Review: The Walking Dead Graphic Novel Compendium 3

Have you bought these compendium editions yet? I'm telling you, they are worth it! All the graphic novels in one binding. Although, they are VERY heavy. You won't be dragging this to church or weekend soccer practice. Set it on the nightstand for evening reading or to bash intruders over the head with, either situation will bring you great joy. 

"The Walking Dead" graphic novel compendium 3 continues the story of Rick Grimes and his group of survivors as they navigate the dangerous and unpredictable world of the zombie apocalypse. This compendium collects issues #97-144 of the comic book series, and covers some of the most intense and emotionally resonant moments of the story so far.

One of the major themes in this compendium is the idea of community and cooperation in the face of adversity. The group faces numerous challenges, from the threat of the undead to conflicts with other survivor communities, but they also find allies and friends who help them along the way. The introduction of the Alexandria Safe-Zone and the Hilltop Colony add new layers of complexity to the story, as the group navigates the politics and power dynamics of these new communities.

Another important theme in this compendium is the idea of hope in a world that seems hopeless. The characters face unimaginable horrors and losses, but they also find moments of joy, love, and connection. The relationship between Rick and Andrea deepens, while Carl continues to grow and mature in surprising ways.

The artwork in this compendium continues to be a strength of the series, with the detailed illustrations capturing the horror and tension of the story. The use of black and white artwork also adds to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story, creating a sense of bleakness and despair that is contrasted by moments of beauty and hope.

Overall, "The Walking Dead" graphic novel compendium 3 is a powerful and emotionally resonant addition to the series. The exploration of community, cooperation, and hope in the face of adversity adds new layers of complexity to the storyline, while the continued development of the characters and their relationships is both compelling and engaging. The artwork is also top-notch, capturing the horror and beauty of the story in equal measure. If you're a fan of the comics or the TV show, this compendium is a must-read.

Review: The Walking Dead Graphic Novel Compendium 2

"The Walking Dead" graphic novel compendium 2 continues the story of Rick Grimes and the survivors of the zombie apocalypse. This compendium collects issues #49-96 of the comic book series, and covers some of the most dramatic and intense moments of the story so far.

One of the most significant events in this compendium is the introduction of the character of Michonne, a skilled swordswoman who becomes a key member of the group. Her arrival leads to a major turning point in the storyline, as the group learns more about the larger world of survivors and the various factions that exist.

Another important theme in this compendium is the ongoing struggle for power and control in a world where traditional social structures have collapsed. The introduction of new groups, such as the Governor's Woodbury community and the scavengers at the prison, adds new layers of complexity to the story and forces the characters to confront their own beliefs and values.

The compendium also delves deeper into the personal relationships and struggles of the characters, adding emotional depth to the storyline. For example, the love triangle between Rick, Lori, and Shane reaches a dramatic conclusion, while the relationship between Maggie and Glenn faces new challenges.

The artwork in this compendium continues to be a strong point, with the detailed illustrations capturing the horror and tension of the story. The use of black and white artwork also adds to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story, creating a sense of bleakness and despair.

Overall, "The Walking Dead" graphic novel compendium 2 is a must-read for fans of the series. The introduction of new characters and groups, the exploration of power dynamics in a post-apocalyptic world, and the continued development of the characters and their relationships make for a compelling and emotionally resonant storyline. The artwork is also top-notch, capturing the horror and tension of the story in vivid detail. If you're a fan of the comics or the TV show, this compendium is a must-have addition to your collection.

Review: The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury

"The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury" is a series of novels that explore the backstory of one of the most infamous antagonists of "The Walking Dead" universe: the Governor. Written by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga, the books are a dark and twisted journey into the mind of a man who will stop at nothing to maintain control in a world gone mad. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at "The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury" and what makes it such a compelling addition to the franchise.

The first book in the series, "The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor," introduces us to Philip Blake, a man who will one day become the Governor. The book follows Philip and his brother Brian as they struggle to survive in the early days of the zombie apocalypse. Along the way, they encounter a group of survivors who are in desperate need of leadership. Philip steps up to the plate, using his cunning and charisma to take control of the group and lead them to safety. However, as the group reaches the seemingly idyllic town of Woodbury, Philip's true nature begins to emerge.

The second book in the series, "The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury," picks up where the first book left off. Philip, now calling himself "the Governor," has taken control of Woodbury and turned it into a fortress. However, as the people of Woodbury begin to chafe under his rule, the Governor's grip on power begins to slip. Meanwhile, Lilly Caul, a survivor from the first book, arrives in Woodbury and begins to uncover the dark secrets that the Governor is hiding.

One of the strengths of "The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury" is its exploration of the Governor's character. In the TV show, the Governor is depicted as a one-dimensional villain, but in the books, he is a complex and deeply flawed human being. We see how his experiences in the early days of the apocalypse shaped him into the man he would become, and how his desperation to maintain control ultimately led to his downfall.

Another strength of the series is its focus on secondary characters. Lilly Caul, in particular, is a standout character, and her journey from a timid survivor to a fierce warrior is one of the most compelling arcs in the books. The series also introduces us to new characters like Bob Stookey, who would go on to play a significant role in the TV show.

Overall, "The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury" is a dark and gritty exploration of the human psyche in a world gone mad. With its nuanced characters and exploration of the Governor's backstory, the series is a must-read for any fan of "The Walking Dead" franchise. If you're looking for a dark and gripping post-apocalyptic tale, look no further than "The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury."

Review: The Walking Dead graphic novel

"The Walking Dead" is a graphic novel series created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore. First published in 2003, the series has become one of the most popular and influential comics of the 21st century. Set in a world overrun by zombies, "The Walking Dead" tells the story of a group of survivors as they navigate the dangers of a post-apocalyptic landscape.

One of the most distinctive features of "The Walking Dead" is its focus on character development. While there are plenty of zombie kills and action sequences, the heart of the series lies in its complex and nuanced characters. From the series' protagonist, Rick Grimes, to its wide cast of supporting characters, each individual has their own backstory, motivations, and flaws.

The series also offers a realistic and grounded take on the zombie apocalypse. Unlike many other zombie stories, "The Walking Dead" emphasizes the difficulty of survival in a world where basic resources like food and shelter are scarce. The series also explores the psychological toll of living in a world where death is a constant presence.

Another key aspect of "The Walking Dead" is its exploration of morality and ethics in a lawless world. The series frequently raises questions about what it means to be a good person in a world where the rules have changed. Characters must make difficult choices about when to show mercy, when to take revenge, and when to sacrifice their own well-being for the greater good.

In addition to its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, "The Walking Dead" is also notable for its visual style. The artwork by Tony Moore and later Charlie Adlard is gritty and realistic, with a focus on detail and texture that immerses readers in the post-apocalyptic world.

"The Walking Dead" has had a significant impact on the zombie genre, inspiring countless imitators and spin-offs. The series has also been adapted into a hit television show, which has become one of the most popular shows on television.

In conclusion, "The Walking Dead" is a must-read for fans of zombie stories and post-apocalyptic fiction. The series offers a unique take on the genre, with a focus on character development, realism, and ethical questions. With its gritty artwork and compelling storytelling, "The Walking Dead" has earned its place as one of the most influential and beloved comics of the 21st century.

World War Z: a book and movie comparison

World War Z continues to be one of my favorite movies. If it's on, I'll watch it. Even though fast zombies scare the crap out of me. The book is one of my favorites also, but if you've read/watched you know that they vary drastically. It's still good entertainment and storytelling in my opinion.

"World War Z" is a 2006 novel by Max Brooks that tells the story of a global zombie outbreak and its aftermath through a series of interviews with survivors. The book is widely regarded as a classic of the zombie genre, and its unique storytelling style has made it a favorite of readers around the world. In 2013, a movie adaptation was released, which departed significantly from the source material. In this blog post, we'll compare the book and movie versions of "World War Z".

The most significant departure from the book is the movie's focus on a single protagonist, Gerry Lane (played by Brad Pitt). In the book, there is no central character, and the story is told through the accounts of various survivors. This change fundamentally alters the nature of the story, shifting it from a collection of individual stories to a traditional action-adventure movie with a hero at its center.

Another significant difference is the portrayal of the zombies. In the book, the zombies are slow-moving and relatively easy to kill. They are a constant threat but are not presented as an unbeatable enemy. In the movie, the zombies are fast-moving and ferocious, capable of overwhelming even large military forces. This change creates a sense of urgency and danger that is absent from the book.

The movie also alters the tone of the story, emphasizing action and suspense over the book's more introspective and philosophical approach. While the book explores themes of survival, society, and human nature, the movie focuses more on thrilling set-pieces and suspenseful sequences.

Despite these differences, the movie does share some similarities with the book. Both versions of the story explore the global impact of a zombie outbreak and the ways in which different societies respond to the crisis. Both versions also examine the role of the military and government in responding to the outbreak.

While the movie adaptation of "World War Z" differs significantly from the book, it still manages to capture some of the essence of the original story. The movie offers a thrilling and suspenseful take on the zombie genre, while the book is a more thoughtful and introspective exploration of society, human nature, and survival. If you're a fan of zombie stories, both versions of "World War Z" are worth checking out, but they offer different experiences and perspectives.

I Am Legend: A Book and Movie comparison

I am a sucker for post-apocalyptic movies and books. One of my favorites is I Am Legend. I watched the movie multiple times since its release but I only just recently read the book.

"I Am Legend" is a 2007 post-apocalyptic movie starring Will Smith, based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson. While the movie takes many liberties with the original source material, it still manages to capture the essence of the novel and offers a unique perspective on the story.

The most significant departure from the book is the portrayal of the monsters. In the movie, they are not vampires but rather infected humans who exhibit zombie-like behavior. This change alters the dynamic between the protagonist, Robert Neville, and the monsters. In the book, Neville is the only human in a world of vampires, which makes him the ultimate outsider. In the movie, Neville is still isolated but is not the last human, which changes the dynamic of the story.

Despite the changes to the monsters, the movie still explores themes of isolation, morality, and survival. Will Smith's performance as Neville is powerful, capturing the desperation and loneliness of the character. The movie also examines the relationship between Neville and his dog, which serves as a source of comfort and companionship in a world devoid of human contact.

The movie also offers a unique perspective on the ending of the book. While the novel ends on a bleak note, with Neville being executed by the vampires, the movie offers a more hopeful conclusion. Neville sacrifices himself to save a group of survivors and discovers that a cure for the virus may exist. This change in the ending offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak world, providing a satisfying conclusion to the movie.

Overall, while the movie takes many liberties with the source material, it still manages to capture the essence of the novel. It explores similar themes and offers a unique perspective on the story. Will Smith's performance is excellent, and the movie's ending offers a satisfying conclusion. If you're a fan of the novel or post-apocalyptic movies in general, "I Am Legend" is worth a watch.

A review: I Am Legend

"I Am Legend" is a 1954 horror novel by Richard Matheson that tells the story of Robert Neville, the last surviving human in a world overrun by vampires. The novel is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, and its influence can be seen in numerous works of popular culture.

One of the strengths of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of the psychological toll of isolation. Neville is the last living human in a world of vampires, and his loneliness and despair are palpable throughout the book. Matheson's writing is haunting and effective in conveying Neville's mental state.

The book is also notable for its portrayal of the vampires. Unlike the supernatural creatures of earlier vampire stories, Matheson's vampires are the result of a scientific pandemic. They are more akin to zombies than the elegant, aristocratic vampires of earlier fiction, and their portrayal as mindless, bloodthirsty monsters adds to the horror of the story.

Another notable aspect of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of societal norms and morality. Neville's actions are often driven by his own survival instinct, and he must grapple with the ethical implications of his choices. The novel raises important questions about what it means to be human and how we define morality in extreme situations.

Overall, "I Am Legend" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. Its exploration of isolation, societal norms, and morality is both chilling and insightful. If you're a fan of horror or science fiction, this classic novel is definitely worth a read.

World War Z: A modern exploration of the zombie apocalypse

World War Z is a 2006 novel by Max Brooks that presents a fictional oral history of a global zombie outbreak. The book is written as a series of interviews with survivors from all over the world, providing a unique and chilling perspective on the zombie apocalypse.

Unlike many other zombie stories, World War Z takes a more realistic approach to the genre. The book explores how the outbreak begins and spreads, and how governments and individuals respond to the crisis. It also delves into the social, economic, and political implications of a zombie apocalypse.

The book is divided into chapters that focus on different aspects of the outbreak, from the initial outbreak to the war against the zombies and the eventual rebuilding of society. Each chapter is presented as a series of interviews with survivors, giving readers a firsthand account of the events.

One of the strengths of World War Z is its attention to detail. The book is meticulously researched and contains a wealth of information about everything from military tactics to the history of the zombie genre. Brooks' writing is also praised for its realism and the way it captures the voices of the various characters.

World War Z was a critical and commercial success, winning the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel and being adapted into a feature film starring Brad Pitt in 2013. The book's influence on the zombie genre is also significant, inspiring numerous imitators and spinoffs.

The book's exploration of the social and political implications of a zombie outbreak also resonates with readers today, as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preparedness and the consequences of government mismanagement.

World War Z is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that presents a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse. Its attention to detail, realism, and exploration of social and political issues make it a standout in the zombie genre. If you're a fan of horror or apocalyptic fiction, World War Z is definitely worth a read.

A History of Zombies

Zombies have become a popular fixture in movies, TV shows, and video games in recent years. These undead creatures, often depicted as mindless and flesh-eating, have a rich history that goes back centuries.

The word "zombie" comes from Haitian Creole, where it refers to a person who has been reanimated after death. The idea of zombies originated in Haitian folklore, where it was believed that a sorcerer, known as a bokor, could bring a dead person back to life and control them as a slave.

The first known mention of zombies in Western literature is in William Seabrook's book, "The Magic Island," published in 1929. Seabrook, an American journalist, visited Haiti and wrote about his experiences with voodoo practitioners, including witnessing a ceremony in which a woman was supposedly turned into a zombie.

In the 1930s, zombies started to appear in American horror movies, inspired by Seabrook's book and other stories about Haitian voodoo. These movies, such as "White Zombie" (1932) and "Revolt of the Zombies" (1936), depicted zombies as mindless, undead slaves under the control of a master.

In the 1960s, director George A. Romero revolutionized the zombie genre with his classic film "Night of the Living Dead" (1968). Instead of being controlled by a master, Romero's zombies were reanimated corpses who rose from the dead and spread a mysterious virus that turned other people into zombies.

Romero's vision of zombies as cannibalistic, flesh-eating monsters has since become the standard in popular culture. The term "zombie apocalypse" is now widely used to describe a catastrophic event in which the dead rise and the living are forced to fight for survival.

Today, zombies continue to be a popular subject in movies, TV shows, and video games. From "The Walking Dead" to "Resident Evil," the zombie genre shows no signs of slowing down.

Zombies have a long and fascinating history that dates back to Haitian folklore. From their origins as slaves controlled by sorcerers to their modern portrayal as flesh-eating monsters, zombies have evolved over time but remain a fixture in popular culture.