Vol. 2 Miles Behind Us (Issues #7-12)

When I first "got into" The Walking Dead it never occurred to me to read the comic/graphic novel. I thought it would be redundant. Plus everyone knows it's better to read the book before seeing the visual interpretation. However, I am having a fresh and new experience. I love the fact they did not religiously stick to the original story line. (It was also smart from a business aspect, as well.) There is on major difference you should take note of; the time elapse difference between the comic and the TV show is very interesting. This allows the writers to create a variety of motivating factors when altering the decisions character make. (I.e. climate.)

KEY DIFFERENCES Vol. 2.

• Dale lets Rick know the group would like to appoint him as the leader. 
• Tyreese makes his appearance early, in comparison to the TV show. (I can see why people were so excited about the long awaited appearance.)
• The first mention of travelling cannibals, A.K.A the hunters. 
• Rick sets the precedence that the change in the living is what people should be afraid of, not so much the walkers. (I.e Shane's meltdown) It seems like it took him a while to develop this mentality in the series. I believe his encounter with the governor facilitates this frame of thinking the TV show. 
• Lori reveals she is pregnant to Rick. At least in the comic she isn't as deceiving as in the TV show; but I think her discreetness had a lot to with Shane still being alive.
• OMG I did not know Andrea and Dale get it on!!!! Ugh???!!! This is mirrored in the TV show by their close relationship, just not quite as close. 
• The group tried to settle in a gated community, Wilshire, but they later find out that it is over-run with walkers. During the escape Donna dies. 
• Carl finally gets shot and taken to the farm for medical attention. It seems that Tyreese is taking the place of Shane, in the TV series. 
• Surprisingly, Hershel was very forthcoming about the walkers in the barn. Another big difference from the TV series. In season two that was a big part of the story line. Epic events were involved with the barn: Sophia's walker was revealed, and the awesome burning of the barn.
• The infamous barn massacre did not result in the reveal of Sophia's death (yay she's still alive!). However, it did make Hershel realize the severity of the situation they are living in. 
• Hershel's character is completely different in the comic. I did not expect him to pull out his gun on Rick and threaten to bitch slap Lori.  They really dove into the issue of Hershel losing his children and wanting the group's stay to be temporary. 
• I must say that from the beginning of the comics Carl has been a bad ass. When he see's his family in a physical altercation is has one finger on the trigger finger. Now I am not surprised by the character development in the TV series. 
• Rick and the group leave the barn, minus Glenn - because he is in love with Maggie, and scavenge for food and water. Eventually, Dale and Andrea stumble upon the prison.

Random Thoughts

• When Dale told Rick the group appointed him as the leader he mentioned Christmas. Rick totally had a breakdown. Rick made Dale promise not to mention it because it would be a HUGE party pooper. The expression on his face was overly dramatic and priceless. 
• When Tyreese and his daughter and boyfriend arrive, the bitchy Lori is starting show now that Shane has died. (lol)
• From the beginning, Tyreese is very frank and funny, likable. 
• Do I spot some sexual tension between Tyreese and Carol?
• Who didn't foresee Tyreese getting "Them skins". . Carol?
• Lori seems to be much more likable in the comic than in the TV show. 
• I think it's cute that Glenn has/had a crush on Carol. I think it sucks the way they casted her on the TV series. But, they made it clear the TV series isn't a mirror of the comic book. 
•  A lot of TWD enthusiast have been upset with the TV series. I don't understand when they know the TV series is a direct reflection of the comic. I would suggest that people think of the two as alternate universes. 
• I really like the pragmatic way Maggie and Glenn hook up. Damn, you know times are hard when you can use talking about another women as a pick up line. 
• I think it's kind of funny that every time someone needs to get the attention of a walker they yell, "Over here UGLY!" It works like a charm.
• Julie and Chris are very irritating. It seems as if they are planning a double suicide or to run away - since they have the guns. And they also do not like Tyreese and Carol's relationship for some unknown reason. 
• I am so glad to see many characters in different lights. Dale and Sofia are still alive. I get to explore a completely different Carol. Tyreese is introduced much earlier, and I get to uncover what the hoopla  is all about. I am sad to see some character die or exit the story line. All in all it's a great "alternate universe" of the walking dead.