Jersey Walking
Walking Dead 96

COMIC DETAILS

Comic Description: Walking Dead #96 Universal
Grade: 9.8
Page Quality: WHITE
Certification #: 1095107026
Owner: dhurley

SET DETAILS

Winning Set: Jersey Walking
Date Added: 6/10/2012
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

First Appearance of Samuel.

Original cover art


In the aftermath of Ethan's murder, Rick is looked upon in horror.

"Who is Negan?" Rick asks Paul, "Where would he be keeping Crystal? I assume she was one of your group and this guy is holding her hostage."

Then, Paul leads the group off the streets and away from the eyes of the Hilltop citizens.
"Almost as soon as the walls were built, Negan showed up," resumes Paul, "He's the leader of a really nasty group of people he calls "The Saviors". He met with Gregory, made a lot of demands and even more threats. Gregory is not exactly good at... confrontation. I'm not going to lie to you, he's not the leader I would have chosen, but the people like him. He struck a deal with The Saviors."

Rick and his group listen intently, as Paul goes on, telling them; "Half of everything, our supplies, our crops, our livestock, belong to The Saviors... We make regular deliveries and they keep the area relatively clear of the dead. That's the deal. Near as I can tell, they're a roaming band of maniacs on an unending killing spree... Word is they've killed thousands of the dead already."

As the meeting goes on, Rick and his people begin to learn exactly how horrible The Saviors are.

Carl interjects into the conversation, which shocks Paul.

That night, the citizens of Hilltop surround a bonfire and hold a ceremony to burn Ethan's corpse. Some of them are seen crying or looking distressed, when Rick arrives on the scene.

"Hey!" one of the citizens, Samuel, addresses him, "Why are YOU here?! This is a private ceremony! You've got no right to be here!"

Samuel punches Rick across the face, repeating the words "NO RIGHT!"

Rick collapses to the floor, showing that Samuel could possibly be physically stronger than him. Samuel then starts to yell; "Ethan was a good man! He didn't have to die! He was scared and--"

Just as before, Paul Monroe steps in to settle the altercation. He shouts; "Back off, Samuel! I don't care how much we loved Ethan! He was trying to KILL this man! All he did was defend himself."
Paul begins to carry Rick away on his shoulders, again speaking; "Mourn him because he's GONE. But don't pretend he was anything more than a coward who attacked us. He DESERVED to die."

All of the citizens, Samuel especially, are shocked by what Paul has said.

In the morning, Glenn is observing the community when Rick comes outside behind him. Glenn sees the bruising around Rick's eye and questions him about it.
Looking out at the Hilltop Colony, Glenn tells Rick "I know it's been crazy, but I've gotta be honest... I really like it here." He goes on about how there are more jobs in Hilltop and the place seems more like a community than the Alexandria Safe-Zone did, even though it's larger. "This place is great," states Glenn, "Just LOOK at it."

Then, Carson comes over to greet Rick, telling him that "Gregory would like to speak with you."

Rick goes to see Gregory, who is bed-ridden and in serious pain. After informing Rick that he is in severe agony.

The two of them begin to speak about Negan and The Saviors. Gregory tells Rick that he'd be "very grateful" if Rick's group could "deal with Negan". Gregory tells Rick that the Hilltop Colony has "never been strong enough to face him" and that "over the last few months... things have gotten WORSE."

Later, Rick and his group are packing up their vehicle to leave. They have been given the supplies which Rick requested from Gregory.

Rick then goes on to explain; "THIS is what we've been living for. All our struggles and hard work have been leading to this. We've been surviving in order to reach this moment, this discovery. The Hilltop... This is our FUTURE. We can rebuild civilization now. We're one step closer to getting back to the way things were before. We can be at peace again. We can raise our children again. We can love our families again. We can let our guard down again. Whatever hardship comes out of this agreement... it will be WORTH it. This changes EVERYTHING. Can't you see that?"

He reasons with them, pressing onward.

"We can finally stop surviving," he says, "...and start LIVING."
  
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