After the recent violent and dramatic conclusion to The Hunters story arc, Robert Kirkman gives his readers a breather.  In other comic series, stopgap issues can be like watching paint dry.  However, it’s the characters and their tenuous relationships that makes The Walking Dead magnificent.

It’s nice to see Carl grow up realistically.  Rick’s son could have easily been left on the sidelines, but Kirkman has written him well.  Like his father, Carl makes tough choices so others can survive.  This issue’s ‘kick to the nuts’ moment is provided courteous of Eugene.  As he shares his back-story and motives, jaws drop and kicks fly.

Where do they go from here?  This is the dilemma the survivors face as their food supply runs low.  Not one zombie haunts the pages of this issue, but sometimes just trying to make it through the day is scary enough.  Page for page, this is still the most rewarding read on the racks.

4.5 out of 5

If you’re not reading “The Walking Dead,” you are missing out on one of the greatest comics ever written.  Bold proclamation, sure.  Am I qualified to make that definitive statement?  Maybe not, but I do know that every person I encouraged to read this title has been has been hooked (Jimmy not included).  I know that of my extensive pull list, it’s “The Walking Dead” that earns the honor of being read in the parking lot of the comic book store.  Like a crack addict drooling for a fix, I anxiously dive into this book, knowing that Kirkman will not disappoint.

“Fear of the Hunters” is the current arc and it’s an excellent installment so far.  A group that has a terrifying plan for survival stalks Rick and his band of survivors.  This issue offers insight into the hunter’s mindset.  Sometimes getting answers in “The Walking Dead” is even more terrifying than guessing.  Kirkman sets up a great final chapter with this issue’s final pages, leaving me counting down the weeks to the next issue.

Robert Kirkman is simply writing the best story I have ever read in comics.  He nails this read on so many levels.  His cast of characters is realistic in their diversity and engaging as they struggle to survive.  They battle not only against zombies (which serve only as a backdrop at times), but they fight against despair, madness, infighting, and other survivors of the zombie plague.  Kirkman’s dialogue is masterful.  Coupled with his knack for perfectly timed action, it’s a brutal read for fans.  “The Walking Dead” rips out your heart and keeps you wanting more.  If I had to drop all titles and keep only one, “The Walking Dead” would win hands down.

5 out of 5

CYNTHIANA, Kentucky (UP) Comic book industry icon, creator and writer Robert Kirkman is known for his “no one is safe” principle in his comic books.  Whether it’s a beloved fan favorite or a seemingly essential character, Kirkman’s angel of death can pounce on anyone at anytime.  No book feels this truth’s sweet sting more than The Walking Dead.

Kirkman delivered his latest shocker in Walking Dead Issue #60.  Two pages into this issue, Kirkman killed off his longtime letterer Rus Wooton.  With a freshly sharpened pencil in his hand, Kirkman approached Wooton who was applying letters to issue #60 at his desk.  Kirkman repeatedly stabbed the unsuspecting Wooton with his #2 pencil.

As a new twist to this already frequently stunning title, The Walking Dead has wordless word balloons from page two onwards.

Penciler, inker, and cover artist Charlie Adlard was not surprised.  “This is how Robbie operates. We all knew this was possible,” he shared between sips of coffee.  When asked if he feared for his own safety, he laughed.  “Sure, no one is safe. But, come on. I do the covers, the art and inks. He’s got to draw the line somewhere.  We’ve been together for a longtime.  I think I’m in the category of passing the bubble where he could have taken me out.”  When reminded that Rus Wooton was with this team from The Walking Dead’s inception, Adlard laughed again.  “Rus? Nice guy, but he was a letterer.  No offense to the alphabet boys, but they are a dime a dozen.”

Colorer Cliff Rathburn was not so confident.  “I’m a @#%*ing colorist for a black and white comic book!  Hell yes I’m scared,” he shared.

There is no doubt that fans will take this most recent Kirkman casualty in stride.  No matter how many bodies of friends known and loved fill the graves of this title, the dead keep walking on.  And only Robert Kirkman knows who will be taking the next steps with us.

The Walking Dead just keeps getting better.  Kirkman uses a nice framing device in this issue as Rick and Carl return to their hometown to search the police station for weapons.  We’re reminded that roughly a year has passed.  It was one year ago that Rick left Morgan and Dwayne to find his family.  Now Rick is reunited with Morgan.  Through both story and art, we feel Rick’s heart breaking for Morgan as a father who has also lost a child.

Morgan’s a great addition to the cast and he’s freaking me out.  Charlie Adlard pencils a few panels of Morgan in a deadpan stare, his eyes void.  Morgan is a man in shock and he’s ready to snap.  It falls on Rick’s shoulder to bring Morgan with them. Morgan spooks Carl and Abraham is leery of him.

Kirkman continues to show complete mastery of this incredible series.  I have an eerie feeling that Kirkman is setting us up for a shocker soon.  I am so invested in these characters that I am truly scared for them.  Kirkman, don’t hurt them.  Please.

4.5 out of 5