The sh*t has officially hit the fan at the Commonwealth. Walkers got hungry, Eugene got creative, and Mercer realized he was in over his head in The Walking Dead Issue 189: “Lines Are Drawn.” What did YOU think of this month’s new issue? Leave the best reaction in the comments for a chance to win a Robert Kirkman-signed copy!
Previously: Everyone’s converging on the Commonwealth, which Rick and Michonne fear is on the verge of civil war. On Princess’ way out, she helps Carl’s incoming group escape from walkers…and Carl convinces her to stick around. Back at Hilltop, Maggie makes the decision to lead an army to the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, Eugene and Stephanie are repairing the trains when a herd of walkers enters the rail yard behind them…
Was a decent issue but has me worried for rick as he seems to be setting himself up to be caught in the middle of a war after helping Pamela escape but also possibly joining forces with mercer and the rebellion….. let’s hope he manages to go unscathed.
It was a great read but I don’t want to give away any details. sure would be nice to have a signed issue though
Wow — another barnstorming issue. This arc, like the Commonwealth, is on fire!
Eugene and Stephanie were a joy. He’s evolved so much and this plot was a terrific showcase as well as an original way to deal with a herd. Perfection!
Mercer’s breakout was a fun scene — I really like how Laura and George aren’t nearly as slick as they think they are. They don’t come across as hardened soldiers like Dwight or Mercer.
Love seeing Carl and especially Jesus in the thick of things. Small quibble – despite the weeks long trek, this is the second time folks have arrived from Alexandria just in time. It makes the plot flow but I hope we avoid that kind of artifice going forward. However, I love having all these main characters right at the centre and having Rick and Carl together again is always a treat especially as it doesn’t happen too often these days.
Where next? Potentially, Rick has all the cards. I worry that Pamela and Sebastian will see their help as an attempt to hold them hostage — for all they know, Rick is playing both sides. Also, the Greenville people are unlikely to be happy to see their leader arrive with a foreign army. I think Rick has a decent chance of bringing round Mercer but to his way of thinking but will George and Laura follow suit? As with every issue for about a year, I wish at least the possibility of an election was mooted — this is the obvious way out of the impasse and I’d like to hear Pamela’s rationale for not having one given how grounded her community seems to be on “the old ways”.
My big worry though… this issue feels ominously like we’re building up to the end of Rick. He was so awesome with Sebastian (I love how he didn’t even flinch when Seb grabbed him), saved Pamela, he had that great passing the torch speech to Carl… with #192 and #200 on the way, it really feels like this could be an end. I really hope not because I think the comic is more interesting with him in it. Although of course he’s not the only awesome character — my boy Negan is getting some heavy press in this week’s Letter Hacks. Since he debuted in #100, I’m beginning to wonder if he’s going to make a grand return in #200. And Kirkman addressed the non-use of the radio and has talked about rebalancing the use of the supporting case — excellent!
So psyched for the next few months. I think this is going to be off the leash…
Another great issue. It was a bit slow, but for the better. As I feel that it sets up the next 10 or so issues.
First off I enjoyed the B story with Eugene and Stephanie at the train station. Ever since Rosita’s head was cut off and used as fence post topper I found myself really liking his stories. The way he distracted the walkers/roamers was really creative. I was a bit worried that last month’s ending of them being trapped was a bit of a cheap thrill, but I was a great way to show how much He has grown since we first meet him. Laura’s story helping Mercer start a revolt was good. It’s nice to see her get more time in the spot light.
I have a feeling that this issue is leading us into the next big arc in the story. I am wondering what Ricks reaction is to Mercer saying that the people might choose him over Governor Milton. If Rick were to be put in charge of the commonwealth it would a huge change of pace. But what I am really wondering about which side he would take. Because some of his people like Laura are backing this revolt. I do think like some form of war is coming ( unless the covers of issues 190 and 191 are misdirects.) but I do hope that Rick and Michonne stick to trying to talk things out instead of fighting.
Also I am really happy to see Carl at the Commonwealth with rick, since it’s been a while since they’ve had any real father/son time. And I don’t think Pamala is going to lay down and let Rick or someone else take her spot. Which is where I feel the main conflict is heading. She seems pretty happy where she is being at the top, and is probably going to try to stay there until the very end.
Probably my favorite thing about this issue is how Kirkman is writing Mercer’s story. He’s not the next big, bad guy. He just someone who’s going ” I love my home, I love the Commonwealth, but I don’t like the people in charge and I want to make It better.” which is really relatable. And just like in real life some people like the way things are, while others want to make them better. I do feel that he is doing the right thing, just the wrong way.
Over all this Issue is a soiled 3/5. It wasn’t one of my favorite, and wasn’t as big as Issue 186. But it was a need it to build up the story and characters. Maybe when volume 32 comes out with this issue in it, it will feel more important over all. Really looking forward to next months issue, And we are coming into the final issues in the hundreds. If I’m right issue 200 comes out in February. Can’t wait to see what Kirkman has planned over the next 10 issues and beyond..
This issue is Awesome!! Its really starting to look like Rick is sitting pretty….or is he?
Setting rick up to be assassinated….
I mean, I know it’s a stupid thought, but I think they are setting rick up to take control of the commonwealth and because he choked Sebastian, good old sebs gonna end up being the one to kill him, I hate the thought of ricky dying, but sometimes, it’s just the way it’s gotta be
Laura is finishing what Dwight started or finishing what he set out to do.
Loved how Eugene referenced issue 84 and how that changed him. Finally starting to see that Eugene onnthe show. I hope him and Stephanie made it out ok.
Rick is in a predicament I’m eager to see what he’ll do if he’ll lead or what. I don’t think he wants to I’m sure he just wants to get back to Alexandria but I think Michonne will be the one to step up and lead. I think she’d be perfect to lead the commonwealth. I’m worried about Elodie I’m not sure what she went runnng towards I Hope Michonne is ok. I worried she was walking by the building or something because where is she when all of this is going down?
I think Mercer will be the next to die. He’s in over his head he doesn’t know what he’s doing and he’s angry. So he’s not thinking straight.
Rick can’t even go to the bathroom without someone offering him a position of leadership, lol.
Damn, my man Eugene… Back in the legendary “No Way Out”, he was among the people making the history, and he still draws strength from it. He handled the situation like a pro.
An interesting setup for Mercer has arisen. He thought he would be the king, but then it was revealed that people dislike brutes more than the establishment. An impressive twist. Can the great Rick Grimes save the Commonwealth from the civil war and install his New World Order? We will have to wait. However, this one hit me hard, it was proven again that Dwight died for nothing, as the side he had picked is not flawless.
Rick is stronger then ever it seems! But is definitely putting himself in the middle of something he shouldnt, but I am glad Carl is there to help! Big things are coming for sure.
I just read this issue and I loved it. I am a huge fan of TWD and have read the most recent seven comic books in addition to the first compendium. I only have six actual issues but I read a lot online.
1. Do these comments get published in letter hacks? I think so but I have no clue. I wish it just said plain out “letterhacks”.
2. After what happened in the last issue with Princess why on earth didn’t she show up in this issue? She is getting married to Mercer and just ran away from the commonwealth and they didn’t even mention her name.
3. I don’t even know all the characters because they have been cycling out of them and they drop like flies. So you don’t know which happened if you miss a comic. So I have a couple characters I have questions about: is Lydia still alive, and if so is she still with Carl? Is Sophia still alive? And last but most important: is the kingdom as a whole still alive?
I’m glad Carl is in it
Definitely feel like they are setting Rick up.
The Walking Dead is showing everyone their power!! I love how all the plots (saviors, the things in Alexandria and Kingdom, the whisperers) leaded the story to commonwealth! Btw im loving all the new plots in this big city and I can’t wait to see Commonwealth on season 10 of the series! Wanna se how they’re going to show everything and the characters!!
Love twd, bye…
Good issue! I’ve started rereading the whole series for the first time in my 7 years of reading this. Season 9 being so great, and big things being built up in the comics, I thought it was time for a reread.
This issue was great. I’ve been loving the Commonwealth arc so far. Played the Walking Dead Final Season ep 3 yesterday. There was a line Clem says “I didn’t ask to be put in charge, it just sort of happened”. I thought that really fit in with the end of this issue. Excited for Aprils issue and to finish my reread!
Great issue. The Commonwealth really is stepping up to be an epic storyline. Part of me feels this may be building to the end of Rick Grimes. My theory is the people of the Commonwealth will turn to him for leadership, to which Pamela will challenge him and it could lead to an election? Remember when Dwight wanted to step down as leader of the Saviors and Rick suggested an election? Hmm…
How would Sebastian react if his mother lost power? How would PAMELA, Lance and all them react to new leadership?
That’s just my theory. Loving this arc.
Keep it up, Kirkman
I love how Carl is like … “Lydia we are monsters, but you’re my monster. See you later while I go to a mystery community.” I like how far Eugene has come. He is fixing trains to connect the commonwealth with the communities. I hope at some point cowboy-like bandits rob the train on horses. I want them to dress like Andrea did. I wonder if we are going to see Rick take control of the commonwealth and Kirkman is trying to get us used to Magna ruling over Alexandria. In the New Beginning story arc, she seemed to mimic Rick when he first arrived in Alexandria.
By far though my favorite part of the commonwealth stories is Mercer. The throwing axes are just too cool. Hopefully he doesn’t die for a long time. I don’t want him to be turned into a villain like Dwight.