See how our Walking Dead character Power Rankings shifted following Dwight’s death and Maggie & Magna’s planned convoy to Commonwealth in Issue 187. Also check out our previous Power Rankings of Issue 186 for even more context!
1. Rick
Don’t let the cover of this issue fool you, Rick and Michonne’s friendship is still in tact. It’s hard to say whether Rick standing side-by-side with Pamela in a public address will be helpful or harmful for him down the line, but at the moment Rick is still the most powerful character in the series.
2. Pamela
The Commonwealth leader continues her reign in the two spot of our rankings. Pamela’s unlike any “antagonist” we’ve seen before, she’s not inherently evil, her leadership style is just problematic. She’s not into bashing heads with a bat or putting them on spikes, she’s just your typical over-powered wanna-be monarch. And although people like Dwight and Mercer have attempted to undermine her, she’s managed to snuff out their efforts.
3. Michonne
Michonne made the right move this issue by apologizing for her mistakes and reminding Rick that Dwight’s downfall was inevitable.
4. Lance (+1)
We’re swapping Lance and Mercer in our rankings since the issue ended with Lance discovering Mercer’s mutiny. Even though Pamela’s in charge, Lance is enforcing her rules and laws.
5. Officer Mercer (-1)
Oh Mercer, you flew too close to the sun. We would downgrade him even further in our rankings but since we haven’t seen the end result of his exchange with Lance we’re keeping him around the top for now. It’s impossible not to feel for Mercer, who found and lost love with Princess and has been expected to be Pamela’s attack dog. Still, the Commonwealth is good at sniffing out rebellion, and unfortunately Mercer is the latest victim.
6. Maggie (+1)
As we always say we grade on a recency bias, and since Maggie was in this issue and making important decisions (like sending a convoy to Commonwealth) we’re moving her up a spot.
7. Magna (+1)
Same goes for Magna, who’s running Alexandria in Rick’s stead. Although Magna seemed awkward at leadership last issue, she fully took control this one by sending Siddiq to Hilltop to go to Commonwealth.
8. Eugene (-2)
Although Eugene’s still at commonwealth working on the train, we’re moving him down because he doesn’t actually hold a lot of power. With Magna and Maggie back in the mix, it makes sense to move Eugene down a few spots.
9. Tara
Tara seems like she’s going to play a bigger role in the story so we’re keeping her where she’s at. Also, if Mercer goes to jail for his treason then it’s safe to say she has a type.
10. Carl (+2)
Carl had a nice arc this issue – personally, I’ve definitely been in his shoes with a relationship misunderstanding. They suck. But thankfully, we was able to spin his words into something romantic at the end. Also, Carl’s getting bumped up for having the balls to join Siddiq, Aaron, Jesus, and Dante on their mission to Commonwealth.
11. Princess
Princess’ character got filled out a lot more this issue when she opened up about her f***ed up childhood with Mercer. Unlike most characters in The Walking Dead, Princess forecasted a shit storm and decided to get the hell out of dodge. Good for you, Princess! Although it’s sad to see her break Mercer’s heart, it seems like he’s already on to the next. Should be exciting to see where Princess’ story goes from here.
12. Elodie (-2)
Elodie continues to fall in our rankings the less and less we see her.
13. Jesus (+1)
Jesus and Aaron finally re-emerged this issue to go on their next big mission to Commonwealth. They haven’t done much since killing Beta, so it’ll be fun to see them return to action.
14. Aaron (+1)
Ditto.
15. Yumiko (-2)
As much as we love Yumiko she hasn’t contributed much in the last few issues other than a poignant speech to Magna about outside threats. We’d love to keep her on the list, but the recency bias might soon push her into the bubble.
On the Bubble: Stephanie, Sebastian, Maxwell, Heath, Sophia, and Laura.
That’s a wrap on our comic character Power Rankings for Issue 187! What did YOU think of the new list? Who do you think will rise and fall in next month’s rankings? Let us know in the comments!
Ranked #9 is not Tara, but the girl talking to Mercer is Laura. Laura is Dwight’s girl friend. She is always with Dwight after he left Sanctuary. Tara is another female character similar looking like Laura.
Yep Tara and Laura look the same except Tara has facial piercings (lip/nose) which you would not be able to see in this image but I think it is safe to say these two characters have been mistaken and interchanged but this image does look like Laura. Any who, good issue lots going on again but setting up for another good year of TWD!!!