What Kirkman manages to accomplish in a mere 23 pages is truly a testament to his tight storytelling ability. Not only do we meet the rather large Greene family, but he also allows some of the characters we already know to have their moments to shine.

A fairly unifying thread throughout the issue is that everyone is quite, well, horny. Even Sophia and Carl have a cute little flirtatious moment. Glenn admits that he sort of had a thing for Carol (which I never ever picked up on until now), but then NFL alpha male Tyreese had to come along and woo Carol off her feet. He sees everyone he knows pairing off, and he is gripped by the fear of being alone. It’s hard enough for a young person to find a romantic partner in a fully functioning society, but the level of that difficulty skyrockets to astronomical heights when that society abruptly ceases. Thankfully for Glenn, Maggie Greene is lonely as well, and she is quite open about her willingness to have sex with him. Is a shared fear of loneliness and a general lack of alternative romantic options the best basis upon which to cultivate a sexual relationship? I’m no expert, but I’m guessing Dr. Phil would say no. However, seeing as how Dr. Phil is probably a lumbering zombie at this point in time, Maggie and Glenn are gonna do what they’re gonna do.

Then there’s Julie and Chris, and they’re relationship is just freaking disturbing. Chris seems to be a very troubled young man from a very troubled background. It would actually be somewhat enlightening to know a little bit more about him, but one thing is clear. Chris is suicidal, and he wants to drag a co-dependent Julie down with him so they can spend “eternity” loving each other. They are both (more so Chris) looking at death as an easy escape from all the horrors plaguing their world. Underneath that mindset, however, is a lot of pain and fear that needs to be dealt with before it is too late.

Lastly, the entrance of the Greene family (most significantly Hershel) into the narrative brings with it a more spiritual tone than we have seen before. Hershel’s resilient Christian faith will be a continual part of the plot moving forward. It is interesting to note that while societal religious institutions such as churches are no more, faith itself can be found as strong (or stronger) than ever. Despite the seemingly unending barrage of despairs that scrape away at Team Family’s morale, there are moments of grace where some sort of transcendent light shines through. Carl being shot in JUST THE RIGHT WAY to where he was able to survive, and Rick even finding his family in the first place despite what had to be ridiculously slim odds are little moments that perhaps speak to the existence of a loving God who still can work his good will despite the overwhelming darkness and gloom engulfing the world. Like the characters in the book, some will acknowledge that Power of Grace behind the mortal veil while others will pay it little heed. All are on their own journeys and are at different places, and that’s okay. I just know where I’m at when it comes to this. A world overrun by the walking dead does not by any means imply that God too is dead. more