The Walking Dead

I really enjoyed reading the graphic novel version of The Walking Dead. I have always been kind of curious about the show, but didn't think that it's visual, gory nature would be very appealing to me and I did not have a very accurate understanding of the premise of the story. It seemed kind of superficial and more like zombie entertainment. It was not until I began to read through the graphic novel that I saw the developed themes of human nature and the way that one's choices can change them, and realized that the show as well was perhaps not as focused on the zombies themselves but instead on how people dealt with the situation that this put them in. There was a much more introspective, social commentary aspect of the series that the author intended to convey, and I felt that this really allowed me to appreciate what the series has to offer.

I liked specifically the way the theme of humanity was explored; how your relationships to people change and how the unique circumstances of a zombie apocalypse put you in a position that challenges you and sometimes strips away certain things that you always thought were part of who you were. The fact that zombies are still in human form presents an interesting internal conflict, since we as humans are inherently connected to people and things that are anthropomorphized like us. Especially in cases where the zombie is a person that someone may have known before, it is challenging to force yourself to go against this instinctive human bond and remind yourself that this 'being' is no longer capable of doing the things that make him human. All of a person's reactions are boiled down into more animalistic, base behaviors that increase one's chances of survival-- it is much harder to expend energy on more developed and characteristically 'human'  behaviors like forming and maintaining relationships and social units.

The Walking Dead

 I chose this part of the comic because it made me very emotional and it really struck a chord with me. One of the hardest things about the nature of a zombie apocalypse is that the zombies that you have to kill were once living people. This was conveyed both in the comic and in the show. In the show Morgan is not able to shoot the zombie that was once his wife and breaks into tears. For the characters it is easier for them to detach themselves more from the zombies who they didn't know when they were alive. In the scene of the comic pictured above Carl kills Shane and then afterwards remarks "It's not the same as killing the dead ones Daddy" to which Rick responds "It never should be, son, it never should be." I thought this was so powerful because Carl is reflecting on how it feels different to kill a zombie that's already dead than to kill Shane, but that's how it should be because otherwise they would lose their humanity. Also the art in the comic was amazing...just look at the tree branches making a frame around Carl and Rick.

The Walking Dead Comic

One of the pivotal scenes in “The Walking Dead” volume 1 comic was the scene where Amy was attacked by the zombies and the survivors of the camp buried her body. I found what Jim said to be very moving. His remark, “She was a pretty girl…smart too. She shoulda been going to college…living her life…being young….being happy. This should never have happened. She didn’t deserve his. Nobody deserves this.” This quote really stuck with me because it brings up the point that apocalypses don’t always favor certain people over others. Obviously, we have read about real-world crises where poor and vulnerable people are hit harder than others because they have less resources but overwhelmingly, apocalyptic events hit everyone with surprising equality. Apocalyptic events such as the one depicted in the comic target everyone equally, no matter if the character is young or old or had a promising life or a horrible life before the apocalypse. This, to me, provides an explanation for why apocalyptic events cause hopelessness. There is nothing the people can do to change the apocalypse because it is beyond their control. They know that they do not deserve the suffering they are experiencing, but cannot change it, and this causes them to give up trying to save themselves.  

The Walking Dead

"In a world rule by the dead, we are forced to finally start living." - The Walking Dead, Volume 1. 

I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel, as it is compelling and insightful. What may seem like a basic post-apocalypse-refugee camp is actually a perfect setting for meaningful character development, as proven by Robert Kirkman's profound use of realism to convey his points about human nature. The dynamic that exists between the refugees at the campsite is all too realistic, as feelings of jealousy, anxiety, and mistrust overpower the fairytale emotions put forth by less intellectual authors. I find the plot of "The Walking Dead" to be fascinating, as it takes an innately silly topic and uses it as a medium for complex drama and intelligent plot twists. I am intrigued by Kirkman's ability to kill off characters (and horses) that other authors may not have the heart to kill, as I believe this kicks up the realism of the situation. Not every "good person" makes it out alive, as characterized by the biting and eventual death of Jim. The camp setting is a truly a stomping ground for economic game theory, as each person's actions are inherently guided by self-interest, which provides for an intriguing plot to unfold. As this class progresses, I am gaining a true respect for the power of graphic novels in conveying relevant insights onto the topics they encompass. I will certainly be in the market for some more graphic novels after this class ends, so I hope to read more of "The Walking Dead" in the future!

12/04/14 Cristal Kim

I was a huge fan of The Walking Dead TV show a few years ago but sort of fell out of it last year; that being said, it was definitely a new perspective to read the series rather than watch it. The graphic novel seemed so much more fast-paced and watching at how quickly Rick adapted to everything was surprising, especially compared to the episode we were assigned to watch. However, one scene in the graphic novel, that they failed to reenact in the TV series, really stood out to me. When Rick is riding the horse to Atlanta he contemplates and reminisces about the "good ol' days" but quickly realizes how futile it is. I felt really moved by this passage because it does not just relate to apocalyptic situations but contemporary society as well. Granted, I've never been in any apocalyptic situations like this or in The Flame Alphabet (pray that never happens either), I do think people tend to romanticize the past even today. People are never satisfied with their current situation that they lean on the past when times were "simpler" or "easier," forcing them to forget all the bad things too. Although, it's nice to reminisce, too much can be depressing. You will never appreciate the now before it too becomes history and you can never move on. Here, Rick realizes that it's too late and further dwelling on it will only make his transition into this new life much harder. It's nice to be fond of our past but remember that what's important is right now.