Originally read in early 2012. 
 Reread May 2016 
 I started to read this series after watching the first season (however short it was) of The Walking Dead tv series. I had head it was based off a comic series but knew little else. When I spotted this massive comic at the library, I just had to check out out. So glad I did! 
 The book is similar to the tv series yet there are lots of differences. I don't want to spoil one or the other by saying too much. But a few things include: No Darryl. Tyrese has a daughter, not a sister. Hershel's personality is quite different. Some characters live a lot longer, others die much sooner. So if you have seen the series and are thinking that since you have, there is no need to read this, then you are very wrong. Although Rick, Carl ans Glenn are probably the most stable of all characters.live in this that died in the series and vice versa. The beginning is basically the same but it does take some different routes and the focus is sometimes different. 
 I loved comparing the two. Some of my favorites here I don't like in the tv version For example I love Andrea in the comics but nearly despise her in the series-although I do like the actress). But bottom line, there is a lot that can be new. 
 This gives up the first 48 volumes of the comic series You can read this compendium or just read them one at a time or there are in-between sized volumes to read. It is a very in-depth series that is worth taking your time through it. Lots of small details in the art especially. it is a gritty style that I am not normally a fan of but in a zombie apocalypse I think I'd be hard-pressed to find better. 
 This series is zombie fan MUST!