THE WALKING DEAD issue #157 is out, and hopefully you’ve read it, thought about it, memorized it, and transcribed it on a cave wall so in a few hundred thousand years, when our civilization is just a whisper in the past, the Eloi and Morlocks can understand and marvel at the Legend of Rick and Negan. That almost certainly being the case, let us know what you thought down below! We’ll be awarding our favorite comment with a signed issue of THE WALKING DEAD #157!
Also, guys, if you leave an awesome comment, come back to see if you’ve won or at least check your email’s spam filter to see if we emailed you!
PREVIOUSLY: Against Beta’s wishes, Alpha allowed Negan into the Whisperers’ camp. He adjusted to their ways, just long enough to get close to Alpha. In Alpha’s greatest moment of weakness, Negan slit her throat. Then cut off her head, to bring back to Rick.
How come every frame I see Andrea in I feel like it might be her last.
This issue was interesting. Mainly because of the Negan developments. I really loved Dwight’s reaction to seeing him. “Shoot him”. It seems as if he is the only one unwilling to give him a chance. Like he said, he knows him better than anyone. And like Negan said, he will get Lucille back. I am really hoping Ricks gamble pays off, but I also hope that if it has to happen, Dwight puts a bullet in his head. Trusting Negan is still bot a wise thing, but like Rick said, he has proven to be an asset. Though, killing Alpha was not wise in my opinion. I am really surprised that Rick was not very upset about that. And Lydia still does not know. How will she react when she finds out the group murdered her mother? Will she try to kill Carl? Andrea? Rick? I have a feeling she will cause a major twist in this war.
The issue itself was very much a building issue. It was prepping for the war to come. The cover was classic Kirkman. Maybe it was foreshadowing. I think it was highlighting events that led up to the war. Alpha was in memoriam and Ricks reaction might have been at the murders of the individuals that kicked this whole thing off a year ago.
Either way, it looks like their hands are full. With the heard incoming, things are going to get messy. Interesting also is the Kingdom not wanting to help. I also can’t help but think that Ohio might play into the future now that its out in the open. Or, perhaps that’s a lie. It almost seems like William’s thought was interrupted before that frame. I almost took it to mean they were using a radio to gain information. But this is likely not the case.
Anyhow. Decent issue. Typical lead-in for something bigger. Not quite the epic last week’s was, but it sets things in motion for the months to come.
Just sharing this for everyone…maybe I missed it somewhere? Didn’t see it on this site yet:
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/08/02/arthur-adams-connecting-covers-for-the-walking-dead-revealed-twdwhispererwar/
So sad. My shop did not have the variant cover at all. Tears are flowing. I included it in my review here:http://consumereviewrepeat.com/2016/08/03/walking-dead-157/
Just finished and already counting down the days days til the next issue. One thing I’m worried about is Dwight I just have a feeling something is building for his character especially with Negan being released from the cell. Im only feeling this way because the faith that Rick is putting into him with leading the group into battle with the whispers, I’m feeling like Ricks almost wanting Dwight to step up more and more every issue and to me with this series its just bad JuJu. When it comes to the situation with Negan for some reason I feel something devious brewing with him, but then again it’s Negan and no one knows what this dude will do. I’m hoping it surprises the hell out of me like the Alpha kill. One thing that’s upsetting me though is the way that the Kingdom is acting to me they are hiding hoping for the conflict to miss them. But with Ezikial (Their Leader!!) just being decapitated and being used as a border line I say there’s a lot to fight for, but that fight shouldn’t include fighting with Rick sticking together is a must. Another point for me is when are they finally going to let Carl step up more I mean how many times does the kid have to show that he can hold his own and handle himself, granted he doesn’t think with he brain more with his emotions but honestly that’s the same way Rick has been this entire series. In all honesty Carl to me has the best chance of proceeding his father down the line if Rick were to die or want to step down and actually doing the job Justice. Also missed more Maggie this issue. All in all fantastic issue can’t wait for the next one. Let The Battle Begin!!!
What a great build-up issue! I don’t think this will go in the same way as All Out War went. My bet is that this will be a HUGE loss of Rick. It’s quite drastic, but I think that there will be a major slaughter on the front lines troops. Maybe Negan’s death? I think it’s going to be Alexandrias end, but maybe Ohio will come in clutch. Anyway, I can’t just see how they will win against this. It’s just a number thing. There are so many zombies that not even the firepower will win.
(Also, here’s a shot in the dark. What if the covers shows who dies. Alpha is dead and she was in this cover. Next is Michonne. And I think on the third one its Dwight, but don’t quote me on that. How crazy would that be?)
Ohio National Guard rolling in with black hawks and tanks? Lets hope. Someone is dying in this war. Maybe many people. Fingers crossed it ends well. I wrote a review here:http://consumereviewrepeat.com/2016/08/03/walking-dead-157/
Feel free to check it out!
Another incredible issue. Loving the 16-panel arrangements – because I read on ComiXology in Guided View and only look at the whole pages to see the composition on second reading, it wasn’t immediately obvious to me but it really helped with the scale and complexity of the stories. So many characters got real development — brilliant to see more of Dwight, Magna and the Kingdom. I’m delighted Aaron’s alive. But the best news is that we’re moving into a new Negan era. Cannot wait to see where this goes, especially when Maggie and Lydia get up to speed.
I’m not convinced by the plan for dealing with the herd so far. Moving a herd is much harder when you’re working against disguised members of the whisperers who could shoot or stab you at any moment. Also, Gabriel looked frozen in fear at the end — is he really cut out for this? He’s an interesting character but this military side seems to have come from left field a bit so I’m hoping we get a lot more exploration of his journey from military to the church (and back again).
One thing that startled me is Rick planning to kill all the whisperers. It seems he’s really bought into his own “silence the whispers” hype. A more realistic and humane solution would be Negan conquering them and changing them from the inside. I guess at present, Rick doesn’t think it’s viable to give Negan a power base like that and under any normal circumstances he’d be right. But I wonder if the threat will force him to consider it.
Lastly, it was great to find out that Stephanie is from Ohio and I loved her “you’d better not be evil”. I like her so it’s going to be painful if she is. It’s good that she’s relatively close. One of the things I’m excited for in future years is to start meeting other developed civilisations that have crawled from the wreckage.
Can’t wait for #158!
Really nice meaty issue – lots of dialogue. I really enjoy those issues because I hate having to wait a month and then reading an issue with hardly any dialogue where I’m done in like 5 minutes.
Great issue! Can’t wait for next month!
Just read letter hacks and the explanation for the 16-panel grid. I LOVE it.
Awesome start to The Whisperer War, the issue felt longer because of the mass dialogue and unique panel arrangements (that’s a good thing!) . It will be interesting to see how it plays out overall. I found the Whisperers lack of care for the death of Alpha to be quite interesting and surprising, seeing how they are so loyal to strength and following their leader. I am excited to see how Lydia reacts to her mother’s death, as the two had a seemingly unpredictable relationship. The herd approaching is something I am especially excited about, as it is bigger than anything we’ve seen before, not to mention the fact that groups of whisperers will be walking among them which is essentially 2 problems. It’s something that has never really been dealt with before at the same time, a horde of walkers (bigger than we’ve ever seen) and a very dangerous enemy, which makes me worry for the survivors as they don’t seem at all too worried, but rather confident. I’m so hyped to see how this storyline plays out and how it is concluded overall.
Dwight has only recently started carrying around Lucille, conveniently, Negan is out of his cell for that, and him firmly telling Dwight that he’s going to get her back has me worried. There is definitely going to be a lot of tension between Negan and Dwight throughout this story arc, which is also something I’d love to see explored further. I ask myself, was it wrong for Rick to give Negan any trust? Negan’s character is very unpredictable, a prime example being last issue where Negan cut off Alpha’s head out of nowhere. There is only one way to find out what route Negan’s character is taken, and I’m hooked on to find out 🙂
I was quite surprised at the Kingdom’s reluctance to support their alliances in this war, especially since one of the heads on those pikes in issue #144 was their own LEADER, Ezekiel.
Losing one of the communities during this war will definitely be heartbreaking, however I feel it is entirely possible and likely. The survivors are simply not prepared to steer this attacking herd, and the end of this issue is just chilling as the survivors underestimate what is to come, a brilliant way to conclude the first issue of the storyline, in my opinion.
Great start to The Whisperer War, I can’t wait to get my hands on issue 158 when it is released.
Oh, and to live up to the hype, this is my current desktop wallpaper.
Great issue. Good to see Rick giving Negan a chance. I hope they become buddies in the end and really hope neither one dies in the next 5 issues. The main thing I want to see is Negan and Lucille get reunited and bash in Betas brains like he did Glenns all the way back in issue 100. Would be perfection I tell you.
After all this time – He wants that bat. He’s gonna get it. Dwight should’ve shot Negan when he had the chance.
Seriously, the last page of this issue is the cruelest page since the silhouette dreadlocks and this is the most twisted my gut has ever felt. I feel like we have a bracket here and I’m so paralyzed by the obviously insidious meaning of that last moment. It’s the end of everything they know. I can feel it.
Shit just got real.
Fun little game: Let’s predict the character deaths for this arc. Not who you want to be killed off, but who you think will be killed off.
1. Andrea 🙁
2. Dwight
3. Gabriel
4. Aaron – Still think it’s possible if the Whisperers or a herd overtakes the hilltop somehow.
Shit will go down.
I’m gonna say Michonne. She’s been around so long it’s hard to even imagine she wasn’t one of the original Atlanta survivors.
Maggie
This issue was amazing! I love seeing this side of negan but I can’t wait for him to get Lucille back. This issue reminded me of soldiers going to war and you don’t know who’s coming home. I’m curious to see how this war plays out and how it differs from all out war!
SO many damn different ways the story could go! Very excited for the Whisperer War! Part 1 was perfect set up for what’s to come!!
Totally agree. Anything can and probably will happen. Can NOT wait! Check out my thoughts here:http://consumereviewrepeat.com/2016/08/03/walking-dead-157/
I LOVED This ISSUE!!, I can see the people that helped make this issue put a lot of thought, love and care into this! well in every single issue!, even the shows and book! but of coarse mostly the COMICS!!
Great Job Guys!
I really hope that Heath does not die in the Whisperer War!! Well Ever in the Series! except for maybe the TV Show I’d rather not though! but he probably will! 🙁
A great start ton another great arc! I can feel it coming!
Negan = Free. Oh joy !
This really is going to be a new type of war, and I think that the losses will be much more painful this time. That last 16-panel page got to me, just like the issue with the heads on pikes. I know that there is a lot of speculation right now about who Negan killed on the TV show, but I am much more interested in how he will play out the battle he has help foster.
Great variant cover, by the way. Michonne is making my face warm.
And will Lydia ever find out the whole truth? Will Dwight lose Lucille? Will Rick watch from the sidelines?
Let’s see…
Luckily I was able to grab both the normal cover and variant cover! Can’t wait for the rest of this arc and those connecting variant covers!
I felt like this issue was the perfect “final” build up for the war. It had the “calm before the storm” feel to it and didn’t feel too short. When an issue is that enjoyable it tends to fly by.
Unfortunately, I have to predict that at least one of the following three characters will not make it out of the Whisperer War alive. Rick, Andrea and Negan.
With those predictions said, if Negan is going to die, I hope he at least can be properly reunited with Lucille one last time!
#Negan/Lucille2016
Amazing issue! I love the 16 panel concept. The variant cover is pretty cool too.
So now, with the soldier still in assembly mode, not knowing that a herd is almost there, I think we will see lots of blood and death int he next issue. If Jesus and party were just leaving the Hilltop at the same time Gabriel saw the whisperers, they will not arrive at the battle in time to make a difference in the initial assault. Here are a couple of things that make you go huh:
1. Why don’t any of the peeps communicate by walkies? They could play a huge difference in how this goes down.
2. Trust Negan? Regardless of what he is now, don’t forget what he was before. And the fact he could murder Brandon, basically a kid, to get to Alpha so he could murder her? Rick, this is not how civilized peeps act. Just look at how he was acting when he saw Dwight had Lucille! He was completely “Bat Shit” over her! It was so weird it was almost comical. I love Negan’s character and hope he is around for a long time but I don’t trust his motives one iota.
3. Can we possibly squeeze anything else out of Dwight? He has to lead the battle, but follow Rick’s instructions. He has to babysit Negan while leading the battle, and not follow his original instincts to kill him. For cripes sake, we are talking war here! And you are bringing baggage like Negan with you? and giving him weapons? AND having your General basically guarding the escaped convict?
4. Bad move Eugene.
5. I now think that the cover reflects everyones reaction to seeing many of their own as zombies. Anyone who was on the road is obviously in danger, or maybe it is the remaining folks at Hilltop, The Sanctuary or The Kingdom.
6. I am keeping my fingers crossed that William will not be the paranoid doomsayer that Zachary (name?) seems to be. Why would the Kingdom turn their backs on the other communities now? Seems like that was thrown in there a preview for a future conflict arc.
Can’t wait till next month!!
1. Walkies would be a bit difficult to use, wouldn’t you think? Don’t they need batteries and other things? I don’t exactly know lol. But Eugene just fixed that radio and there’s a good chance that once #TWDwhispererWar is over, he might try to scavenge more radios or talkies (if possible) and try to “connect” them all.
2. You said that Negan wasn’t acting “civilized” when he killed Brandon, yet Brandon wanted there to be blood on BOTH sides of the Communities and the Whisperers, which was would’ve been the source of.Yeah, he was “basically a kid” but that’s not acting “civilized” too, you know. You didn’t see when Andrea lost her sister that she went berserk and killed all of the people she was with because she didn’t.
3. Rick saw Dwight as the only one who had any close connection to Negan, for better or for worse. And it’s not that Negan is “baggage” because Rick did say that he’ll be out there fighting in the front in exchange to live freely in an outpost. And Dwight is just monitoring Negan for any bad behavior. It’s just like when a kid is inappropriate with technology in school and in order to get that privilege back they need to earn it (True story; past experience)
4.Could it really? Eugene’s a smart guy, and he’s been smart since the first time we saw him. He lied to Abraham and Rosita in order to get refuge and stay protected (and he felt like there could’ve been a possibility that DC would have some protection area, and he was close to correct because they found Alexandria) and he’s practically helped the formation of the way Alexandria looks like now. He built bullets, he built the mill, and he’s trying to currently build trust with Stephanie. Or so we assume.
5. I have a feeling that the last page of #162 might have a 16-panel page showing the “AFTER” of the arc of all of those characters, whether they’re alive or dead (or undead).
6. I do hope the Kingdom helps, but keep in mind on their past experience of helping out and interacting with the other communities in the past. They lost the most out of all of the other communities during All Out War (Issue #118) and when the Fair was happening, they lost their leader to the Whisperers. Also, the Whisperers have no reason to attack their “home base” because they only know the locations of Alexandria and Hilltop, and one of them is about to be attacked. This can also go with Sanctuary.
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*phew*
Negan and rick will become the best battle buddies known to man.
My theory is that the story needs/is going to take an entirely new direction and that direction will be to Ohio (and not in a good way). I think this war is going to shake a lot of things up and get the characters back on the road. The whispers army is way to massive to hold off (because of the dead) and I feel that the dead army is going to bring down everything that Rick is comfortable with. They are putting almost all the defenses to protect Alexandria, which for the time will hold. But I feel the Hilltop will be the main object and will fall first, then that army will meet up at Alexandria and bring it down as well. The Kingdom of course is going to be reluctant to help and because of this they will fall last. The Kingdom will have very little defenses ready and everyone from Alexandria and the Hilltop will be flooding for safety at the Kingdom. We will of course see Beta and the Whispers die but it will be too late because the dead army will be too large to hold back. Once the Kingdom falls then we will see them escape via boat on the open waters towards none other then…OHIO!!! I think we will see a number of main characters die, my guess, Andrea, Lydia, Dwight and Jesus.
While I was initially disappointed with the fact that this war is only one volume, I think that the fact that it was now switched to a 16 grid, I think it’ll work just fine with just the one volume. It may have been too dragged out if it was two. That aside, this was a fantastic issue. One thing that I’m really looking forward to in the future is meeting Stephanie and her group. If I had to guess, they would probably be a military group. The way she answered him the first time made it sound like she had had experience using the radio, and in a formal way. I’m really hoping Gabriel doesn’t wimp out and freeze, that would pretty much doom Dwight and his group. I don’t think Dwight is going to make it out of this alive, especially with Negan around. Overall, an amazing issue. Its definitely leading up to the big part of the war, but issues like this are necessary for sure, and this was one of the best of this type of issue. Also: I MADE LETTER HACKS!!!! THANK YOU!!
1. The 16-panel grid actually made me think I was reading more than 1 issue, and that was GREAT. Sadly, I don’t think this will stay post-Whisperer War, though. It was really fun to have Stefano and Dave to stay on their respective roles after AOW, but that was also to help issues get finished quicker. I hope (and assume) that the whole story arc is set in this format. Looks really good.
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2. Stephanie’s group is relatively close to where everyone we know is at, and that’s pretty good. Some people are thinking that if the Whisperers take down the communities that they can all go to Ohio for refuge. But I’m thinking more of that when WW is over, there will be a road trip with a few characters to check it out, once Stephanie gives Eugene the OK to go there.
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3. I REALLY hope Gabriel stocked up on grenades (assuming the Saviors still kept some from AOW) and just throws them down to the ground and blows up some motherfuckers! Hell yeah!
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4. CONGRATS on getting published! This your first time?
Yeah! This is my second time writing in, and first time being publshed 😀 Yeah I feel like grenades would be one of the most useful weapons in this war, I wonder if Eugene has made anything other than bullets in his factory. And I do think that if the communities were to go down, they’d definitely go to Ohio, so it’s lucky Eugene got that info when he did XD
Let’s hope to you getting published many more times! I’ve been published like 4 times? (4 in TWD, 2 in Outcast, 1 in Invincible) and you wouldn’t believe my reaction to when I first got published (Issue #125). The drive home from the LCS was horrendous lol
Do you guys think there’s any chance they stick with the 16 panel grids permanently? Probably just wishful thinking on my part, but I love it. Really beefs up the read, and that’s ovviously a good thing.
Wishful thinking is right, I think. It’s nice but I doubt they’ll stick to the format.
As awesome as the format is, imagine how, for lack of a better word, “boring” and “stale” it would be when important parts of the comic in the future may look. You can’t exactly keep important events in those 1/16 panels, and have some 4/16 panels in there as well.
Don’t see why it should be a problem. This issue still had a double-page spread and great emotional moments such as Beta discovering Alpha’s body. I agree that the 16-panel format is great.
I agree with you that the 16-panel issue was great, but that’s probably because this is our first time seeing it in The Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman has done this The Irredeemable Ant-Man and some issues of Invincible), but it’s not gonna feel that good for future issues. Just imagine if Issue #100 was like that, or #144, or #156. Not as good.
I would rather Negan be killed off than he be turned into the Fonz. I hope to his he is on the con with Rick. He must have a hard on thinking anout some killing Andrea revenge. The great thing about the current war is that the story has really broken open with possibilities. The ‘Ohio’ community is setting up stories for possible fallout from the war. I also think Gabriel was a weak choice to put in the tower and had he is shitting himself already. This herd is going to be littered with Whisperers. The kingdom turning their back on others, thats not cool shit in the world ofcthe walkers and with the war coming. I don’t think the Kingdom will stand through the war. I think it will isolate itself and fall.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Lydia killing of Carl soon he is becoming irrelevant, would be nice revenge for her mothers death. I think Rick will try to keep that head away from them ever seeing it.
I said a few months back that Negan is going kill Dwight with Lucille and i hope he does that will dispell my dear of Negan being turned into a child friendly cartoon character in a leather jacket. (Fucking Sit On it). Anyway I think the dialogue and interplay from this issue will be the most important to this arc.
Can not wait for the next five months to fly by
I wait for the paperbacks, but id love a signed copy!
Fantastic Issue!!! i loved that it was packed with some extra pages. I’m really thinking its gonna be pee pee pants city for our Alexandrains man 🙁 just feels like the luck is going to run out and we are in for some tragic deaths and drastic changes to the landscape of the entire comic. lol goood to see Negan is just as in love with lucille as he ever was, and i agree seeing Rick and Negan become buddies would be pretty bad ass. With that being said i still don’t trust negan hes always got an ace in the hole. Either way this whisper war arc is shaping up to be epic. Bravo Kirkman Bravo!!
Nice issue – A lot of dialogue. Maybe too much? I like the 16 panel layout.
Will be waiting for next month!
The issue was really worth my money. I loved the layout this issue provided, along with the plot that this is also leading up to for Issue #158-#162. I’m really worried on Sean’s remarks about Aaron next issue (Oh boy…) and that “Death comes early and often” next issue. Hopefully, everyone’s favorite badass sniper is alive and well… PLEASE!
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DON’T KILL ANDREA!!! I will die!! If Andrea dies, I will be very angry and I will no doubt be very sad for a few days.
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#Andrea
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Rocking this guys!!!! This issue was so great. I love that Rick doesn’t trust Negan, because I’m not so sure he should be trusted. But I love me some Negan – he’s a character I love to hate.
I believe Rick’s days are numbered at this point. I know it’s been said that the comic could go on and Carl could pick up the story, but I fear the days without the epic Rick Grimes. He’s such a bad ass character. I am hoping Negan isn’t the one to kill Rick. After all, he and Carl grew close, and Negan really seemed to care about Carl’s opinion of him. Maybe that was out of ‘feelings’ or maybe he was hoping Carl had let his guard down. I suppose we will see.
I do worry about Negan being with Dwight. Negan told him he would be the one to give Lucille back to him… Worries me a bit.
Just want to thank you for telling this story so epically. I love how it differs from the show. I love our wildcard characters in the show, and I love seeing how you introduce new additions to the show. I didn’t start reading the comic till the show had been on a couple of years, but I’ve enjoyed it. And I right there when new issues are released on Wednesdays to see what’s happening next.
I have a bad feeling Eugene is getting catfished.
Well, who’s really going to “catfish” someone THIS far into the world? It would make sense so that “Stephanie” can loot all of Eugene’s group belongings, but she did say that her group has more and that puts him at a disadvantage, so who knows?
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Typing this made me think “What would happen if Stephanie brought a part of her group over to the east coast of DC and helped take down the Whisperers because Eugene told her his ‘exact’ location?”.
Because I have a feeling that this will be a variation of No Way Out soon.
Loved this issue and looking forward to the next 5.
I loved the 16 panel idea.
Is it me or do most of the charactors look different in this issue? Like a different artist has done this rather than the great charlie?
I loved the one panel where Negan is reaching out for Lucille from Dwights bag like a kid, I think we are about to see a lot of deaths including some main charactors, just a thought will we see the same charactor killed off in the same week on both tv and comic? that would be freaky…
I was able to recognize all of them, but I get what you’re saying. I felt the same way when Issue #115 released (when Charlie started to pencil his artwork and Stefano inked it). And I like it.
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I don’t think we’ll see the same character die in the show and comic in the same week because S7 starts on the 23rd of October, and October’s Issue of The Walking Dead comes out during the first Wednesday of the week. Plus, Rick, Carl, Maggie, Aaron, Eugene, and Michonne are the characters that are there in the “line” with Negan. But during #TWDwhispererWar , I think Andrea might get it. None of the others. Maybe Michonne.
Thought Negan didn’t look his usual self, for sure.
I wish I had something smarter to say. I’m loving it. The comic has never disappointed. Keep it up Kirkman and crew. Love you guys.
Could you just imagine Negan rising in power and eventually causing a civil war after the whisperers? I feel like that is a potential route to go. Otherwise a cool issue with the new slick 16 panels.
Nice
Dwight escorting Negan, allowing Negan to walk BEHIND him, then later, allowing Negan to listen in on plans… if Dwight doesn’t kill his ass at the first opportunity when Magna’s not around & make up a story about it, well then, he needs his pee hole jammed up! And Ol’ Man Rick just played right into Negan’s hands. I guess it’s gonna take a hard hit for Rick to learn. This is one time I can’t side with My Sniper & trust Rick Grimes… and I just hope she’s not the one who pays the price (I’m trying to ignore my gut feeling right about now).
I like the 16 panels but I’d rather they not make that a common thing–when bits of delight are tossed in like this every now-and-then, it’s like finding a chunk of fudge in a tub of Moose Tracks ice cream that some punk has been in & already selectively scooped through.