Summary
Warning! Spoilers forThe Walking Deadcomic series ahead.Robert Kirkman, creator ofThe Walking Dead, teased that there was one unforgivable sin television channel AMC had committed against his work:changing Andrea’s iconic line “we’re the ones that live,” to a more grammatically proper form when it became the title of the spin-off seriesThe Ones Who Live.
The Walking Dead Deluxe#94 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Charlie Adlard – is a full-color reprint of the original issue, first released in 2012. Like every issue of theDeluxererelease of the series, annotations from Kirkman on the writing of the series are includedalongside the original letters' page, offering a wealth of insight into the book’s evolution and the author’s creative process.
In this case, Kirkman took a tongue-in-cheek swipe at the grammatical change to the title ofThe Ones Who Live, jokingly calling it “a decision [he] cannot abide.”
“The Voice You Hear When You’re Lying Awake at Night”: Walking Dead Creator Admits the Fan Critique That Got to Him
Walking Dead Creator Robert Kirkman acknowledged that one criticism of the series plagued him during sleepless nights – even if he disagreed with it.
Kirkman’s comment comes in jest, seemingly playing off his magnanimity in dealing with the many changes between his book andThe Walking Dead’sTV iterations.
The Walking Dead#94 contains Andrea’s iconic declaration that: “we’re the ones who live.” According to Robert Kirkman, this was the moment that truly kicked off what would become a long-running romance between Andreaand Rick Grimes. Consequently, when a TV series was developed focusing on Rick and his on-screen love interest Michonne,the quote offered the perfect title for the show – or, rather, almost perfect.In his notes for theDeluxeedition of the issue, Kirkman noted:
As Andrea’s storyline got adapted to Michonne in the TV series, that line was also inspiration for the spin-off show The Ones Who Live. They went with the more grammatically correct choice. A decision I cannot abide. Shame on them.
Grammar dispute aside, it is interesting to note how Kirkman views the parallels between the Rick-Michonne and Rick-Andrea pairings.
Of course, Kirkman’s comment comes in jest, seemingly playing off his magnanimity in dealing with the manychanges between his book andThe Walking Dead’sTV iterations. AsThe Walking Dead Deluxecontinues – and the author has the opportunity to revisit the Rick-Andrea relationship as it develops – what will be most exciting for readers following along will be to learn more about how the comic book version of Rick’s love life informed the subsequent TV version, even if the character and circumstances were ultimately remixed.
The “Adaptation Era” Enters Full Swing
The second half of [The Walking Dead Deluxe] reprint will increasingly also offer a window into the behind-the-scenes of the TV series' transformation from a niche horror show to a massive pop culture force.
At the time ofThe Walking Dead#94’s original publication, AMC’sThe Walking Deadadaptation was still early in its run, to the point where it was very much still finding its footing. In retrospect, fans recognize the show as an eleven-season juggernaut, and a cultural phenomenon – spawningmultiple spin-offs, includingThe Ones Who Live– but in 2012, its future was still far from determined. What is certain is that the show and comic co-existed for the remainder of the comic’s run, through the peak of the show’s success.
All of that is to say,The Walking Dead Deluxeis sure to contain some fascinating insights intoKirkman’s work on, and thoughts about, the TV series. So far, theDeluxereprint has been a gold mine for readers who want to know about the comic’s evolution; the second half of the reprint will increasingly also offer a window into the behind-the-scenes of the TV series' transformation from a niche horror show to a massive pop culture force. In other words, forfans ofThe Walking Deadfranchise – in whatever medium – theDeluxereissue is essential reading.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Cast
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live follows Rick Grimes and Michonne as they navigate a transformed world that challenges their relationship. Separated by distance and facing an unstoppable force, they strive to reunite and rediscover their identities in this continuation of the Walking Dead universe.
