Title: The Walking Dead, Book One
Author: Robert Kirkman
First published September 1, 2004
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781582406190 (ISBN10: 1582406197)
Rating: 4.35
Overview
Get ready to immerse yourself in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead. This oversized hardcover volume includes the first 12 issues of the critically acclaimed series, along with the stunning covers that will leave you awestruck.
Whether you’re a fan from the beginning or a newcomer to the series, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a slightly hefty object to ward off the ravenous undead. Join Rick Grimes and his band of survivors as they fight for their lives in a world overrun by walkers.
This is a must-have for any fan of the zombie genre.
About the Author
Meet Robert Kirkman, a well-known American comic book writer famous for his remarkable contributions to the comic industry with his works such as The Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultimate X-Men, and Marvel Zombies. Kirkman also collaborated with Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt.
Interestingly, he is one of the five partners of Image Comics, but surprisingly the only one who wasn’t among the original co-founders of the publisher.
Kirkman’s journey in the comic book world started with his self-published comic books under his Funk-o-Tron label. He teamed up with his childhood friend Tony Moore to create Battle Pope, which was released in late 2001.
Along with InkPunks and Double Take, Battle Pope ran for over two years.
In 2002, Robert began his first work for another company with a four-part SuperPatriot series for Image Comics, featuring Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Shortly after, he created his own projects such as Tech Jacket, Invincible, and Walking Dead.
Editoral Review
Robert Kirkmans The Walking Dead, Book One, published in 2004, introduces readers to a post-apocalyptic world where the dead have come back to life and walk the earth in search of human flesh. A seasoned comic book writer, Kirkmans work has resonated with readers around the world, inspiring a hit television series and numerous collectible editions.
The book follows the journey of Rick Grimes, a former police officer who wakes up from a coma to find his world turned upside down. Zombies roam the streets, society has fallen apart, and Rick must navigate his way through the chaos to survive.
Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, including his wife and son, best friend, and fellow survivors. Kirkmans style is gritty and realistic, with intense scenes of violence and gore.
His characters are fully fleshed-out, each with their own distinct voice and background. The setting is also a strong character in the story, as the characters traverse the desolate landscape of the American South, encountering both danger and hope.
At its heart, The Walking Dead is a commentary on modern society and the fragility of human relationships. The book explores themes such as survival, morality, and the bond between family and friends.
Kirkman deftly examines how people react to extreme situations, and how those reactions can bring out the best and worst in them. One of the strengths of The Walking Dead is Kirkmans ability to maintain a consistent tone throughout the book.
The pacing is well-balanced, with both action-packed scenes and moments of quiet reflection. The dialogue is also top-notch, with each characters voice distinct and believable.
The artwork by Tony Moore is also a standout, with detailed illustrations and a somber color palette that perfectly captures the tone of the story. However, there are some limitations to the book.
Some may find the violence and gore to be too graphic, and the bleak setting can be difficult to take in at times. Additionally, some readers may find the plot to be predictable or clich, as it follows many of the conventions of the zombie genre.
Despite these flaws, The Walking Dead is a must-read for fans of horror and post-apocalyptic fiction. Kirkmans masterful storytelling and well-developed characters make for a compelling read that will leave readers hungry for more.
The book also has cultural and social significance, as it explores themes that are still relevant in todays society. Overall, I would give The Walking Dead, Book One a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to dive into the bleak and violent world of the undead will be rewarded with a gripping story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.