4.5 stars 
 The Walking Dead is one of my favorite TV shows. I'm a fan of the graphic novel format. Yet it took me this long to finally start reading these! I usually like to read the book first and then see the movie/show, but working backwards will help prepare me for some of the difficult scenes to come. I got all goose-pimply reading this one, and remembering that long-ago first TV episode. 
 It's a great story, with a focus on the characters. The zombies are there, but they aren't the main focus. I do prefer my artwork in color, and that's the only reason I took off a half star.