Review of "The Walking Dead Volume 26: A Call to Arms," by Robert Kirkman et. al.

Review of

The Walking Dead Volume 26: A Call to Arms, by Robert Kirkman et. al. ISBN 9781632159175

Five out of five stars

 While various physical and psychological battles are fought in this episode, the events are clearly leading to what would be the equivalent of an all-out civil war between the living. Rick continues to have his army train by going out among the undead and practicing disciplined maneuvers in “killing” them off. There is still dissension within Rick’s group, while he has the absolute loyalty of most, there are those that hate him for various reasons.

 With the assistance of another member of Rick’s group, Negan escapes and he plans to contact the Whisperer group. Since the border is well known, that is not difficult, but when he arrives he is just as annoying to them as he was to everyone else.

 We learn more about the bizarre social structure of the Whisperer tribe as well as their leaders. This volume ends with such a dramatic plot twist that within minutes of finishing it I ordered a copy of volume 27. It seems unlikely that both sides in the struggle to take place will survive, in fact there is reason to believe that neither will.

 However, we learn that there is perhaps another group of the living that is nearby with access to some technology. There are many plot devices that could be coming and any of those directions will make for an incredible story. Rick is also becoming more skilled as a leader, even though it means that he must become much more manipulative of the people in his society. Some of his actions are right out of “The Prince” by Machiavelli.