Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Charlie Adlard

It almost numbs me to think that Kirkman’s incredible Zombie/Humanity tale is fast approaching 100 issues. Sure, shipping times and shortened issues have plagued the series in the beginning but for the last year it has been on time and delivered the goods in every issue. #69 keeps the heads rolling.

The story so far: From day one Rick and his band of survivors have had their hands (or in Rick’s case hand) full from the get go. Trust has been an elusive commodity to the group but the core has remained intact. With Carl’s euthanasia kill confession to Rick and Eugene’s outing as a big fat liar just a few issues ago, it seemed the group had finally come to terms with their internal struggles. Then of course, smiley faced Aaron walks up unarmed and asks them to audition for his community in the nation’s capital. #68 had the group fighting waves of zombies (finally!) and then by #69 they are on the doorstep of Washingon D.C. Only problem is- getting in ain’t easy and Rick and the crew are still leary of Aaron and his promise of Utopia.

This is the first foray the group has had in a major metropolitan area in the series and the stakes are obviously high for them and the readers. The city is choked with roamers and biters and as they attempt to circumnavigate the city to Alexandria, a signal flare goes off. Its safe to say that readers will sympathize with Rick’s apprehension to the flare given the sudden appearance of Aaron and Eric, who have admitted their lengthy surveillance on the group already. But Mr. Kirkman is masterful in twisting our preconceived notions of every character in the book (The governor, hello?) and its refreshing to see him infer that good people might still exist in this upside-down corpse ridden wold.

Its also nice to see a return to form when it comes to break-neck paced action and violence. Technically, Mr. Adlard’s work is really dense now, with real settings serving as the background instead of barren forests and the amount of high-octane action results in some of his most striking and violent panels to date. I’ve always loved the art of the book but this one stands out as one of the most dramatic issues I can remember. The rescue mission that Aaron and Rick undertake not only results in a massive zombie body count, but some realistic concerns with a severely broken leg of one of Aaron’s teammates. Until now, the survivors have not had any proper medical care; To discover the D.C. community has 3 doctors, including a surgeon, feels like a huge pot of gold at the end of their shit-colored rainbow. Kirkman knows its the little things in life that make the difference in this book,  and peppers them about- whether its a Twinkie or a silent smile on Rick’s face. Dare I say it, Mr. Kirkman seems to be suggesting that there might be hope after all. The question is: For how long?