If you've played Telltale Games' The Walking Dead video game series, you'll be very familiar with Clementine, the series protagonist. Clementine lived on after the end of the game, making her first post-game appearance in Clementine Lives, which featured in Skybound X along with the first chapter of Rick Grimes 2000. Written by Tillie Walden, Clementine: Book One is Clem's first dedicated comic book series.
Official Synopsis
Clementine is back on the road, looking to put her traumatic past behind her and forge new path all her own.
But when she comes across an Amish teenager named Amos with his head in the clouds, the unlikely pair journeys North to an abandoned ski resort in Vermont, where they meet up with a small group of teenagers attempting to build a new, walker-free settlement.
As friendship, rivalry, and romance begin to blossom amongst the group, the harsh winter soon reveals that the biggest threat to their survival… might be each other.
The Story
Clementine: Book One has proved controversial among fans, many of whom weren't willing to accept Clementine leaving AJ in Clementine Lives. I think this notion was immediately put to bed in the opening pages of Clementine: Book One with Clementine meeting Amos as he embarks on Rumspringa. Just like Amos needs to go on his voyage of self-discovery, so too must Clementine find herself in this coming of age tale. And if that ultimately leads her back to AJ, then so be it.
The Art
I'm not going to lie, the artwork was disappointing. I'd been drawn in by the gorgeous, eye-catching cover and was dismayed to see the grey, bland pages inside. I'm also a little annoyed - they'd ultimately reissued The Walking Dead comics in colour, so haven't they learned that fans prefer colour?
Verdict
I wanted to love this comic with all of my heart but sadly the artwork let it down. It’s not just about aesthetics – there were scenes that I had to read once, twice more to try understand what was happening because it wasn’t clear from either the text nor graphics. This was most evident in what could be described as the most important scene in the book, one where there shouldn’t have been a shred of ambiguity. I think Clementine: Book One could be saved with a colour re-issue but even then they might need to enhance some artwork or dialogue.
Stan Zone
Recommended if you like: The Walking Dead, zombies, post-apocalyptica
Buy
Clementine: Book One will be released on 28 June 2022 and is available from the following retailers:
Amazon | Forbidden Planet | Waterstones
Affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you purchase using these links, at no extra cost to you.
Links
Tillie Walden Instagram | Tillie Walden Tumblr
I received an advance, electronic copy of this graphic novel from Edelweiss. I will always provide an honest review, whether books are provided to me or purchased by me.
Image Credits © Tillie Walden
