Previously in The Walking Dead: As unrest grows in Alexandria, Rick orders Andrea to escort Carl and Lydia to the Hilltop for their safety. But Lydia is suspicious of Andrea’s motives, and before they arrive at their destination, a hysterical Lydia pulls a gun on her demanding the truth.
NOW, tensions reach a peak between Carl, Lydia, and Andrea as Alpha ties up some loose ends. Meanwhile, Rick turns to an unlikely source for help.
This is YOUR time to discuss issue #148. Although Brian will pick the winner, I, Johnny, will choose the contenders (so feel free to shout out LeBron at your leisure). WHOMever gets chosen will win a ROBERT KIRKMAN-SIGNED issue of 148! Happy commenting!
WINNER
Hey it’s Brian. Sorry this is late, once again. We have so much going on here at Skybound HQ. You’ll learn SOME of it Black Friday. 😉
Hades won best (favorite) comment for not only making the Batman/Joker analogy, but also making a pretty good guess at just what, exactly, Rick might want from Negan! Here it is:
So this is like a Batman throwing up the Bat-Signal kind of thing right? Things have become that uncontrollable that he is looking to “the joker” for help. Of course it is funny to me given the outsider look and know what the characters don’t know. If Rick and crew could see the world as we do all of their options would be completely different. Although I am going to guess that the “help” requested would be along the lines of how to control a herd more than anything. The Saviors did use them as a buffer around their home for a while and this could be what Rick wants to do to protect them from Alpha.
Wow awesome issue #148 ! We saw that Alpha have feelings , but at the same time is the same person like we saw in previous numbers before (heartless,men,evil,etc.) .
The community in Alexandria is getting out of hand for Rick and the others . I would love to see how they will handle the problem .
And at the end … Wow ! I didn’t see that one coming !!! Neggan and Rick together ?!?! That’s a deadly duo right there (if they can live with each other) we’ve to keep and eye there . Loooking forward for issue #149 ! But i want to see if what Kirkman said in one of the Letter Hacks of this issue is true !! He said that Andrea will die in Issue #150 ! :'( !
Lol he wouldn’t say who’s going to die.. Kirkman would never do that. He has a funny sarcastic sense of humor. I saw the same letter hack and I laughed when he said she is going to die in 150. No way will he spoil something huge like that.
it would be funny if andrea actiall died in the issue 150. no one will expect it because everybody will think that kirkman was trolling.
That is exactly what I was thinking, he’s being sarcastic… and then I got scared thinking maybe he’ll do it cuz we’ll all be thinking it’s a joke. All I know is I like this man.
I’m just laughing how you said things are getting out of HAND for Rick lol
Don’t do it Rick! Don’t do it!
I saw this coming for a long time. Obvious, with keeping Negan alive and all. But with “Betrayal” coming up, one can only imagine what happens.
For those thinking Negan will get paroled, I highly doubt it.
Negan is still in no good position. He can’t escape even if he was let out. Where would he go? He can’t kill Rick or anyone else. If he did, he’d be dead quicker than Andrea drawing a gun on Lydia. Which that was bloody fast.
I think Negan will wind up being in an advisory role. And that will devolve quickly because Rich doesn’t take his crap. And to that point, what could Rick possibly want. “How do I keep the town in line?” “Burn their faces with Irons.” I really don’t think Negan has anything constructive to offer. He’s an opportunist. Nothing more. And the one thing keeping him in-line is how much he values his own life.
Guess we will find out soon enough.
*Rick doesn’t take his crap. Why oh why can we not have an edit function here. That’s Rich.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I don’t imagine he’s going to be letting him out of the cage. It will probably be him giving Rick some advice.
I’m actually hoping to see a Negan that has been reformed to a degree. It would actually be really crazy to see Negan become a valued member of the group after all that has happened. Let’s be honest… should Rick trust Negan? Absolutely not. Do I think Negan can be controlled or that he has changed for the better? No, I do not. Do I think if given the opportunity to supplant Rick and rise to power that he will pass that up? Not a chance… this is why I think it would work so beautifully. We would always be expecting Negan to fly off the handle, but instead he ends up being a redeemed character to everyone’s surprise. This is just something we haven’t seen before and goes against the rules that have been established in the comic so far. I personally would love this.
it would be cool if Negan becomes Alexandrians “Warchief” and prepares 3 communities into war like, “MAN UP YOU BUNCH OF FUCKING PUSSIES!”
but what if someone else betrays someone, like Carl to Andrea, Lydia to Carl, Rick to the Alexandrians (for asking for Negan’s help), Magna to Rick, Alexandrians to Rick (go charging in The Whisperer’s territory). We can never tell. What do you think might happen leading to issue 151, (Call to arms).
We’re going places in the book one could not have imagined months ago! “TWD” continues to be one of the most compelling monthly reads on comic book shelves today. I’m looking forward to #149, #150 and beyond!
This comic is even better while under the effects of refer.
So this is like a Batman throwing up the Bat-Signal kind of thing right? Things have become that uncontrollable that he is looking to “the joker” for help. Of course it is funny to me given the outsider look and know what the characters don’t know. If Rick and crew could see the world as we do all of their options would be completely different. Although I am going to guess that the “help” requested would be along the lines of how to control a herd more than anything. The Saviors did use them as a buffer around their home for a while and this could be what Rick wants to do to protect them from Alpha.
Robert Kirkman can cock tease me all the way into 2016 with these cliffhangers. We all know it’ll pay off in the end.
Every storyline was a surprise in this issue. Especially Alpha. Becoming the leader and staying that way using her mind to manipulate the other Whisperers. Kinda reminds me of Negan in a way. If they eventually showdown that would be an epic battle.
Wow. This was a great issue. Easily my favorite in this volume so far. It might not seem like that much of a landmark issue, what with 150 just around the corner, but this issue does mark a milestone. It has been 100 issues since the final appearance of the prison. 100 issues since the Governer was the biggest threat, 100 issues since any of Maggie’s siblings were alive, and 100 issues since Rick had a wife and Carl had his (biological) mother. Anyway, reminiscing asside, this was a great issue. The ending was an amazing cliffhanger, that makes me wish it was December 9th already. One thing that I saw that made me really happy was when Dante got punched by that lady from Magna’s group, Maggie cried out his name and seemed quite concerned for him. While I initially disliked Dante, he had grown into one of my favorite characters. Next issue is going to be great, with Negan out and the unexpected return of something. 148 was AMAZING, keep up the good work!
Those tears probably taste like Walker jerky.
I like how difficult it is to fault the citizens of the areas on their reactions and want for bloodlust. They obviously just want their people avenged. Blind rage makes it difficult to see through that this is just bait to see what they do from Alpha, who I’m sure is just waiting with her herd to destroy anyone in their way. I just keep thinking of the herd and imagining how that thing is ominously on the horizon. It wouldn’t have been introduced as a plot point if it wasn’t going to be used at some point. Now its just a ticking time bomb…
I enjoyed issue 148, but just like past issues I’m left with wanting more. It was interesting to see that relentless bitch Alpha cry. Made me wonder what it did to the skin she was wearing. I tried using Google to find out what tears do to rotting flesh (which probably means the FBI will be knocking on my door soon) but didn’t find much. Oh well. Looking forward to the next issue!
It rubs the lotion on the skin…
GREAT FUCKING ENDING! Can’t wait for the next one! I absolutely loved the fight scene in Alexandria. I believe Dwight will betray Rick and Lucille will go into negans hands.
I just don’t see Dwight doing that. I mean, Negan put a hot iron to his head, among other things. You don’t like a guy who did that.
I think this signifies that Dwight is finally taking charge of his people. the bat is a symbol. He picked it up after Negan was defeated and proclaimed leadership. It’s merely an allusion to him being a leader again.
Totally agree on this & was excited to see it!
Alpha is so weak, strong leaders don’t cry. This is a Ricktatorship, Alpha won’t be around much longer.
Finally Negan returns! My predictions (hopes and dreams) is to see Negan come back as Rick’s right hand man. They may have a handful of differences but they both know that it takes tough and unfavorable decisions to succeed. Negan just wants to thrive and if it means playing 2nd string I think Negan can suck it up and do his part. Or maybe he’ll just kill rick when this is all over and then go on a Bob Saget style comedy tour. Here’s hoping.
She’s only crying because she was Cosby’d. Bad taste? O well. Really can’t wait to see issue 150. Feels like just yesterday I was reading issue 100 and had my heart torn from my body seeing Glenn die. Im hoping to get that feeling again out of 150. Maybe Michonne.
Hey all, this is my first time posting, but I am on this site regularly and read all the discussions. I decided to give posting a comment a try after this awesome issue. The Walking Dead has literally become an obsession of mine! Now onto issue 148… it was great to see Rick take control of the Alexandrian fight and become the Rick of old. Lately it seems as Rick isn’t the bad ass he once was, but he showed it here! I believe this is also the first time we actually see any type of “feelings” from a villain in this comic which was powerful to see. Obviously the highlight of issue 148 was at the end when Rick went to Negan for help. I am so pumped for the next couple of issues leading up to 150 to see what goes down!
What a perfect issue! I loved that we got an issue that covered a lot of the storylines Going on! The moment Carl pointed the gun at Andrea I just started screaming! For a moment I thought that we would pull the trigger (Lydia must know some awesome kamasutra stuff that he is so crazy about her!) the look on his face when he realized what he was doing was so heartbreaking!
Its good that we got to see Dwight again (also on that #151 cover!! Holy shit!!) the poor guy… That line “I’m not much use to anyone these days’ is so sad! Maybe he should meet Lydia… I heard she has a weak spot for guys with a weird eye! (Yes I’m ashamed of myself!) Seeing Rick just snap during the meeting was tough to see, Rick is my favorite character since the beginning and seeing everything that he has been trying to do in this new world fall apart is painfull! Going to Negan is something that I was hoping for since issue 144 and seeing Rick as a broken man going to Negan asking him for help made me tear up a little but then seeing the look on Negans face was so awesome! It would’ve been perfect if he said: Groovy! Or maybe I’m just to excited about the Ash vs Evil Dead show, its so good!
Oh and the return of Father G was awesome! I laughed so hard at his reaction to the fight!
Can’t wait till next month and beyond!
Ash vs Evil Dead is the business. Loved the Evil Dead and Army of Darkness movies and have been patently wait since 1992 for any kind of sequel. Finally!!!
Great issue! Granted, it’s mostly setup for the next two issues… but the story moved along, the art was wonderful, and Carl pointed a gun at his Mom and his Girlfriend!
I assume that andrea/carl/lydia will either make it safely to the Hilltop, or they will be interrupted by a Whisperer who wants to make a play for the Alpha role by leveraging Lydia (she is just so popular now-a-days). Rick will get his house in order to formulate a plan (perhaps something riskier and quicker than he’d prefer), and seek advice for dealing with large herds of walkers from Negan (I seriously doubt they talk about how to control the people in Alexandria, as we already know Rick and Negan are worlds apart on that issue – and Negan has a ton of walker control experience leading the saviors).
Now, to speak to the ‘betrayal’ title… I strongly doubt that the betrayal will come from Negan. I think he understands that he was wrong now, and would be excited to contribute anything to establish his worth to the community to some degree. I don’t think he was ever really ‘evil’, just a terribly flawed leader in a horrible situation. If anything, I think it’s going to be Lydia betraying Carl. She’s played him like a fiddle from the beginning, and I keep waiting for her to pull the rug out from underneath him.
So excited for the next two issues!
Love this issue. Especially love how there is a “Challenge the Leader” concept in the Whisperers group. Makes me wonder if Alpha was the first and only leader, or if she challenged and killed the previous leader.
Alpha ain’t gonna take none of that shit 😛
Oh dear god….
“I need your help”
If that didn’t send chills up your spine at the end!
Seeing that bastards grin in the very last panel is what make this comic so friggin awesome.
The whole community is at arms with one another, (literally) it’s fun to read, at one point you understand everyone’s frustrations and wanting revenge. Then you see what Rick has to say and some of the more composed figures of the group. Then you’reagreeing and disagree with each point brought up!
Then there is Alpha…
A woman with finally some emo…
Wait… nevermind.
Just a sliced throat people nothing to see here.
I dare anyone to challenge her… imagine if Negan and Alpha got together and made a set of twins called Mayhem and Murder because with the Wolf off his leash now that can very well happen!
Thanks for getting my imagination goin Kirkman!!!
Exellent Mr Kirkman Exellent! I have no idea how you do this. Your comics always leave me amazed from the words used to the images you drew. I really loved the whole cliff hanger with negan. I really think you can do great things with that and I know you will. I have been with twd for 2 years now and just love it. I really hope I win your autograph contest because I just loved 148 and you are my favorite writer. Thanks for taking the time to read this (I hope you do!) and keep writing great comics!
I love how the cover art shows alpha crying. On the outside she’s a crazy person wearing zombie skin but shes still human inside. Alexandria is showing the opposite, the civilized town tearing at each others throats. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and they are definitely all feeling the weight. Alpha, dwight and rick. They are all backed into a corner and now with negan back in the mix its gonna be a very interesting chain of events.
I’m interested to know what kind of advice Negan has besides “Rick you need to fucking slaughter all those fucking fucks… So Alpha is ruthless and obviously a little psycho. I’m can’t wait to find out the Betrayal. This is why I love the walking dead. After years of reading I’m still hooked. I’m just a Walking Dead junkie. Thanks Kirkman and crew.
You were crying like a bitch! Dead
This issue was absolutely fantastic, we saw exactly what rick was afraid of happening with the Alexandrians and turning to the enemy for advice… we saw how it is for Alpha to not even be able to show her feelings in front of the whisperers without being afraid of being challenged…So overall i think that this issue sets up what’s to come in the next issue and that is some BRILLIANT and OUTSTANDING writing !!!!
Such a good setup for the next issue and 150 (149 is my favorite cover to date). Alpha is really pretty screwed if this is how she has to control her people. Might mean the communities are screwed too though. She’s going to have to keep proving to her people that she is powerful or she’ll keep getting challenged. Rick isn’t in better shape either considering a meeting turned into fight club (shout out to Jesus for jumping over like 3 people), and honestly I don’t know how Lydia is going to be safe at the Hilltop with just Andrea and Carl. Once news spreads, the rest of the communities will be just like Alexandria. So with so much fuckery, what will Rick do? Turn to motherfucking fuckity fuck fucking Negan! Can’t wait ’till the next issue!
This is a great issue. The art work and dialogue were superb. I will try not to spoil for the people who have not read the issue.
.
I was surprised with Carl’s initial response. I wouldn’t have thought he would pull a gun. I thought he would have stepped in front of Andrea and become the peacemaker. He was the piece maker but I don’t think he needed the gun.
.
Alpha is crazy. I don’t mean when you are talking to someone and you say, “You so crazy” and you smiling when you say that; I mean she is a loon. Looking at the unnamed whisper, I don’t think anyone is gong to by the fact that he challenged Alpha.
.
I’m glad that Dwight found someone after Sherry. Hope everything works-out for him. I would have liked to see what kind of leader he is.
.
The town meeting was great. Showing the anger frustration of the people, and when you have angry people there, something was going to happen.
.
Looking at Rick seeking for help from an unlikely source, was painful to watch on his face. I would have thought he would have gone down there to build the trust factor that was discussed about 7 issues ago.
.
Looking forward to the next issue. The hints are that there will be a lot of talking; I’m almost sure one of the things that will be spoken is BB Kings guitar.
This issue was perfect in a lot of ways. The saviors, whisperers, and alexandria were all shown grieving in a way which in my opinion sets up something BIG in the future. Also Rick got a very badass moment in the big meeting fight. Oh.., how could I forget? That was the greatest cliffhanger to date with Negan just smiling to Rick like he was expecting Rick to ask for help… UGH I FUCKING LOVE THE WALKING DEAD.
My favorite moment in this issue is when Father Gabriel finally talked. It’s just hilarious what he said when the people started to beat each other to death. Other then that, It’s going to be really interesting to see Rick and Negan conversation about how can Rick Grime keep his people in order not get out of control like we saw in this issue. To me, I think Negan is the right person to seek advice for how to keep this community safe. Because he is the only person is still alive in the series that know how to keep people in order. If you looked back in other issues. There were two leaders that keep people in order and safe. That was Ezekiel and Gregory but they aren’t here anymore to give Rick Grime advices. So, Rick can’t go to Maggie and Dwight for advices because they are new leaders. They are having a lot of problem to deal because Whisper incident in issue 144.. He need someone with a lot of experiences. That is why Negan is in the perfect position to be in series. It’s going to be a dark path for Rick Grime but will he manage to control his people.
I have to say letting Negan out of his cage is going to be an interesting area to read about. The possibilities are a coup could be set up against Rick, Rick can get his hand dirty, or Negan actually helps him until the time comes to make a move. There won’t be a point for him to make a move until Alpha is taken care of. Why be the king if there isn’t any land left to rule?
Great issue Kirkman
Revenge is a dish best served with, Lucille…Oh Alpha, your skinsuit has seen better days. #itstime Neganize to Rickonize, it’s about to get real! (Real Fu*king real) Hi LeBron! Hi Brian!
Since most everyone we’ve followed as a main character has moved on to a leadership position I’m calling Andrea set up as the new Alpha to make a cease-fire happen. A new sort of loss for the main core, not dead but dead to them.
I started reading comics again with the launch of Outcast. It didn’t take long to start reading TWD and it quickly became my favorite! Issue 148 has a lot of things happening – setting up for 149/150. I was surprised at Carl pointing his gun at Andrea. He’s really got it bad for Lydia, no doubt a big mistake. I’ve got a bad feeling about her – maybe the apple didn’t fall far from the Alpha tree. And FINALLY… Negan! That last panel is perfect! That smile – fuck! However, I think Rick may wipe that smile off his face by the end of 150. Kirkman you’ve done it again! Can’t wait for next issue.
In volume18 “What Comes After” Dwight is driving up to Sanctuary and he says “home sweet home” followed by a wide view of Sanctuary being guarded by chained up walkers on the outside. In this issue he says the same thing when driving up to Sanctuary followed by a wide view of Sanctuary completely clean of chained up walkers. Spotless actually. Dwight has done more for his people than he believes. I won’t try to predict what issue #151 entails because it looks like some game changing events will happen in #149 and #150.
Does anyone else think that using Eugene’s horn to disorganize the massive amount of zombies or move them in a certain direction would be a brilliant strategy? Alpha told Rick to step back from the walker’s sight when she showed him the herd because her people would not be able to steer them. Imagine them trying to steer the herd when they all start heading towards the blaring horn. It won’t take care of the threat but at least it will give the protagonists the upper hand.
RICK: I need your help. NEGAN: hold the fucking phone what is it? RICK: it’s dwight he’s set up a table tennis team and has challenged us and with me with one arm and carl with one eye were fucked. NEGAN: I need my lucky bat Lucille. RICK: whatever it takes also after the match I need you to challenge this bitch Alpha who’s killed a lot of our people she needs to go. NEGAN: Can I choose which side to play? RICK: not at table tennis you dick fuck I need you to challenge her to take over the whisperers and then use the herds to protect us all like before. I think most of this will happen big build up to 150 there’s gonna be some shock deaths great work robert charlie and all thankyou…
Amazing issue! I’ve been waiting for this issue since rick first locked negan up. The, I Need Your Help issue. Alpha is breaking down and becomming crazier and stronger all at the same time ? Feels that way to me. No turning back for alphas ways now probably. Cant be challenged. Except maybe by Lebron…..
Nice issue! I think Rick and Co. could infiltrate the Whisperers and get some on their side. If she took some people by force to join their group (join or die!) then they could easily flip sides. I’m surprised we haven’t seen some people become sellswords and just fight for whoever gives food or better living quarters. Andrea killing Alpha would be great. (Adoptive) mother killing another mother to protect her pack.
…
This is me waiting for Negan to finally get out of the cell
I initially thought that Negan would eventually escape and become the new Alpha leader of the whisperer group but we all know that Negan has a problem shutting the hell up. I would wager that Michonne will exact her revenge on Alpha and become the new leader.
I cannot wait to see who betrays Rick but I don’t believe it will be negan but I think he will influence it what happened at the end of this issue will definitely change Rick forever
Negan is the hero Alexandria needs, but not the one it deserves right now.
MY LORD!
Lol
Just because Rick is talking to Negan doesn’t mean they will end up skipping hand in hook down the merry path of life together.
Maybe he is just seeking Negan’s input. After all, Rick has zero trust in Negan, so why would that change suddenly?
Although by making Negan aware of the Whisperers situation it might cause Negan to use his hypnotic powers to bamboozle someone into letting him out to be the new leader or something.
Should be interesting, no matter how it spins.
RICK:
We’re about to go to war. And it may reach here at home. Now, I know you’re one evil son-of-a-bitch & you’re too far gone & there’s nothing I can do to change that. I’m a reasonable man & I still have my morals, despite what some believe, so here’s the deal: I need your help. I’m gonna have to put you down. I just can’t take a chance of you getting out of that cell while all this impending madness is going on. So I need you tell me what’s the best way to do this to make it easier on me.
Wait… shit…
BLAM!
Never mind. What was I thinking?!
~ Who knew NEGAN would be the one “BETRAYED”?
Okay someone please answer this! Okay in issue 127 all the Zomies Jesus, Eugene, Rosita, Aaron and Heath were trying to get away from Magna and her crew got away from them. Then there gone. K. So then when Dante comes back in issue 138 he tells Maggie it sounded like thousands about Alphas people. See where I’m going at? Then in issue 143 and 144 Alpha shows Rick her herd of zombies soooo. Is it in the same connection in some way? Please reply!
They probably keep their camp relatively close to the herd, or at least that’s what it seemed like in #143. Dante said that they moved around a lot, so if they moved, the herd would probably have to come with them, meaning that he could hear them. Either that, or the camp just rotates around the area where the heard is. While there seems to be a lot of whisperers, I doubt that there are thousand of them.