the year in books [IX]

Too Far Gone, issues 73-78, in which the members of Rick's group settle into their new roles in the Alexandria Safe-Zone, and Rick, as constable, tries to make the place safer by stopping a dangerous man inside the community. But, could Rick and his battle-scarred compatriots be too far gone to live a peaceful life again?

No Way Out, issues 79-84. After the murder of Douglas' wife, Rick and his people begin to step up as the leaders of the Alexandria community against the wishes of many residents. But, the people of Alexandria have a much bigger problem that they must deal with together when they discover they are surrounded by a massive herd of roamers.

We Find Ourselves, issues 85-90. As the Alexandria Safe-Zone finds itself recuperating from the herd attack, Rick begins making decisions that will lead to the long term sustainability of their community. Carl is still unconscious from his injury and it is unclear whether he will survive. Some people also question the bold choices Rick has made for the community and try to take over Alexandria.

A Larger World, issues 91-96. In this arc, Rick is hoping to restart a civilized and peaceful life inside the Alexandria Safe-Zone, but, his group realizes they're not the only survivors out in the world. They encounter a new survivor in the wastes named Paul Monroe, who says he is a recruiter for a group of possibly more than 200 people nearby called the Hilltop Colony. The colony appears to be even safer than Alexandria, but the group soon learns that the people of the Hilltop Colony have some very dangerous enemies.

Something To Fear, issues 97-102. Rick and his group confront the Hilltop Colony's enemy, The Saviors, a group of brutal people led by a man named Negan. However, Rick severely underestimates The Saviors and does not take them seriously as something to be feared until some of his best friends begin dying in brutally savage ways. In the end, Rick is forced into an ultimatum that puts the lives of everyone in Alexandria on the line.

What Comes After, issues 103-108. While the group learns what living under Negan's rules really mean, Rick devises a new strategy to deal with the Saviors. But, before it can be put in motion, a member of the group disappears after the Saviors collect their payment from Alexandria. Rick and Jesus must now call on the help of an exotic man named Ezekiel and his "kingdom" of survivors to have any chance of defeating the Saviors.