FEAR THE HUNTERS (The Walking Dead Volume 11)

Written By Robert Kirkman

Illustrated By Charles Adlard & Cliff Rathburn

Collects Issues 61-66

"A man's gotta eat. If it makes you feel any better...you taste much better than we thought you would."

The first big story arc in a while, Fear the Hunters finds Rick and company still on the road, slowly running out of food, and options. Not to mention that they're being followed and watched... The first issue alone, #61, will give you a clue as to what to expect--and you'll be surprised at how quickly the terror begins and the fun truly ends. As they continue toward Washington, lives will be lost, bad deeds will be done, and a new character will be introduced. Then you just have to tell yourself that there are still five more issues to read before the collection is over...

"I don't think I've had a chance to introduce myself before. I'm Chris, it's good to meet you. You probably think I'm crazy, and I understand that. Why wouldn't you? But I'm not, none of us are. I don't expect you to believe that, but it's important to me that I say it."

Both Kirkman and Adlard have outdone themselves here, both the writing and the art are better than previous collections. Volumes 9 and 10 had me worried there for a little bit--our characters seemed to be going nowhere...and Washington seemed a little too far away. The new characters were fine, yet it still seemed like everyone was walking in circles, not doing much. Yet here is were it picks up pace--and it doesn't stop.

"You know the drill--we have to keep these people scared. We should actually pick them off sooner, thin their numbers out and make them fear for their lives."

Yet even though the writing and art are better, is the actually plot worth reading? The simple answer: yes! Although it is reminiscent of The Road, Fear the Hunters is more than worthy. In many ways, the Hunters are more savage and brutal than the Governor himself--and that's saying something. Whereas the Governor still had a shred of mercy for his daughter, these people...have no soul. They long ago ran out of food, and have taken to hunting down human and eating them--no matter what the age.

"Cannibalism? How did it come to that?"
"The simple answer? We got hungry. We're terrible hunters. You ever hunted before? Animals are quick. It's hard. You spend so much time finding a good hiding place--and waiting. It's almost pointless. So we decided to hunt easier game. People don't run from us.
We were desperate."

So although this volume was delayed because of National Comic Book Skip Week, throw all your anger away and buy it as soon as you can. If I have a single complaint about this volume, it's that it simply went by too fast...and that we didn't see more of the hunters. Well, who knows--maybe Kirkman will surprise us in later issues...Dang. I just realized now I have to wait another 6-7 months before volume 12 comes out.

"Just came to ask you this. Will you stop coming after my people?"
"In all honesty? Probably not."