The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead comic series is something that I became aware of after the rising popularity of the television show. Since this discovery, I have been following every new release of both the comic series and the show. As The Walking Dead is the only comic/television series that I follow regularly (I watch Marvel and DC films, but do not read the comics frequently enough), I find it interesting how in some areas the show differs from the comic, and in others, it stays exactly the same. In some instances, I can see why the changes from comic to television are necessary, as they would not translate well. For example, in my opinion, the Governor was a much better character in the television show than he was in the comic. His character on the page was a savage man, one dimensional, cruel for the sake of being cruel, he was a typical villain. Whereas in the show, he’s still introduced as a villain, but as we get to know his character, we learn that he has reasons for why he does things the way he does them. I’ve always believed that the best kinds of villains have the best kinds of intentions, but are flawed in that they will do bad things in order to achieve their well-intended goals. I like a villain with some sort of moral code — even if the villain knows they are the bad guy.

Which brings me to the topic of Negan, TWD’s newest on-screen villain. I am so glad they are staying true to his character so far (despite the lack of F-bombs). Megan was always interesting because from the very beginning you knew he was a terrible, he knew he was terrible, but at the same time, he still established himself to be very likable in a sick and twisted sort of way. Each time the survivors encounter Negan, be it onscreen or in the comic, we learn a little bit more about him and the way he functions. We learn pretty quickly that Negan adopted his psychotic personality to not only survive, but thrive in this dystopian world. His rules and laws, as twisted and evil as they may seem, make sense. His thought process and actions, as dark and manipulative as they are, work extremely well. Everything about his character, both on the page and screen makes him terrifying, likable, and hatable all at the same.

TWD is praised for its exploration of survivalism, and human behavior. While the comic is significantly more hyperbolic than the television show (because it can be), they both display a wide range of how different types of people could and would change and adapt to the dangerous and cruel new environment. It really makes you question the ethics of everything in that sort of setting, and at this point in the story, it’s difficult to say whether or not any good characters are left, or if simply the world only leaves people of varying shades of bad.