With Negan around, nothing is certain.
One of the main challenges when dealing with long-form, serialized stories featuring a large ensemble cast is ensuring that each character gets the attention they deserve. But more often than not, the most memorable installments are those that don't attempt to juggle several simultaneous plot threads, but instead remain fixated on one group of characters. Case in point - "Hardhome" was easily the standout installment of Game of Thrones Season 5. The Walking Dead #156 stands out for the exact same reason. In fact, this is easily one of the series' strongest chapters in years.
This issue follows up on the most significant development of recent months - the burgeoning alliance between Negan and Alpha. Robert Kirkman's script remains focused entirely on that odd dynamic and the tension brought about by introducing the volatile Negan into this group of hardened, skin-wearing killers. It's obvious Negan can't be trusted, but can he at least make himself useful to his new friends? Do the benefits Negan provides outweigh the risks of allowing him to remain? These are questions this issue explores in great depth.
Above all, this issue serves as a terrific character study for Negan, Alpha, and her imposing second-in-command, Beta. With Negan, Kirkman reminds readers that even this twisted madman has his own weird morality, while simultaneously calling into question whether anything that comes out of his mouth can truly be trusted. For Alpha, Kirkman digs deeper into her conflicted nature - that clash between the "survival of the fittest" mentality that drives the Whisperers and her lingering guilt over how she treated her daughter. Meanwhile, Beta's role in that dynamic becomes much clearer and more emotionally resonant.
Charlie Adlard's art is particularly effective in this issue. His subtle facial work brings out the myriad of emotions at play as Negan works his charm on Alpha and she begins opening up to him. Meanwhile, the stark use of negative space and shadow emphasizes the danger and isolation Negan faces as he struggles to ingratiate himself into the group. Along the way, Adlard is able to deliver a few of those violent, intense zombie attack sequences he's become so skilled at over the years.
All of this builds towards an unexpected but very satisfying finish. With the series' status quo already in flux, this issue shakes up the formula even further and calls into question just what sort of conflict Kirkman and Allard are building towards. And when it comes to The Walking Dead, quality and unpredictability often go hand in hand.
The Verdict
The Walking Dead truly fired on all cylinders this month, taking full advantage of the dangerous, unpredictable dynamic between two key villains. This issue serves as a particularly apt reminder of just how memorable a character Negan is, and it also promises to shake up an already unpredictable status quo in a big way.
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