One of the things I hear a lot is that fans of the show are hesitant to get into the comic for fear of spoilers. Which is fair enough, but let me say two things:
1) The show and comic follow the same general course, but events happen at different times (or not at all), characters have different arcs, some of the characters are different, etc.
2) There are at least 24 issues (4 volumes) you could safely read without getting ahead of the show. I say “at least” because due to differences between the show and the comic reading past volume 4 may or may not expose you to things that will happen later in the show.
So what’s going on in the comic up through volume 4? In short, volume 1 covers Rick’s time in the hospital, his trip to Atlanta, and meeting up with Shane, Lori, and Carl at the campsite. Volume 2 covers the trip to Hershel’s farm and the brief time there. Volume 3 and 4 are the first parts of the prison story, up to just before they see a helicopter crash in the distance. Volume 5 deals with the introduction of Woodbury and the Governor. You could probably read Volume 5 without too many spoilers (the Governor’s arc lasts all the way through Volume 8) but I feel like some elements from 5 may appear late in season 3 of the show, so maybe hold off on that one.
Here are some reasons to check out the comic:
-It’s a great first comic for people that have never read a comic before.
-It’s a great comic even if you’ve read 1,000 other comics.
-Find out what happens when Tyreese meets Rick before Rick loses it.
-Andrea is much cooler.
-You can act like a hipster when your friends talk about the show.
You can buy the collected volumes directly from us. Here are links:
“Andrea is much cooler.” Understatement of the century.
I certainly appreciate this because I am one of those people who love the show so much that I want to jump right into the comics (I am a reader but haven’t read comics since I was a single digit). In fact, I did receive the First Trade paperback for Christmas and of course, went right through it…but I want to collect as well as read. There seems to be a lot of choices out there between the single comics issues, the collective volumes, the omnibus, the compendium, etc. I’m thinking maybe I’d get the compendium as a reading copy & try to collect the single issues. Either way, they’ll look pretty good next to my Stephen King collection. What do you guys think/recommend?
1. Catch up via digital comics, tpb (trade), the two massively unwieldy compendiums or the 8 hardcovers, then trades of whatever you have left to get to the volume “Something to Fear”
2. Find a local comic shop, subscribe to the series from the issue that followed something to fear
3. Buy trades/hardcovers of the issues
It’s sorta like what I did, only I jumped on a good 10 years ago 🙂
You can also do it online. The Hardcovers are a lot cheaper online than in stores
I have read the first two compendiums what should I get next? I also have read the govenors begining and it is almost a case of way to much info. Between the show the govenors books and the compendiums I feel like I have three versions of TWD. But I really am stumped on which comic to read now that I have read the two compendiums.
The two Compendiums cover issues 1-96. Volume 17 covers 97-102. Volume 18 will be out in June. So for now, you want Volume 17. http://shop.thewalkingdead.com/THE-WALKING-DEAD-VOL-17-SOMETHING-TO-FEAR.html
When you say, “the governors beginning”, you mean “Rise of the Governor”? And that had show spoilers in it for you? I ask because that book is high up on my purchase queue and I’m planning how I want to read to coincide with the show.
I just ordered the first two hardcovers. I wonder how far into the third hardcover I can go without spoiling the show. Either way, I’ll have something to occupy my time while waiting on the Season 3 DVD & Season 4 premiere. Gonna post this question in the comics section but also post here:
Anyone know of a good site where I can subscribe to the mail order edition of the comic? Not interested in digital.
TIA!
Got my first two hardcovers & thought that it would carry me a little while as I wait for Season 4. Took 1 DAY to finish Book One! I couldn’t put it down! 2nd day finds me a third of the way into Book Two.
As everyone says, Andrea is cool!
I LOVE TYREESE!!!
Rick seems to be starting out as more of a leader than what’s depicted on the show.
Lori is what I imagined, after watching the show.
Hershel is completely different.
I haven’t come across Michonne yet but I’m looking forward to it.
The others…it’s not really their characterization in comparison but their ACTIONS! WOW, there is some surprising stuff in there!!! And I also agree that you can read the books & not know what to expect…definitely!!
Now my dilemma is that I’m speeding right on & the brakes don’t seem to be working!
Took another single day to finish Book Two. I’m just gonna go ahead & order Book Three & “Rise of the Gov”.
Just finished Book 3. All I can say is, “O-M-G!” I love it! Just started reading “Rise of the Gov”. I don’t know how I’m gonna keep myself from totally bypassing where the show is!
I’m a perfect example of jumping from show to the comics and I obsessed with this show now, so when there was a big stretch in between seasons I needed my fix. I thought it would be a good time to read the comics. I was hooked in minuets didn’t really know how much fun reading comics was till now. There is a same general path as they say but, things defiantly happen differently Rick gets his arm cut off, no Daryl, Tyreese gets his head chopped off by governor which may still happen on the show. But I was so pleased, if your a fan of the show you should read the comics and well it’s different enough not to ruin it for you