Robb Ghag reviews The Walking Dead Free Comic Book Day Special…
Free Comic Book Day. May the Fourth. The Walking Dead…
Put all those things together and what do you get? A perfect day. This is a special one shot, which brings forth some of the most interesting characters of the series.
I had not read the origin story of Michonne previously, and quite honestly I do not know if it had been released in any other books previously. As an avid reader of The Walking Dead (and viewer of the Show) I have typically re-read most of the issues as they are shown in Collected Editions.
The cover details the four characters we’re about to read about: Michonne, Tyrese, Morgan and of course The Governor. First the Michonne backstory is one that I think every fan of the show has desperately tried to find out about. Where did she come from? What did she used to do before the outbreak? Who were those two zombies she used to camouflage her scent? Where did she get that sword?! Well, almost every one of those questions is answered in the short story involving Michonne. Although it’s only 6 pages it tells a story superbly, and as always Kirkman leaves me wanting more.
The next arc involves Tyreese and his daughter Julie and her boyfriend Chris. This story was exclusive to the book and only available on the FREE COMIC BOOK day issue. I never really thought about their history at all, as in the books they were very odd characters and almost a side note to Tyreese’ story itself. But again, in 6 pages we get an inner look at the mind of Tyreese, how he got his faithful hammer, and of course the relationship between him and his daughter.
The third story I had read before in The Walking Dead Compendium Volume 1. In it, there were all issues at that time from issues #1 – 48 and including a “holiday special” involving Morgan and his son Duane. This one was pretty touching when I read it way back when, and a great way to end off the compendium. It ended on a note of Hope rather than of utter despair. Was a great read, given the fact it is mostly monologue, with no “zombie action”.
The last 6 page story was fantastic. I certainly had not read it before, but it really blew my mind. It gives a sick and twisted insight into the Governor. Not really sure why he became the way he became, but it for sure explains the fish tanks full of severed heads and where he got them from. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, then this information is a “MUST KNOW”.
All in all I have to say this was one of the best Free Comics on Free Comic Book Day, and we owe it all to Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. They created a series of characters most people would pay any amount just to learn more about them. This book delves into the backstories of four of the most notable characters, and it was all FREE! Thanks Free Comic Book Day.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published May 14, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
