THE WALKING DEAD issue #161 is out, and hopefully you’ve read it, killed it, brought it back to life, altered its programming, boosted its intelligence, given it consciousness, let it loose in your $40,000-dollar-a-day theme park, watched it get dangerously out of control, sent a security team after it, and are now ready to comment. 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 #161!
PREVIOUSLY: Dwight leads his squad to safety by disguising themselves in Whisperer skins. At Hilltop, flaming arrows rain down as the Whisperers launch a sneak attack. While Carl evacuates Barrington House, Lydia refuses to join her mother’s people, making it clear Hilltop is her home as she blows a Whisperer’s brains out.
Got the email notification…the graphic novel was on my kindle. I waited about 2 hours to read it. I have to emotionally prepare myself to read it, get into the right frame of mind.
This is because I know I will have questions and will have to wait at least a month for an answer, the issue will end in a cliffhanger, they always do.(reason 1396 why i love TWD)
That being said…HOW DARE YOU ALMOST KILL CARL IN A FIRE!!!! He doesn’t deserve to burn. He’s been shot twice! Had to kill his mother! Stop picking on Carl!!
His girlfriend dumps him then you think “Whelp. Kid is heartbroken, hilltop is on fire, let’s BURN HIM!” I had a mild panic attack. Please don’t kill him, I want him to take over for Rick and become the leader that we all know that he can be.
Or kill him…but make it quick because I don’t know if I could handle it.
I love this comic, it’s the only one that I read. It makes me more excited about the TV show. Which is also amazing. Great job. Keep it up.
Stop picking on Carl.
Allison
Carl shot his mom in the TV Show
in the comic book lori and judith were killed by Lilly who then shot the governor in the back of the head through the one eye he had left
I am disappointed. We don’t get any deaths in this fight, this is so unrealistic. Kirkman, if you dont kill a main character in the next issue you are pussy.
Pussy? Come on. Really? Really?
I mean, he should have the guts to kill major characters. I do not want everyone to survive, I dont want to have to wait 100 issues to see a main death (100-200). but we’ll see next issue…
I get what you’re saying. “Pussy” is just so crass, though, you know? We’ll see. At this point, though, I think Kirkman is trying not to kill major characters as much because he wants there to be stability in some form so we can have some consistency. He mentioned once that Rick was now more of a “political” character rather than an action hero. Things like that need to be kept around in order to progress the story as their world gets larger. But I know what you mean.
At the same time, though, who is left to really care about? Maggie, Rick, Michonne, Carl, and Sophia. That’s really all I can think of. And Negan, I suppose. But without some of the more minor characters elevated to more important places first, the deaths of those major characters would be leaving the comic a little too hollow because of how few are left. Lydia is close to becoming important enough and I hope she sticks around. Magna has always had potential. I think the reason there may not be any major character deaths lately is because of how few key players are left. We really need to get Magna and people like her to important likable mainstay positions so older characters past their prime can be killed off without the comic suffering that claustrophobic small feeling.
Oh, I dont wanted to be rude, sorry. I also understand what you mean, but I dont think only one death is important enough for this whole war (Father Gabriel), at least give us some minor deaths or a big one.
Everyone surviving is unrealistic for me. My hopes are in the last part of the Whisperer War. You forgot Andrea, and I also care about Dwight and Jesus.
I forgot Andrea?! Lord help me if BASTET sees that.
Jesus, I’ll start praying for your life Neutral Grey! Bastet won’t be happy.
Wow NG you think “Pussy” is crass, yet last month you accused me of making a “Cunty” remark! It appears your rules apply to others but not yourself.
True. You got me there, Barba. But I mean, you directed whatever you said at meat me explicitly in a very rude manner. There’s no denying you sounded hostile very intentionally. But I’m nothing if not an amazing hypocrite! Good to see you can’t let an internet comment go, though.
Hey!
where can i read it ?
https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/the-walking-dead-161
NG, lets just call it square and move on. Lots more interesting things to talk about between fellow fans.
You replied to the wrong comment chain, mate! Glad I saw this, though. Sure. Sounds good to me. Happy to let bygones be bygones.
Really hope that Andrea is not the big character death from this war. All signs point to her, and that would suck. She would be yet another girlfriend for Rick to cry over, even though she is vastly more interesting than her boyfriend. I actually want it to be Rick who dies. I feel that his shtick has gotten stale at this point, and that now would be the perfect time to off him. Rick has already gone through his “undefiable leader” cycle multiple times, and we have seen him “rise above the haters” ad nauseum. I feel like issue one fifty was his last hurrah. He can barely walk now, so if the next storyline requires lots of travel, it will be impossible for him without the writing being cheap. Carl and Maggie would both make a more compelling protagonist at this point. Rick’s death would be a shocking, emotional, and compelling way to end the war.
Holy fucking fuckity fuck! This is probably one of the best issues this year, if not THE best! So much happened!
First… Carl! WOW! Carl is the MAN! He has grown up. He’s a selfless leader. He is prime to take over for his father. And yes, for a second I thought he was a goner. And I am happy to see Lydia is not going to betray her new family.
Maggie’s reaction to victory was priceless. Blasé Yay. We won. It was no victory and she knew it. The Hill Top is gone.
I knew Lucille has more meaning. That bat is the personification of his wife. Reality hit Negan hard. He has finally lost. He didn’t even lose after all out war. This was the point he hit rock bottom.
And now trouble brewing with the saviors. This is not good at all. But I see a civil with within the saviors before a war with Rick.
Such a great episode. Lastly… I am worried for Rick. I feel like Rick is prime to die and Carl is set to take over. Really, these future covers are major spoilers that need to stop. First, baby Herschel surviving, now ricks prosthetic reaching to the shy with the title “Conquered”. It’s a mind game, but they need more discretion with these releases.
Overall, amazing issue.
Great read. In Issue 157 mentioned that Rick, Carl, Andrea, Maggie, Michonne, Eugene, Gabriel, Aaron, Jesus, Dwight, Negan, Magna, Hershel, Dante, Lydia, Laura and William would all have different lives. I think Sophia will have a different one as well. We already knew she was tough with the bullies but seeing her with a gun was Awesome.
Can’t wait for the conclusion, or for a couple issues after than when Carl, Lydia and Sophia hook up.
Who was Tara’s girlfriend at the end who “believes in Rick Grimes”? I feel like I was supposed to recognize her but can’t place her as an existing character.
It’ Sherry, dwight’s ex-wife, I think she is now the leader of the saviors since Dwight bailed out for reasons practically unknown…
HOLY SHIT, I DIDN’T PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER. She was just one of Negan’s many side-chicks, how does something like that happen?
The one time Carl stayed in the house
Please don’t bring that retired season 2 joke in the comic threads, bruh.
Oh my God, this chick Sherry has the fucking NERVE. Like, who the fuck are you? You still relevant? Ring ring, telephone. It’s the good villains wanting their screen time back. Seriously. That pissed me off more than anything. Like, really? You think YOU have the fucking balls to take shit over? No one gives a fuck about you. I hope that chick’s death is an afterthought.I hope Dwight comes back just in time to shut that little shit show down.
Always glad to see my boy Carl surviving another day. I was worried for him for a moment there.
To me its just more evidence of what Rick says he doesn’t want, to immediately kill anything that could pose a threat. He should have killed all the saviors at the end of the war, brushed his shoulders off, and said “that’s that.”
Anyhow, after hearing about Sherry… It’s curious that Rick warns Andrea about the saviors… They might want to keep a low profile but Rick has put them instantly in the “don’t trust the sh*t out of this motherf*ckers” list…
About Carl… Well I really thought he was going to die… now I’m thinking Sophia went for him and we’ll know on next issue…
There will be a lot on the ladt issue of the arc… Don’t kniw if that’s the best… But I’m expecting a few big deaths there…
I agree, Let’s see next issue, I really expect a major death… or at least some important.
I’ve often felt bad for Negan throughout his story. Even though I believe he deserved to be held in Rick’s cell for years he continually showed that he can be reasonable, like when he stayed put after finding his cell left unlocked. But DAMN the page with Dwight confronting Negan about crying over a piece of wood hit me hard. So much weight in those panels from the obvious hatred Dwight harbors for Negan worn plainly on his face, to the deeper sense of despair that Negan shows. Having kept up with the “Here’s Negan” arc, these panels were some of my favorites from this issue. Can’t wait to see how Negan’s back story wraps up and how he channels his rage from loosing the last part of Lucille that he has left. Keep up the good work Kirkman and company!
I think they’re gonna go to Ohio after the war. I also believe Negan will be the major death of the whisperer war… it’d be fitting for him to be let go as they finally leave the Alexandria Safe Zone (and DC area). As for Ohio, I can imagine Stephanie’s community resembling more of a city than a town… would let reality sink back in for Rick that the civilization can be coming back without his absolute leadership. But who knows!
Little message to Sherry to kick this entry off:
DOOOON’T STOP, BELIEEEEVIIINN
That aside, this issue was fantastic. I feel like it did a great job both wrapping up the battle at the Hilltop and starting plot threads that will be continued in the final chapter of this arc. Beta doesn’t seem to be doing too hot (luckily) and will probably just end up either attacking the Hilltop again or just dropping dead (I was hoping he’d make his way to Alexandria and Andrea would get her easiest target ever). The fact that we haven’t seen any Whisperers anywhere near Alexandria leads me to believe that “Conquered” might just be a complete tease, or that they would get conquered by an attack by the Saviors. Seriously great issue, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Does anyone know what Kirkman meant in last issue’s letter hacks when he said they were doing something in this issue they haven’t done in a long time?
Destruction of the community.
That or amputation to survive a roamer bite
I gotta say I am more and more impressed with Lydia in issues #160 and #161 because now we know where her loyalties lie. Previously I was beginning to suspect that she would not fit in with Carl at the hilltop or any of the Alexandrians. I was also starting to think she would betray them in a way to benefit the whispers and their animalistic ways, because Lydia’s way of life with the whisperers was so involved in being obedient and being part of a mob mentality or playing minimal part in a herd. But now she is turning against the whisperers, the very people she’s survived with side by side for so long, to protect Carl and his people. It also just shows the power of Carl and the people around him that want to change this world for the better and help others. Lydia is basically a domesticated force to be reckoned with in the war against the whisperers. Way to go Lydia and Carl, thanks for being a serious disfunctional power couple!
Rick said he was working on a plan should Dwight fail. Rick is smart enough to know that he heeds to put on a skin mask when alexandria gets overrun. He is raising his claw in victory, he has conquered the whisperers and is in control of their herd. Loved the panel of Maggie with little herschel clinging to her leg, hilltop in flames behind her. ” Yay. We won.” Iconic image right there.
What even is Sherry?! Come on Sherry, you want to be the new Negan?! Really?! You? Man, you really are A latter climber in the worst way. Well, you made it. You made it to the top. You’re at the top and now what? You’re going to take over Rick? You were always a shallow woman Sherry. A shallow, shallow woman.
What the hell? How dare you, Sherry? What a whore. Maybe she would prefer to be Negan’s wife again, instead of being free.
Hilltop is finished, but, luckily, nobody died. Good to see that Aaron made it and saved Carl. However, there were not many Whisperers, maybe they just ran back after they set Hilltop to fire.
Anyway, nice job from Sophia, and I am happy that Dante didn’t die after being rejected by Maggie.
Beta is finished, but I hope that he will man up for the last fight with Negan. Negan, stop crying and bury the rest of Lucille into Beta’s body. Beta mentioned he would go back to the camp – why, for more Whisperers, or for the rest of the herd? I feel like that this guy has one more surprise to show.
RIP Connie’s hand, Magna should definitely become a major character in the era after the war.
Next, someone important will die. I would go for Negan and Rick. Negan is broken, it would be nice to see him to make a sacrifice or something. And as for Rick, it would make sense that a leader would fall with his community. Just don’t kill Dwight or Jesus, thanks.
Watching Maggie grow from a small town little hick girl, who just wanted to have a relationship no matter who it was (Glen), into this badass leader who you don’t fuck with has been incredible. She steals every panel she is in. Beta is going to unleash the final walker herd to Alexandria. Alexandria will fall. Many will die. Whomever is left will be rescued by the Hilltop. Then they will all have to leave to either the Kingdom or just start over somewhere else.
Ah, a softer, more teary eyed side to Negan!
So much happened in this issue. I’m excited for the next one!
I honestly think that next issue, both Negan and Rick will die. It’ll be a shocking and so fitting to end the war. I think that it’ll be a parallel death, like Negan sacrifices him while in berserk mode fighting the Whisperers and holding them off, or killing Beta but dying in return and meanwhile, on he parallel panel, Rick will die from the herd attacking Alexandria. It’ll be a great comparison between the two and I can’t think of any way better to end the two. I also think it will be Alexandrias end. It just makes sense. Do you think Kirkman sent Carl to the Hilltop just so he can learn how to build weapons and shit? No way, he’s protecting him from all the mess en route to Alexandria. Everybody from there is going to die. The survivors will probably be rescued by the Hilltop and they’ll go to the kingdom or even better, to the saviors and ending up getting rejected. They could end up somewhere else or even go to Ohio, which would be a total surprise.
I “believe” in Rick Grimes. Now it’s better
Cry me a river, Negan. Are you going to start singing, “You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille?” Use a little of that unspooled barbed wire and wipe a tear from your eye.
I loved this issue. I don’t think I ever felt so uncertain about what’s coming. Every storyline and every character’s fate could go either way, uncertain future or death. This is the first time I’m scared even for the life of Rick Grimes. I’m very excited to see the big finale for the Whisperers War, but at the same time I’m not ready to say goodbye to any of the characters I love so much.
Special plea to Mr. Kirkman: “Please, let Rick, Andrea, Carl, Maggie, Hershal Jr., Sophia, Jesus, Michonne, Negan and Dwight live through this war!!!” I hope I didn’t forget someone.
Yes! Sherry! I love the extended cast and I’m really pleased that Tara, John and Sherry are getting some play (although sad that Mark isn’t trusted… I hope he can be). I thought the time-jump was a missed opportunity to explore the complex dynamics of the Hilltop and the Kingdom but at least now those things are coming into play. That said, Sherry seems to have a losing hand — the Saviours don’t seem to have much manpower, let alone goodwill. I hope she’s got a better strategy than it seems. I did love the dark take on Maggie’s “I believe in Rick Grimes”.
I was very surprised that we didn’t have any Hilltop casualties. I really thought we were headed for another #48. I’m really worried for Eugene — his scene felt very much like a goodbye (I’m reminded of Ezekiel’s final scenes in life where he had real purpose and heroism). It would be a shame if he did die because I like the Texas trio. Similarly, though, I don’t want to see the end of Andrea if only because I feel we’ve been-there-done-that with Lori (and, hey, up in her tower she should theoretically be safer than anyone if Eugene’s delivery gets through – as long as her food lasts, at least).
Still, wonderful scenes with Sophia, Carl and Aaron. Great characters. Lydia got a lot of space too although, despite her hero turn, I can’t say I’m that excited that she’s sticking around.
And I was so pleased that Magna’s little crew got some panel time. I really like them and this scene was yet another parallel with Rick. I wonder where this is going. Good to see a bit of Negan.
Can’t wait for the finale.
While I was initially pissed about the prospect of destroying everything these groups have created over the last few years, I forgot how much fucking fun it was when they were struggling to survive on the road. Maybe Magna and her group were an eerie foreshadowing of these doomed communities. After all, she and her posse were held up for many years in a hospital (or something) until it all went wrong and they were all forced to evacuate. It just seems like the natural progression of any group in this world. You may find some peaceful stagnation for a while, but hardships will always shine through.
I would enjoy seeing them displaced, out in the woods, moving. I’m thinking of The Hunters arc.
I still don’t understand why is it Beta unmasked on the cover because he almost didn’t appear in the issue… Or if it is Eugene… I don’t know…
Really looking forward for the conclussion,apparently only hilltop has suffered as of yet…
How about daryl. Hahaha ii think sherry or dwight he/she give the key to daryl. Haha fck no daryl in 8 to 16 episode, no daryl in war. Wtf. I like Negan he’s very cool for me.
Uh…. are you confused? This is the comic thread.
My god, it’s been a bit since an issue of this comic gave me heart-attack-like symptoms, but here we are again. The panels where you had the fight going, the fire raging, Carl being resuscitated–my blood pressure was seriously through the roof. Bravo.
Now let me say that Maggie needs to dust a spot off her (burnt to a crisp) mantle for the Mother of the Year Award. Her and Carl both running into that fire was so intense. That’s love. I was also sitting at my desk at work yelling “BREEEATHE” as Carl nearly had his ticket punched. Poor Carl. The whole time, I was thinking about Rick and how the man deserves to die warm in his bed as an old man with his son still alive. So far, so good, at least for another day.
Carl and Aaron are both Medal of Honor recipients in my opinion, too. Aaron has always been on my radar, but he officially made it to New Favorite status in my book. Just to clarify, that means he’s not dying any time soon, right? RIGHT?
Glad to see Lydia officially and firmly choosing a side. Gotta say, I think she made the right choice. I’m nervous about all this hype about Beta’s face. All my theories about him are pretty ridiculous (famous person from Before? Tony Danza, is that you? Horrible disfigurement? Bit in the face and miraculously lived? WHAT IS YOUR DEAL, MAN?) so I’m ready to have the mystery revealed.
It’s really interesting to me to see the almost complete reversal in power dynamics between Dwight and Negan now. Negan is literally in the dirt, clutching the remnants of a bat that he personified, and Dwight tells him to his face that he’s pathetic. He wouldn’t have lived to see the light of day if he said that before. Wondering what’s up for Negan next, but Lucille does deserved to be eulogized, so… Rest In Peace, Dirty Girl. You will not be missed.
And dammit, what’s this shit with Sherry, now? We have a refugee crisis, a war is happening, Carl nearly died (again), and now we have to worry about a Savior Uprising? Savior Civil War? What is this perfect storm of misery that we are entering, Kirkman?
Whatever it is, don’t stop any time soon. This is the most excited I’ve been to purchase comics in a long time. Can’t wait to read the conclusion of the Whisperer War. On the edge of my seat… as usual.
Why everybody wants to kill somebody else ?, people did no get enough with Ezekiel , Rosita , Alpha and the father Gabriel , come on , it has been a lot of death people , on the other hand for true fans this is the story about Rick Grimes and his evolution in the apocalypse, there is no Walking Death after Rick … please read issue 1 intro.
I think the hilltop has been with us for a lot of time , looks like nobody cares that is burnt! Another emotional part of the issue… Anyway this issue was good and I hope that in the last issue the only people that dies is Beta and any possible Whispers that is still fighting
Now that we have seen how incredibly bad ass Lydia is how will she react to finding out Negan has decapitated her mother. Although she did make a defining stand against the whisperers you would have to think that her affection for the other communities may alter. Maybe ALL it will take a sixteen year old motherless blonde girl to kill Negan.
Now for some notes. I got the feeling Dwight may be killed in the next issue. I was expecting something more from this issue being the penultimate but even the big points seemed hollow. I must say Lydia and Carl’s courage throughout the issue impressed me but as i said above this will lead to Lydia reacting against her new friends once she sees the head of her mother. Maybe she will Conquer the ‘Great Rick Grimes’ and Negan also. No pressure on her from me. In relation to Dwight he has been doing all the heavy lifting in the fighting and his death after really getting to like him would be a very ‘Kirkman’ thing. Maggie’s non plussed reaction ‘we won.yay.’ says what we all will realise. There is no victories only battles won. Back to Dwight for a fellow with face like a half a scrotum he seems to be impressing the ladies too. Surely it can’t be good for Carl to suffer smoke inhalation through his eye socket. I bet his friends blow weed smoke in there. Does anyone else think Eugune may be talking to no one and Stephanie is not real, like Rick and his phone calls to Lori.
If he survives, will Beta be able to slip away like a pissweak German soldier after WW2. As no one knows his face at all. Apart from being incredibly hard to kill and also 7 foot plus tall.
Lots of set up in this issue. I look for a world shaking end to the war and lots of changes coming up! I like how packed every issue has been. Blood, tears and uncertainty on the horizon…
Maybe I am mistaken but doesn’t it appear Sherry just appeared out of thin air here? She wasn’t part of the story for quite awhile and now she wants to be the big cheese? Sort of reminds me of a soap opera character, popping out from around the corner when they supposedly died 2 years ago.
I do like William and I am glad to see he has his priorities figured out. Let’s hope he remains in power. It feels sort of like American politics in WD world lately.
Although Sherry hasn’t been on-stage that much, she’s had a big influence on the book and has been referred to in almost every issue with Dwight, including earlier in this arc where Negan called her exactly right. I personally think she’s been way underused so I’m glad she’s back. I’m glad Tara and John are back too but in their case it really does feel like bringing back the only named Saviours with any charisma.
In William’s case though he literally did appear out of nowhere. I think it’s a shame we never saw his dynamics with Ezekiel. While the time jump had a lot of advantages, I do wish we’d spent a bit more time with the Sanctuary and the Kingdom after the war especially given how important Ezekiel’s death was and Dwight’s role has become.
I had to slow down reading until I got to Carl being revived. I took a breath when he took a breath, I’m sure. Had to go back & read in case I missed something. WHEW!!
I feel like Sherry taking over will result in somehow Dwight’s death. I feel it will be one of them that kills the other to add intensity.
Alexandria will be attacked, and I have a very VERY good feeling someone will die important. Whisperers will throw every-fucking-little-thing they have at Alexandria to kill them all, Lydia said it herself.
I am feeling the death of Eugene, as unrealistic it seems, I feel it is bound to happen. He is on the road going to Alexandria, The Whisperers are as well, so many things can go wrong.
I also feel Andrey could die. That would set Rick off.
I STILL think that Stephanie will be VERY important in the upcoming fight. I really wish more would be going on between them, it’s so unbelievably important, yet I feel it gets not as much attention it should.