I'm a little late to the game when it comes to reading the series. I knew about the book before the series ever became an idea for a TV show. But like everything in life, things kept popping up that kept me from reading the book. So, my introduction to The Walking Dead was the TV series itself and with Season 2 only a day way (that would be tomorrow, yo), I decided to read the The Walking Dead: Volume 1 (Days Gone Bye) Trade Paperback.

How did it hold up? Very good. Although some of the dialogue scenes were a little too much "on-the-nose", it's still a very engaging read with very likable characters and one not so likable character. As in the TV show, I hate Shane. I just think he is a douche to sell out his partner Rick Grimes, just so that he can get laid. The interesting thing about reading this book is how many editorial changes they made from print to screen, the biggest being ....

Spoiler (hover to show)

...when Shane lures Rick out into the woods with the intent of killing him, only to have Carl Grimes follow and kill Shane, saving his father's life. The other major addition to the story was the inclusion of Daryl Dixon to add some tension within the group for the TV series that was missing in the book.

As good as the writing is and is the main draw for those coming in based on the name of Robert Kirkman, it's the art by Tony Moore that will have you salivating with each and every page. His art in general and more to the point, his art within these pages is so good that they will make every one want to pick up a pencil and start drawing. It's THAT good. The book itself is colored in Grey Tones, which I'm okay with. It's a very somber world and the colors play into it nicely. But I wouldn't object to a massive compilation book with colored interiors, much like they did with Bone by Jeff Smith.

I highly recommend this to anyone that is a fan of the TV series. This is a definite Buy for me.