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.
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.
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.
After the exciting and mysterious helicopter sighting in the last issue, I couldn’t wait to dive into Issue #26. The appearance of that helicopter left me with so many questions—who were the people in it, where did it come from, and what is its purpose in a world overtaken by the dead? The intrigue surrounding that crash promised answers, and I was eager to follow Rick, Glenn, and Michonne on this new path. There's always a sense of urgency whenever something or someone unexpected shows up in The Walking Dead, and this issue delivers that tension in spades.
The issue picks up right where the last one left off, with Rick and Glenn spotting a helicopter in the sky. There’s an initial debate between them about the nature of the helicopter—Glenn thinks it’s military, but Rick believes it’s more likely to be a news or police chopper. The brief exchange shows how even in this chaotic, post-apocalyptic world, the characters still think about the society they once lived in. It’s a testament to how hope, or at least a sliver of normalcy, persists in their minds.
As Rick tries to get the helicopter’s attention, they are suddenly interrupted by a zombie. It’s a brief but tense moment that underscores the ever-present threat they live under—one second you’re gazing at the sky, and the next, a walker is right behind you. The helicopter crashes before they can signal it, and Rick quickly tells Glenn to watch where it landed. This immediate shift from curiosity to action sets the tone for the rest of the issue—there’s no time to waste in this world, and every moment matters.
Rick rushes back to the prison to gather more people, but Glenn is cautious. His concern about bringing survivors back with them highlights just how far these characters have come in terms of trust. They’ve been burned before, and Glenn’s skepticism feels like a hard-earned lesson. But Rick, ever the hopeful leader, agrees to get more people to investigate, and they quickly gather Michonne and Tyreese for the mission.
Inside the prison, we get a quieter but equally important scene between Carol and Lori. Carol’s conversations have always felt a bit off, and this one is no different. She confides in Lori about Michonne leaving, but it quickly shifts to talk of moving to a different block of the prison. There’s a strange mix of domesticity and tension here, as if they’re trying to grasp some semblance of normal life even while living in a fortress. The mention of possibly watching DVDs adds a surreal layer to it all—something so normal yet completely out of place in their current reality.
As the team heads out to find the helicopter, we get an interesting exchange between Rick and Glenn. Glenn admits to stealing cars before the apocalypse, and Rick doesn’t judge him for it. It’s a reminder that this new world has erased many of the old societal rules, and even Rick, the former cop, understands that survival comes first now. It’s a small but meaningful moment, showing how the characters have evolved since the outbreak began.
While on the road, the group runs into trouble as the car gets stuck in the mud. This scene brings some light tension but also gives us a chance to see them working together again, especially Michonne, who has become an essential part of their dynamic. I loved seeing her step up here, even providing a bit of her backstory about how she found her katana. Her quiet strength contrasts with Rick’s more vocal leadership, and it’s nice to see her gaining more of a voice in the group.
Back at the prison, we see another emotional scene with Dale and Andrea. They’re talking to Ben and Billy, trying to comfort the twins as they prepare to move to the A-block. There’s a tenderness here as Dale tries to reassure the boys, even telling them they can call him and Andrea their new mom and dad. It’s moments like these that ground *The Walking Dead* in humanity, despite the chaos surrounding them. This surrogate family dynamic has always been one of the series’ strengths, and it’s heartwarming to see Dale and Andrea taking on these parental roles.
But just as we’re immersed in these softer moments, we’re reminded that danger is never far. The group finally arrives at the helicopter crash site, only to discover footprints leading away from the wreckage. The helicopter is empty, and someone has already taken the survivors. It’s a chilling moment, as we’re left to wonder who got there first. For fans familiar with the TV adaptation or who have read ahead in the comics, this is a clear foreshadowing of The Governor’s arrival, one of the most brutal and memorable villains in *The Walking Dead* universe. Even knowing what’s coming, there’s a sense of dread as the issue ends on this ominous note.
This issue had me on edge, even though I already knew from the TV adaptation who was responsible for the crash and where it would lead. The anticipation of The Governor’s introduction looms large, and it’s exciting to see how the comic builds up to this moment.
One part of the issue that felt particularly strange, though, was Carol’s proposal to Lori and Rick that they all marry each other. Her suggestion feels out of place, and frankly, it weirded me out. Carol has always been a complex character, but this moment makes her seem more desperate than anything else. It feels like she’s clinging to whatever relationships she can, still reeling from her break-up with Tyreese. Her behavior adds a layer of sadness to her character—she’s lost and just wants to belong somewhere, but her suggestion of a three-person marriage feels off-kilter, even in this world where anything goes.
On the other hand, I was glad to see Michonne’s character development in this issue. She continues to prove herself as a vital part of the group, and her dynamic with Rick and Glenn is refreshing. Her backstory with the katana adds depth to her mysterious persona, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her in future issues.
The discovery of the empty helicopter and the footprints was the perfect cliffhanger to end on. Even though I knew it was leading to The Governor’s introduction, the execution still gave me chills. It’s a reminder that in The Walking Dead, safety is an illusion, and the real threats aren’t always the zombies but the other survivors.
Overall, this issue was an exciting and suspenseful read, packed with the tension, mystery, and character moments that I’ve come to love about the series. I’m eager to see how the next issue will unfold as the group faces whatever horrors await them at the hands of The Governor.
Another interesting issue. The chopper goes down, so Glenn, Michonne & Rick go to the crash site. Meanwhile Carol wants a ménage à trois with Rick & Lori. Sorry but TV/Carol is a million times better than Comic/Carol like hot damn this bitch be crazy, y'all. When Glenn & crew get to the crash site they see all the occupants are gone, or more like, taken. Does one smell the hint of ... THE GOVERNOR? x
Esta Carol esta demasiado loca. Un segundo llorando por Tyresse y el otro proponiendo un triangulo amoroso con Lori y Rick. Esta loca. Las personalidades de todos los personajes están muy locas. Prefiero por mucho las personalidades de los personajes de la serie. Lori sin duda nunca me gusto su personaje, ni en la serie y mucho menos aquí en el comic.
This one is a slower moving potion of the graphic novel. We get a bit more backgroound on Glenn, Rick, and Michonne as they are off to see if there are any survivors of the helicopter crash. Lori is mad that Rick has left her once again.
Rick, Glenn and Michonne head off to the landing site of the helicopter.. Rick and Glenn suited and booted with their head to toe riot gear and Michonne with... her sword.
The way Kirkman writes Lori it's hard not to realise just why no one cared when she was.. written out of the comic later. Last issue she was the one stopping Carl learn how to help (though she was probably right) and this issue she is complaining about Rick heading out to the helicopter (what was he supposed to do? Remember this child of hers really can't be Rick's, so his priority should be exactly what he is doing here).
I do not like that Rick immediately thinks of going after the plane. He does not know what kind of people could be on that plane. They could be dangerous and have a lot of weapons, then he and Glenn would be in deep crap.
It was stupid of them to get so focused on the sight of the plane, that they forgot they were out in the open with zombies around who could bite and kill them. Pay attention, guys!
I think Rick's brains are a little scrambled at the moment, with him thinking that if anyone survived the plane crash, that they all could fit on the back of a motorcycle.
I think Rick should keep an eye on Michonne. He and the group still do not know her very well yet, and what is to say that she would not try to do some kind of harm to them?
I feel like Lori and Carol are useless, at least for right now. They are not talking about or doing anything important. They should be watching their kids and making sure Carl and Sophia are safe, instead of talking about spreading out across the prison for more room.
I know that Lori and Carol are not the type of people to make themselves useful and do something for the group, but they could AT LEAST keep their kids close, and go outside to keep an eye on the gate and to keep a watch out for Rick and Glenn. But no, they just stay inside talking all damn day.
Ha, Michonne made me laugh when her remark about, 'shacking up with a bunch of criminals.' She has probably done a lot worse than either Rick or Glenn have done.
When Glenn, Rick and Michonne were in the car and on their way to find the plane wreckage, I noticed that the zombies never swarmed the car. I wonder why they are not doing that?
Man, they just have crappy luck. The car breaks down at they have not reached their destination, so now they have to walk. That just freaking sucks. Rick, Glenn and Michonne need to be careful of all the zombies since they are out in the open.
I know that Dale was trying to be nice to Allen's kids, but he should not have said that kids could call him and Andrea, mommy and daddy. He should have just told the kids to call them by their names.
Michonne is right. They need to pay attention to their surroundings. A ton of zombies could show up and start attacking them. While yes, it is a good idea to check the plane for survivors, it will not do anyone any good if they get bitten before even getting to the plane. Again, be careful!
I know I have said it before, but I love seeing Michonne kick ass and kill zombies with her sword. I like that she is aware of their surroundings and knows what to do for them to be safe.
I like the fact that Michonne has her sword, Rick has his axe, and Tyreese has his hammer. Now, they need to give all the other characters some kind of weapon, instead of a gun which would just make a lot of noise and attract a TON of zombies.
I like that Michonne talked to Rick about Tyreese. Maybe what she is saying will get Rick thinking and will convince him to talk to Tyreese so that they can be friends again.
Lori needs to calm the fuck down and stop bitching and complaining about what Rick does. He does what he does to protect her, Carl, and the group and she does NOT need to be sitting on her ass at the prison questioning everything Rick says and does.
She needs to sit down and shut the fuck up, unless she has something useful to offer. Because again, all Lori's complaining is doing is irritating the hell out of me and making me want someone to shut her up.
And here we go, Carol has officially lost her shit. Her asking Lori to marry her is fucking insane. Carol went from supposedly being "in love" with Tyreese just a week or so ago, and now here she is asking both Lori AND Rick to marry her. The woman is all kinds of crazy.
I am NOT a fan of Rick asking Glenn to climb into the plane, and Glenn just offering to do so. What would Rick do if Glenn climbed into the plane and then got hurt from one of the crash victims fighting him or trying to kill him?
Oh, well, nevermind on that, then. Michonne found some footprints, which either means that the crash victims were able to get out of the plane, or that someone else found and took the crash victims.
While Rick and Glenn were searching for gas, they saw a helicopter in the sky, and that could only mean that there are more survivors. But Michonne's suspicious behavior raises some eyebrows. The helicopter crashed but instead of finding any survivors, Rick only found more hints that they may not be alone against the zombies.
The Best. The cover. Oh my. On first glance the cover looks like your getting the finger. It's awesome in that way. The conversation between Glenn, Rick and Michonne. Glenn hopes Rick's opinion won't change after he finds out he used to steal cars. Rick admits that he did the same thing when he went to Atlanta to get Lori. Then Michonne raises her hands up and comically says that she is shacking up with a bunch of criminals.
The Worst. The speech from Carol. Really she goes from kissing Rick, then apologizing to Lori and then telling Lori she wants to marry both Rick and Lori, Weird..... I mean, it happens, I don't have anything against it, it's just a bit weird given the situations that Carol has placed herself in and the suicide attempt and then going directly into wanting to marry Rick and Lori within a short time of kicking Tyreese out of her bed.
The Differences. The helicopter did come down, but it wasn't seen by the prison it was actually seen first by Woodbury's people. Michonne and Andrea were in the woods together stumbling around at this point in the show and came upon the people from Woodbury while they were trying to discover what the helicopter was about.
Those Remembered. Several parking lot walkers and forest walkers.
Recommend. To any fans of The Walking Dead Universe, zombies, horror dramas, prisons and apocalypse styled stories.
This issue started to draw me back in a little. The drama llamas are starting to settle down. Of course, other llamas are getting riled up, but I don't seem to mind them as much. I thought it was interesting that Carol wants to "marry" Rick and Lori ... I wonder how that is going to work out. This explains some of the weirdness Lori felt with the whole situation in the last issue.
Rick and Glenn's helicopter turned out to be non-military. Michonne went with them to the crash site. It appears someone has been there before them, which means there are others close by. I wonder what new development we're about to get. We knew there had to be move survivors out there. Finally, we're going to start stepping outside of the setting we've had for the past 8 issues.
Michonne, Glenn, and Rick go look for the helicopter that crashed.
Andrea and Dale tell the twins that they are going to take care of them now.
We learn that Glenn stole a few cars before.
Michonne reveals she used to be a lawyer.
Michonne learned how to fence when she was younger. Her neighbor's kid collected swords. That is how she got hers. She took it from their house after the zombies came.
Lori is upset that Rick left.
Carol tells Lori that she wants to marry her and Rick.
Michonne, Rick, and Glenn find the crashed helicopter. It is deserted with footprints all around.
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
Este cómic, el 26 ha estado bien. Algunos de los supervivientes van en busca del helicóptero pero al llegar no encuentran nada...¿Extraño verdad? Mientras en la cárcel, los demás seguirán conviviendo y planificando sus vidas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Learn more about Michone, Carol makes an interesting proposition, but mostly Rick, Glenn and Michonne questing with a hardly startlingly reveal at the end. An okay outing.