Comic Book Review: THE WALKING DEAD #100

Major Spoiler Warning! Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's seminal issue came out swinging and it did not stop. It didn't even stop when we wanted it to stop and that's why this landmark book is not only the best selling comic of the 21st century, it's one of the most important pieces of writing and art that this entertainment medium has ever seen.

Part four in the 'Something to Fear' story arc sees Rick and his crew faced with the most horrific scenario since the glory days of the prison chaos over 50 issues ago. It seemed as if new villain Negan was about to release his leatherbound army upon Andrea and the rest of the survivors after Rick took a very un-smart trip to the Hilltop. Kirkman didn't make his name in the industry by writing the obvious though and introduced Rick's convoy directly to Negan himself and 50 of his followers. Outnumbered, helpless and utterly hopeless, Rick is reduced to watching his new arch nemesis taunt his friends and family before one of them is selected and beaten to death in front of him. Warning: MAJOR Spoilers Ahead!

Charlie Adlard revealed that Negan was modeled after singer/actor Henry Rollins and that's appropriate. The charismatic, albeit childish sociopath drops more F-bombs than I think I've ever read in a comic and in an impossible feat, manages to out-govern the famous governor. For those wondering who 'Lucille' was, surprise – it's a what. Negan embraces his lovely barbwire wrapped baseball bat, which he affectionately calls 'Lucille' not before lining up Rick, Carl, Glenn, Maggie, Sophia, Michonne and Heath. After a suspenseful Eenie, Meenie, Miney Moe – Negan chooses Glenn and proceeds to turn this reader's stomach.

In five brutal pages Glenn is savagely beaten to death by Negan, ending a longtime fan favorite's life in without a doubt the most horrifying kill in the series' history. Adlard is a master. His gruesome art is heartbreaking and actually made me feel ill as I turned each page. The first baseball bat blow on Glenn's head and his reaction to cry out Maggie's name while an eyeball hangs out of its socket brought tears to my eyes.

If you thought Michonne's torture of the Governor was rough, you haven't seen anything yet. Kirkman has reminded the fans that 'Nobody is truly safe' in The Walking Dead and this current 'Something to Fear' arc is his strongest since the prison onslaught. Issue #100 was one of the most suspenseful comics I've ever read and a masterclass in 'how to write AND draw horror'. As for what to expect in #101 and #102? Who knows anymore; this is absolute mayhem.

Story: Robert Kirkman
Art: Charlie Adlard
Cover: Charlie Adlard
$3.99
On Sale Now!