10

Pop Culture Uncovered - Pauly D Dec 7, 2016

#161 is an action packed issue, every panel is geared to highlight the horrors of war. From the legion of mowed down Whisperers to the undead to the Hilltop residents struck down, Kirkman and Adlard continue the story with heart and conviction. It is satisfying to see that even though the group has endured so much, Carl still takes care of his own, Eugene steps up with a midnight ammo run, and the woman warrior Lydia comes into her element. It is also exhilarating that the plot keeps the central story going to it's apex, while building the framework for the next series. One more part of the Whisperer War to go! Read Full Review
9.0

Comicsverse - Alex Bisignaro Dec 8, 2016

Overall, THE WALKING DEAD #161 is very much a setup issue. That isn't to say it is a filler piece or one you can breeze over, but rather it is an issue thatplaces characters in integral positions that will allow this series as a whole to continue going. Rather than focus on one story arc at a time, we see Kirkman and Adlard always building and expanding, and that's very much evident in this issue. Despite death's lack of shock value (we get it in other ways), I was pleased with this issue. Some of it actually caught me off guard because of how smoothly things went. But that's what I enjoy about Robert Kirkman: he keeps you on your toes. It's just a bit morose to realize that surprise in this series comes from a character living rather than dying. Read Full Review
8.5

GWW - Sarah Payne-mills Dec 13, 2016

This issue continues to push the arc forward and lead us to the conclusion. There's only one issue left in the Whisperer War! How will it end? And what's next? Will we finally meet Eugene's radio pen pal? Read Full Review
7.3

IGN - Jesse Schedeen Dec 7, 2016

This chapter of "The Whisperer War" offers some of the storyline's most memorable scenes. The violent action of the Hilltop is contrasted with the once-mighty Negan mourning over the loss of his beloved Lucille. The art also impresses, with Charlie Adlard managing to give the conflict a real scope despite the very dense, intricate page layouts. However, there's also a palpable loss of momentum moving into the final chapter, with too much emphasis on what comes next rather than what's still happening right now. Read Full Review