We finally met Officer Mercer in The Walking Dead Issue 177 – which was full of reunions, new love, and over-privileged teenagers. But what does this mean for our characters moving forward? Will Michonne bring her daughter back to Alexandria or stay in Commonwealth for a while? What is Mercer planning? And what will happen with Siddiq? Give us ALL of your predictions in the comments below for a chance to win a Robert Kirkman-signed copy of the issue (bonus points if you mention Oblivion Song #1).
UPDATE: The winner for this month’s comment contest is Camposcat! We agree that Siddiq has a penchant for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but maybe it’s a good thing! And awesome for digging into Maggie’s ‘dilemma.’ She needs to realize she SHOULD be happy and she DESERVES to be happy! Speaking of happy, check your email so we can send you a signed copy of the issue. And for everyone else KEEP COMMENTING! Just because we don’t choose you doesn’t mean we don’t read and enjoy your takes. Until next month!
Previously: Lance led the delegation from Alexandria into the bustling Commonwealth streets. Because of her career as a lawyer, Michonne is chosen to meet Governor Pamela Milton. Michonne tolerates the meeting for as long as possible before revealing that she believes her daughter, Elodie, is living with this community. Michonne is then taken to a bakery where she finds Elodie still alive after all these years apart…
An intriguing issue. Elodie looks set to be an awesome character. I love Mercer as well. At first, I felt really worried for Siddiq but on second reading, I’m not sure. I’d think a guy like Mercer would already have made a move if he was going to and it seems like he was letting off steam rather than plotting murder. That said, I really want a horrible death for Sebastian who, on the plus side, makes Spencer looks good. I guess not all leaders’ sons are like Carl but man…! Bit of a shame that for another issue, most of Eugene’s delegation are relegated to non-speaking roles but I guess that’s how it rolls sometimes.
I was almost a bit disappointed to be back in the old communities because I’m so down for more Commonwealth action right now but I really like the Rick/Mikey relationship that’s developing and I’m glad to see Annie get a mention. Interested to see more of Maggie and Dante. But I was really thrilled to see Eduardo. Seems like years since he’s been in it – has he even featured since the time jump? We didn’t check in on Josh or the ex-whisperers though… wonder if they’ll be a factor later on.
Another solid issue in a great arc.
I will never understand how people are saying the comics are getting bad this was fantastic
What does this mean for our characters moving forward?
They will study things as usual, unveil a dark secret, and they’ll be endangered. As for that Sebastian guy, he’ll soon die in oblivion.
Will Michonne bring her daughter back to Alexandria or stay in Commonwealth for a while?
She’ll stay with her, that’s for sure. It doesn’t matter where. However, Colette will remain in oblivion.
What is Mercer planning?
He looks like he’s a strong guy surrounded of weak soon-to-be-living-in-oblivion people. He’ll plan his way out of those awful functions he has there.
and what will happen with Siddiq?
The conversation he just heard won’t remain in oblivion. He’ll probably prove himself useful and act as the link of the Commonwealth visitors and Mercer’s group.
Why does the commonwealth remind me of when the group first got to Alexandria? The Governor’s son reminds me of Aiden from the show.
I’m excited for this storyline. It’s nice to see Michonne daughter is just like her mom. I don’t trust The commonwealth yet, but when do we ever trust new people in The Walking Dead? I’d like to see what’s going on with Stephanie. I think she’d give us some truth to the community. Anytime Andreas named is mentioned I want to just cry my eyes out. Why was Siddiq even walking around?
Just saw that Oblivion Song was number 1 today!, congrats! That’s exciting! I’ll be ordering mine with my issue today!
Thanks for the hard work you guys put into this every day for us fans!
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The reunion was touching…perfectly drawn…written…superb. Really gave it the attention it deserved. But now we have a commonwealth…a government…even in the apocalypse the basics of human nature cannot be squashed…humanity has been reduced to the walking dead…corpses rising up and yet we tend to just fall back in with what we knew…can there ever truly be a utopia where communities can get along without a fear of backstabbing or some rich punk ass kid sneaking an afternoon delight while humiliating his guard and tattling to his mom? Now if Negan were in this “commonwealth” … well…let’s just say that might be just the perfect opponent to this new Governor. Of course she has both eyes…For now.
Been reading since the beginning and it just keeps getting more baddass! Great blend of feels and action. I can’t wait to see where they go next! 10/10 would recommend! Bonus of Oblivion Song this week taiko me to a completely different world! Excited isn’t a strong enough word! Mr. Kirkman hits two out of the park this week!
Another stellar issue! Praise for Maggie and Dante! As far as Sidiqi’s wrong place at the wrong time cliffhanger… I think it’ll prove to be the best place and time. We can definitely expect Mercy from Mercer. New capable soldiers in town might be just what they need to make a surprise play against the governor. What Mercer and ___ plan to do after however makes me wary. Sure I get a bad vibe from the CommonWealth but ____ seems alright, at least as a mother. She could of used Edoie (who is already one of my new favorites btw) as leverage against Michonne but she didn’t, and her son Sebastian might be a prick sure, but kids aren’t always the best predictors of a parent (ex. Alpha / ). I’m super pumped for the Princess cover coming up, I already adore her so much and can’t wait to see her cement her place in the group. However, I could definitely see Michonne siding with the governor which could make events a little sticky. All in all another great installment in this wonderfully new story arc. And may I say, WAY TO GO ON OBLIVION SONG. Killer read Kirkman keep up the good work in all your edible endeavors.
Oh snap I forgot to fill in the names! :O
Another stellar issue! Praise for Maggie and Dante! As far as Siddiqi’s wrong place at the wrong time cliffhanger… I think it’ll prove to be the best place and time. We can definitely expect Mercy from Mercer. New capable soldiers in town might be just what they need to make a surprise play against the governor. What Mercer and GEORGE plan to do after however makes me wary. Sure I get a bad vibe from the CommonWealth but GOV MILTON seems alright, at least as a mother. She could of used Elodie (who is already one of my new favorites btw) as leverage against Michonne but she didn’t, and her son Sebastian might be a prick sure, but kids aren’t always the best predictors of a parent (ex. Alpha / ). I’m super pumped for the Princess cover coming up, I already adore her so much and can’t wait to see her cement her place in the group. However, I could definitely see Michonne siding with the governor which could make events a little sticky. All in all another great installment in this wonderfully new story arc. And may I say, WAY TO GO ON OBLIVION SONG. Killer read Kirkman keep up the good work in all your edible endeavors.
Sad to finally learn the fate of Colette. But in a world where most people don’t even GET to know what happened to their loved ones, I have to imagine there’s some twisted comfort in finally knowing where they are, whether it be in a bakery in the Commonwealth or… in the grave.
Also, fuck Sebastian. And it’s nice to see Maggie trying to move on with her life but it’s definitely still a struggle.
Also, it’s interesting seeing Mikey and Rick forming a bond. It’s been shown a couple times before and this just reinforces that in the absence of Mikey’s parents and Carl’s presence, Rick has seemingly taken on the role of looking out for the poor kid.
I feel like this highlights how Rick is not the same as Negan like Dwight kept saying. If Dwight does something stupid I could see Mikey play a part in setting him straight. It’s the Dwight internal conflict I’m wondering about. It was bubbling under the surface and now we haven’t got anything on it in a while. I could see him doing something crazy in issue 200.
Even though I entered TWD fandom quite recently, I personally feel that it just keeps on getting better and better as time goes. And I can’t wait to order Oblivion Song. As for the characters moving forward I feel like Maggie is trying her hardest to cope. Michonne will probably stay with her daughter in the commonwealth, and might bring her back to Alexandria. Mercer seems like a strong guy who will probably get out of those functions he’s in. And as for Siddiq, the conversation he heard will probably not remain in the commonwealth as he tries to prove himself useful. Maybe to try to bring together Mercer’s people to the commonwealth.
What a fantastic issue and I might add I’m loving the variant covers every month too… The commonwealth and this new story arc with new people are great… Glad to see Maggie moving on but I still miss Glenn and she does too… Rick and Mikey story line is great… I’m loving Elodie and the catching up with her mom stuff is great too, sad to hear about her sister and what the 2 had to go through in the past…. Bringing up stuff from the past to find out what happend to loved ones they thought were dead is good for story as well too… The sex stuff is great wish there was more of it on the tv show lol…Siddiq I’m sure will be fine I hope lol… as for Mercer I’m not sure bout him seems badass and I’m sure we will learn more about him… Mr. Kirkman you absolutely are a monster (in a good way) for TWD… This issue and where your taking the story is amazing… Oh and oblivion song, PICK IT UP, it’s absolutoty friggen fantastic… I bought 3 lol!!! Keep up the fantastic story telling
So what is with Siddiq being in the wrong place at the right time? Maybe it’s just his character calling. But tell me about bad luck! I swear that dude always has a surprised look on his face when I see him. Anywho, loving the Michonne arc and growth/depth of her character. Also the progression of Maggie’s grappling with bereavement and how that affects her relationships with others and how she sees herself. It’s an honest dicpiction of guilt and self disappointment. I can relate as my worst critic is myself.
This issue was the comic highlight of my week. Oblivion Song was good too I suggest you guys check it out. The thing that excites me the most about it is that Kirkman promised a fast paced story that will go places you don’t expect. Excited to have another book by Kirkman to read since I never really got into Outcast, although that one is overdue for another try, especially since there are way more issues out now.
I know it’s a stretch but I hope Mercer becomes the new big bad, he’ would be a complex antagonist. Also if he does pull a coup on the commonwealth, they wouldn’t nesessarily have to fight all 50,000 people if he attacks, just the stormtroopers and the people who join Mercer’s side. And there’s also the possibility that Mercer could demand an election against the governor lol, but I feel like that story would take too long to develop in an issue by issue book.
I loved this issue. I was eagerly waiting for it after that emotional end to #176. Elodie seems like a sweet and kind person and it’s very heartwarming to see her reunite with her mom. Mercer seems like an intriguing and interesting man, i’m excited to see his story develop. Rick and mikey connecting is nice to see, and overall I’m really pleased with this issue. Loved it 🙂
Have not had a chance to pick up my copy yet. Looking forward to it though. Congrats on Oblivion.
This is a total aside not related to anything from the issue, but like. Is anyone else annoyed with how many bullshit fluff articles about the TV show get posted on this site that have NO substance? This issue was released yesterday and the discussion post is already buried under a ton of show articles that don’t actually say much of anything.
Personally it doesn’t really bother me. It gives me something to look at on break at work once in a while and the discussion is still in the banner. Went off about Carl’s death on a reaction video one and then weirdly felt kinda bad about it haha. Us hardcore fans know where the real discussions are at and that is the episode and issue discussions and the new cover reveals and previews. But I do see your point it just doesn’t bother me personally.
AWESOME issue. Sweet introduction for Mercer. Knew right when i saw the cover reveal a month or so ago, he’d be one of my favorite characters. He just has a badass aura surrounding him, especially in that bit where he defended Sebastian from “2” walkers, which was actually like 15 or some shit. Can’t wait to see what comes to him and his rebellious, badass introduction. Kinda been missing Rick too! Nice to see him, as well as Maggie and Dante. 😉 😉
Great issue, CANT WAIT FOR 178!!!
I was so so sad to hear about Elodie’s experience, but knowing what Michonne went through with the Governor of Woodbury, I feel like they can heal from it together.
Love Mercer’s uniform, planning a cosplay on it asap!
I can’t decide whether Mercer is a good guy or not. On one hand he seems like a good protector and well spoken man, but he’s also plotting rebellion. The system seems to be working well so I wonder what would make him overturn it? Of course, the people in charge pretty awful, so I guess I understand. It reminds me of Rick insisting on having a weapon about 100 issues ago, I didn’t really care for that either.
Oblivion Song was great. I can’t wait to read more, but I don’t want it to take away from Walking Dead, personally.
Also I really liked how RK mentioned he had grown a lot since first writing the comic. He’s tried to include much more diverse characters and I really like that. He acknowledges the Atlanta camp was pretty white washed and would’ve included different folks if he had written it today. We all learn how to tell better stories and make everyone feel included. Thank you.
I just read issue 177 and to be honest, comics are sometimes like a song, they are great but aren’t nearly long enough. I could of read at least 10 more pages and still not been satisfied but I could also read until oblivion comes…oh never mind it’s here! Love to see Michonne be reunited and can’t wait to see how Elodie helps to unite or split up the two groups. Mercer is a beast! Has anyone mentioned that not only did he take down several walkers but the two love birds didn’t even hear him? Which also is a stab at how he follows orders well or did he just almost let them be eaten…lol. Keep us thinking Mr. Kirkman and hey I’m a Kentucky boy myself.
So it looks like that Mercer is up to something, probably heavily supported by the rest of the Commonwealth brutes. Ordinary citizens probably don’t stand a chance against brutes, so it would be easy for Mercer to conduct a coup d`état and take the charge. His next move depends on how much of their conversation had been overheard by Siddiq. Probably not much, or too much?
Nice to see some old unfortunates from Alexandria and our new couple, where things got way too heated.
And how about Dwight? He’s been ominously silent.
Wow… This issue was amazing! I think is hard to make another issue of Volume 30 better than this one. I’m happy of see Rick again. I want him to appear in all issues! About Oblivion Song… It is very interesting! I want to see more of it.
My hypothesis for future issues:
– In Issue 180 Dwight will try to kill Rick, but Mikey will save him killing Dwight, making a reference to Issue 6, to commemorate the fifteen years of The Walking Dead.
– Aaron is killed by a zombie Beta, Who is killed by Paul Monroe, Jesus. After that, Jesus help Maggie with her relationship with Dante, telling her that she should be happy of have someone who loves her, how when Jesus and Aaron loved each other. (Issues 178-183)
– Lydia reveals she is pregnant. (Issues 178-186)
– Mercer reveals he is Tyreese’s brother. (Issue 178-180)
I am really liking where this arc is going. Nice to have new characters, especially Sebastian ( someone to hate again) and Mercer. I can’t wait to see the darker side of the Commonwealth too, because you know it will be bad. Siddiq might be the first one to realize what they are really about. Who knows, maybe under the surface is another dimension, like in Oblivion Song.
Guess I’m the only one who’s not feeling the greatness of this issue or the story as it is. It simply does not have that BANG it once had. My passion for it has waned & I really hope it picks up.