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A review by emilaettereads
The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye by Robert Kirkman
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Walking Dead is one of my favorite TV series. I have seen some of the seasons two or three times. It was time to read the original material.
While reading, I couldn't help but compare the graphic novel to the series. I knew some changes were made for TV, and I am glad for those. While the first volume itself is very entertaining, especially as a reader, the original material as it was presented wouldn't have worked for TV.
The main difference between these two is the characters. We all know that Daryl, as a character, is not in the comic books, so I kind of missed him. In the comics, the camp gang pretty much never goes to Atlanta except for Glenn, which is kind of crazy considering how they all just sent him, probably to his death, for toilet paper. Some secondary characters in the books are different from the series, but they all serve a similar purpose. Rick, Lori, and Carl are pretty much the same. I was surprised by how different Shane is in the books compared to his persona in the TV series. While on television, he was one of those characters who were made for this kind of world and knew how to survive. In the books, he strongly relied on the government and thought that the military would save him and the others. No wonder he met an early demise in the books (and I am glad that he lasted longer in the series, as well as I am glad that Carl only shot him as a walker). Dale, Andrea, and Amy are also pretty similar to the TV characters. However, it seems that Amy has a lot more character in the book, with some snarky remarks and attitude. Andrea is not as annoying as in the series, but it is only the first volume. Carol and Sophia exist in the books, but not their husband and father, who, I believe, provides great character development for Carol in the TV series. I guess I will see how it goes for her in the graphic novels since I really enjoyed her character.
Overall, I will continue reading the volumes, and I am exciting for Rick's journey in this world.
While reading, I couldn't help but compare the graphic novel to the series. I knew some changes were made for TV, and I am glad for those. While the first volume itself is very entertaining, especially as a reader, the original material as it was presented wouldn't have worked for TV.
The main difference between these two is the characters. We all know that Daryl, as a character, is not in the comic books, so I kind of missed him. In the comics, the camp gang pretty much never goes to Atlanta except for Glenn, which is kind of crazy considering how they all just sent him, probably to his death, for toilet paper. Some secondary characters in the books are different from the series, but they all serve a similar purpose. Rick, Lori, and Carl are pretty much the same. I was surprised by how different Shane is in the books compared to his persona in the TV series. While on television, he was one of those characters who were made for this kind of world and knew how to survive. In the books, he strongly relied on the government and thought that the military would save him and the others. No wonder he met an early demise in the books (and I am glad that he lasted longer in the series, as well as I am glad that Carl only shot him as a walker). Dale, Andrea, and Amy are also pretty similar to the TV characters. However, it seems that Amy has a lot more character in the book, with some snarky remarks and attitude. Andrea is not as annoying as in the series, but it is only the first volume. Carol and Sophia exist in the books, but not their husband and father, who, I believe, provides great character development for Carol in the TV series. I guess I will see how it goes for her in the graphic novels since I really enjoyed her character.
Overall, I will continue reading the volumes, and I am exciting for Rick's journey in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Body horror and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Vomit, and Murder