Heart-to-Heart for Rick and Negan
Warning: Spoilers for the Walking Dead #164
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Stefano Gaudiano, Cliff Rathburn
CA: Dave Stewart
A/CA: Charlie Adlard
Issue #164 of is a walker packed saga that delivers action alongside the development of key character dynamics. It walked a delicate line between movement and dialogue; offering us an insight into Negan’s psyche alongside panels crammed with walkers in volumes I’ve never seen before.
I only picked up The Walking Dead comic series with their #163 issue last week so I was excited to delve back into the world of walkers with #164. I had plenty of questions around Negan and Rick’s relationship and #164 delivers some answers. A sizable portion of the dialogue was offered to Rick and Negan, who, trapped and surrounded, find some time for a heart-to-heart. Well, as close to a heart-to-heart as Negan and Rick are likely to get for the moment.
As Rick and Negan escape to relative safety we teeter on an uncertain edge of trusting naiveté and learned experience. Negan exists as a physical crutch to the injured Rick and is forced to rely on his protection. The Walking Dead so often induces that sort of gut wrenching “did that actually just happen?” sort of despair that I half expected Negan to offer up a fresh plate of Rick to the oncoming hoard. The ‘…’ offers a sickening suspense as I berated myself for being so stupid ‘of course Negan would do this!’ to then be saved by Negan’s outstretched arm; a literal lifeline.
Negan is a source of dark humour as he cajoles Rick into sharing the ‘worst thing you’ve ever done.’ As Rick responds ‘Live. When so many other’s… who should have… didn’t’ Negan becomes distressed. Anguished expressions throughout this fraught interaction are beautifully drawn by Gaudiano, Rathburn and Adlard who allow each and every line tell a story.
In these panels, Negan becomes almost human as he reasons his way through his actions, showing both remorse and sympathy. Even Rick is forced to acknowledge their mutual traits. Negan even opens up about the death of his wife as we attempt to navigate around what is said, what is meant and weigh this up against potential motives. The scene softens Negan whilst rendering him ever more deadly; could this be just another act of manipulation culminating in a well devised power grab? Only time will tell.
The rest of issue #164 is packed with walker action as the group competently handle the biggest hoard of walkers I’ve ever seen. A full third of a panel is dedicated to a birds-eye view of them moving like a swarm of insects. As they pick off smaller groups Heath remarks ‘I gotta say, Eugene, you really have this down to a science. It’s impressive.’ To which Eugene responds ‘we’re safe enough to start paying attention to the details.’ Eugene has been able to carve out a role and a purpose for himself in a town that often values the fighters.
While the danger is high, the reader gets a sense that all is under control and they’re handling it quite competently. The final panel ends with a purposeful sort of confidence as to how they will go forward. The real danger in this evolving story line seems to be the relationship between Rick and Negan, which in itself could turn the group against Rick.
