Vol. 1: Days Gone By (Issues #1-6)

Awww, the beginning of the end. This volume covers the events from when Rick is shot and hospitalized, until the group leaves the camp outside of Atlanta.

For the most part, the beginning of the comic parallels the T.V. show; but in much greater detail. The following is a list of major differences I have noticed.

• There is a difference in the time frame the group remains at the camp near Atlanta. It appears they stayed until early winter, which contributed to their decision to leave. They needed to find shelter.
• When Rick wakes up from a coma he changes his clothes immediately. (Why is important? It's not.) Therefore, my favorite scene in the T.V. show doesn't exist in the comic universe. I loved seeing Rick in his hospital robe riding a bike. 
• The comic convey's Rick's feeling in greater detail. He's very emotional, and rightfully so. This insight helps the reader to understand some of the decisions makes.
• Carl seems to be way younger than 7-years-old.
• As easy as it was to hate Shane in the T.V. show, it's even easier in the comic. His character is very one dimensional, and short lived.
• Carol is portrayed as a young and attractive blonde woman.
• There's a new family. Allen (Father), Donna (Mother), and their twin boys.
• Sadly, T-Dawg, Merle, and Daryl do not exist in this realm of The Walking Dead. This means Merle never gets to be a horrible racist, lose his hand, nor redeem himself by making the ultimate sacrifice. 
• Instead of learning how to shoot at Hershel's farm, Rick trains the group while they are still at the original camp site. 
• I almost forgot, the incredible tank scene when Rick arrives in Atlanta. Yeah, that does not exist in the comic :(
• Last but not least, Carl shoots and kills Shane in the woods of the camp site, not at the farm (as seen on T.V.). The premise of events that lead up to the remain the same.

Random Thoughts

Reading the comic has made it easier for me to connect with Rick's character. Even though I knew what was going to happen in this volume I felt more involved. Surprisingly, Lori is not as annoying as she is in the T.V. show. I kind of like the fact that Carol is a younger female. 

This is the first comic book that I've read in years. The drawing is spectacular. I never thought I would be engaged and thrilled by a comic book. I shouldn't be surprised because it's The Walking Dead, it's amazing.