From Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard.

Its the conclusion of “A Larger World” and the build up for issue #100 continues.

In this issue Rick deals with the aftermath of killing Ethan.  Jesus’s group hates him, and this hate exposes the truths about this larger world.  This new settlement has to pay tribute to another community, led by a man named Negan.  Its the Hilltop vs the Saviors.  Rick needs to talk his group into joining this battle and one of his rare soliloquies closes the issue.  Rick believes that the reason he became a leader is because he can see the future. Not in a mystical sense, more like seeing potential.  He helped convert the prison into a place to live.  He has improved the Community.  He sees dangers before anyone else.  All that has happened in nearly 100 issues has taken this gift and increased it.  It is here that I have a revelation about Rick.

He’s been playing chess with all of us.  Once again we go back to the prison.  The Governor is the last time Rick let his guard down.  He doesn’t trust anyone.  There is always a plan.  He has his crew, but besides Carl there’s not a doubt that Rick will leave any of them behind if it furthers his plan.

Remember, the Walking Dead does not have thought balloons.  We only know what the characters are thinking or feeling when it is actually spoken.  Rick could be playing all of us.  A kiss to Andrea gets her on his side.  He is always telling Glenn and Michonne how invaluable they are.  Rick wants to build an army, and every army exists to take out another force.

I said in a previous review that Rick is on his way to becoming a governor.  I stand by this.  He controls the Community, he is about to save the Hilltop from the Saviors and then control both groups.  With three collectives and hundreds of people seeing Rick as the best of options for a leader they will follow him.  Like an army.

Get on Walking Dead if you aren’t already.  Big shit is coming.  I’m not only seeing Rick as a new Governor soon.  I’m also wondering if he will become a villain.  Stay tuned for next issue.  I’m doubting everyone that was alive when this group left the Community will still be alive when they return.