The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1

I am so glad I read the comics. I've watched the television series and although I like it a lot, but I have several issues with it. The best part about the comics is they tell the raw gritty story uncorrupted by TV writers. The television show is great but it also has far too many contrived TV plot devices. They add people who don't exist in the comics, subtract key people, give corny stereotypical names like "T-Dog" and "Vatos", and stray away from too many shocking situations and romantic relationships from the book that they feel aren't suitable or appealing enough for television. Two of my biggest gripes is what the TV writers did to both Andrea and Tyrese. (Spoiler alert if you haven't yet read the first 16 volumes of the comics or watched up to season 4 of the TV show) ************************************************************************************************** ************************************************************************************************** If they stayed even remotely faithful to the comics, both Tyrese and Andrea would have played much more important roles in the scheme of things. In fact, Tyrese would be the second most important player only to Rick up to the prison siege and Andrea would be more vital to the story than any of the other characters not named Rick or Carl. Instead, on the TV show, both Andrea and Tyrese are relegated mostly to a supporting cast role while Darryl was created out of the blue to basically play the bulk of the role that both played in the comics, right down to a hinted romance with Carol. Speaking of which, Carol, saw her bit role in the comic blow up into a leading role on the TV show. And poor Morgan just gets a cameo here and there instead of going the cast before they get to Alexandria. They're almost to the point where he would die anyhow, so what's the point of introducing him now? It's obvious the TV show is carefully crafting and changing things for ratings or to appeal to certain demographics. Darryl is cool and all but I definitely like Tyrese's story arc much better. Also, I don't care how many kids she kills or threatens, nor how many cookies she bakes, Carol is nowhere near as fun to follow or an relatable as Andrea is in the comics. The sharp-shooting take no stuff Andrea is far better than the cozying up to the Governor, reckless, short-lived Andrea of the TV show. Once again, it's like they took all of comic Andrea's toughness along with all of comic Carol's goofiness., recklessness and short life span and reversed them for the TV show. Now Carol is suddenly the tough as nails remorseless survivor who lives a long time while Andrea is the reckless needy doomed character who dies before they leave the prison. They changed too much in the interest of being "television friendly". Think about the Lizzy moment of the TV show and how shocking it was. It was probably the most shocking moment on the television show. The comics are filled with moments like that. No one is safe, no one is spared. It makes for a more gritty and gut wrenching experience. ************************************************************************************************** ************************************************************************************************** (End of spoilers) If you want the real undiluted walking dead story, I implore you to read the comics. Television may have the extra gore and filler dramatic moments but if you want the real story that's not afraid of offending anyone and free of corny plot devices and dumb stereotypes, read the books. I guarantee you'll see most of the characters in far different light than the TV show. I like the TV show but the original comic story is far and away better, at least to me. I find it much more enjoyable than the television show. You're missing a ton of the story if you rely exclusively on the television show for TWD experience. The TV show just makes too many compromises on the original story to make it more universally appealing and less offensive. Compendium three was announced for a fall 2015 release.

I have never been a huge fan of graphic novels (with some exceptions), but being an avid fan of The Walking Dead, I just had to read the comics. Looks - to be clear, just because you like the show does NOT mean you will necessary like the graphic novels. They are totally different, and are an acquired taste. The characters for the most part look and act very different from their television counterparts, and things move at a very fast pace. It can also be very, very graphic. If you are into this style or are open-minded to it, you should love it. The pages are beautiful and glossy (remember: it's ALL in black and white), the artwork is nicely done, and it really keeps your attention. Story - like I said, the comics are very, very different from the show. Some story lines have been left out from the show or completely altered. The characters tend to act very different, and of course, exaggerated in the comics (they ARE comics). The show is great at turning these lively, fun and interesting caricatures into real people. It's a lot of fun to see where all of the stories from the show come from, and looking at the differences. The producers of the show have made it clear that they "switch things up" to keep viewers guessing, so reading this book does NOT mean you'll necessarily be spoiled. Although I will admit, most of the major plotlines still occur in the show. Characters - as said earlier, the characters are incredibly different, for the most part. It's a comic book, so it's obviously not paced in the same way as a show, so the characters will inevitable be very different. Some characters are left out of the show completely, and even vice versa. Daryl and Merle Dixon are the biggest examples of this, who are in the show but not in the comics. It's been rumored that Daryl will be translated into the comics, but nothing is confirmed about that. Also, some characters like Tyreese have not been on the show yet, although that's still possible in the future, I guess. Overall, this is a great and entertaining book. Moves as a super fast pace compared to the books, so you can get through it pretty quickly. But it's always advised to stop and admire the art, that's sort of the point. Anyway, while it won't be for everyone, and don't expect a replica of the show, it's a lot of fun and I definitely recommend it.

I was only marginally aware of the Walking Dead comic prior to the launch of the television series on AMC. While I enjoy the TV series it is a substantially inferior product compared to the graphic novels. The fact that The Walking Dead is labeled as a comic or even a graphic novel does this series a great disservice. The Walking Dead is an amazing apocalyptic epic that holds up a mirror to humanity and asks us to take a close look not only at the WAY we live buy WHY we live. There's a great blurb on the back cover that reads: "The world we knew is gone. The world of commerce and frivolous necessity has been replaced by a world of survival and responsibility." "In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally start living." This is the core of what The Walking Dead is and the execution is phenomenal. As the reader, you're challenged to confront your own ideas and opinion about how you would survive in this world ruled by the dead. You travel with these people and see the evolution of their character (for better and worse). The art and imagery is simple but powerful. You're pulled into the page and feel like a member of this group - trying to survive - and experiencing the horrors of the "reality" they are facing. If you've read Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" (not the horrible Wil Smith film adaptation) it's worth mentioning that "The Walking Dead" carries with it much of the same power that Matheson's did in his original story. If you're a fan of Zombie fiction or Post-Apocalyptic/Speculative fiction you NEED to read this. For get the TV show and read the comics. If you're on the fence pick up Compendium 1. You can't beat the price and you'll be hooked before you reach the end of the first story arc. Regarding story arcs... something you may or may not know. The Walking Dead comic series is written in six-issue arcs. Each story arc is compiled as a volume and sold in Graphic Novel/Trade Paperback form - The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye - for example. Each story arc - or volume - is a self contained story that fits into the larger narrative. This is a great way for people who understand the premise but are unfamiliar with the story to jump in and get a feel for the characters and story without feeling lost in the history and backstory. However, considering the price-point of Compendium 1 it's a great value for what you're getting. Lastly, for the purposes of context, Compendium 1 contains Volumes 1-8 / Issues 1-48. each volume loosely translates into a single season of the current television series. The amount you spend on Compendium 1 is going to give you what amounts to 8 seasons of the Walking Dead - and if you pick up Compendium 2 you'll have another 8 seasons worth of material.

Words cannot express how much I love this comic series and this compendium volume. Robert K has created one of the most interesting worlds I have ever read in a comic. The idea of seeing what happens NEXT to the survivors or a zombie outbreak is genius and something sorely lacking from Zombie movies due to their time limitations. Seeing so much of what happens to these characters during this hell that they have to live through is amazing and really makes you think about what you would do in their situations. This compendium is also fantastic, collecting the first 48 issues or 8 trades there's just so much content to sink all you free time into. Its almost impossible to not lose track of yourself while reading this. One of the best and saddest parts of this series is that absolutely no one is guaranteed to live. There's almost no "main cast" that you know is guna make it to the end. Every single character has a chance of dying just like what would happen in the real world. And frankly is can be quite heartbreaking watching certain characters you come to care for die. This might have been even sadder for those that read the series issue by issue cause this book contains 4 YEARS of material. Sometimes I seriously forgot that, reading it nonstop really makes you feel like only a week has passed in these characters lives when you know its been way longer. So while it may seem like you have only known these characters a short while you really feel connected to them and like you know them. So it can be completely Jaw Droppingly insane when they die. My mouth was consistently falling open throughout the entire read, especially book 8. My one complaint about the book is that it doesn't contain or divide the separate issue by the covers they had in their original single issue releases like Superhero comics do. I really love seeing the cover of all the separate comics and seeing all 48 would have been a real treat. Instead I think they sell a separate book with all the covers which kinda sucks. But not all is bad because not having the issues separated means that the reading is completely seamless and the action and drama never stops for a second. So its kind of a double edged sword. In the end this is one of the best comics I have ever bought and the best comic series I have ever read end of story. I cannot wait to keep reading the rest of the trades and to keep reading this phenomenal series hopefully for years to come.

This compendium collects issues 1-48 of the amazing comic series The Walking Dead. (It also includes a heartfelt Christmas short story featuring Morgan and Duane from issue 1 at the end.) The series is phenomenal, with fantastic artwork and a storyline that goes far beyond the initial zombie outbreak, exploring in depth what happens to humanity afterward. My review below is organized by volume/story arc and may contain spoilers as it progresses. Art: 5/5 Plot: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 My Enjoyment: 5/5 Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye Issues 1-6 The story begins with police officer Rick waking up from a coma in a world overrun by zombies, desperately trying to find his family. Once reunited, he faces not only the constant threat of the undead but also the simmering tensions within their small camp outside of Atlanta. As someone who’s not deeply familiar with comics, I was blown away by how gripping this volume is. It hooks you from the very first pages, and it’s nearly impossible to put down. I especially loved Kirkman’s note at the start, where he explains that his goal was to explore how people change in extreme situations. That theme is already clear, even in these early issues.The black-and-white artwork is exceptional. It captures the grotesque horror of the zombies, the brutality of survival, and the emotional intensity of the characters. Some panels are so cinematic that they were replicated almost frame-for-frame in the TV show. Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us Issues 7-12 An intense and gripping volume! Rick, his family, and the rest of the group decide to move on from the camp outside Atlanta. Along the way, they gain some new companions and lose others. In this installment, they encounter a couple of “too good to be true” housing situations and are pushed to their mental limits. Vol. 3: Safety Behind Bars Issues 13-18 Another gripping installment. After leaving the farm, the group discovers a prison that offers a temporary sanctuary. The gates provide some reprieve from the zombies outside, but the group soon learns there may be even worse monsters within. This volume is especially gruesome and brutal, with difficult decisions to be made and harsh forms of “justice” and punishment handed down. Everyone is pushed to their limits. Vol. 4: The Heart's Desire Issues 19-24 Tensions run high as the prisoners and the original group clash right from the start. Even when things begin to settle, new problems arise, especially within the group’s romantic relationships. This story arc raises tough moral questions, pushing the characters to their limits and forcing them to reevaluate their ideals, all while zombies roam the halls and lurk beyond the gates. Vol. 5: The Best Defense Issues 25-30 This installment is brutal.Rick and the gang seem to be settling into their new prison setup. Yes, several people are struggling, but overall things are going okay…until, of course, they aren’t. This volume is especially horrific. Honestly, it doesn’t completely shock me, in a scenario like this, women would be at risk of terrible things. Still, it’s psychologically intense and deeply disturbing to watch and read. They did a pretty good job of portraying an awful situation without sexualizing or sensationalizing, while still being gut-wrenching. I simultaneously wanted to throw my iPad across the room and couldn’t look away. Vol. 6: This Sorrowful Life Issues 31-36 We pick up with Rick and Michonne being held captive and tortured by the Governor, a villain somehow more terrifying than zombies.This is an extra-gory installment. I was anxious for Michonne’s torture arc to reach its resolution, and it does so in a truly epic way. These issues continue to push the envelope, exploring the evolution of people’s minds and morality. Vol. 7: The Calm Before Issues 37-42 Everyone is battening down the hatches at the prison in anticipation of an attack. The garden is in bloom under the summer heat, Lori is nearing the end of her pregnancy, and there’s even a happy occasion with Glenn and Maggie’s wedding. While there are some lighter moments in this collection, it still delivers plenty of intense and gruesome scenes, ending on a major cliffhanger. Vol. 8: Made To Suffer Issues 43-48 This volume picks up with flashbacks of Woodbury showing the events that led up to the Governor and the people at the prison gates. The story is nonstop action with plenty of gut-wrenching moments .Even though I anticipated some of these events from my general knowledge of the series, they were still hard to see play out. I’m especially glad I didn’t have to wait between issues, otherwise I would’ve been pulling my hair out. I’m relieved to see this story arc resolved, though there are still many questions about which survivors remain. I’m anxious to see how everyone is coping and what they do next!

Before I get to the actual review, I should note that I was a comic book collector in the early '90's, but had not bought any form of comics until Borders was having it's going out of business sales, when I picked up the first (shorter) collection of The Walking Dead. From there, I moved to the television show. Suitably drawn in by the show and the tease of the first collection (which makes up part 1 of this compendium), I chose to invest in both of the Compendiums. So bear in mind that I am not a habitual comic book reader, but once was. I want to remain spoiler free, so I will limit discussion of plot to say that fans of the television show have not had the plot of the book totally spoiled and vice versa. There's a good amount of difference - you will find familiar characters and plot threads, but it's always different enough that you will not be totally clued in if you are new to one but well versed in the other. The story never slows down - there is a formulaic repetition, but there's always a bit of a variation: it boils down to drama plus a few zombies, drama plus a few zombies, drama plus a few zombies, LOTS OF ZOMBIES, group picks up the pieces, repeat. The art is black and white and quite graphic at times. The art is also not over-stylized and has a very real, dirty feel to it; the artists would have the reader looking through dirty, blood-splattered glasses if they could. The compendium weighs as much as a brick and is about as thick as two, but it's easy to tear through the whole thing quickly because the plot moves. The presentation of such a thick volume is also very well done and high quality; the paper stock Image chose is perfect for the job, as it is slightly glossy, but does not easily get smudged with fingerprints. Overall, as a fan of the television show but not a habitual comic book reader, this was a good investment to burn through and get deeper into the characters and the series as a whole.

I have been a fan of the TV series, and I wanted to read the comic after a co-worker told me that he had read them. So far am about 20% of the way through, and it definitely gives an alternative version of the story. There are some characters who were very prominent in the TV show that aren't in the comics and vice-verse. Daryl, who is one of my favorite characters on the TV doesn't appear in the comic so far and I am already at the point where they reach the farm. The comic it self is in black and white, and only the cover of the compendium is in color. I think the covers of the actual comics were color. The pros: Price: Looking at the options for getting into it, this compendium seemed to be the right option for me, as the price is pretty reasonable. Trying to by the smaller hard cover editions would be more expensive. Story: As mentioned it is a different story, so you don't feel like you know what is going to happen. The cons: The Book Construction: It is a very large book, and is a paperback. If you are a collector, it would be very hard to read it without wearing out the binding to some degree. It is also extremely heavy, so even holding it is hard, which is probably going to result in me dropping it at some point and damaging the cover or binding. The bottom line, is keeping this in mint condition will not be viable. I don't collect so that doesn't matter much to me. Book Organization: There are no page numbers, so I had to dig up a book mark. There are also no dividers between sections, no way to tell when you are going from one actual comic to another. I got to the point where it said "Part:2", but I assume that is based on one of the smaller book sizes, not on the actual comics.

I liked the show Walking Dead, and after Season Two, I felt like I should read up on the comic. To be honest, I had low expectations of it due largely to the fact that it's a comic book and not a novel. I did like the series Plague of the Dead novel and the Dying to Live novels, but never have I read anything related to comics on it. I figured it was a 50/50 shot. Glad to say that I was wrong and now I'm ordering Book 5, 6, and 7. I'd like to clear up some stuff here. First, the comic reading order is rather confusing. To say honestly, Compendium One is the correct starting point and it covers issues 1-48, so you get the story from the point of where it started to about midpoint. From there, it gets a bit confusing to what to read next and I had to do a bit of research. You can start with issue 49, but to me I rather not be ordering the comics repeatedly in the mail. You can wait for Compendium Two which I think is coming this fall near where Season Three of Walking Dead will start, or you can just pick up Book (And I stress that you should pick up BOOK not volume but BOOK) 5, 6, and 7 which covers the events from issue 49 to about issue 90-ish someplace. I think the main thing I was surprised with is how much the comics differ from the show itself. I think a lot of characters were changed around and after reading the comics, I can say my favorite character would have to be that of Andrea. In the show she appears to be fragile and at the same time learning to be tougher through her experience. I think the show was slow to develop this and it was not until the very final episode of Season Two that really showed Andrea was tough. In the comics she gets shot at, cut, and still keeps on and on top of that she's a critical member of the group that probably surpasses that of Rick and the others. The biggest change I think is the story flow. The comic, like the show, mainly focuses on the characters and their struggles. However, I felt in the show it was very slow paced and focused too heavily on inner group gossips and fighting. In the comics I felt that they all were on the same page and knew what to do and they had only one fight with Rick who talked some sense into them and they all agreed that he's the leader. Also in the show they heavily focused the entirety of season two into Hershel's farm which in the comics was a very limited stay. I must also say that Shane, Rick, Lori, and his son Carl have big changes with the show. I felt that in the show, Carl come off as a brat and spoiled but in the comics, I felt Carl was a lot more mature for his age and also echo that of his dad. I felt that Carl also stood up for himself and protecting his family but at the same time with the mind of a child he has trouble comprehending the situations but understand that what must be done need to be done. I felt that between Shane and Rick and Lori, I felt the comic did a much better job to show that Shane really went into the deep end and needed to be killed because he was unstable. I felt in the show, they made it appear as if the group of survivors somehow caused Shane to become insane and that they caused him to have to be killed. I felt in the comics they made it appear as if Shane went off into the deep end himself and brought the situation upon himself. I also felt that between Rick and Lori their relationship was much better than the show. I feel that Rick sometimes run off and Lori had to be a sort of den mother worrying about Rick. I feel that Rick is a much better leader than the show. I feel that in the comic they were unsure of Rick at first and I think later they realized that he's a good person and the one that keeps the group together. I feel that in the show, they made it appear as if Rick has to constantly convince the group that it's for the better while in the comics, they make it appear as if Rick has a strong bond with everyone in the group and they look at him for advice and leadership in situations. Also the show didn't provide one the the best villain: the governor. Or at least he'll probably make an appearance in Season Three, but the overall thing in the comic, they had a huge battle with the governor who seemed to lost his sanity somehow. As a matter of fact, I downloaded the Kindle Book novel on the governor and am in the process of reading it and will probably write a review after reading it. In any event, the Governor is insane and he leads a group of about 40 survivors and to the others he appears normal and caring, but underneath it all, he gone off into the deep end. You'll be amazed by the cruelty he inflicts upon Rick and his group and I felt they did it wonderfully and by the end of Compendium one you'll be glad if not satisfied by how the governor ended up. I must say overall that after having finished Compendium One that I felt bad. I felt very attached to the characters and the artist drew the characters wonderfully. The story is powerful and you feel right with them in their struggles. In my opinion anyone who watched the show should definitely buy the comic. I am currently waiting on my shipment of books 5, 6, and 7 so I can continue reading the comics. Overall very pleased and have to say a must buy for any zombie genre fan.