If it’s possible given the usually rather grim tone of the series, this issue was actually somewhat lighthearted verging on downright fun. There were even a few jokes that were cracked, and most of them landed. Rick’s joke about how his right hand is of little use except for wailing on people was pretty hilarious. Also the fact that he is able to make jokes about that shows a degree of healing. I also liked that joke about Maggie and Glenn on the warden’s couch. Dale’s immediately disgusted remark was perfect. We also simply do NOT get enough Hershel and Axel interaction, as they are a great and often comedic yin to each other’s yang. The only two killjoys of the group were Otis (who really can’t take a joke and has a stupid complex) and Carol (who oscillates between being either very depressing or very creepy or both).

The riot gear was a very fun element to introduce as well, and Glenn’s excitement over donning the suit was as palpable as it was relatable. Who wouldn’t want to look like Boba Fett in the zombie apocalypse? The riot armor has its drawbacks. It’s clunky and offers limited visibility with the visor down. But its dual benefits of making the wearer virtually invulnerable to walker bites and just making the wearer look like an all-around Mandalorian badass cannot be overlooked.

Rick’s quiet moment at Allen’s grave where he apologized about the leg was actually pretty moving in an understated sort of way. Even in a fairly lighthearted issue brimming with jokes, riot armor, and helicopters (oh my!) we are reminded that the weight on Rick’s shoulders is always present to some degree. At times this weight can appear to crush him to the point of threatening his sanity. But at other times this weight can ground him for whatever new threat may loom on the horizon. And that’s good because a new threat may very well be looming indeed . . . more