Top 15 The Walking Dead Comic Book Moments of 2018

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

It is the near end of the year and  the comic book series of The Walking Dead has reached new levels of storytelling. From the introduction to The Commonwealth which holds about 50,000 survivors, to the different philosophies between Rick and Pamela, to Michonne finding her daughter, and to Rick and Dwight’s conflicts. This year there were moments that divided the opinions of readers and fans that have been talked about all year and I put together a list of the top 15 moments of the comic series of The Walking Dead of 2018. This list also has some spoilers so if you are not caught up, Read the issues before reading the list.

Before I do, take a look at what made the list last year right here.

15. The Princess has had enough (#178: New World Order 4/6)

After Sebastian tried to make a move on Yumiko, Magna jumped in and tried to stop it. But that did not work since Sebastian pushed her down. Then The Princess points her spear to him as Sebastian orders the Commonwealth soldiers to arrest her. That was not working either as she fought every single one of them. This was a cool scene and by this point, I warmed up to her character much more than her debut last year. The scene stopped when Mercer threw his hatchet towards her hand for her to drop her spear.

14. First look at The Oceanside (#181: Together Strong)

The Oceanside has been first mentioned way back in issue #139 which was about almost four years ago. It has never been seen before until Rick took Pamela over there in this issue. The full two page spread shows a beautiful sight of the ocean with a sunset along with a few houses. While there is a dark setting of the world of The Walking Dead, there are a few high points of scenery and this is one of them.

13. The planning of a trial (#183: And Michonne Without Her Sword)

Politics is something I would have not ever encountered in this series, but it is a reminder that the old ways can still happen even in a post-apocalypse world. Michonne used to be a lawyer before this all happened and Lance thought that it was a good idea to give her a job as a lawyer. When Michonne arrived to another section of The Commonwealth, she and her daughter sees that the soldiers are beating down Anthony who also had an argument with the soldiers before the beat down. It was also here where Michonne realizes that one of the soldiers was Jerome who she has meet earlier in the issue. It is also here that Lance tells her that she has to defend the soldier’s actions in the trial and we have seen the early stages of the trial as of now.

12. Introduction of Sebastian and Mercer (#177: New World Order 3/6)

Sebastian is the son of the leader of The Commonwealth Pamela. He seems to get away with anything and tries to abuse his status to people who are under him and we got a pure example of that when he lashes out at Mercer for not keeping a closer eye on him while he was with Kayla. But little did he know, Mercer already killed the lurking walkers before he even opened his mouth. I so far, am mixed about the character, but there is room to see where his story goes.

11. Maggie and Dante (#177: New World Order 3/6)

After sparing Negan’s life way back in issue #174, Maggie and Dante gets closer and while they were kissing in the barn at the Hilltop, Sophia walks in to see it happen. I will talk more about that in a moment, but to see Maggie finally moving on and wanting to be happy is a good feeling even though she said it herself that she is ashamed about it.

10. The Princess and Mercer are together (#181: Together Strong)

As soon as the cover of this issue was shown three months before it’s release, I had a feeling that these two would get together. Mercer and The Princess were clearing walkers until they realize that they are boxed in and surrounded by more of them. After the rest were killed, Princess suddenly kisses Mercer as the thought that they were having a moment. A few issues after this, they become a couple. Sure it’s odd for a visual standpoint, but love is love.

9. Rick Introduces Pamela to the communities (#182: The Commonwealth Grows)

The comment Pamela made upon arriving Alexandria about how much of a “dump” the outside gates were to what she is used to is eye catching. She has it so good at The Commonwealth that she wants to look down on Rick. But not only that Rick’s vision of a “New World Order” is different than hers, but she sees how the communities survive without too much of a law and order. Rick introduced her to The Hilltop, The Sanctuary, The Oceanside, and The Kingdom with stories about past characters that used to be there. This was very nice to see.

8. Dwight gets arrested (#185: On Guard)

Dwight who has been on Rick’s radar since Issue #169 has gotten arrested by the Commonwealth soldiers. He intentionally did this so he can send a message to Rick that the entire community needs help and that they are just smoke and mirrors. Dwight who has been second in command for Negan for years, sees the same in him as he does to The Commonwealth as he thinks that it is a lust for power and that their leader Pamela is doing this all for show. Dwight and Rick had a few moments talking about their different views of the place, but what is coming for Dwight will prove otherwise.

7. Maggie and Sophia (#178: New World Order 4/6)

Right after Sophia caught Dante and Maggie together, they had a talk and she was upset that Maggie did not tell her about their relationship. Maggie also insisted that she wanted to feel happy and loved again and although she will never forget Glenn, he would have wanted her to move on as well. Timeline wise, it has been almost fou years since Negan killed him and she has not healed from that day until they first spoken a few issues prior. This felt like a mom to daughter talk after the husband dies and it was an emotional one.

6. First look inside The Commonwealth (#176: New World Order 2/6)

This very large area which is made up of communities together in one is a sight to see on The Walking Dead. It feels like a normal day over there to see a football game, people eating out at restaurants, people eating ice cream etc. The survivors that went there were stunned to see all of this and they wanted to know if it was too good to be true. Seeing Lance say to them that there was over 50,000 residents over there made my jaw drop.

5. Michonne giving up her sword (#179: New World Order 5/6)

This is the second time that Michonne gave up her sword and it looks like it is for good this time as she decided to stay at The Commonwealth since her daughter is now there and that she has a job there as a lawyer. Eugene was puzzled by this but he understood her. Michonne gives Eugene her sword right before Pamela and a few others along with Eugene, Magna, siddiq, Yumiko, and The Princess go back to take Pamela to Alexandria.

4. The riot (#183: And Michonne Without Her Sword/#184: Eugene Tinkers)

A riot is something I wanted to see on The Walking Dead for years and we finally got it. Once the news about Michonne having to defend Jerome and the Commonwealth soldiers for killing Anthony come out, the residents did not like that at all. A full fledged riot escalated as the soldiers had to use riot shields and nightsticks to stop the residents from rioting. But that only worked for a while until Pamela arrived to see the riot along with Rick and his group that is seeing this for the first time. Part of the riot mob beat up Michonne and Jerome until it was broken up by Dwight, Mercer, and the soldiers. At the court hearing, Michonne defended the soldiers but asked the judge to drop all charges and the judge will consider it. Talking about this as I am reading it is mindbending for The Walking Dead as never in a million years would I think that a riot and a court trial would take place in this series.

3. Michonne and her daughter reunite (#176: New World Order 2/6)

After Michonne found a missing poster of herself that was written by her daughter Elodie, she did not waste any time to go look for her. Lance thought that she could be dead, but Michonne knew in her heart that she is alive. After the meeting between Pamela and the survivors, Michonne asked her if she can see her daughter. We find out that she works at the bakery and once they seen each other, Elodie dropped her cake and hugged Michonne. This reunion is one of the best moments of the comic series and I loved it.

2. Dwight’s death (#186: The Powder Keg)

I did not see this coming as it was a shocking moment for the last issue of 2018. Dwight who was about to kill Pamela so he can show Rick the way the community should be run was shot in the head by Rick. This whole thing happened because Michonne asked Pamela to come talk to Rick and Dwight without letting the two of them know that she was coming. Pamela overheard the conversation before she and two soldiers entered the room and she asks Dwight to leave the place. Dwight refuses and after some talking, BAM. Dwight was one of my favorite characters since his debut back in issue #98 and to see him go was very unexpected. Rick also blames Michonne for this because Rick could have handled it and he will now never forgive her for this at all.

1. Michonne finds out that her daughter is still alive (#175: New World Order 1/6)

I told myself that this is one of the biggest non death cliffhangers I have ever seen on The Walking Dead and I also said that no moment for the rest of this year will top this. As the group are introduced to Lance, he leads them to The Commonwealth. But on their way there, they stop by “the wall of the lost” as many residents place missing people posters of their friends and families. Of those posters, one of them was written by Elodie This made Michonne cry as she thought that she was dead the entire time and that she wants to look for her right now. The poster also featured a pre-apoclapyse Michonne when she used to be a lawyer and that symbolizes that no matter how long you have moved forward, your past will come right back to hit you. This is an amazing moment and I would love to know how they will pull this off on the television series.

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Fear The Walking Dead News: Daniel Sharman reprising his role as Troy Otto

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

The fifth season of Fear The Walking Dead started production this week and a key character from season three is now returning to the show as Daniel Sharman will appear on this season as Troy Otto. The news broke out today and it has puzzled fans since his character was killed off by Madison two seasons ago when she hit him at his head with a hammer and he was left behind to get washed up by the strong currents of the water after the bridge exploded. He was not seen since that episode since there was a time jump at the beginning of the fourth season.

Whether if his return is a flashback or not is yet to be determined, but if it is not, how would the group react to seeing him alive and how would he react to not seeing Madison since she was also killed off in season four (although we have not seen her body yet). There are many scenarios that can be made with his character and it has to be explained how he survived and made it all the way to Mississippi since that is the current location of where the group is.

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WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION UNVEILS BELOVED CARTOONS UNSEEN IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORM IN 60+ YEARS

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POPEYE® THE SAILOR:

THE 1940S, VOLUME 1

COMING DECEMBER 11, 2018 TO BLU-RAY & DVD

FIRST 14 THEATRICAL SHORTS FROM FAMOUS STUDIOS

TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED OFFICIAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT DEBUT

SINGLE-DISC SET FEATURES NEW HIGH-DEFINITION MASTERS CREATED

FROM 4K SCANS OF THE ORIGINAL NITRATE TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES

 

BURBANK, CA (November 27, 2018) – One of the biggest animated stars in American history returns to prominence in a specially remastered Blu-ray & DVD presentation with the Warner Archive Collection (WAC) release of Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1, a 14-cartoon set that includes many shorts unseen in their original form for more than 60 years. In stunning 1080p high definition created from 4K scans of the original nitrate Technicolor negatives, and never before officially released for home entertainment, the single-disc Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 will be available December 11, 2018 through wb.com/warnerarchive and your favorite online retailer.

 

Produced especially for the adult animation collector, Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 features the first two Technicolor® seasons of Popeye’s animated theatrical shorts (1943-44 and 1944-45) produced by Famous Studios, Paramount’s revered New York-based cartoon studio.

 

Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1, the first authorized Blu-ray release of the color cartoons, covers their initial theatrical release – starting with “Her Honor The Mare” (originally released on November 26, 1943) and extending through the 1945 cartoon, “Mess Production.” Each of the 14 cartoons has been meticulously restored from the original 35mm nitrate Technicolor negatives, which have been scanned at 4K as part of Warner Bros. ongoing film preservation efforts. From these new recombined scans, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging department has created new masters under the direction of Warner Archive Collection for this Blu-ray and DVD release.

 

Popeye, who will celebrate his 90th anniversary in 2019, made his debut on January 17, 1929 in the comic strip “The Thimble Theater,” created by cartoonist E.C. Segar.  Loved by fans from around the globe as the tough, spinach-loving sailor man who always stands up for the underdog, Popeye is one of the world’s most recognizable pop culture icons who has maintained a loyal following for decades.

 

“This is a landmark moment in Warner Bros. providing animation enthusiasts with the ability to own treasured animated classics from our library with the best possible quality, aimed directly at the adult animation collectors,” says George Feltenstein, Senior Vice President, Theatrical Catalog, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Popeye is a beloved character whose popularity has endured for 90 years – starting as a comic strip, continuing as a headliner in motion pictures for almost 25 years, and cherished for decades on television. Warner Bros. has been pleased to bring earlier incarnations, including the renowned Fleischer cartoons, to DVD, and now we continue to cater to animation superfans with this first installment of Famous Studios cartoons.”

 

As part of Warner Bros. decades-long corporate film preservation program, the restoration process on these Popeye cartoons has been meticulous in its mission to address any and all film damage while preserving the original animated frame. Dirt, debris and any film damage has been repaired from the original sources, most of which have not been touched in over 70 years. Warner Archive Collection has ensured great care was taken to keep the animation authentic to its original look as first presented on movie theater screens in the 1940s. The entire Popeye library is currently undergoing this process.

 

“Popeye is one of the all-time great cartoon characters, but he hadn’t gotten a fair shake in the world of home entertainment until Warner released all of his black & white shorts,” said Leonard Maltin, animation historian, and author of Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons. “What came next? The first Technicolor Popeye cartoons were also the last ones made under the aegis of the Fleischer Brothers, Max and Dave. Animation aficionados should welcome the opportunity to see these long-forgotten cartoons in such pristine condition, taken from the original 35mm negatives.”

 

“This is the first time anyone has gone back to the master nitrate negatives to ensure a crisper picture and vivid colors – nor have these films ever sounded so good,” said respected animation historian and author Jerry Beck. “The animators at this time, during the war years, were allowed to push the Popeye character forward, creating particularly zany plot lines and funny situations beyond the classic Popeye/Bluto rivalry for Olive Oyl. I’m particularly tickled over the cartoon where Bluto becomes a pseudo-Superman (courtesy of a licensed tie-in with DC Comics) and another where Popeye and Bluto romance Olive as marionette puppets. This was the ‘Golden Age’ of animation – and these are particularly strong cartoons that have been long in demand by animation buffs.”

 

 

In addition, all cartoons in Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 are complete and uncut as they were originally seen on movie screens, and retain their original titles (which were removed for television exhibition in the 1950s).

 

The 1940s brought new sights and sounds to America’s favorite cartoon star. In Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1, regulars Olive Oyl and Bluto return, while Popeye resumes his riotous relationship with his shipmate Shorty and his naughty nephews Pipeye, Poopeye, Peepeye and Pupeye. With the addition of full color, cartoonists were now free to let loose with journeys to exotic lands and give Popeye a fresh stock of new friends and foes.

 

But it’s the eternal love triangle, Popeye and Bluto competing for the attention of Olive, that drives the majority of these zany situations – as well as the hilarious action-packed gags. Whether our heroes are posing as circus acrobats or puppeteers or even taking turns at being Superman, these gems from the Golden Age of Hollywood will blow you down with laughter.

 

Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 includes:

 

  • Her Honor The Mare
  • The Marry-Go-Round
  • We’re On Our Way To Rio
  • The Anvil Chorus Girl
  • Spinach Packin’ Popeye
  • Puppet Love
  • Pitchin’ Woo At The Zoo
  • Moving Aweigh
  • She-Sick Sailors
  • Pop-Pie A La Mode
  • Tops In The Big Top
  • Shape Ahoy
  • For Better Or Nurse
  • Mess Production

 

In anticipation of Popeye’s 90th anniversary year, brand owner King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst, unveiled a full slate of new content, exciting merchandise and events for 2019, including dozens of international and domestic partners that will support the salty sailor at retail across all major categories, including apparel, accessories, collectibles, health and nutrition, and publishing.

 

“We are thrilled to include Warner Bros.’ release of Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 in the rollout of consumer products that will be available to fans during Popeye’s anniversary year,” says Carla Silva, VP and GM, Global Head of Licensing for King Features. “For millions of fans, the long-awaited experience of viewing this content for the first time in their own homes is priceless.”

 

Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1 is intended for the Adult Collector and May Not Be Suitable for Children. Also available on DVD!

 

BASICS

Popeye the Sailor: The 1940s, Volume 1

Run Time – 99:00 MINUTES

Subtitles – English SDH

Sound Quality – DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English

Aspect Ratio – 4 X 3 FULL FRAME, ORIGINAL ASPECT RATIO – 1.37:1

Product Color – COLOR

Disc Configuration – BD 50

 

About Popeye

Sailor.  Tough-Guy. Hero. Legend.  That’s Popeye. An underdog with bulging forearms, a mean uppercut and a love of canned spinach. Unassuming, unsophisticated and undeterred by a challenge, from the minute he walked into the comic strip, THE THIMBLE THEATER, and muttered his famous “’Ja think I’m a cowboy?” line, Popeye the Sailor Man captured the hearts of millions of fans around the globe. As the star of his own comics strips and animated content on the big screen and small, Popeye became quickly ingrained in American culture, and today remains one of the most recognizable pop-culture icons in the world. www.popeye.com

 

About King Features

King Features Syndicate is a unit of Hearst, one of the nation’s largest diversified media, information and services companies, and is a member of Hearst Entertainment and Syndication Group, which includes cable network partnerships, television programming activities, and newspaper syndication and merchandise licensing operations. King is one of the most experienced organizations in licensing and entertainment and represents some of the most recognizable global brands, including Betty Boop™, Popeye®, Cuphead, Flash Gordon™, The Phantom™, Hägar the Horrible, Prince Valiant® and Mandrake the Magician. For more information, please visit www.kingfeatures.com/licensing.

 

About Warner Archive Collection

Warner Archive Collection (WAC) continues to serve as host to some of the most beloved films, television series and animated entertainment in history – and many are now available on Blu-ray. WAC’s canon runs the gamut from restored and remastered Blu-ray classics such as The Americanization of Emily, The Big Sleep, The Great Race, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Victor/Victoria and Yankee Doodle Dandy to adored TV offerings such as Longmire (on Blu-ray), Alice and Family Matters (on DVD) to feature-length animated films, including the recent Blu-ray release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, to animated TV series headed by recent Blu-ray releases such as Justice League Unlimited and Young Justice and a wealth of classic animated series on DVD including dozens of Hanna-Barbera classics. WAC offerings can be found via wb.com/warnerarchive and your favorite online retailer.

THE WALKING DEAD SEASON 9, EPISODE 8 “EVOLUTION” REVIEW

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

The final episode of the first half of the ninth season of The Walking Dead ends with a shocking surprise along with a shocking death as well. The episode is a reminder that The Walking Dead is a horror show and for the first time since Negan gave Glenn and Abraham their brutal deaths, the horror of the show has been set in tone as we finally got the brutal attack by The Whisperers. There were also great moments during the episode as well that involved Carol, Megan, and Michonne. Now it is time for me to give my thoughts about the newest episode as The Walking Dead will not return for a few months after this episode.

Over at Alexandria, Father Gabriel has been given the role of taking control of Alexandria after the others leave to look for Eugene. He visits Negan in the cell twice as the first time, Negan kept bouncing a ball off the wall while he talks to Gabriel about Rosita and again later that day as Negan taunts Gabriel. Gabriel wants no part of taking Negan’s humor so he tells him for once in his life to shut up. Negan asks what is going on as Gabriel tells him that he should be out there helping Rosita but he is there with him right now. As they finish talking, Gabriel leaves but the guard that was with Gabriel forgot to lock the cell and Negan escapes later that night when he noticed the door was not locked after his ball went through the cell! I did not think that he would escape this early, but I am glad that he is out now.

Henry has taken Carl’s role from the comic as he wants to learn about crafting weapons. He later meets Endid, Alden, Gage, Addy, and Rodney during dinner. Henry along with Gage, Addy, and Rodney decided to drink alcohol later that night and when Henry notices that Rodney and Gage were toying with a walker that was under some wood, Henry decides to put it down but he is stuck at the pit the walker was in. Henry ended up at the cell in The Hilltop as Earl told him that he will be there for two days for him to think about his actions. Earl also told him that he will speak to Jesus about releasing him early.

Also at Hilltop, Michonne brings Magna and her group there and there is still disdain between her and Tara over the years (which has not been explained why yet, but we will find out) as Tara does not want anything to do with the group, but she does say that Jesus and her will talk about it. Tara also updates Michonne about the status of Eugene and Rosita as Michonne was not aware about what happened to them. As Michonne and Siddiq were seeing Rosita, Siddiq apologizes to Michonne to not letting her know about Maggie and then Rosita wakes up to tell them both that she knows where Eugene is.

Thanks to Daryl’s dog, Eugene has been found at the barn as Eugene thinks that the herd from two episodes ago is looking for him since he said that he heard them circling around a few times. Eugene also mentions that it was not a normal herd at all. Daryl tried to divert the herd by using an alarm earlier that day, and firecrackers at night and even his dog tried as well but that did not work as The Whisperers were directing them. When Michonne, Magna, and Yumiko finally show up at the haunted looking graveyard, the action begins as they help clear the herd. Jesus even showed off his badass looking ninja skills to take down some of the zombies. As Jesus was clearing the herd in the graveyard that was trying too get through the gate, he is viciously and shockingly stabbed to death by a Whisperer which caught him off guard. After Jesus was killed, everyone kills some of the other Whisperers that were approaching them and then goes examine one of the walkers that they killed and they realize that it was a person wearing zombie skin as the group looked in horror. Following this, The Whisperers and the heard circle back around the group as they whisper more words as the episode ends.

This was an amazing episode as the horror and the atmosphere was jumped up more than a hundred times. The surprise attack of The Whisperers was very well done and it was also creepy to see it play out on screen. I also loved that they used the graveyard for that scene because the fog added the terror of what was not coming. With Negan now out, Ezekiel planning the fair, the threat of The Whisperers, and situation with Henry, We are ready for a jam packed second half once it returns in a few months. We also did not get Alpha in this episode, but I have a feeling that she along with Beta will appear within the first few episodes of the second half. The first half of Season 9 has been refreshing and even with Rick Grimes’ exit, the show is still strong while he is not there. What will come in the second half, we will have to see.

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