Mercer’s in deep now that Lance knows about his plans to undermine Governor Milton and her government at the Commonwealth. Also, Princess crosses paths with Carl and the gang on her way out. Where will this leave us for next month? Is the coup over before it began? Not if the covers for the upcoming issues have anything to say about it. Give us your reactions to the issue in the comments below – best response will get sent a Robert Kirkman-signed copy of The Walking Dead Issue 188!
Previously: In the wake of Dwight’s death, Rick is hailed as a hero by Governor Milton…but he doesn’t feel like one. He reconciles with Michonne, still hoping to set the Commonwealth on the path to peace and continued progress. Princess senses things are about to wrong and decides to leave, while back east Magna and Maggie dispatch a team to the Commonwealth, including Carl. Meanwhile, Laura and Mercer strike up an alliance, but when Mercer tries to recruit his fellow guards for a coup, their plot is exposed by Lance.
I have to say off the top. love the kicker at the end with unsuspecting Stephanie and Eugene in the cross hairs, I am sure Eugene will come up with an escape plan cause he is much more badass now but damn. This was a fun issue overall and I really enjoyed seeing Carl get some action. As always can’t wait for the next issue!!
Was lovely little build up issue with a great cliffhanger at the end. I really love princesses character and how she is both very extravagant but also emotional… perfect character right there!!! Also he part where Jesus and Carl were surrounded was exciting and kept this issue from being bland. Overall a solid issue and can’t wait to see Maggies hilltop army arrive to rescue mercer ??
So, some people (like me) apparently don’t like Princess. The solution: let Princess recklessly run away, lead the group into a herd, get two horses devoured, almost get Jesus and Carl killed by the walkers. Subsequently, the herd will probably devour Eugene and Stephanie (more probably just Stephanie to push Eugene into berserk rage). Way to go, Princess!
Dwight’s death was pointless. Laura was a smarter one back in Alexandria, when she tried to calm Dwight down, but now she is just going to honour his sacrifice and start the revolution. Mercer won’t stay in that prison for long.
Man. Look at Carl being a leader. Such maturity. I love it.
I loved what Carl said to Princess! I’m looking forward to more of their interaction,
Man if Maggie shows up at the commonwealth with an army!! Holy hell! Not good! They’ll feel threatened and it’ll start another war on top of the civil war that’s starting!
What is Laura up to? She’s scheming and I like it!! Lol Hopefully she breaks Mercer out of jail! And I think she wants to honor Dwight.
I want to know more about the commonwealth and the other communities that are apart of it. I want to know why they thought Governor Milton was the right person to be in charge. I love a good backstory so I’d love to see that!
Eugebe and Stephanie are in trouble. Looks like Aaron and the others pushed that horde right to them!!
Thanks for letting me share! Another great issue! Can’t wait for Sunday!
The commonwealth storyline is really dragging….aside from a few points here and there…its been pretty boring…
Interesting issue. I’m keen to learn more about George who seems more conflicted now his backroom bravado is being called out. I think the Mercer thing was a set-up by Laura and that’s certainly Rick’s view. I like that Laura is getting more play as she’s always been underused. She didn’t even appear before #151 if I recall. As for Mercer, he’s great in every scene – the comment about Pamela’s son really hit home.
Two things are frustrating me.
Firstly, Magna and Maggie are already on a war footing but there should be communication between the Commonwealth and the communities because they have a radio! If it’s been confiscated and nobody is allowed to communicate back, that’s a big red flag but it seems like Rick would want to raise this issue with Pamela.
Secondly… it was kind of hit upon this issue, with Mercer accusing Pamela of becoming a queen. Governors are elected. Presumably there is no system of elections but especially since they’re trying to recreate the civilisation of old, surely building popular support around democracy is a much better play. Armed resistance Pamela can crush and justifiably claim it’s a threat to the peace. But if the people are united in calling for free and fair elections, it presents her with .a much more complicated problem. As far as I can tell, this is the only way she has now to deescalate the situation anyway.
I liked the Princess development and I love more action with Carl, Jesus and Aaron. I think the comment that interested me most though was Carl saying he’d gone years without killing a walker (which surprised me) and that he hoped one day the threat of the dead would be eradicated. Kirkman has said that this would be his endgame and also has generally estimated the comic passing 300 issues. But there’s a good chance that the comic is now very slightly closer to its end than to its beginning and, if so, I expect this thought to come back sometime soon.
As for the cliffhanger… oh man. I’m worried for Eugene and Stephanie of course but there are a lot of dimensions to this. For one, I’m quite keen for the couple to know what each other is made of – I’d love to see some epic Eugene/Stephanie team-up work. If they do die, this could be a wake-up call to the Commonwealth that two of their best and brightest have been lost because of the stupidity of fighting.
Then again, Pamela could spin it as a vicious and deliberate attack from Mercer’s girlfriend and her allies from Rick’s community. But also,, Eugene is absolutely smart enough to figure out a way of corralling and containing a herd in this situation. If it does come to an armed conflict, the herd is actually a weapon of war the communities could utilise against the Commonwealth.
Letter hacks teases that there might be big stuff before #200. Well sure, because #192 will mark the end of the next compendium and in #144 Kirkman went to town with that…
Oh I love seeing Carl as a Leader, his evolution always gets me.
I LOVED this issue. One of my most favorites for sure. I really relate so much with Princess that it’s crazy. I’m glad everyone got out of that situation okay, and that she will now really be joining them. Can I just say though, I know this had a cliffhanger that was unexpected and crazy, but my heart pounding moment was when Mercer snapped on Pamela. That took guts and I was so impressed and horrified to see him stand up for himself after all this time and call her son out for what he really is! A shit for brains ?
I am intrigued…
Mercer screwed up, and he has lost some privileges (well, more than some), but I anticipate that he will receive a fair hearing and be defended by…Michonne (who else?).
And this Princess lady? Let her run wild, Carl! She already survived too much on her own without any communities helping out…or did she (a mystery awaits us all – #headingtoward2000).
Seriously, this arc is giving me a very warm feeling in the unexposed veins of the COCK-les of my heart.
Let the story run!
I really loved this issue, things are definitely getting really interesting and I can’t wait to see what happens next!