow loss of humanity that people face in terrible situations. It is a series well worth sticking to, as it only gets better as the characters face new challenges along the way, and the slow realisation that it takes more than just guns and machetes to stop the end of civilisation, but the desire to stay human.

The art in the first trade paperback is the best, but don't let the change of artists in the other collections put you off. Charlie Adlard's art is, while less glossy than Tony Moore's, far more expressive of the characters' inner turmoil. While we come to less enjoy the action taking place, the characters' personal stories come to the foreground, giving a more profound and realistic impression of the aftermath of such events.

A must buy for Zombie fans.

A different read than expected., 11 Jan 2007
As stated in Kirkmans opening blurb, just as you get into a Zombie movie the credits start rollin'! So, here, Kirkman has the ability to avoid leaving the viewer/reader wondering if the victims succeed, by charting the life of protagonist Rick Grimes to the bitter end.
The book kicks of with a bang, as Rick, a small town cop, and his partner and friend Shane, are trapped in a shoot out with an (implied) escaped convict. Rick is wounded and wakes up in a hospital bed. From here the story advances, as Rick wakes up to a nightmare situation and must escape, start over and defend his new life from the Walking Dead.
The story stays strong and consistant throughout, with particular attention paid not to the violence and depravity of the zombie subject, but to the relationships and psyche of the characters. This is not to say that gore hounds won't get thier fix, contained are some horrific scenes. Only it's secondary to character development, which clearly shows mental cracks appearing, and conversley minds strengthining and maturing. This leads to behaviour and actions of characters that you don't expect when they are first presented to you, yet feel natural at the time.
Also worth comment is the art style. Volume one is unique as it opens with a slight cartoon feel, which betrays the dark subject matter and actually takes away from the experience. People and objects seem deformed from real life. However, volume two onwards has a better standard of art direction.
Excellent pacing and dialogue means you will reach the last page before you want to, which leaves a long and agonising wait for the next installment.
The wait is worth it though, for the most modern and engaging horror storys I've ever read.

Stuart Pe-Win, 22 Oct 2006
An excellent comic story for any fan of the zombie genre. This volume introduces us to a group of survivors who struggle to remain alive as well as to hold onto their humanity.

Poor dialogue and 2d characters let down some good ideas, 24 Aug 2008
Robert Kirkman has been praised for creating this ongoing zombie saga; and while he deserves the credit for a great idea, and a decent plot, his execution and technique are sorely lacking. His dialogue has each character providing detailed exposition for their every action, leaving nothing to the reader's imagination. The characters themselves are pretty two dimensional and predictable, especially the women (I really wouldn't recommend this for female readers - you'll probably come away frustrated).

It's a pity because there are times when the book veers to enjoyable, as Kirkman uses a few good ideas to create interesting scenarios. The story also moves forward and you get a nice feeling of progression from the changing relationships and locales that is most often missing in ongoing comic book scenarios.

The artwork in the first half is excellent, the use of the gray tones and detailed pencils make it feel almost like an old black and white horror show on TV. The art takes a downturn at the halfway point, however it is still passable and easily followed.

Not bad then, but would be a lot better if Kirkman passed the scripting duties to someone who knew how to write dialogue.

They keep on coming - great!, 23 May 2008
I was 10 years old when Dawn of the Dead was made, and 13 when I finally saw a grainy version on home video. From that moment on I was a fan of the zombie genre (Day of the Dead was the first X film I ever sneaked into!)

One thing about a great zombie film though, is how they always seem to end with lots of unanswered questions and unexplored scenarios. Evidentally Robert Kirkman felt the same, and The Walking Dead was created in an attempt to present an ongoing story of survival in a world overrun by the living dead.

He doesn't worry about why it happened, or what official responses were (these are brushed aside fairly quickly and at the periphery of the story). Instead, he extrapolates the effect on a band of ordinary people - their relationships, their plans and their struggles.

Kirkman obviously knows human nature, and that in such a situation people wouldn't do the logical things needed to survive but still concentrate on selfish agendas and petty jealousies, as well as the struggle between the male members of each group to be the "alpha". As in Romero's films, female characters tend to be strong, having to fight not only the undead, but the testosterine pig-headedness of the menfolk as they squabble, or run off to execute hair-brained plans of dubious benefit.

Taking a further leaf from Romero, the zombies are often merely a catalyst for drawing out the drama - the real enemy is within. Books 2 and 3 especially take this path, and contain some of the most shocking scenes ever to grace the pages of a graphic novel - generally ones where the zombies are barely in sight. When they do become the direct threat, though, the creators pull no punches.

Tony Moore's polished initial artwork is fine, but when it gives way to Charlie Adlard's more robust style of drawing (though it is a lot tighter than his work on The X Files comics) things really ramp up. Like classic Mike McMahon Judge Dredds and ABC Warriors from the late 1970s and early 1980s, his sparse but energetic lines and high contrast use of shadow catch an urgency that suits the story magnificently. My background is in illustration, and I would always overwork things a little to the detriment of the piece - I envy Adlard's confident looseness!

As this review is written we are at number 3 in terms of hardback collections, with the comic run ongoing. The wait for a new collected book seems interminable, but the reread value of these stunning stories is high. May Kirkman and Adlard's dead keep on walking.

BEST EVER!, 09 May 2008
i got hooked!!! the artwork starts off gr8 but gets a bit slapdash near the end, BUT don't let that put you off! the story is so good! by far the best Zombie comic out there, the only down side is that you will end up getting book:2 then book:3 and thats where the cost starts adding up, but well worth every penny!

roll on the movie!

The evil other half!, 02 May 2008
The first half of this graphic novel is great, the art by Tony Moore is crisp, clear, stylised and works very well. It's all very entertaining...

until...

The evil other half of the graphic novel, were for some strange reason Charlie Adlard takes the reigns of the art work. Suddenly the characters look different, some of the characters look so alike it's hard to distingish who is who! I would go as far as saying some of the artwork is sloppy...in particular a child character in the novel is out of proportion most of the time, with a huge head and hands that are too big for the body.

The change in artwork is like flying first class for half of a flight and then being put in to economy class for the second half of the journey...it hampers your enjoyment.

The fact fact that Tony Moore only did half the novel stops me from giving it 5 stars...and will stop me buying the rest of the series.

zombie genre classic, 30 Jan 2008
if, like me you love everything about zombies; in particular the terror of an inevitable, creeping death, then this collection is perfect. an open ended, continuing story that highlights not only action and horror but the strain on interpersonal relationships and morals that this kind of apocalypse would bring about.
my only criticism would be that in some places the artwork is a bit rough, it starts great but an early change of artist is not to it's credit, although charlie adlard's zombie drawings are excellent, his human characters can look a little rough. however this really does not take anything away from the story.
join the story now and be a part of what could be the greatest zombie yarn of all time and let's hope for a televisation!

Disturbing and Thrilling in Equal Measure, 10 May 2007
If you have been a fan of this series so far you are unlikely to be disappointed by this latest instalment.
Kirkman's zombie apocalypse storyline has reached a point where the zombies themselves are almost just an incidental backdrop to the main story of the survivor's descent into savagery and tribalism.
The violence depicted over a number of consecutive pages in this book goes far beyond what has been depicted in previous volumes and is all the more disturbing as it is difficult for the reader not to feel that the victim is deserving of the fate that they have bought upon themself.
What follows these scenes is easily thrilling enough to get the story moving along again and leave you eager to find out what will follow in the next volume.

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

A zombie story with decent characters at last, 13 May 2008
The first thing that strikes you when reading this for the first time is the long time frame in which the story is set. The concept of Walking Dead is to follow on beyond the end of a traditional zombie movie and answer the question of what happens next.
There are real, fully formed characters in this, and as the series goes on, you really get to explore the full range of emotions and what they got through. Wives and husbands are lost, children are born etc etc.
I agree with other reviews as far as resembling the original Romero films is concerned. It is more character driven than action driven. Saying that there are plenty of genuinely terrifying zombie encounters. Just bear in mind that this is all about the characters and their lives after the end of the world. It's up to part 8 now too, so be prepared for a long ride!

When there`s no more room in hell....., 17 Aug 2007
let me put it this way: if you like the original dawn of the dead, you`ll probably think this is brilliant, if you preffered the 2004 remake (urgh) you`ll probably think that this series has far too many "thinky" bits and not enough explosions. if you liked neither, you`re probaly not reading this review.
THe story begins with a policeman who is wounded in a shootout and wakes up in a hospital....oh, and the hospitals full a zombies. this is very similar to the beggining of 28 days later. (which in turn is very similar to day of the triffids) some might say it is a rip-off. to be honest it doesn`t matter, becos the idea is to have the main characters normal, everyday life turned upside down with no warning or build up, so that he has to come to terms with it very quickly, and constantly feels out of his depth.
the series features great characters who each have their own story, this means that you can really connect with them and feel genuinely sorry everytime one is killed. also most characters have a good side and a darker side. this is refreshing in western comics, you`d never se it in Bat/rat/cow/mouse/kapybara man where all the brighly coloured people are actually extremely black and white.(a kapybara is a large rodent). it feels more at home in japanese manga like battle royale.
so read a genuinely mature, well written comic that really earns the title of "graphic novel". read this. DO IT!!!!!


A Zombie Classic, 17 Jan 2007
The Walking Dead series is one of the best zombie stories ever told in any form, using the comic book medium to tell a slowly evolving, character based story that would not be possible in a 2hr film. For those who have ever asked 'what would I do if zombies attacked?' this series offers an answer by not just showing the immediate aftermath of a zombie uprising, but also detailing the months that follow, the loss of life, the psychological effects on people, and the slow loss of humanity that people face in terrible situations. It is a series well worth sticking to, as it only gets better as the characters face new challenges along the way, and the slow realisation that it takes more than just guns and machetes to stop the end of civilisation, but the desire to stay human.

The art in the first trade paperback is the best, but don't let the change of artists in the other collections put you off. Charlie Adlard's art is, while less glossy than Tony Moore's, far more expressive of the characters' inner turmoil. While we come to less enjoy the action taking place, the characters' personal stories come to the foreground, giving a more profound and realistic impression of the aftermath of such events.

A must buy for Zombie fans.

A different read than expected., 11 Jan 2007
As stated in Kirkmans opening blurb, just as you get into a Zombie movie the credits start rollin'! So, here, Kirkman has the ability to avoid leaving the viewer/reader wondering if the victims succeed, by charting the life of protagonist Rick Grimes to the bitter end.
The book kicks of with a bang, as Rick, a small town cop, and his partner and friend Shane, are trapped in a shoot out with an (implied) escaped convict. Rick is wounded and wakes up in a hospital bed. From here the story advances, as Rick wakes up to a nightmare situation and must escape, start over and defend his new life from the Walking Dead.
The story stays strong and consistant throughout, with particular attention paid not to the violence and depravity of the zombie subject, but to the relationships and psyche of the characters. This is not to say that gore hounds won't get thier fix, contained are some horrific scenes. Only it's secondary to character development, which clearly shows mental cracks appearing, and conversley minds strengthining and maturing. This leads to behaviour and actions of characters that you don't expect when they are first presented to you, yet feel natural at the time.
Also worth comment is the art style. Volume one is unique as it opens with a slight cartoon feel, which betrays the dark subject matter and actually takes away from the experience. People and objects seem deformed from real life. However, volume two onwards has a better standard of art direction.
Excellent pacing and dialogue means you will reach the last page before you want to, which leaves a long and agonising wait for the next installment.
The wait is worth it though, for the most modern and engaging horror storys I've ever read.

Stuart Pe-Win, 22 Oct 2006
An excellent comic story for any fan of the zombie genre. This volume introduces us to a group of survivors who struggle to remain alive as well as to hold onto their humanity.

Poor dialogue and 2d characters let down some good ideas, 24 Aug 2008
Robert Kirkman has been praised for creating this ongoing zombie saga; and while he deserves the credit for a great idea, and a decent plot, his execution and technique are sorely lacking. His dialogue has each character providing detailed exposition for their every action, leaving nothing to the reader's imagination. The characters themselves are pretty two dimensional and predictable, especially the women (I really wouldn't recommend this for female readers - you'll probably come away frustrated).

It's a pity because there are times when the book veers to enjoyable, as Kirkman uses a few good ideas to create interesting scenarios. The story also moves forward and you get a nice feeling of progression from the changing relationships and locales that is most often missing in ongoing comic book scenarios.

The artwork in the first half is excellent, the use of the gray tones and detailed pencils make it feel almost like an old black and white horror show on TV. The art takes a downturn at the halfway point, however it is still passable and easily followed.

Not bad then, but would be a lot better if Kirkman passed the scripting duties to someone who knew how to write dialogue.

They keep on coming - great!, 23 May 2008
I was 10 years old when Dawn of the Dead was made, and 13 when I finally saw a grainy version on home video. From that moment on I was a fan of the zombie genre (Day of the Dead was the first X film I ever sneaked into!)

One thing about a great zombie film though, is how they always seem to end with lots of unanswered questions and unexplored scenarios. Evidentally Robert Kirkman felt the same, and The Walking Dead was created in an attempt to present an ongoing story of survival in a world overrun by the living dead.

He doesn't worry about why it happened, or what official responses were (these are brushed aside fairly quickly and at the periphery of the story). Instead, he extrapolates the effect on a band of ordinary people - their relationships, their plans and their struggles.

Kirkman obviously knows human nature, and that in such a situation people wouldn't do the logical things needed to survive but still concentrate on selfish agendas and petty jealousies, as well as the struggle between the male members of each group to be the "alpha". As in Romero's films, female characters tend to be strong, having to fight not only the undead, but the testosterine pig-headedness of the menfolk as they squabble, or run off to execute hair-brained plans of dubious benefit.

Taking a further leaf from Romero, the zombies are often merely a catalyst for drawing out the drama - the real enemy is within. Books 2 and 3 especially take this path, and contain some of the most shocking scenes ever to grace the pages of a graphic novel - generally ones where the zombies are barely in sight. When they do become the direct threat, though, the creators pull no punches.

Tony Moore's polished initial artwork is fine, but when it gives way to Charlie Adlard's more robust style of drawing (though it is a lot tighter than his work on The X Files comics) things really ramp up. Like classic Mike McMahon Judge Dredds and ABC Warriors from the late 1970s and early 1980s, his sparse but energetic lines and high contrast use of shadow catch an urgency that suits the story magnificently. My background is in illustration, and I would always overwork things a little to the detriment of the piece - I envy Adlard's confident looseness!

As this review is written we are at number 3 in terms of hardback collections, with the comic run ongoing. The wait for a new collected book seems interminable, but the reread value of these stunning stories is high. May Kirkman and Adlard's dead keep on walking.

BEST EVER!, 09 May 2008
i got hooked!!! the artwork starts off gr8 but gets a bit slapdash near the end, BUT don't let that put you off! the story is so good! by far the best Zombie comic out there, the only down side is that you will end up getting book:2 then book:3 and thats where the cost starts adding up, but well worth every penny!

roll on the movie!

The evil other half!, 02 May 2008
The first half of this graphic novel is great, the art by Tony Moore is crisp, clear, stylised and works very well. It's all very entertaining...

until...

The evil other half of the graphic novel, were for some strange reason Charlie Adlard takes the reigns of the art work. Suddenly the characters look different, some of the characters look so alike it's hard to distingish who is who! I would go as far as saying some of the artwork is sloppy...in particular a child character in the novel is out of proportion most of the time, with a huge head and hands that are too big for the body.

The change in artwork is like flying first class for half of a flight and then being put in to economy class for the second half of the journey...it hampers your enjoyment.

The fact fact that Tony Moore only did half the novel stops me from giving it 5 stars...and will stop me buying the rest of the series.

zombie genre classic, 30 Jan 2008
if, like me you love everything about zombies; in particular the terror of an inevitable, creeping death, then this collection is perfect. an open ended, continuing story that highlights not only action and horror but the strain on interpersonal relationships and morals that this kind of apocalypse would bring about.
my only criticism would be that in some places the artwork is a bit rough, it starts great but an early change of artist is not to it's credit, although charlie adlard's zombie drawings are excellent, his human characters can look a little rough. however this really does not take anything away from the story.
join the story now and be a part of what could be the greatest zombie yarn of all time and let's hope for a televisation!

Disturbing and Thrilling in Equal Measure, 10 May 2007
If you have been a fan of this series so far you are unlikely to be disappointed by this latest instalment.
Kirkman's zombie apocalypse storyline has reached a point where the zombies themselves are almost just an incidental backdrop to the main story of the survivor's descent into savagery and tribalism.
The violence depicted over a number of consecutive pages in this book goes far beyond what has been depicted in previous volumes and is all the more disturbing as it is difficult for the reader not to feel that the victim is deserving of the fate that they have bought upon themself.
What follows these scenes is easily thrilling enough to get the story moving along again and leave you eager to find out what will follow in the next volume.





the terror continues..., 30 Jan 2008
i don't want to give anything away but if you have read earlier walking dead stories then you know things can only get worse.
the optimism that the team share in this one is constantly overshadowed by the fear of their vulnerability. i actually had to put the book down half way through because i felt queasy!
no doubt you should continue to read this great story. if only it didn't take one night to get through all those pages!

Will be awesome but amazon lies......, 02 May 2007
I'm sure this will be just as amazing as the first book....However, the 1-3 week dispatch is a downright lie.

I've had an order since 19 of March and two 'item delayed' e-mails later my latest deliver date is 12 May 2007 - 22 May 2007.

Useless. I hope Amazon decide to update this soon.

Many twists and turn(ing stomach)s, 28 Nov 2008
At long last the hardback volume 4 of Kirkman/Adlard's epic zombie comic series arrives, as luxuriously produced and printed as its predecessors.

Inspired by the author's desire to explore a zombie apocalypse and its effects on survivors way beyond the point where most films would end or leave many questions unanswered, Kirkman's story is literate, well-paced and full of well-developed, highly individual characters. Charlie Adlard's austere artwork is both high in contrast and energy, his bold lines and meticulous attention to detail giving the stories a gritty, verite feel that serves them well.

Volume 4 begins where volume 3 ended, with our band of survivors literally caged in a prison they have found, each coming to terms with their emotional and physical wounds after encountering a twisted community of survivors in a nearby town who are under the thrall of an insane and sadistic meglomaniac.

As with the best zombie fiction, it is not the undead who mark the greatest threat, instead becoming opportunistic bystanders who wait patiently for any chance to strike when the petty squabbles and affairs of the living cause them to let their guard down and make an often fatal mistake.

Nor are they evil, as they are merely motivated by impartial instinct. True evil in Kirkman's apocalypse exists within those who have used the breakdown of society as an excuse to indulge their darker cravings for power, and this is epitomised by the aforementioned insane governor (he keeps his zombie daughter around his apartment, along with a wall of fishtanks containing the reanimated heads of his victims). In volume 3 he is maimed, in one of the most graphic sequences ever to grace the printed page, by one of the female characters he had systematically abused for pleasure, and in volume 4 he sets upon the prison seeking the lives of all within. Like the worst tyrants of history, he doesn't see his actions as evil and twisted, but as righteous and worthy.

Shamelessly lying to get his population to follow him on a vengeance quest that makes absolutely no sense in a world where the dead return to life to attack the living, much of volume 4 features an epic armed siege with sporadic bouts of incredible action and violence. Characters that have been carefully cultivated over the entire run are written out in a manner that is sudden, merciless and shocking. In fact, the closest thing I can equate to the bleak tone of this book is the ending of Frank Darabonts film The Mist.

As with the others I did read this in one sitting, so gripping is the story, and as with the others I will be rereading it again soon at a more leisurely pace so I can absorb its many details and intricacies. Owners of the first three will need no encouragement - newcomers are best starting at the beginning The Walking Dead Book 1: Bk. 1, but I can guarantee that very quickly you'll have bought all four!

Kill em all?, 23 Sep 2008
OK, this is my first ever review so don't shoot me down if it sucks mucho botty.
Like other people have said, if your reading this book then there is a good chance that your already a fan of the series, and if the long wait has got you moist then prepare to have a full blown joygasm. This latest installment is a truly shocking turn of events, people you thought where dead are merely murderously pissed off, and people you thought where in the story for the long haul get wiped out in the most unexpected and brutal ways. It would be so easy to ruin this book for those who haven't read it yet by giving any more information, but i guarantee you will be turning the last few pages with a sense of shock unlike anything you have ever experienced from a graphic novel before.

Finally...., 22 Jul 2008
This series is the "Watchmen" of modern graphic novels. It really is the best thing in comics today. Lets hope HBO make this into an ongoing TV series

A real punch to the gut! What an Incredible Volume!, 03 Jul 2008
Wow! After what felt like an Eternity Volume 8 finally turned up in my post this morning. Worth the wait!!! After the cliffhanger of Volume 7 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen; who will survive, who will die, will the Governor finally get what's coming to him! Kirkman must have nerves of steel because he pulls no punches at all when it comes to the fate of these long invested characters. I won't spoil it for anyone but there are some genuinely shocking moments that really made me feel like I'd been smacked in the face. The Walking Dead is by far the best series of comics I have ever read.

Please please please Image Comics don't leave it so long again between volumes; I have to know what happens next!!!

Taking Ages, 11 Jun 2008
This is an awesome series but it's talking bloody forever for it to be available, I've been waiting like 2 whole months for it to come out after its release date....get it together people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't blame Amazon, 16 Apr 2008
By way of review, let me say this is an outstanding series, but if you're reading this, you probably already know that. Now to address all of the pointless review of this book so far....the reason Amazon isn't selling it yet is because the release date has been pushed back. It has nothing to do with the bookseller. It's pretty tough to sell a book which has not yet been published! They listed January 18th as the release date because that WAS the original release date. However, the comics publishing business being what it is, unforseen difficulties have delayed its release. Pretty simple really. Why are people wasting time writing "reviews" just to attack Amazon for not having the book in stock? It'll be out when it's out. Calm down.

A zombie story with decent characters at last, 13 May 2008
The first thing that strikes you when reading this for the first time is the long time frame in which the story is set. The concept of Walking Dead is to follow on beyond the end of a traditional zombie movie and answer the question of what happens next.
There are real, fully formed characters in this, and as the series goes on, you really get to explore the full range of emotions and what they got through. Wives and husbands are lost, children are born etc etc.
I agree with other reviews as far as resembling the original Romero films is concerned. It is more character driven than action driven. Saying that there are plenty of genuinely terrifying zombie encounters. Just bear in mind that this is all about the characters and their lives after the end of the world. It's up to part 8 now too, so be prepared for a long ride!

When there`s no more room in hell....., 17 Aug 2007
let me put it this way: if you like the original dawn of the dead, you`ll probably think this is brilliant, if you preffered the 2004 remake (urgh) you`ll probably think that this series has far too many "thinky" bits and not enough explosions. if you liked neither, you`re probaly not reading this review.
THe story begins with a policeman who is wounded in a shootout and wakes up in a hospital....oh, and the hospitals full a zombies. this is very similar to the beggining of 28 days later. (which in turn is very similar to day of the triffids) some might say it is a rip-off. to be honest it doesn`t matter, becos the idea is to have the main characters normal, everyday life turned upside down with no warning or build up, so that he has to come to terms with it very quickly, and constantly feels out of his depth.
the series features great characters who each have their own story, this means that you can really connect with them and feel genuinely sorry everytime one is killed. also most characters have a good side and a darker side. this is refreshing in western comics, you`d never se it in Bat/rat/cow/mouse/kapybara man where all the brighly coloured people are actually extremely black and white.(a kapybara is a large rodent). it feels more at home in japanese manga like battle royale.
so read a genuinely mature, well written comic that really earns the title of "graphic novel". read this. DO IT!!!!!


A Zombie Classic, 17 Jan 2007
The Walking Dead series is one of the best zombie stories ever told in any form, using the comic book medium to tell a slowly evolving, character based story that would not be possible in a 2hr film. For those who have ever asked 'what would I do if zombies attacked?' this series offers an answer by not just showing the immediate aftermath of a zombie uprising, but also detailing the months that follow, the loss of life, the psychological effects on people, and the slow loss of humanity that people face in terrible situations. It is a series well worth sticking to, as it only gets better as the characters face new challenges along the way, and the slow realisation that it takes more than just guns and machetes to stop the end of civilisation, but the desire to stay human.

The art in the first trade paperback is the best, but don't let the change of artists in the other collections put you off. Charlie Adlard's art is, while less glossy than Tony Moore's, far more expressive of the characters' inner turmoil. While we come to less enjoy the action taking place, the characters' personal stories come to the foreground, giving a more profound and realistic impression of the aftermath of such events.

A must buy for Zombie fans.

A different read than expected., 11 Jan 2007
As stated in Kirkmans opening blurb, just as you get into a Zombie movie the credits start rollin'! So, here, Kirkman has the ability to avoid leaving the viewer/reader wondering if the victims succeed, by charting the life of protagonist Rick Grimes to the bitter end.
The book kicks of with a bang, as Rick, a small town cop, and his partner and friend Shane, are trapped in a shoot out with an (implied) escaped convict. Rick is wounded and wakes up in a hospital bed. From here the story advances, as Rick wakes up to a nightmare situation and must escape, start over and defend his new life from the Walking Dead.
The story stays strong and consistant throughout, with particular attention paid not to the violence and depravity of the zombie subject, but to the relationships and psyche of the characters. This is not to say that gore hounds won't get thier fix, contained are some horrific scenes. Only it's secondary to character development, which clearly shows mental cracks appearing, and conversley minds strengthining and maturing. This leads to behaviour and actions of characters that you don't expect when they are first presented to you, yet feel natural at the time.
Also worth comment is the art style. Volume one is unique as it opens with a slight cartoon feel, which betrays the dark subject matter and actually takes away from the experience. People and objects seem deformed from real life. However, volume two onwards has a better standard of art direction.
Excellent pacing and dialogue means you will reach the last page before you want to, which leaves a long and agonising wait for the next installment.
The wait is worth it though, for the most modern and engaging horror storys I've ever read.

Stuart Pe-Win, 22 Oct 2006
An excellent comic story for any fan of the zombie genre. This volume introduces us to a group of survivors who struggle to remain alive as well as to hold onto their humanity.

Poor dialogue and 2d characters let down some good ideas, 24 Aug 2008
Robert Kirkman has been praised for creating this ongoing zombie saga; and while he deserves the credit for a great idea, and a decent plot, his execution and technique are sorely lacking. His dialogue has each character providing detailed exposition for their every action, leaving nothing to the reader's imagination. The characters themselves are pretty two dimensional and predictable, especially the women (I really wouldn't recommend this for female readers - you'll probably come away frustrated).

It's a pity because there are times when the book veers to enjoyable, as Kirkman uses a few good ideas to create interesting scenarios. The story also moves forward and you get a nice feeling of progression from the changing relationships and locales that is most often missing in ongoing comic book scenarios.

The artwork in the first half is excellent, the use of the gray tones and detailed pencils make it feel almost like an old black and white horror show on TV. The art takes a downturn at the halfway point, however it is still passable and easily followed.

Not bad then, but would be a lot better if Kirkman passed the scripting duties to someone who knew how to write dialogue.

They keep on coming - great!, 23 May 2008
I was 10 years old when Dawn of the Dead was made, and 13 when I finally saw a grainy version on home video. From that moment on I was a fan of the zombie genre (Day of the Dead was the first X film I ever sneaked into!)

One thing about a great zombie film though, is how they always seem to end with lots of unanswered questions and unexplored scenarios. Evidentally Robert Kirkman felt the same, and The Walking Dead was created in an attempt to present an ongoing story of survival in a world overrun by the living dead.

He doesn't worry about why it happened, or what official responses were (these are brushed aside fairly quickly and at the periphery of the story). Instead, he extrapolates the effect on a band of ordinary people - their relationships, their plans and their struggles.

Kirkman obviously knows human nature, and that in such a situation people wouldn't do the logical things needed to survive but still concentrate on selfish agendas and petty jealousies, as well as the struggle between the male members of each group to be the "alpha". As in Romero's films, female characters tend to be strong, having to fight not only the undead, but the testosterine pig-headedness of the menfolk as they squabble, or run off to execute hair-brained plans of dubious benefit.

Taking a further leaf from Romero, the zombies are often merely a catalyst for drawing out the drama - the real enemy is within. Books 2 and 3 especially take this path, and contain some of the most shocking scenes ever to grace the pages of a graphic novel - generally ones where the zombies are barely in sight. When they do become the direct threat, though, the creators pull no punches.

Tony Moore's polished initial artwork is fine, but when it gives way to Charlie Adlard's more robust style of drawing (though it is a lot tighter than his work on The X Files comics) things really ramp up. Like classic Mike McMahon Judge Dredds and ABC Warriors from the late 1970s and early 1980s, his sparse but energetic lines and high contrast use of shadow catch an urgency that suits the story magnificently. My background is in illustration, and I would always overwork things a little to the detriment of the piece - I envy Adlard's confident looseness!

As this review is written we are at number 3 in terms of hardback collections, with the comic run ongoing. The wait for a new collected book seems interminable, but the reread value of these stunning stories is high. May Kirkman and Adlard's dead keep on walking.

BEST EVER!, 09 May 2008
i got hooked!!! the artwork starts off gr8 but gets a bit slapdash near the end, BUT don't let that put you off! the story is so good! by far the best Zombie comic out there, the only down side is that you will end up getting book:2 then book:3 and thats where the cost starts adding up, but well worth every penny!

roll on the movie!

The evil other half!, 02 May 2008
The first half of this graphic novel is great, the art by Tony Moore is crisp, clear, stylised and works very well. It's all very entertaining...

until...

The evil other half of the graphic novel, were for some strange reason Charlie Adlard takes the reigns of the art work. Suddenly the characters look different, some of the characters look so alike it's hard to distingish who is who! I would go as far as saying some of the artwork is sloppy...in particular a child character in the novel is out of proportion most of the time, with a huge head and hands that are too big for the body.

The change in artwork is like flying first class for half of a flight and then being put in to economy class for the second half of the journey...it hampers your enjoyment.

The fact fact that Tony Moore only did half the novel stops me from giving it 5 stars...and will stop me buying the rest of the series.

zombie genre classic, 30 Jan 2008
if, like me you love everything about zombies; in particular the terror of an inevitable, creeping death, then this collection is perfect. an open ended, continuing story that highlights not only action and horror but the strain on interpersonal relationships and morals that this kind of apocalypse would bring about.
my only criticism would be that in some places the art