THE WALKING DEAD #37
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Mania Grade: A-
Issue: 37
Authors: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Publisher: Image
Price: $2.99

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THE WALKING DEAD #37

This 37^th issue of The Walking Dead hits all the points that please the series’s fans and infuriate its detractors. The issue offers no moments of zombie carnage and plenty of talking heads, including a flashback to the first story arc, a wedding of two of the characters, some crying, some planning, and the beginning of a confession for which readers have waited for two years.

Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors at the prison compound know that the forces from the neighboring outpost of Woodbury will eventually find them. Though Rick and his friends escaped the town with their lives, they know full well that with supplies short, the citizens of Woodbury won’t leave them alone. Realizing that they lack the weapons to withstand a siege, Tyreese leads a team to find an abandoned National Guard station in hopes of finding any weapons not taken by Woodbury. In happier news, Hershel Greene conducts a marriage ceremony for his daughter Maggie and her longtime boyfriend, Glenn, whom he once disapproved of. But, all is not well at the prison. Michonne finally seems to feel the effects of her marathon torture session with the Governor of Woodbury. Not only that, but Lori prepares to tell Rick what happened with Shane nine months ago. Drama’s afoot.

As I said earlier, the issue features not a single zombie. Robert Kirkman continues to emphasize character over carnage. He serves the title well for it, imbuing his almost unwieldy cast of players with enough distinction and humanity to make the occasional outbreaks of horrific violence that much more resonant. However, Kirkman still writes with significant decompression. Those with little patience for a slow issue with no action won’t enjoy this month’s installment and they certainly won’t feel differently about the series. Ultimately, The Walking Dead has proven itself to be more of an effective, involving soap opera set against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak than simply a horror title. While I admit that the pace has slowed considerably since the start of the series, this remains one of my favorite monthly titles. It’s probably the best thing Image has going for it right now. If you’re not aboard already, get the trades and join the fun.

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