The Walking Dead issue 157: The Whisperer War part 1 recap

Here is what happened in issue 157 of The Walking Dead comic book series titled “The Whisperer War Part 1 of 6” involving Rick, Negan, and The Whisperers.

The Walking Dead comic book series has finally reached the tipping point in the standoff between The Whisperers and the other survivors. Now that peace and boundaries are no longer an option, war is inevitable and should be here very soon.

It is highly recommended that fans read issue 156 before continuing on with this recap, as it is absolutely jam-packed with spoilers and information about what happened in the August issue of The Walking Dead.

***WARNING: THE WALKING DEAD COMIC SPOILERS BELOW***

The comic kicks off with groups patrolling and watching for The Whisperers. After some discussion of how the efforts could be unnecessary, a figure emerged from the horizon.

Through the scope of the rifle, the figure is identified as Negan. He approaches with his hands raised and Magna calls him out. Without hesitation, Dwight tells Magna to shoot him, but she refuses to shoot an unarmed man.

Negan sees Dwight with Lucille and wants to make sure he’s taking good care of her. Dwight refuses to have that conversation with him, saying that it’s just a bat and wants to know if he’s been followed.

After stating that he hasn’t been followed, Dwight takes Negan to Rick. Of course, Negan says he has “something” for Rick.

Back with The Whisperers, Beta finds Alpha’s dead body. After a painful outburst, some members of the group realize this is Negan’s work and state that Negan now becomes the leader of the group since he killed Alpha.

Beta shot that down immediately. Not only did he declare that he would never allow Negan to become their leader, but he also said that there would never be another Alpha. Instead, the group should continue doing as Alpha would have wished…and kill them all.

The Walking Dead 157 – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment /

In Alexandria, Negan presents Rick with the head of Alpha. Stunned, Rick isn’t sure how to handle the situation. Negan explains that he wants to earn a part of their community and feels this gesture should earn him a lot of trust, since he could have been the leader of The Whisperers if he wanted and have an army at his disposal.

Rick offers him a deal. If he fights alongside them, they’ll give him an outpost and supplies until he earns more of a keep with the community. This deal appeals to Negan, and he accepts.

After this talk, Rick is speaking with Dwight. He puts Dwight in charge of watching Negan, since he knows him better than anyone else. Neither trusts Negan at this point, but Rick’s willingness to give him a shot has Dwight accepting the job.

At The Hilltop, Aaron is healing up. Jesus comes to check on him, and fills him in on everything going on since the injury. During their talk, Alex comes in the room and gushes about how great of a couple the two would be, embarrassing both men until Jesus awkwardly leaves the room

The Walking Dead 157 – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment /

The troops are being rounded up as well, with Maggie saying that they’ve put together all the soldiers that they can. Michonne says Rick will be pleased with what The Hilltop is sending, but Carl and Lydia approach the group.

Carl says he wants to join the fight and Lydia offers her services as well, but Maggie replies that she needs them to stay behind and protect the community and Michonne agrees. Lydia reminds Michonne that her mother said not to cross the border, and that the Whisperers will do everything they can do not make Alpha look weak, not knowing that her mother has been killed by Negan.

Back in Alexandria, the planning is being done for the war. Outposts are being determined to keep watch and a system of communication and precautions are being implemented. Off to the side Negan watches while leaning against the wall, a that didn’t sit too well with some members of the war party.

The Walking Dead 157 – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment /

At The Kingdom, questions are circling about whether or not they should send soldiers to help Rick’s army. Not only that, but the lack of attention given to the community has some feelings going around that William should lead the community, not someone of Rick’s choosing.

Eugene is still working the radio back in Alexandria. He tells Stephanie about the impending mar and discloses their location. Stephanie responds by telling him that they are in Ohio…and that he better not be evil.

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Rick is having a conversation with Andrea about Negan. He wonders if he’s doing the right thing, and Andrea replies that she trusts him and his decision. She also says she’s glad he’s not fighting on the front lines in his war, as his value is more as a leader in the community. Rick says it is because he’s too old, but Andrea is just glad he’s there with her. Then, Rick goes to address the people.

Finally, everyone is taking their places to watch for The Whisperers. Dwight and others get on their marks, but the last to arrive at their position was Gabriel, whose duty is to watch from the water tower. Once he reaches the top, he turns and sees the massive horde of walkers or Whisperers coming toward them.

Next: Who did Negan kill? Check out the odds here!

The last page of the comics featured many of the different characters from The Walking Dead comic universe in what might be the last calm moment in the series until the end of the war. Issue #158 of the comic will part 2 of The Whisperer War and be available on September 7th, 2016.

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