The Walking Dead issue 158: The Whisperer War part 2 review

Death is imminent in The Walking Dead issue 158: The Whisperer War Part 2, but was it a good, bad, or average issue of the popular comic book series?

It was inevitable that The Walking Dead would be pitting the survivors from all the communities against The Whisperers sooner or later, but now that the confrontation has reached its boiling point, there is no turning back.

Issue 158 titled The Whisperer War Part 2 of 6 picked right up where the previous issue left off. However, the tone of the entire series shifted quickly from that of unity and togetherness to survival and desperation.

If you aren’t caught up on the events of the series, be sure to read up, as spoilers WILL be discussed. Also, if you haven’t read issue 158 yet, either read that or check out this recap.

***WARNING: The Walking Dead 158 spoilers below***

Alright, so let’s get to the big stuff first. The Whisperers are downright killers. Of course, we knew that before, but now it’s less of a statement and more of a massacre. Harnessing the huge walker horde against the humans and hiding among them is a great move, and one that has Alexandria reeling.

The big death in this issue is Gabriel. It’s a shame to see him go, since he was such an interesting character, but perhaps ending his story arc here is best, as he has already achieved redemption and died in an honorable way on the frontlines of the war.

Rick continues to be a complicated leader. For someone unsure of his following, he is very sure of his ability to distribute orders. However, having him lean on Andrea when his confidence wavers not only strengthens his bond with her, but makes him a more human character.

Now we know for sure that Jesus is interested in Aaron, and this should help speed up this relationship. As I said before, this is a relationship so many comic book readers want to see happen. Hopefully they both will survive long enough to make it happen.

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Eugene has been acting really strange. Has he been asking for help from the other community? Has he continued to give away too much information? Is he completely infatuated with this woman by now? This storyline should help develop the next plot after the war with The Whisperers is over.

However, it could also be interesting to see what will happen with The Sanctuary turning down the request to send soldiers. They seem to not respect Dwight or Rick enough, so it could be a natural fit for Negan to return there. But will he continue their current feelings or will Negan’s new relationship with Rick change that entirely?

In the end, this episode was about Negan. He proved that Dwight can trust him, even saving his life from Beta. Also, Beta is now at the mercy of Negan, but will he execute him just like he did to Alpha? If so, The Whisperers could be left without a leader once again.

Overall, this was an exciting episode that answered very few questions, but raised others while piling up a solid body count. Keep it up, The Walking Dead!

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

What were your favorite parts of issue 158 of The Walking Dead? How did you handle the death of Gabriel? What do you think will happen next in the war? And is this a real turnaround for Negan to be completely trusted? We’ll find out more when issue 159 is released on October 5, 2016 for The Whisperer War Part 3 of 6!