Pads & Panels

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 13: Too Far Gone

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artists: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

“Too Far Gone,” the 13th volume of The Walking Dead, brings the set-up of Kirkman’s Washington, D.C. arc to a head. In “Life Among Them,” the group of survivors we’ve been following were taken to a walled community in the nation’s capitol. “Too Far Gone” finds them settling into their new lives, protected from the dead and living back under the constructs of society. But things are far from settled, as Rick and Co. are finding themselves with different levels of suspicion and trust, and blending in or failing to blend in (to different degrees) with the people of the community. Luckily, Kirkman gives two big moments for these relationships to come to a head, with Rick arguably going a bit too far in his role as sheriff, and an aggressive group showing up at the gates. And even with everything in motion, Kirkman finds a way to offer a twist at the end, while remaining faithful to the characters he has created.

“Too Far Gone” collects The Walking Dead issues #73-78.

Pros: Great big moments that bring things to a head for the D.C. arc. Great contention between the group and new community. Solid action all around.

Cons: That there’s not more of it. Rick’s outburst a bit overdone.

For more info, www.imagecomics.com

Pads & Panels received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.

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Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 12: Life Among Them

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artists: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

Volume 12 of The Walking Dead, “Too Far Gone,” is the start of a very important arc for Kirkman’s ongoing zombie epic. The first half of the trade is still packed with zombies, but by the second half they are barely seen. That’s because the group finds its way to Washington, D.C., where a large group of survivors has made it with the comforts of the old world in a walled-off community. Surprisingly, the group is welcomed with open arms, but the question becomes – do they have the trust in them to submit wholeheartedly to the group, and does the group truly have the best of intentions in mind? It’s a nice chance of pace, reminding readers that while the zombies are the catalyst for The Walking Dead, it is the people that keep us reading. It is a very important set-up for the series, and asks the important question – can this group survive in a “normal” society after everything they’ve been through? – but readers will have to wait until Volume 13 for the payoff. (more…)

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Title: The Amazing Spider-Man “Return of the Black Cat” TPB

Publisher: Marvel

Writers: Joe Kelly, J.M. Dematteis, Marc Guggenheim

Artists: Mike McKone, Adriana Melo, Val Semeiks, Marco Checchetto, Luke Ross, Rick Magyar, Eric Canete

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

Oh, that crazy Peter Parker! That’s what I find myself saying, anyways, in a mostly mocking sort of way, while reading the “Return of the Black Cat” trade paperback. Parker is already in confusing relationships with Michele Gonzales, Norah Winters and Mary Jane Watson when Black Cat strolls back into town. Of course, her usual powers to affect Spidey’s luck are wreaking havoc on his attempt to thwart New York City’s villains, but it’s not too shabby for his sex life. Sure he’s more confused than ever, but he’s seemingly getting some action behind the scenes of every page. It all amounts to nonsense, though, with cheesy writing and inconsistent art. The latter portion of the book – dealing with Kaine, Ben Reilly and Raptor – is a much better read, even if it does get back into the atrocious clone business. (more…)

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