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The epic tale of survival continues. Rick Grimes is on a mission. He's got a long road ahead of him and many obstacles in his way, but he's determined. There's a lot resting on his shoulders. He cannot fail. He must not fail. Too much depends on it.

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

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240 people want to read

About the author

Robert Kirkman

2,737 books6,933 followers
Robert 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,486 reviews1,021 followers
February 4, 2023
First of all the cover - my favorite so far! I was thinking of Georg Simmel's concept of the 'stranger' after I finished this issue; the tensions that are always in play when nearness/remoteness must be objectively considered. The four prisoners illustrate this concept well: commonalities are considered in the 'shadow' of a systemic definition (law) that no longer exists. But there are new 'definers' coming - for worse or better.
Profile Image for Joseph Gagnon.
497 reviews22 followers
April 13, 2016
I think Kirkman just gave us the ol' one-two. He wanted us to think it might have been Dexter that killed Hershel's two youngest, but I knew right away it wasn't. I knew it wasn't the biker, though he seemed like a natural second suspect. Though, he was being a pervert while the girls were being murdered, so that struck him off my list. I didn't think it was Andrew, because he never seems to leave his cell. Turns out, it was Thomas, the "white collar" criminal. He may have lied about why he was in prison. Also, I think Kirkman purposefully named Dexter to make us think he was the killer. I would assume most people reading this comic would know about the popular book/TV/and-now-comic-book series about the anti-hero cereal killer of the same name. I love red herrings--especially pop culture red herrings.

I'm glad Tyreese isn't dead. I kinda figured he wasn't. I hope he's gotten the crazy out of his system though. He just needed some gym time I guess--haha!

I did have a couple of problems with this issue. Andrea and Lori kiss for no good reason. It's supposed to be one of those heat of the moment things that just happens, but it makes no sense. There was no real lead up to it, both are otherwise romantically linked. It seems kinda misogynistic writing. I'm not damning the series, but things like this take me out of the story a little bit. It rings false.

I also didn't like the scene after the one where the biker dude walks in on Lori and Andrea in the shower, where the biker dude is talking to Andrew about his relationship with Dexter. It's not that I disliked the fact that there's a homosexual relationship ... but the scene just disturbed me. This scene didn't "ring false" like Lori and Andrea's kiss ... I guess I am just against the idea of Dexter being a player. He doesn't seem like that kind of character. Then again, I don't really know him yet. Maybe the biker dude is just an asshole. I'll have to keep reading to find out. (I keep saying that ... a good sign).

Read more commentary and add your own here: http://www.rjspindle.com/content/the-...
October 22, 2024
This issue of The Walking Dead continues to deliver a heart-pounding narrative, unfolding some shocking and tense moments within the prison. The plot picks up with Rick's realization that roamers (walkers) are amassing outside the prison. Rick, noticing the looming danger, makes his way back to the prison quickly.

The opening sequence transitions to the Greene family. Maggie stumbles upon her father, Hershel, weeping in shock over the mutilated corpses of his two daughters, Susie and Rachel, whose decapitated heads have horrifyingly reanimated. This moment serves as a grim reminder of the brutal world they live in, where death can come unexpectedly, even in the safety of the prison.

Meanwhile, Tyreese, Glenn, Andrea, and Billy are in the gym, where Tyreese is overwhelmed by a swarm of walkers. Andrea wants to intervene, but Glenn pulls her away, convinced that Tyreese is beyond saving. This decision results in Tyreese being left behind, seemingly doomed.

Back in the prison, Axel continues to display his sleazy behavior. He informs Andrew that Lori and Carol are in the shower, suggesting they go take a look. This scene not only highlights the toxic masculinity and moral decay within the prison but also hints at Axel's predatory nature, which adds tension to his character as a potential threat. Andrew declines Axel's advances, revealing that he and Dexter are in a romantic relationship, which Axel dismissively mocks.

The survivors reconvene in the yard, where Lori is reunited with Carl. However, the joy is short-lived as Glenn and Andrea arrive, explaining the dire situation with Tyreese. Carol is devastated by the news of Tyreese being left behind. Glenn and Billy then go to find Hershel, only to come across the grotesque sight of Susie and Rachel's corpses. The scene is not only shocking but deeply tragic, as Hershel, who had already lost so much, now faces the brutal murder of two of his daughters.

In response to the murders, a frenzied Lori, alongside Glenn and Andrea, storms into Dexter's cell. Given Dexter's criminal history, Lori suspects him of the heinous act and isn't afraid to brandish a weapon in his face. Despite Dexter's protests of innocence, Lori's mistrust is palpable, reflecting the fragility of relationships within the prison and the lingering mistrust of the prisoners.

Later, Lori and Carol share a tender moment of comfort that unexpectedly escalates into Carol kissing Lori. This moment feels emotionally charged and highlights Carol’s mental instability as she grapples with the immense emotional strain of surviving in such a brutal world. Lori’s reaction, while surprised, is understanding, and she reassures Carol that it’s okay, providing a brief but poignant exploration of their complex relationship.

In a quieter subplot, Andrea and Dale share an intimate conversation about their future. Their relationship has always been heartwarming, but here, it takes on a more bittersweet tone. Andrea’s pragmatic view of their life expectancy is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of the world they live in. Despite this, their love remains a source of strength for both of them.

When Rick finally returns to the prison, he is shocked to find out about the deaths of Susie and Rachel and immediately blames himself for the chaos that ensued in his absence. Glenn also informs him about Tyreese’s presumed fate, but Rick, determined to find out the truth, organizes a search party. When they enter the gym, they are met with a miraculous sight: Tyreese has singlehandedly defeated the walkers and survived the encounter. This moment not only cements Tyreese's status as a resilient and formidable survivor but also serves as a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.

As Rick questions Dexter about the murders, Dexter denies any involvement, suggesting instead that Rick should look within his own group for the true culprit. This interaction fuels Rick's growing suspicion of everyone around him, emphasizing the psychological toll the apocalypse has taken on him and the rest of the group. The distrust between the prisoners and the survivors grows, and the tension simmers as Rick warns Dexter that if he finds out he’s guilty, he’ll kill him himself. Dexter’s aggressive response, daring Rick to come inside his cell, further escalates the situation, but Rick ultimately backs off, leaving the conflict unresolved for the time being.

In a particularly heartbreaking moment, Allen has a difficult conversation with his twin sons, Ben and Billy, about death. He explains to them that dying is now an inevitable part of life, a fact they must learn to accept. This scene highlights the tragic loss of innocence for the children growing up in this post-apocalyptic world, where death has become a routine part of their existence.

Finally, the issue ends on a chilling note. Andrea is washing clothes when she is approached by Thomas, one of the prisoners. After declining to help her, Thomas reveals his true intentions: he plans to kill her. As he pulls out a large knife, the issue cuts to black, leaving Andrea's fate uncertain and the readers on edge for what comes next.

This issue of The Walking Dead truly amplifies the emotional and psychological stakes for the characters, particularly in the wake of the brutal murders of Susie and Rachel. The tone is one of distrust, heartbreak, and tension, as the survivors struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the ever-present threat of death.

The reanimated heads of Susie and Rachel were particularly disturbing and served as a visceral reminder of the horrors this group faces every day. Watching Hershel break down over the loss of his daughters was heart-wrenching, and it was a sharp contrast to the coldness with which some of the other characters are forced to confront death.

I found the scene between Lori and Carol uncomfortable, but it also added complexity to Carol’s character. She’s clearly mentally unraveling, and her desperation for connection—even if misguided—makes her more tragic. Her kiss with Lori felt out of place, but it worked within the context of her emotional instability. Still, I personally prefer the sisterly bond Lori and Carol have in the TV adaptation.

Tyreese’s survival was an unexpected moment of triumph amidst the chaos, and I’m glad to see his character continue to be a source of strength for the group. His ability to take down the walkers in the gym was a standout moment, and I’m eager to see how his relationship with Carol evolves moving forward.

The issue’s final scene with Thomas and Andrea was chilling. Thomas’s sudden shift from harmless prisoner to cold-blooded killer added a new layer of danger to the prison, and I’m anxious to see how Andrea handles the situation. This twist highlights how, even in the relative safety of the prison, the group is far from secure, and the threat can come from anywhere—even within their own walls.

Overall, Issue #16 is a powerful entry in the series that balances shocking twists with deep emotional moments, reinforcing the themes of survival, loss, and mistrust that define The Walking Dead.
Profile Image for Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile.
2,439 reviews921 followers
July 8, 2020
Being a huge fan of the show, I wanted to see how the original writing started and how the show writers followed and deviated from the comics. My dislikes were that the comics are much more crude, crass, and unnecessarily violent. I did like the change in relationships and how people worked together differently, and the comics have a different creepiness feel than you get watching it on TV. Overall, I prefer the show, and probably will not finish out the comic book series.
Profile Image for Michael Sorbello.
Author 1 book316 followers
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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Profile Image for Kelsie.
296 reviews24 followers
October 16, 2018
Another good issue.
Nope, I do not like Axel, his TV counterpart was a nicer weirdo, this guy is a creepy pervert. I knew Tyreese wasn't dead so it came as no surprise when he came back, that Thomas character was friggin' creepy from the start so I kinda suspected him being the killer of (I now know, it's Hershel's not Allen's) kids. He better not touch my Andrea! I forgot to comment on the last issue about Maggie's & Glenn's new hair cuts ... it's a no from me.
Also, is Carol bi? Like guuuurl, I knew I liked you for a reason.
#BiPride.
x
Profile Image for Natalya Williams.
108 reviews
January 1, 2025
I always hated this part, I hate how they treat the black prisoners, deciding they’re murderers and locking them up. In a world where nothing that happened before matters it’s horrific how Lori forces them back into confinement. I like that Rick comes back and sets it straight, Andrew is a major weirdo! Can’t wait for him to die next!
Profile Image for Kaoyi .
266 reviews
March 7, 2018
¡Joder, casi nada de lo que ha pasado en este tomo me lo esperaba! Aquí no se contienen con la sangre, ahora entiendo cuando me dijeron que el comic es más adulto que la serie.

Un 10 por supuesto.
Profile Image for Ashley.
451 reviews74 followers
December 22, 2018
Loved how badass Lori was in this issue. I wish she had been like this on the show more to be honest. Also that cliffhanger ending was amazing.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,703 reviews14 followers
January 15, 2019
Found this one hard to put down with the twin's death. Tyreese seems to go on a suicide mission, and Dexter plotting revenge. Fast past and fun. Different from the tv series, but good on its own.
Profile Image for M. Ashraf.
2,396 reviews131 followers
February 16, 2025
The Walking Dead
Issue#16
Volume#03
Robert Kirkman

Clearing the Gym from Zombies
Suspecting the inmates for the murders of the little girls
Rick is back
Tyreese is alive
Profile Image for Laina.
237 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2016
I feel bad that Hershel lost two more of his children with the twins. He has had a lot of loss lately with all of the children he has lost.

I feel bad that Glenn, Andrea, and Hershel's son had to leave Tyreese by himself in the gym with the zombies. I hope that Tyreese somehow finds a way out before they bite him.

Axel is kind of a dick. Telling anyone who will listen that Lori and Carol are naked and in the showers. If Rick overheard that, I have a feeling he would kick Axel's ass. Well, I HOPE he would.

So, no one even knows if Tyreese is still alive or not. Sure, there were a lot of zombies in the gym, but for them to just ASSUME that Tyreese is dead, is still fucked up.

Then, Carol kissing Lori because she is confused, scared, and sad because she assumes Tyreese is dead, is just strange. I have heard of people not acting like themselves when they are under stress or when they are upset, but why would she pick LORI of all people? Lori's a two bit whore.

I do not like when Dale made it about race when he was talking to Andrea. Calling Dexter 'that black man' instead of by his name. You might not like someone's actions and their actions may be something really terrible, but bringing up race issues for no reason is stupid.

THANK YOU! Listen to Rick, Glenn! He is FINALLY using his damn head! You should not just assume someone is dead without any form of evidence supporting it. Get your ass to that gym and check on Tyreese!

TYREESE IS ALIVE! HELL YES! I knew he would not go down without a fight and he kicked those zombies asses! Best scene in this issue yet!

I did not like the way Allen was talking to his sons about death. He could have put it differently and explained it better, not telling them to basically get over it.

I think Tyreese is putting on a brave front about Julie's death. Sure, the stuff he said about being glad she does not have to live in fear anymore is nice, but I think he is taking it TOO well.

Even with the crazy stuff he just did with killing all those zombies from the gym, I do not think he is done doing crazy stuff, not just yet.

Thomas is fucking creepy. I bet the guy was a pedo and that is why he was in jail when all the shit went down and the world got all fucked up.

As for him wanting to cut Andrea's head off, I knew the guy was psycho. He has been acting like one since readers met him a few issues ago. Hope Andrea kills his ass.
Profile Image for Tiffany Fox.
404 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2015
Rick returns to the prison where some horrific events passed during his absence. A murderer is revealed and some how the miraculous survival of one of the group from a walker horde leaves everyone stunned and speechless.

The Best. The artwork is brilliant as always and so is the story line. I hate to see certain characters get killed or bad things go done, but lets face facts, it makes for better story telling.

The Worst. Come on... did we really need 5 frames with the twin girls turning. It was cool and creepy that they turned the way they did and you finally see to what extent this plague or virus has on the dead and the living, but it just seems a little to repetitive to me.

The Differences. The TV series didn't have Hershel having more than two children once he got to the prison, Maggie and Beth. Maggie being the only character from both show and comic. So the serial killer angle really wasn't even a thing in the TV series. Besides the factor that the inmates didn't even last that long once Rick's group freed them from the cafeteria, the inmates were trying to kill Rick and take over than trying to go on a serial killing spree. Also, Andrea wasn't really ever at the prison as a resident, only as a visitor, so any story line with her involvement in the comics didn't make it to screen.

Those Remembered. The massive horde of walkers in the gym, killed mostly by Tyreese with his hammer and sure will power. Rachel and Susie again, both having been killed by someone and then coming back as walkers.

Recommend. To fans of The Walking Dead Universe, zombies, horror dramas, prison shows, and serial killers.

Originally Posted: http://tiffanyfoxbooks.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Sheldon.
741 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2021
This is one of those absolute gut-punch issues of TWD and a great example of something that is suited to Adlard’s style. Had the opening pages of this issue been pencilled by [the fantastic] Tony Moore in his uber-detailed, but cartoony, style I don’t think it would land with the same impact in my opinion. I said it last time and will say it again Tyreese is brilliant in this arc; the panel of him sat against the wall nonchalant, surrounded by dead walkers is a highlight of the entire run for me. Talking of moments this issue is full of character building, most of the gang have a page or two dedicated to flesh them out whether its Lori consoling Carol, Rick playing chicken with a prison denizen or Allen explaining death to his kids.
Profile Image for Eslam Daoud.
48 reviews52 followers
January 15, 2012
حقا لا أصدق ما أراه بعينى من وصول الرسوم الكاريكاترية إلى هذا المستوى
كم هى رائعة بما تحتوى من تفاصيل مذهلة تشعرك وكأنك داخل المشهد
بالإضافة أنه يروق لى أسلوب الحوار بين الأشخاص بشدة

قصة ذلك العمل تدور حول انتشار أحد الأوبئة التى جعلت البشر أشبه بالزومبى من آكلى لحوم البشر ويستعرض محاولات بعض الناجين البقاء على ظهر الأرض فى ظل عدم وجود أدنى أمل فى استمرار الحياة بقيادة الشرطى ريك

بالاستمرار فى القراءة أشعر بروعة متابعة الأحداث ، فالقصة مشوقة حقا
لا عجب حين تكون الصورة الأصل مبهرة هكذا ، فتكون النسخة -العمل التليفزيونى- أكثر من رائع
Profile Image for Pau Vilchez.
183 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2016
La historia épica de supervivencia continúa. Rick Grimes está en una misión. Él tiene un largo camino por delante de él y muchos obstáculos en su camino, pero está decidido. Hay mucho que descansa sobre sus hombros. Él no puede fallar. Él no debe fallar. Demasiado depende de ello. En esta entrega tienen que investigar quién a cometido la tragedia de las dos pequeñas...y de paso el asesino aprobechará y matará a otra persona...¿¡Porqué eres tan crueeeel?! Necesito saber si al final mata o no a la persona así que voy a por el siguiente...Soy un auténtico friki de estos comics :(
Profile Image for Greta is Erikasbuddy.
856 reviews27 followers
April 10, 2014
The prison has working showers instead of camp showers.

Dexter and Andrew are a couple.

The group learns that heads can turn into zombies.

Carol kisses Lori after she thinks Tyreese is dead.

Andrea learns who beheaded Hershel's daughters.
Profile Image for Anthony Valletta.
Author 1 book9 followers
March 26, 2016
Some unexpected twists and turns. Although the intensity level remains high there are a couple of very comic book moments, and I am not saying that as a compliment. Still the overall quality hasn't dipped, well maybe a little.
Profile Image for Val Sarmiento .
212 reviews
December 8, 2016
¡¿Qué ha pasado aquí?! Estos últimos números se están poniendo buenísimos. Son súper adictivos.
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