May 6

REVIEW: The Walking Dead Deluxe #88 - Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Dave McCaig, Rus Wooton (Image Comics)

The Walking Dead Deluxe #88 - Featured Image

After last issue's ending with Carl starting to wake up from his coma after being shot in the head, Rick was relieved to see the Carl starting to regain some of his memories but concerned that he thinks his mum is still alive. As Denise explained to Rick that Carl might not be regain all his memories, Rick becomes overcome with this guilt over how he will tell his son that his mother is no longer alive. It's a brief sign of hope illustrated through Dave McCaig's use of a pale orange which juxtaposes against the darker bluish tones set against a very cold winter when Andrea lets down Spencer by telling him their brief relationship is over and to get the fuck off her porch.

These darker tones continue into the night (because it's night time, genius!) and into a conversation between Rick and Carl as Rick confesses to him that his mother has been dead for quite some time. Just like his baby sister. Shocked and bewildered, Rick is unsure what to think of his son when he goes on to recount all their friends that have died. Extremely emotionlessly. It's Adlard's use of light and darker inking that falls on Rick's face which accentuates his shock with Carl's abandonment of all emotion.

Taking on the role of leader at the expense of his son, Rick choose to take Abraham and a large group out to scavenge for supplies so they can replenish their food stock. Glen stays back at the request of Maggie. While out on their supply run, Andrea finds Rick alone and sobbing in an abandoned building while unbeknownst to them and the rest of the group, Nicholas has an impromptu meeting with a few of the other survivors (including Spencer) saying they need to make their move before Rick becomes in charge of everything and everyone. It's this fear of the unknown and what's going to happen next which is what will bring readers in for The Walking Dead Deluxe issue #89 as Kirkman proves he's masterful of suspense. Here's a Walking Dead issue overcome with emotional triggers and littered with suspense.