The Walking Dead #150 | Milestone Betrayed Anniversary Issue

The Walking Dead #150 is a major milestone issue from one of the defining horror comics of its era. Released in January 2016, this special anniversary chapter reaches the impressive 150 issue mark. It also pushes Rick Grimes toward open conflict with the Whisperers.

Robert Kirkman writes “Betrayed,” which concludes the No Turning Back story. Charlie Adlard provides the main artwork, with Stefano Gaudiano on inks and Cliff Rathburn contributing tones. The pictured copy features Cover A by Charlie Adlard and Dave Stewart.

The story opens with Dwight leaving the Sanctuary. Laura follows him, but not because she wants to convince him to return. She has decided to leave with him. Their movement adds another piece to the changing political landscape surrounding Rick’s communities.

Back in Alexandria, Rick and Eugene discuss creating an organized military force. The Whisperers have already inflicted terrible losses, and frustration is spreading through the survivors. Rick understands that simply demanding patience will no longer be enough.

His leadership is soon challenged in a far more personal way.

Rick is attacked by two hooded men while walking through Alexandria. The attackers are revealed as Morton Rose and Vincent. Morton has been consumed by anger following the murder of his wife, Tammy, by the Whisperers. He blames Rick’s leadership for failing to deliver the retaliation he wants.

The confrontation turns deadly when Morton decides Rick must be killed. Rick is already badly injured and physically limited, but his survival instincts take control. He bites Morton in the neck during the struggle, killing him before collapsing from his own injuries.

The scene deliberately recalls the brutal survivor Rick has been forced to become. Even after years of building communities and attempting to restore civilization, that instinct remains inside him.

Rick later chooses not to hide what happened. He appears before the people of Alexandria while still visibly injured. Instead of presenting himself as an untouchable leader, he uses the attack to address the growing anger inside the community.

Vincent is brought before him, creating another important leadership test. Rick chooses forgiveness rather than revenge. His decision becomes part of a larger message about what Alexandria must become.

At the same time, Rick finally commits to organizing an army. The survivors will prepare for the threat posed by Alpha and the Whisperers. That decision helps move the series toward the approaching Whisperer War.

Negan also receives a memorable moment from his cell as he watches Rick regain the support of his people. Their complicated relationship remains one of the most fascinating elements of this period.

Issue #150 also carries significance simply because of its milestone status. The release was presented as a special anniversary issue with an expanded page count. Several alternate covers were produced to celebrate the occasion.

The pictured Charlie Adlard Cover A is the standard first printing cover. Adlard places an injured Rick in front of shattered glass filled with haunting images of familiar characters. The composition reflects the emotional damage and uncertainty surrounding him.

For collectors, The Walking Dead #150 captures an important transition in Rick Grimes’ leadership. It combines internal betrayal, brutal survival, political tension, and the growing Whisperer threat. It is also a strong representation of the later Kirkman and Adlard era.