A review by pam_
The Walking Dead, Book 1 by Robert Kirkman
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I love the Walking Dead TV show and I have already read quite a few of the later comics. After finishing season 11 on Netflix, I decided to start from the beginning with the comics and really get into the source material.
I was not expecting the level of misogyny depicted in this book. Female characters are given absolutely nothing significant to do in this instalment of the series. They spend most of their time having sex with men and taking care of children. Mostly, women are depicted are damsels in distress who need men to protect them.
Worse still, several male characters make misogynistic comments about or directly to female characters:
- Dale refers to women as necessary to help keep his camper clean.
- Rick refers to Donna as ”an old housewife who doesn’t have soap operas to keep her small mind occupied”. Rick also makes a habit to completely disregard his wife’s concerns and opinions about the parenting of their child.
- Allen calls Andrea a “bitch” and a “cunt” after Andrea tries to talk to him about his grieving process.
I was not expecting the level of misogyny depicted in this book. Female characters are given absolutely nothing significant to do in this instalment of the series. They spend most of their time having sex with men and taking care of children. Mostly, women are depicted are damsels in distress who need men to protect them.
Worse still, several male characters make misogynistic comments about or directly to female characters:
- Dale refers to women as necessary to help keep his camper clean.
- Rick refers to Donna as ”an old housewife who doesn’t have soap operas to keep her small mind occupied”. Rick also makes a habit to completely disregard his wife’s concerns and opinions about the parenting of their child.
- Allen calls Andrea a “bitch” and a “cunt” after Andrea tries to talk to him about his grieving process.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Misogyny
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Animal death, Sexual content, Gun violence, and Suicidal thoughts