Tensions ran high and relationships were questioned in The Walking Dead Issue 178. Let us know what you thought about Maggie and Sophia’s fight, Michonne and Elodie’s conversation, The Princess’ fight and more in the comments below! The BEST answer will get sent a Robert Kirkman-signed copy of the issue.
UPDATE: This month’s winner is Flynnf99! Loved the goggles wordplay along with your love for the Princess! (We dig her, too) Make sure to check your email for our message – and for everyone else, keep commenting on future posts to win a Robert Kirkman-signed copy!
Previously: Elodie opens up to Michonne about how she’s survived, and how Colette, her sister, died. Eduardo walks in on Maggie and Dante making out, and it’s only a matter of time until their secret affair goes public. After the Commonwealth’s military leader, Mercer, saves Governor Milton’s son from a hillside of walkers, he discusses with one of his men how easy it would be to let the Commonwealth’s leadership die…only for Siddiq to be discovered listening in.
Wonderful issue. Loving the interplay between Mercer and Siddiq. I like Mercer. And even when she’s being a bit of a brat, it’s great to see Sophia, especially with Carl and Maggie (plus, in fairness, Dante was being pretty creepy there – not sure if this thread was trying some symmetry with the Commonwealth arc or not).
Milton’s prick son NEEDS to die a horrible death quickly. And the Princess is amazing – “You guys are going to make me put my goggles down, aren’t you?” is a classic line. Love her. Interesting that Michonne seems to be the one reigning her in, at least at first – a sign perhaps that she’ll be willing to put up with more than we’d expect of her to make the Commonwealth work? “This is not how we do things…” … but will she risk Elodie for her principles? The ending is intriguing and slightly horrifying… I really want to hear more from Stephanie and Elodie now.
But the stand out scene by far was the Elodie/Michonne conversation in the middle of the book. Rare indeed for a comic to bring me to tears but that was so beautifully written and so incredibly drawn. Charlie Adlard is just the master at this kind of thing.
Great set-up for te next few issues. I’m intrigued to know how Milton keeps power under these circumstances. Do they have elections? Could Rick run for Governor? Or Michonne? Or… NEGAN?!! Okay, no way would Negan run – Maggie really would kill him – but I’m intrigued to see how it pans out.
They really put the goggles down for this one! Top knotch character and world building. Elodie is really expanding on Michonne’s story and the commonwealth just gets more intriguing. Also if there is not a trainning session with the sword, and all of the shenanigans that come with that then I am going to be, not irritated but I have gotta be honest I feel like there would be a significant loss with a potential bonding experience. But I guess we have to get over the ‘small’ cliffhanger of the princesses, who if you don’t love by now then wtf, ‘fight’ with the soldiers and that dickhead Sebastian first. But surely there will be no problems that come from that…
Oh man, another issue of NEW WORLD ORDER down. With 2 Issues left in this arc I’m ready for things to get crazy. Mercer seems like the guy to know, I hope our heroes side with him. I so don’t trust the governor.. what is she up to that she clears a group of strangers at the drop of a hat and now demands the “take me to your leader” play? Also for a group of heavily armed stormtroopers, the CommonWeath’s forces got bested by Princess a little too easily, I was happy with how quickly she came to Yumiko’s aid though, that pretty much cemented her into the group for me. Sebastian is a little perv, I can’t wait to see his demise… I’m imagining a walker biting off a certain appendage if you catch my drift. Elodie’s cliffhanger of “knowing your place” made me extremely uneasy. What exactly does Gov Milton rank people off of? Is this a twisted monarchy/caste system or something darker? Can’t wait to see what’s next in TWD realm. I think we’ll get to see some classic BA Rick-ictator coming up soon which will be a nice change from his constant fetal position. I loved seeing some Carl/Sophia action–NOW KISS. One last note… Did this bother anyone else? Stephanie has gone from one shade to a completely darker one in the span of two issues? Were you hoping no one would notice Rathburn?
didn’t load on the first try. I can’t be the only one who noticed this! Did they just forget to shade in the first issue?
I totally noticed the first time i saw her i was like… It looks like she should be black :/ and then the next one im like DID SHE TURN BLACK?
For the first few issues of a new character, there’s often a settling in period when the character isn’t quite fixed in the minds of the creator. Look back to how Negan’s model gets refined between #100 and #103 for example. Not just in TWD — early on, Stan Lee wrote a Spider-Man caption featuring “Peter Palmer”.
I guess Stephanie’s skin tone should have been darker before. Maybe they’ll correct future printings to correct that. Maybe not. Did they correct Sherry being called Diane in the trades which I can only assume was a simple mistake? Either way, I’m cool with it – it’s a living medium so I’m fine with tiny tweaks as we go.
Loved the interaction with Carl and Sophia. Nice to see them palling around.
Sebastian needs to burn.
Hmm, Stephanie changing her color puzzled me in a similar manners as Sherry changing her name. So, what’s her true color?
Mercer handled the situation well, being calm, but somewhat intimidating. Still, after handling another situation with #1 dickhead Sebastian, I’d join Mercer’s coup for sure. The guy is a creep and spoiled brat, what the hell does he think, slapping everyone who doesn’t bow to his will? The real trouble will start when these people pay visit to Alexandria. I have to laugh to the idea of posh morons like Sebastian or Lance leaving Commonwealth and having to endure a luxurious 3-star Alexandria Hotel.
Nice to see Sophia and Carl, I absolutely understand her reaction, but she is going to be fine, both with herself and her mom’s boyfriend.
P.S. What about the family saved by Jesus & Aaron from the Whisperers, are they gonna show up?
Great issue! I feel like we should not bring these people back to Alexandria. I think Michonne usually would see the true intentions of the commonwealth if she wasn’t distracted by her daughter. Not that her daughters a distraction. As much as I love Maggie Sophia said exactly what I was thinking. Not that Maggie’s a whore I just don’t want to see her with anyone but Glenn and to stay true to him. I know that’s awful of me. But they are our favorite couple. Someone kill Sebastian already!
I went back to issue 176 to relook at Stephanie thought that was weird but whatever color she is I need to know more about her, I think she had a hidden agenda when she contracted Eugene on the radio the first time. Commonwealth can not be trusted and Stephanie will help us.
The Princess we knew she was a fighter but who knew she could kick ass like that! She’s awesome! I like her character more and more.
2 THINGS TO MENTION:
a) These guys don’t get it. Stephanie’s behavior was out of line, so she was replaced by a darker woman, commonwealth protocol.
b) Before running out, best words Sophia has ever pronounced.
Black Stephanie does look more fitting. Anyway, this was a very insightful issue, not sure what to think of the Governor but her son is a son of a bitch so… He is the “affluenza teen” of the apocalypse.
I am looking forward to the next few issues especially can’t wait to see what Rick thinks of everything, or better yet Carl should meet this Governors Son and show him how the world really works now..
Decent issue….I like the Sophia storyline and interaction with Carl…Sebastian being an entitled jerk works…..I was hoping to see the end of the Princess…oh well maybe next issue….Stephanie changing races is weird…comic Siddiq is 100x better than the show Siddiq…
As I wrote in my review:
“Pairing the intensity at The Commonwealth with the heartfelt talk at The Hilltop was a recipe for success, giving fans an issue that was balanced and interesting without being too serious and heavy-handed.”
Plus, SOPHIA HAS A POTTY MOUTH!
You guys are going to make me put down my goggles, aren’t you? ? I know you want me to say she’s like Negan, but better … And I’m extremely tempted to do it.
Lol….no….just no
I too am a fan of princess
Wow good issue, we’ve learned a lot about the commonwealth but now we just have to learn what they are capable of. Very happy and surprised she is going to see Rick, maybe something will pop off with Mercer while she’s gone. I don’t see Mercer as the power hungry type though, maybe him and Pamela are closer than we think. Sebastian is like Joffrey except Joff was actually way more fucking evil.
Can’t waitto see how these new characters react when shit hits the fan, I’m loving this build up. My favorite build up was with alpha but when she died whisperers were never the same. This storyline has so much potential, I hope it is better than the whisperer war which was awesome but now quite up to expectations ( the hoard after with Rick and Negan scenes and Andrea was incredible though.)
“I have been alone for a long time.”
“I’ve been alone for a long time”
Two characters in the same issue saying the same thing just 2 pages apart? Possible theme?
Agreed. Princess is awesome.
Put it this way… I look forward to the comics more than the show at this point. Keep it up.
Fantastic issue! The new characters are definitely capturing my interest – can’t wait for the next one! #princesstakesnoshit
Yep the Princess seems to spice up even the most mundane situations. I wonder what the big secret is? Are they making Solent Green with the ones who won’t obey? Maybe they totally deprive them of sun block and that is why Stephanie gained a shade. I think it is pretty weird that right away the Gov wants to leave to check out Alexandria. I can’t imagine our friends will appreciate a surprise visit.
I just got this issue a few days ago (thanks, Image Direct) & just sat down to read it today. Hopefully, there will come a time like before when a few days never pass between my receiving the comic & actually sitting down to read it. As long as there is a Princess & phrases like “Hey, you big meanie” & situations that are blown out of proportion, only to quickly fizzle out to nothing, there’s not much hope.