Tag: the walking dead

The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere – Thoughts

Oct. 14 News, TV & Movies no comments

The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere is easily the best season premiere the show has had. While there were a few shortcomings in the story, I was happy the season could start out on a strong foot. Hopefully the momentum of The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere is an omen for a great season ahead. There are spoilers here. If you have not watched yet – go away.

The Walking Dead

Should there be cannibals on The Walking Dead?

What I Liked in The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere

  1. I love when the show creators zoom forward in the future. This was something welcome in The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere. I like having to play catch-up.
  2. The zombie rain the grocery store was one of the best effects I have seen in the history of The Walking Dead. By placing this type of effect in The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere, the new show-runner proved we should expect anything at any time.
  3. No Governor? Good. I was hoping they would keep him off the premiere to give more impact when he showed up.
  4. It is about time the creators of the show made someone die in the middle of the night and turn into a walker. This is something which has always been a cloud hanging overhead. It is definitely time they address it.
  5. Having Daryl being the one standing under the helicopter was a great idea. From that moment in The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere, we all remember that Daryl can go at any time.
  6. The eyeless zombie is one of my favorite of all time.
  7. Seeing the Woodbury survivors milling in with the known survivors is a good move. There is enough time to break up the cliques which might have formed.
  8. The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere gave us a strong look at the kids of the show. I am sure there are people who do not like the idea of “TWD Kids,” but it adds another element to the story and more challenges.
  9. What is with the pig? Could it be the sign that pigs are going to start turning? They do have internal organs which are similar to some of humans. Their immune systems are also similar. Of course, it could also be the insertion of a livestock disease which could be making the humans sick.

What I Did Not Like in The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere

I know that The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere takes place months in the future from the last season, but there are a few aspects which bothered me. I also know many of these issues will be clarified in the upcoming weeks – but these issues still remain in my mind.

  1. Both Daryl and Michonne are charismatic, cracking jokes, and smiling. Part of their mystique is their stand-offishness and their inability to strive in social situations. They are wildcards which don’t go with the rest of the pack.
  2. Rick and the survivors spent weeks (if not months) trying to get Daryl to stay near the rest of them at Hershel’s farm. He tried to keep clear of most of them at the prison during the previous season unless he needed to be. Now he is part of the council? It does not make sense with his personality. He is a problem solver, not a leader.
  3. During the break between the previous season and The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere, the survivors have created spikes to impale walkers around the gate. Why couldn’t they come up with barricades which would keep walkers away from the fence?
  4. The entire segment with Eddie (the head) and his wife needed to be explained on Talking Dead. Not a good move. While I really liked the directing in the episode, the question of “why was this section here?” was not apparent during the episode and should have been developed better. Granted, her character was to display giving up, but it was too drawn out for that type of message, especially since we have heard the message before.
  5. How can anyone survive long in a cloth tent?
  6. Isn’t there a gaping hole in the back of the prison where Tyreese and his crew came in which has never been fixed? Shouldn’t that have been seen well before The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere?
  7. If Rick is not part of the council, why would Carol not want Carl to tell him about teaching the kids about fighting? Rick does not have a say.
  8. Batteries are probably hot commodities. Why would the survivors be using them in iPods to listen to music?

Overall, I was more than satisfied with The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere. I am looking forward to an awesome season.

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NYCC: Has Image Already Won?

Oct. 10 Conventions, News no comments

I have to feel sorry for more publishers at New York Comic Con this weekend because it appears that Image is going to walk away with the win as being the most talked about publisher at the convention. How couldn’t they be? The Walking Dead #115 is easily the highest-selling comic of the year and The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere is this weekend. When you look at those two items, it just makes the other publishers (even the Big 2) look silly.

Sure

Sure, DC Comics is going to be able to push how it has the best month in September, but the clouds of Image’s week and the Villaim Month allocation are going to hang over the company’s figurative head. Marvel can point to Infinity and how the series is putting up huge numbers, but one issue from a regular series just screamed past the House of Ideas. If the Big 2 can’t compete with the week Image is having with The Walking Dead comic and The Walking Dead TV series, how can the smaller companies compete?

New York Comic Con is the second biggest comic book convention in the world. If Image can manage to be the talk of the town every year going into NYCC, how long will it be until we are talking about Image being one of the top two publishers of comics?

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The Walking Dead #115 Sells 350,000 – Image Deflates DC Comics

Oct. 10 Comics, News no comments

So Image sets the pedal to the metal straight out of the gate this month with The Walking Dead #115 selling 350,000 copies (according to a USA Today). We talked about how DC Comics, Marvel, IDW Publishing, and other publishers would fight in the September War. DC Comics took September but Image is making the biggest impact in October.

the-walking-dead-115-gWhy the September War?

When the first season of The Walking Dead was coming out, that was all anyone was talking about. Comic book publishers knew they were going to have a heck of a time getting any air time with Image’s The Walking Dead hitting the small screen. Thus, we had the birth of the September War with DC Comics launching the New 52 a few years ago. Every year, publishers have tried to pull out the stops to make sure Image did not simply have a “walk-on” during October.

This Year is Different

Not only do we have The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere this weekend, we had The Walking Dead #115 crush the competition this year with the highest-selling book of the year. Of course, the multiple covers added to the hype, but that does not matter when talking about the top selling book of the year.

Two in a Row?

DC Comics is on a huge high coming out of September. Even though the month was darkened and asterisked due to the Villain Month allocation, the DC Comics numbers were huge. Image easily deflated the DC Comics balloon heading into New York Comic Con this weekend. Sure, DC Comics had the big month last month, but Image is having it this month and will be able to brag that it had the highest selling comic of the year two years in a row (remember The Walking Dead #100 last year?).

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The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere – Low Expectations

Oct. 09 News, TV & Movies no comments

We are just days away from The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere, and I am already getting myself mentally ready for the episode. There are certain statements I am making to myself to make sure I am not impacted by certain issues we have seen in the past with season premieres of The Walking Dead.

Don’t Expect the Episode of the Year Out the Gate

For the past two seasons on The Walking Dead, we have seen season-openers which were pretty flat. Many of us took to the Internet asking if this was going to be a horrible season based on the first episode. So far, we have not been let down by the rest of the season. I am already figuring that The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere will be one of the low episodes of the season.

The Walking Dead

Based on past year’s examples, I have low expectations of The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere

Don’t Expect Much Action in The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere

Season 2 and Season 3 both started off with slower episodes. We have the opportunity to see how life has improved for Rick and the survivors, and we should not expect anything different with The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere.

Don’t Expect Much of The Governor Just Yet

I would be surprised if we saw The Governor in The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere. I would also not be surprised if we only say him briefly. I have a strong feeling we will just see more of him as the season goes on. We can be reminded of him out of the gate, but not much else.

Don’t Rely Fully on Preconceived Notions

Of course, I also know that the show’s creators could toss my previous ideas from this article out the window. The crazy thing with the show is that we could start out The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere with a huge zombie attack. I doubt it, but it would make for an interesting start to the season.

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The Walking Dead Spin-off – The Formula is Wrong

Sep. 16 News, TV & Movies no comments

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David Morrissey, The Walking Dead, AMC Pilot, and Your Underwear

Aug. 29 News, TV & Movies no comments

Many on the Internet are freaking out about David Morrissey, The Governor on The Walking Dead, being cast in an AMC pilot. They are taking the announcement about the potential show, Line of Sight, which would star Morrissey, as an omen that he will not last very long on the show. Don’t get your underwear in a bunch. This is not a major slip.

The Governor on The Walking Dead

The Governor on The Walking Dead

A Pilot is a Pilot

So David Morrissey was cast in a pilot. How easy people forget that pilots do not automatically become shows. Remember the Wonder Woman fiasco? Pilots are shot all the time, and do not make it out of the gate. There are also times in which pilots are requested, but never get made. David Morrissey could easily shoot the pilot during an off-week of The Walking Dead shooting.

This Could Take Some Time

There could be a very long time between now (the casting) and when the pilot for Line of Sight is actually shot. If AMC loves the series, it could take another year or two before it goes into production. That could give David Morrissey as many as two more years as The Governor on The Walking Dead.

What This Actually Says About AMC and David Morrissey

The pilot for Line of Sight does not mean that we should expect to see David Morrissey killed off of The Walking Dead in the coming months. In actuality, it means that AMC has faith in the actor we have grown to respect for his role as The Governor. It means that he has shown his ultimate bosses that he can deliver.

How Long Do I Expect to See The Governor?

In my opinion, I would be surprised if The Governor lasted past Season 5 of The Walking Dead. I would like to see the creators keep David Morrissey as The Governor, and The Governor as a thorn in Rick’s side throughout this season, and through at least an episode of the next season. Make the death of The Governor a milestone in the show. Make it the big event to open Season 5 of The Walking Dead.

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Success of The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere Too Factored to Predict

Aug. 26 News, TV & Movies no comments

The Walking Dead Season 4 is approaching, and people are trying to predict how huge the season premiere will be. Will viewership for The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere set a new record for the show? Will it set a new record for cable? Actually, I see it as impossible to predict as there are way too many factors involved this year.

The Walking Dead Season 4 Premiere Will be HUGE

Yes, The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere will be huge. How huge will be determined by certain factors listed below.

The Walking Dead

Should there be cannibals on The Walking Dead?

Season 4 Hump

The fourth season of a show is often called a “hump season.” At this point, most shows have had a declarable shark jump, but not so (that we can tell) with The Walking Dead. There are very few shows which have had a larger fourth season than third season. One easy example would be The X-Files. Even The Big Bang Theory has a drop from the third season to the fourth. We have to consider that most shows have a fall-off in viewership after the third season.

Fan Dedication

The Walking Dead should be considered with shows such as The X-Files because both shows have/had very dedicated fans who wanted to know everything possible about the show and refused to miss a week due to their dedication and the dedication of those who they talk to who also watch the show. We will see the dedication of the “deadheads” during the The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere. They will be the core audience which AMC will attempt to build on. The number of dedicated fans increases with every marathon of the show, so AMC can pad the premiere numbers a little more with a strong marathon in the upcoming weeks.

Market Promotion

The more marketing AMC does going into the premiere, the bigger it will be. AMC and Image Comics have done great jobs so far in promoting the show. If they let up in the next eight weeks or so, the season premiere will be lacking.

The BIG Wild Card

The wild card which prevents us from being able to say how HUGE The Walking Dead Season 4 premiere will be is the third season finale. It was lacking in closure since The Governor is still alive and it did not give us a cliffhanger which would make us tune in this October. Rick simply letting in a bunch of old people and children did not hold a drop next to some of the cliffhangers the show has become notorious for in the past. Some disappointed fans will not be back next season. How many are disappointed enough to stay away is left to be seen.

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No Other Countries on The Walking Dead – Thoughts

Jul. 19 Comics, News no comments

One of the interesting points that Robert Kirkman made during The Walking Dead panel is that we are not going to see what will happen in other countries in the comics, or, presumably, on the show. There is good and bad that goes along with this.

The Walking Dead

Should there be cannibals on The Walking Dead?

Takes a Possible Ending Away

On the negative side, it would have been interesting to end The Walking Dead with the revelation that the dead coming back was something just secluded to the United States or to North America. Maybe the “virus” could have been created by an outside nation to take the U.S. down. China? Russia? The European Union? We will never know because we cannot have that angle.

No Worry About Communication

If the readers and viewers are closed off from the rest of the world, just like the survivors, we gain a sense of unity. Also, for Rick and his friends to learn about what was going on in Europe, there would need to be some type of communication. Hasn’t it pretty much been established that there are no worldly lines of communication left?

Alone

It makes the survivors appear to be more alone in the world if we don’t know what is going on in the rest of the world. This is a good thing from a storytelling perspective since it takes away more hope. Kirkman can’t give those on The Walking Dead too much hope. That would not be much fun now would it?

No Canada?

Too bad that we will not find out what is going on in Canada. Are they dealing any better than the U.S. is? As someone who has Canadian blood, I almost look at the lack of Canada on The Walking Dead as a loss. Ah well.

Don’t Forget the Rules Change

Of course, all of this could be different by the end of The Walking Dead Season 4. We have been made promises (such as Michonne making her first appearance in Season 3 and appearing in the season finale of The Walking Dead Season 2), which were not kept or changed in some way. Why should we look at this any differently?

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No Major Emmy Nod for The Walking Dead? Censored

Jul. 18 News, TV & Movies no comments

You are telling me that The Walking Dead did not get any of the top Emmy nominations? You have to be [Censored] kidding me? This was the strongest season yet, with some of the best performances the show has seen up to this point and it can’t get a single major Emmy nomination? Instead, they give a TV show nomination to a show which not even [Censored] on TV?

This content is censored.

This content is censored.

Fans of The Walking Dead should be outraged that the show was overlooked in all of the major categories. Laurie Holden was able to get me interested as Andrea as a character this season and she can’t get [Censored]? David Morrissey struck terror in everyone as The Governor and he can’t get a [Censored] Emmy nod? Daryl is one of the pinnacle characters on TV right now, but Norman Reedus can’t get the respect he [Censored] deserves from the people who voted on the Emmys? It is the most talked about show on TV and a Netflix show gets a nomination? What the [Censored] are the Emmy people thinking?

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The Walking Dead Season 4: More From Comics

Jul. 15 News, TV & Movies Comments Off on The Walking Dead Season 4: More From Comics

Last night, TV Guide posted an interview about The Walking Dead Season 4 with comic creator Robert Kirkman and new showrunner Scott Gimple. One interesting item to pull from this interview (which you are can read here) about The Walking Dead Season 4 is how more scenes and scenarios are pulled directly from the comic. I see this as an interesting move which will help the franchise as a whole.

The Walking Dead

Should there be cannibals on The Walking Dead?

Scenes from the Comics: Refocus Fans

I have heard some fans talking during the third season about how they were discouraged that there was not more pulled from the comics during the season. By pulling more from the comics during The Walking Dead Season 4, Kirkman, Gimple, and the other creators will be able to rope these potentially wayward fans of the comic back into having a deeper interest in the TV series.

Scenes from the Comics: More Readers

If word can filter out strong enough about how The Walking Dead Season 4 will be pulled more from the comics, more readers will pick up the old trades and omnibuses. Since the beginning of The Walking Dead, I have been amazed by how many people who have never read comics want to read the comic to see particular scenes before they play out on TV.

Fans who have not done so at this point, are sure to hit their local comic shop or bookstore to pick up some copies of issues they have missed. I would not be surprised to see a few of the trades hit the Diamond Top 20 trades later this year as fans try to see what happened after the final battle with Woodbury. They will want to know what they have yet to see on The Walking Dead Season 4.

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Image and The Walking Dead Product Placement: Missed Opportunities

Jul. 10 News, TV & Movies Comments Off on Image and The Walking Dead Product Placement: Missed Opportunities

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The Walking Dead: Are the Zombies Still Important?

Jun. 07 TV & Movies Comments Off on The Walking Dead: Are the Zombies Still Important?

Someone was in the store the other day and asked if zombies were important anymore on The Walking Dead. He believed that the show had spiraled into only being about human relationships and that the walkers were no longer needed or important. I have to disagree.

The Walking Dead

Should there be cannibals on The Walking Dead?

Reason for the Walkers on The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is a zombie story because it uses zombies as a catalyst for action. In all honesty, a very similar story could have been told in Season 3 (humans vs. humans) in any type of post-apocalyptic setting. We might have seen The Governor battle Rick in much the same way in a Day-After-Tomorrow type story or in one which secluded people due to a major virus being spread.

Most Important Aspect of The Walking Dead

I have always been surprised by people who believe The Walking Dead is only a zombie story. The same people often complain that there were not enough zombies in a particular episode or season. The most important aspect of The Walking Dead is human interaction during a prolonged stressful event. Zombies are just the causes of the prolonged stressful event. They are not the stars of the show and are not required to have screen time every five minutes.

Actual Need for Zombies on The Walking Dead

Simply put – zombies are hot and continue to be one of the hottest pop culture creations. Would you have watched The Walking Dead if the catalyst was Mad Cow’s Disease? Would the show have gained such a following if it was about how people dealt with a giant snowstorm? Would you have watched if it was simply a show about how people were dealing with all of the electricity being shut off (lol)? The zombies in The Walking Dead got us to turn on, and the story got us to tune in.

The Need Now for Zombies on The Walking Dead

The creators of the show have been able to get away from the crutch of the zombies being the main antagonist. Zombies have gone more into the background and the human story has taken center stage. The zombies still need to be on The Walking Dead to remind us each week about what got the world to this point. They need to remain to stay as a constant reminder about what will become of everyone in the world unless some type of cure is found.

See what Walking Dead items we have for sale on Amazon.

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Robert Kirkman Should Be Off the Walking Dead Comic

Jun. 01 Comics, News Comments Off on Robert Kirkman Should Be Off the Walking Dead Comic

Many of you are probably going to blast me for saying this, but I do not think that Robert Kirkman should still be writing The Walking Dead comic. The last year and a half have been fairly bland and the comic needs fresh life blown into it.

The Walking Dead Comic

The Walking Dead Comic

Yawning at The Walking Dead Comic

I remember jumping on to The Walking Dead comic and reading it from the first issue on. Up until the around issue #90, I could not wait to see what Rick and the other survivors would do next. As the issues of The Walking Dead comic progressed through the 90s, I grew less and less satisfied. By issue #100, I had gotten to the point where I was ready to drop it off of my pulls. Instead, I held on for another six months and finally decided to walk away from what had been one of my favorite comics of all time. I have tried a few issues since and found that I just did not care anymore.

What is Wrong with The Walking Dead Comic?

Comics have what you might call a “story life.” This is similar to shelf life for food. Once the story life is over (typically once a story has been completely told), the comic becomes stale. That is where The Walking Dead comic is for me, and for many of the readers I have spoken to in the last few months who have decided to walk away as well.

Robert Kirkman Needs to Step Back

What I think is happening is that Robert Kirkman is spending so much time on the TV show, the comic has become an afterthought. The issues read as if they are written by someone simply going through the motions. Don’t get me wrong, issues #1-#90 tell one of the greatest stories ever in comics. The story should have ended there, but the comic continues to sell and the demand continues to be there.

Questioning the Demand

The Walking Dead is the top show on cable, but has troubles breaking the Top Ten for the Diamond Industry Statistics most months. A large majority of customers that I see who buy The Walking Dead comic, only buy The Walking Dead comic. Many have jumped on with the comic because of their fandom. I would not be going out on a limb by saying these people might not realize how the story has digressed and been elongated over the last twenty issues.

What the Story Needs

Either The Walking Dead needs to have an exit point (read: Final Issue), or Robert Kirkman needs to bring in another writer. He can still be listed on the front page, but most of the work should be given to someone who has the time for the project. There is something wrong when I read a particular issue and said “Oh, Glenn died” instead of “OMG! They just killed Glenn!”

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Cannibals on The Walking Dead – Yes or NO?

May. 15 News, TV & Movies no comments

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The Walking Dead Season 4: Ignored Issues?

May. 07 News, TV & Movies no comments

There are some interesting issues presented in the storyline of The Walking Dead Season 4 which many fans and followers appear to have overlooked as talk about the new season is either avoiding the issues listed below or people have not thought of them. These are important changes which the creators have to pay attention to.

The Governor will still stalk in The Walking Dead Season 4

The Governor will still stalk in The Walking Dead Season 4

The Obvious Issues in The Walking Dead Season 4

Most people are talking about the schism happening between Rick and Carl or how The Governor becomes a wild card now in the show. Fans are looking at the issues which will face those in the prison now that there are more mouths to feed. There are many other issues the creators have to face.

The Extra Supplies in The Walking Dead Season 4

Fans should be celebrating a potential aspect of The Walking Dead Season 4 because Rick and his crew have the opportunity to raid Woodbury for supplies. If the creators don’t take a look at all Rick the survivors can take out of Woodbury, it would be a missed opportunity for us all. Remember, Woodbury had military vehicles, weapons, food, tools, clothing, and other extras such as comfortable beds and furniture. All of this can be moved to the more-secure prison. If the survivors start complaining about not having supplies, the creators have underestimated the characters who would comb through Woodbury and the fans.

The Nighttime Worry in The Walking Dead Season 4

While there was always a potential for someone to simply die in the middle of the night and start eating others, it is more so with the number of elderly people in the new season. If this is not addressed, it would be a bad move for the creators. There are some interesting scenes which could happen if this potential issue is explored correctly.

Tyreese / Daryl Power Struggle in The Walking Dead Season 4?

There is the chance for there to be a power struggle between Daryl and Tyreese. Of course, with Tyreese taking a co-starring role now, time will have to be taken away from someone else. Even if there is not a struggle in the storyline between the two characters, fans are sure to struggle with potentially losing “Daryl time.”

The Walking Dead Season 4 poses to be a rollercoaster ride for fans. Hopefully, though, the potential issues mentioned above will be addressed by the creators in an attempt to make The Walking Dead Season 4 the best season so far.

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Special C2E2 Deals for Zombie Fans

Apr. 17 Conventions no comments

If you are a zombie fan heading to C2E2 next week (like me), you are going to wonder about the types of deals and exclusives geared towards fans of the shambling undead. Fear not my fiends, there are many surprises in store for fans of the type of creature revolutionized (accidently) by George Romero so many years ago.

Great zombie specials can be found at C2E2 this year

Great zombie specials can be found at C2E2 this year

Box O Zombies

If you have had a chance to check out the Box O Zombies game line, you know that the creatures in the line range from horrific to hysterical. If you find yourself at Booth 1018 at C2E2, make sure you take a look at Zombicbook Guy. This piece works with the iOS mobile game and will fit into any zombie collection. Zombicbook Guy is a con attendee that became infected with more than comic book fever.

Zombie Last Supper Poster

I think I am going to have to make room in my office for the Zombie Last Supper poster. It is exactly what it sounds like. It is a print of zombies feasting in the famous painting of The Last Supper. This will be available for sale at C2E2 at Booth O10 by Erik Arreaga.

Zombie Pop Vinyl

POP! Vinyl toys from Funko are the rage today. They line the shelves at comic book retailers and toy stores across the country. At Booth 1064, Fugitive Toys will have a special POP! The Walking Dead Vinyl Figure. Stop by to see (and/or purchase) the Tank Zombie Blood Splatter POP! Vinyl figure exclusive to this retailer.

Deadworld at C2E2

Are you a fan of Gary Reed’s Deadworld? If not, why not? Stop by his booth (O4) to check out the full line of Deadworld graphic novels. If you purchase one of these zombie masterpieces, you will receive a set of the Deadworld: War of the Dead promo cards. One of these will be signed by Gary. You can also purchase the cards separately for $3.99.

Bloody Rick Grimes and Dead Daryl

There is another special dealing with Funko’s POP! The Walking Dead Vinyls at C2E2 for fans of the comic and the TV show. Check out Harrison’s at Booth 153 for special Walking Dead Daryl and Rick Bloody exclusives. Grab the figures your friends wished they had.

Four Horseman Posters

Ok, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Shadows Over New York poster might be a stretch for a zombie fan at C2E2, but it should still be noted. Remember, many horror movies portray zombies are the heralds of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Others, state it is their curse. Stop by Booth P7 for these exclusive posters.

If you are a zombie fan heading to C2E2, you have so much to look forward to. Make sure you bring your walking shoes and a pocket fullocash.

For more information on C2E2, please follow this link to the con’s homepage.

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Abraham on The Walking Dead: Wait or Celebrate?

Apr. 17 TV & Movies Comments Off on Abraham on The Walking Dead: Wait or Celebrate?

Fans of the comic book version of The Walking Dead are buzzing about what they are considering as the TV introduction of Abraham on The Walking Dead. Many fans I have spoken to in the last few days are looking past the casting for the character of Roy Stark for the show and are declaring Abraham as a new character to be excited about. Should they not be so fast, or are they right on the mark?

Abraham on The Walking Dead?

Abraham on The Walking Dead?

The Information Filtering Around

Horror-Movies.ca is reporting that the creators of The Walking Dead are working on filling a new role. The character will be named Roy Stark and he will be a former military medic whose family was attacked by survivors soon after the zombie infestation.  Stark did things to his family’s attackers The Governor would have never thought of and will be categorized as someone who is on the edge and could be dangerous.

Abraham on The Walking Dead?

As I stated, many of the fans I have spoken to about this news in the last few days are declaring “Abraham on The Walking Dead!” Just because the new character has some of the traits we saw in Abraham, we should not be quick to discuss Abraham on the Walking Dead. The previous occupation and the family attack could be the end of the similarities. Stark could be a bookish media along the lines of Milton and not share any of the fighting aspects of the comic book character many of us loved.

Could this be a Ruse?

Remember, the creators of The Walking Dead on TV have leaked partial information in the past simply to pull a bait and switch. Actually, you could argue that they did not pull a bait and switch at all as they have given us three or four points out of six and forced us to assume the points which were not disclosed.

A perfect example would be when we were told about how Michonne was cast for Season 3 only to be surprised by her appearance in the final minutes of Season 2. Remember, we were told that dozens of characters would die in the Season 3 finale only to find that there would only be two that we were actually interested in.

Abraham on The Walking Dead!

In the case of Abraham on The Walking Dead, part of the information being sent out could be a ruse. They might want us to think they are stealing aspects from the character we know only to surprise us with a familiar face. We might be talking about Abraham on The Walking Dead in the upcoming months. Only time will tell.

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Killing Rick on The Walking Dead Would Be Pointless

Apr. 10 TV & Movies Comments Off on Killing Rick on The Walking Dead Would Be Pointless

When we think about the zombie apocalypse, we think about Rick on The Walking Dead or Rick in The Walking Dead comic. Recently, Robert Kirkman stated in an interview that we could see Rick Grimes die at some point because we should remember that nobody is safe in the world. While some might applaud the creator of the franchise for taking the step and hinting at the potential demise of the story’s central character, this was the wrong time to make the statement about killing off Rick on The Walking Dead, and it was the wrong statement to make.

Rick on The Walking Dead

Rick on The Walking Dead

Coming Off the Season 3 Finale of The Walking Dead

I have only heard of a handful of people who were happy with the Season 3 finale of The Walking Dead. Most fans were very distraught by the lack of closure. This is not the time to release a statement which could potentially upset fans in any way. They are already ticked about how the previous season ended. Don’t add salt to the wound by talking about killing off Rick on The Walking Dead.

Rick on The Walking Dead is the Central Character

Since the beginning of the franchise, Rick has been the central character of the story. To kill the character off, a shift would have to be made towards bringing in a new central character. Look at what happened on The X-Files when that happened. The show plummeted in the final season when Fox Mulder become a background character. Cult shows such as The Walking Dead cannot change central characters without severe backlash.

Middle or End of Life Cycle?

At this point, we do not know if The Walking Dead as a show is nearing the middle or the end of its life cycle. Three years is a long time for a show in this market where most are being cancelled within the first two seasons. This is not the time for a show’s creators to make major swerves such as knocking off Rick on The Walking Dead. The need to figure out what parts of their formula work and modify some minor issues here and there. A major change in the formula now might spike a few fans but will upset others who will feel left out when the formula they grew to love has been discarded.

Death of Rick on The Walking Dead is Change for the Sake of Change

No show, comic book, band, writer, or politician should ever make a change simply to make a change. In Kirkman’s interview, he stated that we always need to remember that any character can die at any time. If he does not believe fans know this already, he is underrating the intelligence of people who watch his show. He has made that point and killing Rick on The Walking Dead would be useless towards driving a point home which people already know. Change should always have a reason and killing Rick on The Walking Dead or Rick in The Walking Dead would be pointless.

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The Walking Dead Season 4 Early Concerns

Apr. 03 TV & Movies no comments

The Walking Dead Season 4 is a long way off, but there are specific concerns I have about the next season which will bother me until the season premiere. While the show continues to reach higher in the ratings, there are certain unique issues to The Walking Dead Season 4 which were not present in the other seasons which should be addressed.

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead Season 4 poses unique challenges

Another New Showrunner?

While the second season of the show was filming, Glen Mazzara replaced Frank Darabont as the showrunner. Moving into The Walking Dead Season 4, Mazzara is out and Scott Gimple is the new lead. In the second season, Mazzara would have found himself having to carry on some of Darabont’s ideas and directions to show continuity in the season. With a new season, Gimple is able to start fresh and can take the show wherever he sees fit without being tied down to previous plans. This could be a positive in how he could improve the show or a negative in having a new monster unchained.

Dismal Season Finale

The Walking Dead Season 4 will have to win fans over very quickly since the show is coming off of a very dismal season finale. Fans did not get the “Wow!” moments they were expecting, there were too many commercials, and there was little closure. If the first or second episode of the new season do not live up to the expectations of fans, the ratings will take a stiff downturn.

To read my opinions on the season finale, please follow this link.

Character Development

The former creators of the show have proven their inability to develop certain characters we see each week. T-Dog is the one character we often think about being underdeveloped, but what about Beth? She has been on for two seasons and she is still simply Hershel’s “other daughter” that sings from time to time. What are they going to do now with the prison being full of kids and old people? How many of these low-level characters will have to take time away from the main characters? How will the creators figure a way to give these people substance? How are the creators going to ensure characterization in The Walking Dead Season 4 is not spread too thin?

The Walking Dead Season 4 presents interesting and concerning problems for the creators of the show. How these issues are overcome will have a direct impact on the show’s ratings early on. Hopefully, the fans will not be disappointed.

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Future of The Governor on The Walking Dead

Apr. 02 TV & Movies no comments

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My Extreme Disappointment With Season Finale of The Walking Dead

Apr. 01 News, TV & Movies no comments

The third season finale of The Walking Dead has come and gone and I am left with nothing less than extreme disappointment. While there were points of the episode which excited me, there were too many points which left me discouraged.

I hated the season finale of The Walking Dead

I hated the season finale of The Walking Dead

What I Liked in The Walking Dead Season Finale

Not much. The high point was the interaction between Milton and Andrea. I liked the way that Carl continues to become even colder-hearted. I am happy with the idea of Tyreese and his daughter joining Rick’s survivors. The twist of the survivors leaving traps for The Governor and his men at the prison was a good move. The Governor snapping and killing most of his people was another great swerve. That was where my happiness ended as I liked minor accessory moments, but not the entire package.

The Commercials

What was going on with all of the commercials during the third season finale of The Walking Dead? While the network is going to want to make as much money as possible off the show, the excessive number of commercial breaks (and commercials during them) got under my skin. Remember, the commercials are supposed to be secondary and not primary. I was left wishing harder than I had before for a return to those days in which commercials were not shown on cable.

Lack of Closure

Some will argue that the third season finale of The Walking Dead gave closure in the form of the citizens of Woodbury no longer being a threat. At this point, it is too early to make the statement. We don’t know if the group Rick has brought back to the prison will work out or not. We also don’t know if The Governor is done being a threat to Rick and his survivors. We did not have the crew moving out of the prison. For the first time in the history of the show, we did not have any type of closure at the beginning of a break. The show has swerved from its own formula and some might wonder if the show is jumping the shark. The creators of the show have developed a strong formula of inserting closure at breaks, but this was obviously forgotten or ignored.

No Draw to Next Season of The Walking Dead

Glenn and Maggie are getting married next season. Rick is now running an old folk’s home in the prison. Daryl and Michonne are going to be distraught by their losses. Beth finally killed a walker. The Governor is out on the run. While these are interesting continuation points between the seasons, there is nothing left to make me want to watch the next season of The Walking Dead. As I am writing this, I know I will watch the next season, but there is not an overwhelming moment in the season finale of The Walking Dead which made me have to tune in. I need that kind of moment in a show I watch.

I was hoping the creators of The Walking Dead would blow me away during the season finale, but I feel more like they blew me off. Hopefully, the fans will speak up and send a message that the creators need to do a better job I the future.

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The Most Important Moment in Modern Comics

Mar. 29 Comics no comments

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The Governor on The Walking Dead Stole the Show

Mar. 28 TV & Movies Comments Off on The Governor on The Walking Dead Stole the Show

While many fans will disagree with me, I have to declare The Governor on The Walking Dead as my favorite character during Season 3. Daryl, Rick, Merle, Michonne, and Andrea were all strong in some way, but The Governor stole the show. There is one episode left in the season, as of this writing, and chances are good he is going to die. Let’s take a look at why David Morrissey’s portrayal of the character was so damn awesome.

The Governor on "The Walking Dead"

The Governor on The Walking Dead

Before it Began

I have to admit, I was on the bandwagon of people who were turned off by the decision of Morrissey as The Governor on The Walking Dead. As the season progressed, though, I realized he not only was the right man of the job, he put his own spin on the character and became the character he recreated.

The Quirks of The Governor on The Walking Dead

I took acting and film classes when I was in college to gain a better understanding of movies and characterization. My professors instilled the idea of creating quirks to set a character aside from others in definition. From Columbo’s head touching when he was formulating a question to Kolchak’s stutter when he raised his voice, quirks help to define a character.

So too with The Governor on The Walking Dead. Think about how Morrisey would give a sharp toothy smile when someone stated something he felt uncomfortable with. Notice how his walking stride always changes by his mood. Note how his eye twitches when he is staring at someone with anger or distrust. These quirks help to make the character more believable. Anyone can recite lines but it takes a masterful actor to create and keep believable quirks.

The Darkness

When comparing both versions of The Governor the fans know, we are comparing a sociopath to a psychopath. The comic book version of character is someone who feeds off of the society around himself. While the same can be said about The Governor on The Walking Dead, Morrissey’s version is more of a psychopath who gains some type of dark pleasure from inflicting pain. The Governor in The Walking Dead would kill to prove a point where as The Governor on The Walking Dead appears to enjoy killing as signified by (another quirk) his whistling while he “works.” The Governor on The Walking Dead is much darker and much more inherently evil than his comic book counterpart.

Character Focus Shift

Did you happen to notice that Rick is not the main character of the show anymore? While I would love to see a minute by minute comparison, I would venture to say that The Governor was on screen more often than Rick. Of course, Daryl and Michonne stepped up as Rick’s sanity fell. The main spot this season was given to The Governor. How many other characters could have robbed Rick of his top spot?

The Governor on The Walking Dead made the season for me. I fully expect him to die in the season finale, which will be a loss. That loss is needed, but it will be a loss nonetheless.

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The Governor on The Walking Dead Needs to Die in Season 3

Mar. 08 TV & Movies no comments

I overheard a discussion the other day between two fans of the Walking Dead franchise which quickly turned into an argument about The Governor. One fans believed The Governor and the residents of Woodbury should be carried over into Season 4 of “The Walking Dead” while the other fan believed the character should be killed off at the end of the current season. To follow along the lines of the show so far, The Governor needs to die in Season 3.

The Governor on "The Walking Dead"

The Governor on “The Walking Dead”

New Locations for “The Walking Dead”

Each season of “The Walking Dead” has presented new challenges for Rick and the survivors and a new location. Remember, the first season took place mostly in the camp while the second season focused on life on the farm. Season 3 of “The Walking Dead” put them in the jail. To keep cohesion in the show, the survivors need to be forced out of the jail somewhere at the end of the season. If the survivors are no longer at the jail, it should pose for closure in the storylines with The Governor as well.

New Challenges

The first season was about Rick finding his family and proving to them that he would keep them safe. It was an opening season in which Grimes tried to figure out what was going on and her put his game face on for the first time. The second season was about trying to find a home and return to some type of normalcy. Instead of the struggles being physical, most of the struggles were mental as Rick tried to straighten himself out with Lori and take command of the group from Shane. Shane became a greater obstacle for Rick than the walkers and Shane was taken care of permanently as the season was coming to a close. So too should it be with The Governor as he represents a change into the survivors having to worry more about people than about the dead.

The Stale Argument

Some fans of The Walking Dead in comic book form might argue that The Governor has to die to keep cohesion with the comic. The creators of the show do not have to follow the same rules as the comic, but they should follow the same rules that have been set in previous seasons. It is time to close the book on Woodbury and The Governor and move on to another volume in the life or Rick Grimes and in the lives of the survivors he takes care of. The Governor needs to die sometime in the next few weeks, and before the final credits roll on Season 3 of “The Walking Dead.”

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Andrea on The Walking Dead: Hate Her More Than Lori

Feb. 28 TV & Movies Comments Off on Andrea on The Walking Dead: Hate Her More Than Lori

Talking about the character of Andrea on The Walking Dead is sure to bring many snide remarks from the show’s fans. While Laurie Holden has done a great job portraying the character of Andrea on The Walking Dead, fans still hate her (Andrea, not Holden). I would venture to say that many fans now hate Andrea more than they hated Lori.

Andrea on The Walking Dead

Andrea on The Walking Dead

Comic Book Fans

Many of the fans of The Walking Dead in comic book form are still trying to wrap their heads around the changes in one of their favorite characters from the printed pages. They might like Andrea in The Walking Dead but not Andrea on The Walking Dead. I have heard many say that her character is their least favorite difference between the comic and the show.

Strength vs. Weakness

Instead of being a strong woman who can stand on her own, Andrea on The Walking Dead is a follower who desperately wishes to follow a visionary. Note how Rick simply wants to keep the group alive but both Shane and The Governor dream of something more and the TV version of Andrea is drawn to that factor in both men. While at the farm, we rooted for Andrea when she stood up to Lori and pointed out how women can fight and do not have to be forced into doing laundry and washing dishes. Too bad the strength and clarity fleeted from the character.

Andrea on The Walking Dead Needs to Die

We all knew Lori was going to die eventually on the show. We knew Shane was going to die at some point and we know that The Governor is going to end up having to give a final bow. We know that the version of Andrea on The Walking Dead needs to die, but we don’t know if it will truly happen. We do not have a clear-cut picture in our heads of how it might happen. The uncertainty makes us hate her even more.

Her Stupidity

I know you should not hate a person because they are stupid, but Andrea on The Walking Dead is a character so I will hate her for any reason I want. The Governor’s fatal flaw is he refuses to give up on either his vision or his power. Rick’s fatal flaw is the doubt that comes along with leadership. Andrea’s fatal flaw is her own stupidity in following the wrong person. We hate her because she refuses to give up on the wrong person even though she knows The Governor is the bad guy.

I can’t wait to see Andrea die miserably. I will not be fully content unless she has one of the most graphic deaths in the show’s history. Simply being bitten by a walker or shot would not be a fitting way for her to go. We got chinced with Lori’s death and some might say that Shane’s death was not as climactic as it should have been. The version of Andrea on The Walking Dead needs to die painfully to give the fans what they deserve.

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Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead Comic: Bad Idea

Feb. 21 Characters Comments Off on Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead Comic: Bad Idea

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The Walking Dead Mid-Season 3 Premiere: Impressions and Assumptions

Feb. 11 TV & Movies Comments Off on The Walking Dead Mid-Season 3 Premiere: Impressions and Assumptions

The mid-Season 3 premiere of “The Walking Dead” introduced many changes to the characters we have watched develop since the show began. Fans are sure to be left wondering about what will happen next, but there is a glimmer of hope for every character. We can use what has happened on the “The Walking Dead” so far, events in the comics, and what we have seen in previews to gain a better understanding of where the creators are going from here.

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead

Rick and The Governor

We saw kinks in the armor worn by both Rick and The Governor. Both could be considered as unfit to lead because of the losses they recently faced. For The Governor, Woodbury was attacked and his “traitorous” prisoners got away. Salt was added to the wounds when one of the residents of his town was attacked by a biter. Residents wonder if he can lead them or if they would be safer on their own. I would venture to say, though, that he will be back on his saddle soon to lead an attack on the prison since Andrea is helping calm the masses.

As for Rick, notice how his vision of Lori came after being told he was making the wrong decision about Tyreese and the other “guests.” Traditionally, Grimes breaks down when he believes he has made the wrong choices for the group. If you have read the comic, you know how some of the survivors step up and pull power from Rick in the form of a voting council. I see that happening on “The Walking Dead” in the short term until the former officer comes back to his senses. Both The Governor and Rick will gain focus when at war.

Merle and Daryl

When Merle and Daryl went off of their own, many fans probably found themselves on the verge of a breakdown. In the previews for next week, we see the two brothers fending for themselves. Daryl is too much of a moneymaker for the franchise to be eliminated right now. I expect the two to be off on their own for a few episodes and then rejoining Rick’s group. Or, at least one of them will rejoin the group.

Carol

Carol is reverting back to her loss of hope. With Daryl out of the picture, Carol does not have anything to live for outside of surviving. It could be time for her to snap.

Maggie and Glen

These two kids are at an important impasse in their relationship. Hershel is making his acceptance of Glen clear, and it is time for the young man to step up. Maggie is still in shock, but should turn around soon. I would be very surprised if we did not see the marriage between the two that we saw in the comic. It is one of the glimpses of normalcy the survivors are allowed in the printed pages of “The Walking Dead,” and it should remain.

Hershel

The greatest evolution during the new episode of “The Walking Dead,” came in Hershel. It is time for him to step up into more of a leadership position and become the conscious of the group. It will be interesting to see where the idea leads since his days are numbered if he is going to be killed at the same time he is in the comic book version of “The Walking Dead.”

I can see how many fans might have been turned off by the recent episode due to the lack of action outside of the initial few minutes of the episode. This was a transitional episode gearing up for the second half of the season. Traditionally, I creator would want to use this type of episode to plant seeds which will grow over the next few weeks. The creators of “The Walking Dead,” did a great job of planting many seeds while keeping an atmosphere of dread and doom.

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Missing

Feb. 10 Comics, TV & Movies Comments Off on Missing

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When Will The Walking Dead Jump the Shark

Feb. 09 TV & Movies no comments

“The Walking Dead” is one of the most popular shows on TV. Almost every show which has lasted more than three seasons, though, has jumped the shark at some point. While most fans of the show would argue the jump has not happened yet, there are particular instances which would cause the show to go over the edge.

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead

Dream Sequence

If we ever come to a point where it is suggested that the zombie apocalypse is simply a dream Rick is having in the hospital, “The Walking Dead” will have jumped the shark. While it is possible that this could all be a dream, it would tick off every single fan who spent time watching the show or spent money on the comics or collectibles.

Rick or Carl Dies on “The Walking Dead”

Rick and Carl can never die as the father is the reason the son keeps going and the son is the reason why the father presses on. The pair have lost almost everyone they cared about including Lori and the baby. There is no reason to believe Carl would truly be able to make it on his own without Rick and no reason to believe Rick could do it if he did not have anyone left.

An End to the Apocalypse

Many fans probably hope “The Walking Dead” will end with an occurrence which gives hope to an end of the zombie apocalypse or an actual end. The entire series has focused on Rick and Carl’s ability to survive the “End of the World.” The show has also brought the human need to survive to the forefront. It would make more sense to see Rick, Carl, and other survivors moving on to another safe location as the series credits rolled than to know they will be safe forever. A show which constantly reminds us of our own mortality should always continue to do so.

Animal Walkers

 

While undead animals have a place in stories by Brian Keene, they do not have any place on “The Walking Dead.” The introduction of walker animals would prove the creators of the show had run out of decent hurdles for the cast and were going to toss out any garbage that made it through a board meeting.

What moments do you believe would cause “The Walking Dead” to jump the shark?

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