The Walking Dead Issue 182 served as a set-up issue for the next major storylines. Like one of your pointed out in our discussion, this issue felt reminiscent of A New Beginning when everyone was happy and it seemed like nothing could possibly go wrong. It’s typically issues like these that end up being the most dangerous of all. Regardless, here’s where we stand in our character Power Rankings.
1. Rick
Rick managed to finish Pamela’s tour of the communities (mostly) without incident. Although she still vehemently disagrees with his worldview, Rick can chalk her overall trip up as a success. The real work will come when the roles are reversed and he’s touring the Commonwealth, but for now Rick can feel optimistic about the experience.
2. Pamela
Pamela’s tour finally concluded with her agreeing to open up trading routes with Rick’s communities. Although Maggie was skeptical, it so far seems like things could actually work out. But then again this is The Walking Dead, and things that seem too good to be true usually are.
3. Maggie
Maggie was understandably dubious of Pamela’s offer to open up trade relations between their communities. Getting introduced to another Governor probably unearths old memories Maggie would care to forget. Thankfully, Maggie trusts Rick enough to scope out the Commonwealth to see if it passes his ‘smell test.’
4. John (+2)
John finally got some well-deserved panel time in this issue. It was strange to see him so welcoming to Pamela – either he really has changed things around as Rick mentioned or he has something up his sleeve. After all, the very cover of this issue indicates he has some secret agenda with The Governor herself. Whatever it is, it’s great to see more story from him.
5. Officer Mercer (-1)
Officer Mercer has been an intriguing character to watch these last few issues. It’s clear that he’s unhappy with his situation at the Commonwealth and safe to say he envies the world order of Rick’s communities. Getting some background on his previous life as a Marine was also illuminating. He’s not just some yes man brute, he made a difference in his previous life. You have to wonder how if Mercer will ever break away from his Commonwealth duties and make a new life for himself.
6. Michonne (-1)
Michonne may not have been in this issue but don’t worry – we’re getting a healthy dose of her in the next few issues. As Robert mentioned in his letters, Michonne might be wishing she still had her katana.
7. Dwight
Like John, Dwight has seemingly mellowed. It was a relief to see him and Rick bury the hatchet – hopefully it means positive things going forward now that he’s accompanying Rick to the Commonwealth.
8. Princess
Princess was barely featured in this issue, but at least she got to tour Rick’s allied communities.
9. Eugene
Eugene comes up with another genius plan – let the soldiers ride in the wagon instead of letting them jog outside of it like Kim Jon Un’s guards. Brilliant!
10. Magna
Magna wasn’t in this issue but will surely appear in the next few issues.
11. Yumiko
As always, same goes for Yumiko! Hey, since we don’t update her very often we’re going to leave our article about her joining the show in Season 9!
12. Carl (+1)
We’re bumping Carl up just because he finally reunited with his dad this issue. Glad to see their bond get even stronger following Andrea’s passing.
13. Lance (-1)
Lance’s plan to convince Michonne to stay at Commonwealth worked, but now what?
14. Maxwell
Maxwell accompanied Pamela on her tour of the communities this issue but didn’t do anything of note. So, he’s staying put in our rankings.
15. Elodie
Elodie will play a significant role in the coming issues.
16. Jesus
One of the best moments of this issue came when Pamela told the Hilltop about Michonne finding her daughter at Commonwealth. We’re happy Jesus was there for that.
17. Aaron
We’re glad Aaron was there, too!
18. Sebastian
Oh Sebastian, you bratty bottom-dweller of our Power Rankings. We only keep you here to show the range of power of this list.
On the Bubble: William, Siddiq, Dante, Laura, Sophia, Heath, and Laura.
That’s it for this month’s character Power Rankings for Issue 182! What did YOU think of the new list? Who do you think will rise and fall in next month’s rankings? Let us know in the comments!
FINALLY!! I get it, it makes sense to wait till this issue to do new power rankings. This new issue really put it out there for who is in charge and who is not, but also showed us that even though the new Governor has a bigger community, they do not necessarily have a better way. Which I think has always been the over lying theme of this story. Love that we got to see alot of characters in this issue and hope to see more of the Commonwealth in the coming issues! Thanks guys and gals.
I am super interested in seeing what is up with John. Is this going to be a John screws up and Dwight saves him ordeal? Or maybe if the Sanctuary works with the Commonwealth we will finally see happy Sanctuarians ( not Saviors anymore).
My one gripe is I want to see more Oceanside! They even mentioned it was on the tour! Sooo are you saving them for some big Grand Opening or something? I want to see more pirates!