In every rendition of a zombie narrative, including the immensely popular The Walking Dead, fans are consistently drawn to one pivotal question: what is the origin of the zombies? This inquiry has lingered in the minds of The Walking Dead enthusiasts for years, and the recent release of the Deluxe edition comic has provided an unexpectedly humorous twist on the matter.
Robert Kirkman, co-creator of the series, has often remained tight-lipped about the origins of the zombie virus, believing it to be inconsequential to the overall narrative. In his view, the zombies serve primarily as a backdrop, with humanity facing a grim reality devoid of a potential cure or a definitive victory over the undead.
Despite this stance, dedicated fans remain eager for answers. It seems that Kirkman has finally acquiesced, revealing in the backup story titled “Small Bites”by Derek Hunter that the origin of the zombie virus can indeed be traced back to… aliens.
It’s Official: The Walking Dead Zombie Virus Origin Is Aliens
“Small Bites”by Derek Hunter from The Walking Dead Deluxe #109
In this amusing revelation, Shiva, the cherished pet tiger of Ezekiel, is unveiled as a space-faring alien whose mission was to save Earth. Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain, and the infamous Walking Death Virus was released, sealing humanity’s fate. While some may regard this explanation as far-fetched, it adds a layer of context to the overarching narrative, connecting it to deeper cosmic conflicts. Shiva provides intriguing insights, revealing that the alien civilization responsible for the virus has eradicated all habitable planets in her solar system.
This isn’t the first time extraterrestrial elements have been hinted at in The Walking Dead universe. Interestingly, aliens were part of Kirkman’s initial pitch to Image Comics. Shiva’s disclosure as an alien reinforces the notion that there are forces at play beyond Earth, introducing the concept of benevolent aliens battling malevolent ones. As a result, the threat of the zombie virus transcends planet Earth, posing a danger throughout the solar system, amplifying the series’ inherent fear factor.
The Walking Dead’s Shiva Was Secretly an Alien All Along
Questioning Shiva’s Relationship with Ezekiel
The idea of aliens has subtly woven through the fabric of The Walking Dead’s narrative. Kirkman initially introduced this concept to pique interest in the comic series. Over the years, he has cleverly interspersed references and Easter eggs pointing towards extraterrestrial themes, such as an infamous April Fool’s joke where the Governor returned with cybernetic enhancements to wreak havoc on Rick’s allies, revealing the extraterrestrial roots of the zombie virus.
This April Fool’s notion wasn’t just a one-time gag; Kirkman further explored this storyline in Rick Grimes 2000, which delved into absurd territory, positing that aliens had unleashed the zombie outbreak to eliminate humanity and harvest Earth’s water as a precious commodity. Kirkman clearly relished this absurd angle, equipping Rick with a lightsaber and placing him in a lead role against the alien invaders.
The Walking Dead’s Absurd Virus Origin: A Tale Too Strange to Accept
Yet, It Remains Part of the Lore
The Walking Dead Universe is intricately constructed, with every character’s motivations firmly rooted in their circumstances, lending depth to their actions. The allure of the series lies in its rich character development and stellar writing. However, human nature innately craves answers, particularly concerning the backstory of phenomena, however trivial they may be. Kirkman, alongside Hunter, has chosen to address this curiosity in a whimsically outrageous manner.
While many fans were looking for a straightforward explanation behind the zombie virus—perhaps a scientific mishap—they now find themselves confronted with a cosmic saga involving interstellar warfare, which resulted in the Earth becoming a battleground for the undead. The Walking Dead Deluxe #109 is now available through Skybound Entertainment!