Negan Lives #1

Image; $4.99

When Robert Kirkman finished The Walking Dead about a year ago, he closed it with a letter to readers that ended with one last swing of the bat: “P.S. Negan Lives.” And now, he’s back. At least for one issue.

As The Walking Dead closed, we learned that Negan was alive and living near his former enemies/allies, but very clearly severed from the group. Negan Lives shows how he is dealing with the solitude – which is not great. He’s pretty darn miserable. But things liven up when someone wanders into his house uninvited.

What is not unexpected is that this trip back to The Walking Dead, written by Kirkman with Charlie Adlard providing the art, was really good. It’s a return to form, hitting the emotional notes of the series with some gruesome horror for the thrills. Negan is perfectly Negan down to the colorful language, coiled viciousness wrapped in charm, and naked self-reflection.

The series was laid to rest, but just a few short weeks ago when Kirkman announced this book he stated, “I’ve been inspired by Steve Geppi and Diamond’s efforts to shine a light on how essential the direct market is to our beloved industry with their #backthecomeback campaign.” Kirkman went on to say that 100% of this one-shot’s proceeds would go to the comic book stores selling it.

So not only do The Walking Dead fans get at least one more trip into this decaying world, they also get to support their comic shops.

–Amanda Sheriff