Among the many mysteries surrounding The Walking Dead, one of the most significant is the nature of the virus that led to the apocalypse. While the comic series has unveiled both the origin and the proper name of this catastrophic virus, it has become clear that the comic’s insights far surpass those of the television adaptation.
In a revealing segment of The Walking Dead Deluxe #109, titled “Small Bites”and penned by Derek Hunter, a shocking truth comes to light: Ezekiel’s cherished pet tiger, Shiva, is not just an ordinary animal but an alien being from outer space. Shiva’s mission on Earth? To thwart the release of the devastating zombie virus.
As fans grapple with the revelation of Shiva’s extraterrestrial identity and the alien origins of the zombie virus, they may overlook another significant announcement: Shiva officially names the zombie virus “The Walking Death.”
The Walking Dead’s Infamous Virus Finally Gets a Name: “The Walking Death”
“Small Bites”from The Walking Dead Deluxe #109
The term “The Walking Death”aptly encapsulates the essence of the virus. Those infected ultimately become part of the walking dead, making the name both concise and clear. This straightforward nomenclature instantaneously conveys the grim fate awaiting anyone who contracts the virus, a stark contrast to the show’s naming conventions. While the television series attempted to create its own terminology, it fell short of evoking the same dread as the comic’s nomenclature.
Initially, during the early seasons of The Walking Dead, the virus lacked an official designation. Fans, eager for clarity about the zombie epidemic, prompted the show’s creators to introduce a name. Consequently, in Season 1, Episode 6, the virus was labeled “TS-19.”In this episode, Rick Grimes and his companions uncover crucial details about the virus at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the last bastion of hope for answers.
Named “The Wildfire Virus”on the Show
It Has One Key Difference
The Wildfire Virus, or Walking Death, is arguably one of the most lethal zombie viruses in fictional narratives. A common inquiry among viewers is why the military struggles against hordes of slow-moving zombies despite having access to advanced weaponry. With firearms capable of obliterating countless foes in mere moments, one might assume a soldier equipped with a machine gun could effortlessly clear out a crowd of zombies. Other narratives, such as 28 Days Later, tackle this issue by introducing faster and more aggressive zombies.
However, The Walking Dead’s co-creator Robert Kirkman devised a clever method to maintain the terror of zombies without transforming them into hyper-aggressive creatures. The virus spreads through the air, and by the time the show commences, it has already infected the entire human population. Consequently, every living human carries the virus, and upon death, they inevitably reanimate as zombies. With thousands of daily deaths in America, each one represents a potential new zombie, making containment nearly impossible.
“The Walking Death” Is More Deadly Than Any Other Virus in Fiction
There’s No Real Way to Deal With It
The Walking Death is notorious for being a virus that simply won’t be eradicated. Every individual who perishes will resurrect as a zombie, presenting an ongoing threat that humanity must endure indefinitely. Unlike other portrayals of zombies that emphasize speed or mutation, The Walking Dead’s interpretation offers a unique twist, positioning them as more formidable opponents. Kirkman’s narrative choice, having humankind begin as infected, generates a haunting and persistent challenge.
Fans have long sought a definitive name for the zombie virus, and now they have two compelling options: “The Wildfire Virus,”aptly describing its rampant, destructive nature, and “The Walking Death,”a brutally direct moniker brought to light by an alien tiger. Regardless of the chosen name, audiences can finally comprehend the true extent of horror in The Walking Dead.
The Walking Dead Deluxe #109 is currently available from Skybound Entertainment!