The Walking Dead has solidified its place in pop culture by intertwining thrilling narratives with a steady stream of beloved character deaths. While viewers often feel despondent about these losses, they play a crucial role in evolving the storyline—showcasing a level of narrative bravery that many creators shy away from. Letting go of established characters isn’t merely a plot twist; it resonates deeply with creator Robert Kirkman, who finds the process particularly emotional.
In a notable exchange, a fan once inquired whether Kirkman could “detach”himself from the numerous characters he had dedicated considerable time and effort to as their fates were sealed. Kirkman candidly acknowledged this emotional challenge, particularly when fresh ideas for those characters emerged, illuminating the difficulty of saying goodbye.
The Emotional Toll of Character Deaths on Robert Kirkman
Kirkman’s reflections on character fatalities, notably following the shocking demise of Glenn at the hands of Negan, reveal the inner workings of character development and eventual loss. The theme of death is intricately woven into the fabric of The Walking Dead; this depth enhances the emotional resonance when complex figures leave the stage. As Kirkman articulated:
“It’s upsetting….I mean, it’s not like a real person dying…but it sucks. It doesn’t really hit me until I’m writing issues they’re not in. From time to time I think of something to do with Glenn and I’m like, ‘Well, damn it.’
But I’m not in a support group or anything.”
This candid admission reinforces the notion that every character’s death carries weight and intention. While many creators invest immense effort into the characters they craft, Kirkman’s narrative universe often subjects its survivors—especially the heroic ones—to relentless trials and tribulations. Happy endings are a rarity, and therefore, meaningful deaths are essential to the story’s impact. The frequent loss of beloved characters results in a shared period of grief for both creator and audience.
Character Death in The Walking Dead: A Necessary Element
Embracing Tragedy
Although Robert Kirkman faced emotional challenges in parting with characters, he has undeniably built a narrative rich with a significant body count. The Walking Dead presents some of the most harrowing character deaths in serialized storytelling, including the brutal loss of Glenn, among others like Hershel and Tyreese, culminating in the demise of protagonist Rick Grimes. Each death leaves a powerful impact, resonating long after the final issue has been published.
Kirkman manages to strike a careful balance between character mortality and narrative coherence, ensuring that each death serves the storyline, despite the accompanying grief. The crux of his perspective is clear: character death is sometimes a necessary element in storytelling. Although it poses challenges for fans and the writer alike and eliminates potential for future appearances, these deaths are integral to the overall narrative arc. Without these heartbreaking moments, The Walking Dead would have navigated markedly different waters—one that might have dulled its emotional journey.
The Walking Dead Deluxe #110 is currently available from Image Comics.