Review of "The Walking Dead Volume 5: The Best Defense," by Robert Kirkman et. al.

Review of

The Walking Dead Volume 5: The Best Defense, by Robert Kirkman et. al. ISBN 9781582406121

Five out of five stars

 Despite enormous odds, the small band led by Rick has managed to find a location where they are safe from the ongoing zombie menace. They are in a prison facility with multiple fences, guard towers, food, shelter and weapons. A large garden has been planted so there will be more food in the future. At this point, you would think that nothing could make them leave their safe spot.

 That was before they saw the helicopter emitting smoke in the sky and come crashing to Earth. Eager to learn about other survivors, Rick leads a band of three out into the world in a search for the people in the chopper. It crash-landed much further from the prison than they thought and the car they used could not navigate through the fields.

 Rick and his group manage to travel to another location of humans controlled by a man called the “Governor.” They quickly realize that they are in even greater danger as he is as intelligent as he is crazy. The ruthless and sadistic Governor realizes that Rick’s band has found a safe spot with food, so he is determined to find out where it is located.

 The best aspect of this story is that it paints a dark picture of human nature. Even when humanity is being exterminated, the bad side of human nature surfaces. People will still destroy things so that others cannot have them, engage in petty hostilities and exhibit behaviors that reduces the chances of survival for all, even themselves.