WHAT?! Before you keep reading, know there are HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD! Ok, is everyone who hasn’t read it gone? Good. WHAT DID YOU GUYS THINK OF THAT ENDING??? We don’t want to spoil it here in the intro, but please be as spoilery as you want in the comments. We have a LOT to talk about and the next few issues only get crazier. As always, the best commenter will win a Robert Kirkman-signed copy of this series-changing issue. So get commenting…and maybe take a day off of work tomorrow. Hug your kids.
Previously: Mercer’s coup against Governor Milton forces Rick to choose a side. But time’s running out for everyone as a herd is headed straight toward the Commonwealth. Citizens flee inside for safety, but Maggie’s team arrives from Hilltop to drive the walkers away. With the streets cleared, Milton returns, accusing Rick of betrayal before ordering her troops to attack Rick and his allies.
Holy shit. That was something I expected, but also didn’t expect. I had a hunch that in the middle of Rick’s speech that someone would shoot him in the middle of it, mostly by Sebastian because I didn’t figure Pamela or anyone else would, but it didn’t happen. “Phew,” I thought, and then it HAPPENED at the end of the issue. BLAM!
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I really don’t know how to feel. I feel like I was expecting this, but I’m also lost on what to do or feel knowing that Rick Grimes really did just get shot in the chest. He’s survived the first shot on the first page of Issue 1, a second time in the gut in Issue 44, and we are, or at least I am, uncertain about this one in Issue 191. Sebastian had a suppressor on his pistol, so it’s likely that little to no people heard the shot. Is Rick going to bleed out and turn? Who will be the one to put him down? Or will Sebastian do the not-a-fucking-asshole thing and get Rick to a freakin’ hospital?! I don’t know…
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I read this digitally, but I am going to try to purchase Issue #192: The Last Stand at my local comic book shop. I did the same with Issue #144 and I REMEMBER the feeling I got that issue– I almost gave up! Thank goodness I didn’t, though. The last four years have been amazing, as did the last 4 years before that when I began reading monthly around Issue #100.
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Skybound Team, I wish that you will do what you did for that issue and only give us ONE panel. Heck, even NO panels! Okay, maybe just one. Hehe. Take care! -Andy AKA Epic A
Man I never thought Kirkman would kill off Rick (Well if he is dead). But Kirkman should create comic Madison Clark and take over. I know it’s too much to ask for but Kirkman is a beast.
I did not expect that but maybe I did I hope Rick is able to Survive that Chest Shot What happens if he does survive so many questions to answer about the ending of this issue and next issue I need more!!!
Too sad to say anything
What a joke. Where were the guards? Did rick really think he was in the clear after that speech? Come on, get real. He didn’t even bother trying to convince Sebastian to not shoot. “Hey Sebastian just so you know, if you shoot me both your and your mother are going to die very slowly and painfully.” That would have maybe done somethin but nope. Rick just leaves his door unlocked with 0 fucking guards to keep watch on him. What a fucking joke.
This is unacceptable!!
what an ending. is rick comic reign really over never thought id see the day. Carl needsto lead if so . cant wait for the next issue I love you creations Robert Kirkland keep em coming
Kirkman has said for some time that Rick can go at any time and Carl would take over. I have been fine with that and prepared for the day, or so I thought. If this is the end for Rick, I’m sorry to criticize, but it not worthy of him. Rick Grimes is a total badass, a good man with flaws, and a much beloved figure to other comic characters and fans alike. For him to be taken out by uber douche Sebastian is just not right. If he can’t quietly go out in his sleep at a very old age (and stabbed in the head before he turns!), he deserves to go out in a blaze of glory, doing something amazing and heroic, as is the Grimes way. It’s almost offensive that it’s looking like he’s been unjustly executed with no way to even put up a fight. Rick deserves more! He’s Rick Fucking Grimes!!!
Yeah fuck this. I’m not ok with this. What is this, the SHOW??
Rick does not deserve this, but that’s part of life. I love the fact that the comics aren’t afraid of giving a character a death they do not deserve necessarily. It’s honestly pretty perfect imo given his speech, conversation with Carl, etc. I am not happy that Rick is going to die (I’d be more pissed if Rick survives a bullet hitting his heart than anything), but I am happy with the timing and I think it is a worthy death. Will make Carl stand out, I just can’t imagine what issue 200 is going to be like.
Oh man. I mean, I’ve expected it all month. In the Hitchcock tradition of the bomb under the table, Sebastian was the one who was never likely to be turned and particularly after the speech, there wasn’t even really any effort not to telegraph the fact that he was going to try and kill Rick (and would probably succeed). But that didn’t matter somehow – it was just RIGHT.
The stand-off being instantly defused I did not expect but was brilliant. Yes, there’s a bit of narrative artifice the comic doesn’t normally go for in having everything fall into place only to be blow apart but it all served to do true honour to Rick’s character. Rick’s speech was amazing, calling back his #24 speech, the loss of his hand, his revelation after Carl lost his eye and the way he found a way to rally a crowd in #150… And I’m so glad Carl and Rick parted on the kind of positive note I guess we’d all want to part with our parents on. So moving.
The five week waits are always a killer but oddly, for once, I feel like this one needs a deep breath. Not that I’m not desperate to see what happens but a dignified pause feels… okay.
What next? Rick might have time to write a message (in blood?!) or cry for help but I can’t see any way back for him. As for Sebastian, I feel like Carl is going to spare him, bringing full circle how Carl dealt with Sophia’s attackers when he was first on his own, and he’s going to be a big part of the future of the comic in his own way… at least I hope he is, as odd as that sounds. I’ve loved Negan’s redemption arc. In an odd sort of way, I really want to see Sebastian’s. By dint of probably killing Rick, he is now one of the most important characters in TWD lore and sort of an interesting dark mirror of Carl. The notion that a Commonwealth resident should take on the governorship really points to Michonne but I reckon there’s a good chance Carl will end up being Elodie’s bodyguard or something like that to keep him at the heart of the action. I also wonder if there’s more to Pamela’s assertion that she needed to be in charge and “you don’t know how complicated things are” is a hint that there are still darker problems in the Commonwealth, secrets only Pamela knew, that have yet to be explored. Certainly, I can’t see a new community like the whisperers or Commonwealth being introduced very soon.
This loss is going to be felt for a long, long time to come, probably right through to the end, but this did feel like a wholly fitting and deserved ‘last stand’ for Rick. Robert, Charlie, Stefano, Chris… the whole team just absolutely smashed this one. Devastating but brilliant. Thank you all.
Er, that was supposed to be Cliff not Chris!!!
Omg. I’m in shock. This started the way I was hoping it would. I was so happy to see Rick take Charge. That’s what Rick is good at taking leadership to a whole new level. And with a few turns of the pages my happiness turn sour right before my eyes. This is not how it ends. Rick Grimes wont fall today.
Amazing story. Amazing artwork. I cried today. I dont know what will happen next. I’m scared to find out.
Rip
I want to have hope Rick somehow survives. He has survived worse. He just cant go out like this! I never wanted a month to go so fast than I do with May lol. No matter what, I’ll keep reading!
I just don’t see how Rick survives this. If you look at the location of the bullet entry, if is just to the left of his sternum which is exactly where your heart is located. Honestly, I was surprised he could gasp out those final words. And even if it somehow missed his heart by a fraction. he would need to be in a Level 1 trauma center ASAP or likely bleed out. I’m all for seeing Rick keep going but I don’t see how this is survivable.
Easily. They’re in the Commonwealth. They have hospitals. The the bullet is lodged next to his heart and he spends a few months in a coma. SOMETHING!! He can’t die. Period full stop.
I hope you are right , but it seems pretty unlikely.
I do think they will heroically try to save him, assuming Sebastian tries to get someone and doesn’t just run off.
He got shot in the fucking chest! He’s too old for that shit!! Fucking fuck I don’t want him to go. 🙁
Pretty good issue….classic Rick speech…saw the ending coming from a mile away though…
Yeah, when I saw the cover of 192 published with just Carl in the streets and so much tension at the end of 190, I was extremely concerned 191 would be the end of Rick. One of the few times I’m glad I was right. I guess 192 will be hunting down Sebastian, hopefully with some old Western-style justice. I don’t see a long goodbye here like Andrea in 167. That was a mortal injury, hopefully Carl can see him before he passes away.
Actually, that should have said “not glad I am right”!!!
WHAT THE FUCK? I mean I knew it was coming but I half way expected Rick to kill the little bastard.
Well I guess we can look forward to Carl killing that son of a bitch!
ARE YOU PULLING MY DICK, KIRKMAN?!
My cat passed away yesterday. I watched Endgame this past weekend. I don’t know if I can take much more. That ending was a gut punch.
It’s 2 minutes to midnight in the UK and I just finished reading the last few pages for about the 10th time, how the fuck am I supposed to sleep tonight!?
Best be some good doctors in the commonwealth to save Ricky G!
Looking forward to Pamela having Sebastian executed for being a dick next issue.
I hate you Sebastian ! I hope Rick will not die like that, he deserves a decent death…
Naw, come on! Rick Grimes isn’t going out like this. He’s been shot more than once, had his hand amputated, beaten to a pulp and so much more. This isn’t his time. He’s gonna get through this, put Sebastian in his place (hopefully it’s in a cell or something worse), and he’s gonna lead the Commonwealth to a better future.
Guys my heart hurts… the wound is serious he doesn’t have much time… & then Carl is going to teach that dumb kid a lesson.. hopefully Carl doesn’t lose it.
I would like negan to stay in the serie and fight alongside the rick band I’m very fond of this character
I called it! I fucking called it! I hate myself because I called it! Damn, I’m sad now.
We knew Sebastian was going to do something shitty from the moment we met him, but did we know it would be slaying Rick Grimes caliber shitty?
Though we don’t know yet for sure if Rick will die from this it looks as though it will be a fatal shot. Seems like we all got really worked up over Andreas’ death but we all saw this one coming so it has not quite set in yet. Really can’t wait to see issue 192!
Not dead. Not dead. Not dead not dead not dead not dead not dead not dead!!NOT DEAD!
Wait guys I missed this and last month bc I got a new credit card and no matter where I look on here I can’t find any way to access my account or put in my new card. I log in and then when I click the drop down menu it still says log in. This site has always been jacked no matter what device I try it on. Can someone please help me?
iBooks man.. sometimes it’s just easiest.
So if Rick is deado, I hope SOBastian (see? Wah wah) has is in a bit of shock and hunkers in a corner …while Rick turns, and creeps up on him and ravages his cowardly ass.
Unlikely, because I think little guy is more of a run away coward than a stay and sulk one.
Okay seriously, don’t die Rick.
Wow. When Carl and Rick were talking and having a father / son moment, I started to get a weird feeling. I thought maybe somebody would attack Rick, but I didn’t expect Sebastian to shoot him. Maybe i’m in denial, but I thought maybe Rick will still live, but I teach nursing and biology classes and he got shot right where the heart should be.
Maybe because they are at the commonwealth , he will be able to get immediate medical attention for several surgeons – it only makes sense that a community of 50000 has some doctors. I’m hoping that Rick is going to go into a coma that mirrors issue 1. There were a lot of references to earlier issues and if that could be another one explored in 192.
I know Robert Kirkman talked about doing 300 issues and if he was having fun still, then he would continue writing. I always imagined that Carl would really start shining in the 25-50 issues and Rick would die on or near the 300th. Then he could do a time skip or something and continue on with Carl as the main lead. The comic would feel empty without Rick. Killing Rick too soon could really throw things off, but I trust Robert Kirkman.
Also something weird I noticed.. on the cover in the upper left hand side is a person(idk if they are named or not) with a scythe kind of like the Grim Reaper would have.
All in all the issue was really good , but I don’t want Rick to die.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This has been foreseen, since Rick killed Dwight and things got the darker turn. Now, after Rick saved they day and many people from wasting their lives, he said good night to his son Carl and went to bed. There, he was cowardly ambushed and shot by a dumb scumbag named Sebastian, who probably didn’t even want to kill Rick, as he certainly didn’t look like a cold-blooded killer in the end.
We all know this feel. When Andrea got bitten, only the biggest optimists thought it was a bullet scratch. The rest of us knew it was her doom. But she died in peace, saying goodbye to her loved ones, to her friends and even to Negan. Only Dwight didn’t say goodbye, and he’s dead. But Rick is everything, he was The Walking Dead in Issue 24, but as of now he is not The Walking Dead anymore. But what does it mean, that he’s gone for good?
I don’t want to doom Rick just yet. Maybe Sebastian will run for a doctor, a big place like Commonwealth should be properly prepared for such incidents. If he dies, it will be a sad end for our favorite character. But story-wise, his death might create space for other characters, who deserve more story.
Sebastian just turned Rick into a martyr. His death will either help to change the Commonwealth, or it will destroy it completely.
First thing that I need to say is that this is by far, page by page, the most powerful issue to date. One of the most potent pieces of media I’ve ever had the absolute pleasure of experiencing.
Now that I’ve cleared that up…JUST WHAT DIRECTLY THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE!!!!???!!!
I’ve been with this comic since the moments following the end of the first episode on TV; I knew this was the work of a deranged genius right away, and I’ve never looked back. I shuddered at what the governor did to Michonne. I cringed at the way in which she repaid him. When you took Andrea from us, I mourned her as family. I watched my friend Glenn fall gruesomely at the hands of a madman, and I questioned the type of man I truly am when I began to sympathize and relate to that same madman.
Yet through everything, my guide, my therapist, my (at times) fellow lunatic, has been there with me and for me. I’ve applied his lessons to my actual life; I’ve known him closely and respected him for many years…
For this to happen, at the whim of such an unworthy scumbag, truly reflects how these tragedies really occur here in our own world. The greatest among us taken by the weakest, the strongest stolen away by the most cowardly.
All this withstanding, I can only thank you for being brave enough to do this. I can’t say I’m happy to see it happen, but after all is said and done…
In Kirkman we trust…
Carl will put Sebastian down, then his Father. That’ll leave him and Sophia as the only ones left from the original group. Unless Rick somehow survives a shot to the chest at point blank…
I’ve stuck at the issue #167 when it first came out and just last week devoured everything i’ve missed. The last issue seemed short to me (probably cause i’ve read previous 23 at once) but i didn’t expect that Rick is going to be shot. The tought that passed through my mind was how Sebastian represents the worst kind of people – the ones who are dangerously stupid. Unpredictable yet so predictable. You can sort of expect what they would do but their timing can surprise anyone. At this point is hard to say what will happen onward. I somehow feel that Rick is going to survive even tho is almost impossible but the story in the comic really needs him. Yet again everything is possible. I’m wondering if other comunities will start the war or will they cut the snake’s head and continue to live peacefully by helping each other? That opens another question: What’s the next big threat? All that includes Commonwealth doesn’t seem like a big obsticle because the only threat there were Gouverner and her son. No one supports their system. So what will make the story heavier after Rick survives (very optimistic about it) ?
r
Actually the last issue seemed longer to me, page-wise. There were only 1 page front & back of Letter Hacks and no ads. I’m not at home to check but I think half-way was 14 pages, so 28 total versus the normal 22. However, it appeared short because there were a TON of 1 and 2 page splashes in there – the groups standing off, the 2 page Rick close-up “We are NOT the Walking Dead”, and some full pages toward the end and that is all I am remembering – old age LOL.
I’m not at all sure where the book goes from here. I do hope at some point Negan enters the story again. Cover for #193 shows someone random approaching a farmhouse, so looks like we’ll get a break from the Commonwealth (and it’s time to wrap that up anyway). Also not that #192 is expected to be the end of Compendium #4 (Issues 145 to 192). So they will wrap it up one way or the other I suspect.
Rick needs to die. Die Rick. It will allow readers to explore other great comics. It is a send off (hand off) to Carl perhaps but either way, Rick has to die.
I started reading The Walking Dead between seasons 2 and 3 of the show. I wanted more of this zombie tale, so I picked up the book and caught up around #100. Since my sophomore year of high school I’ve been following Rick on his journey, watching his struggles and being inspired by his willpower and determination. Rick Grimes may be a fictional character, but he has inspired me greatly in my personal life. Whenever times are tough, I ask myself, “What would Rick Grimes do?”. Rick Grimes never gives up, he always finds a way to pull through no matter how great the odds may be. I’ve used this inspiration going into adulthood and college. It has been a bumpy road for me to get to where I am, but even in my toughest moments, I always persevered because that’s what Rick taught me. He is my favorite fictional character of all time. Whatever his fate may be, he will always be an inspiration to me. Thank you Rick Grimes, and thank you Robert Kirkman. Live or die, he’s been there for me, and I’ll be there for him!
Wow! I was really moved by Rick’s speech. He spoke words that I wish were spoken in real life by a great leader that our country desperately needs. One who unites us all by opening our eyes to the wonderful and beautiful world that we could be living in. Rick Grimes was a leader who lifted his friends and family up during the absolute worst of times. He stood up for what he believed was right and admitted when he was wrong. I’m so happy that him and Carl were able to have that last moment together. This issue was a celebration of a man who had every reason to give up long ago, but instead he chose to raise up his scarred, severed hand. And in doing so, he raised up my heart one last time. Thank you Rick Grimes.
Such a shitty way for Rick to be killed off (he has to die with that wound) was needed. He is/was such a glorious, deep, tortured, righteous, driven character he deserves a brave, valiant, meaningful death but that is the wonder of The Walking Dead, it’s always pushed the boundaries, not shied away from the big decisions and never worried about pissing the readers off! This is why a cowardly act should finish him off because it’s the opposite of what he deserves. I just hope we get to see him zombie up and then chomp some other regulars on his way out! Viva Kirkman.
Well, Well, Well… That was unexpected, but maybe it’s time. Rick had a phenomenal run and a great send off if he is to die, even if we aren’t ready to say goodbye. Either way, now is the time for shit to really go down in the commonwealth.
He may think we are not be the walking dead, but even so, lets just hope that Rick isn’t regular dead in 192.
#PrayforRG
I hope they can save Rick, I mean he has survived gunshot wounds before. I know Kirkman has said that he will not survive until the end of comic, but come on he cant be taking out by such a F^^^^ing Nancy(Sebastian). But either way whether Rick survives or not I think Rick has had a Great run and honestly has prevented the inevitable long enough. It will be sad to see him go but who really knows! But issue 192 will be the completion of Compendium 4 so……
“Good night dad”. Carl issue 168.
“Good night dad.” Carl issue 191.
Hey guys! Just FYI, any comments made after Friday afternoon might get deleted as we move to a better web server for the site. It was supposed to happen a little quicker but we hit a snag. We hope to throw the switch tonight (Tuesday night).
I’m no doctor, but unless Rick’s heart has migrated from the left side of his chest to somewhere else… that wound and the fact the bullet went straight through does not bode well. I am crestfallen.
Pamela Milton sent Sebastian to assassinate Rick.
It’s sad, but Rick is gonna die. It was coming from the moment he said goodnite to Carl, and you see him going into a mist cloud while getting home. – Great picture, Mr. Adlard!
Rick goes as many heroes have gone in real life. No glamour, no epic fall, just the wrong side of a gun. Some weirdo takes revenge in an unfortunate event/coincidence and it’s done.
I’d imagine Rick roaming at dawn, just turned in the opening pages of 192. It’s gonna be heartbreaking.
Someone warns Carl. He gets to his dad, and put him to rest.
Everyone chases Sebastien to kill him. Carl arrives at time and asks to jail him, instead. Thats what Ricks taught him.
The whole gang start their way to Alexandria mourning.
193: It’s Negan time! Probably see Carl and Co on 196!
Well done, Mr. Kirkman.
Cant wait for the next issues!