Negan Lives!: Did You F**** Think I Wouldn’t Come Back?

Since the shocking conclusion of TWD in issue #193 back in July of 2019, there have been countless examinations and in-depth analyses on the comics’ impact on the industry and how it started a worldwide phenomenon, proving the unlimited potential of the medium itself. There’s no question, I am among the legions of fans who miss seeing TWD on top of the reading stack every month, and the anxious anticipation that waited just behind every page. The surprise ending, going so far as to list phony solicitations to throw quite literally everyone off of their scent, made shockwaves in the comics world and despite the initial shock, felt like the perfect way to bring the remarkable series to a close. Still, Kirkman, Adlard and the rest of the team left with quite a bit of potential untapped in this dark world, arguably best summarized by the final line in Kirkman’s letter in TWD #193…

“P.S. Negan Lives”

Now, in the middle of a pandemic with frighting implications on humanity, we find the comics industry more in need of “big, loud projects” than ever. I could think of no larger than life character better to get me back into a comic shop or taking advantage of curbside delivery than The Walking Dead’s finest villain turned redemption story, Negan. The issue is thrilling in just its scope alone, and for fans eager to dig into where the profane-filled character wound up following the series conclusion, it’s going to be an absolute treat. Due to the nature of the issue, it’s intentions in the larger picture of the comics industry, I won’t be providing peeks at interior pages, but with the original crew back in the saddle, you can rest assured that this is iconic TWD storytelling that captures the dramatic tension we’ve all come to love.

Kirkman has always found a particular adoration with the character and it shows in Negan Lives!, delivering a well rounded story that continues to flesh the character out in interesting ways between the constant F-bombs and self deprecating humor. Negan is a character that gets right to the core of what motivation for life really means in a world like this, and it’s great to see the issue doesn’t shy away from that exploration. The depravity and relentless fear that these surroundings bring is terrible, but it’s still not as bad as death. This eats at Negan in this issue, just like it did in the main series, but here, we find him willing to take a chance on something more.

Lucille is more myth than reality in this issue, taking an iconic role in the story of Negan and helping to give a twisted nod to his range of behavior. We all know what lurks just beneath the surface with Negan and it’s a part of what makes him so engaging. When a strange new character named Lucy shows up, it seems too good to be true for Negan, and not to his surprise, it is. This sets the stage for what could easily be a new series and while that is highly unlikely, it gives an idea of the type of depth just this one issue brings and its importance in the greater TWD story. There really isn’t much of a better way to explain it other than must read material.

If you’ve never read a TWD book, this is one hell of a primer on what this world looks like. But for the masses of fans eager to revisit the horror of TWD and see Negan back in action, this issue delivers on every level. It’s got all the dark humor, dramatic characterizations and classic horror vibes you want out of a TWD book and will leave you hoping that the team decides to get back together for a new series asap. It’s the type of issue that brings back the joys of being a comics fan and one that is absolutely a worthy addition to anyone’s collection. Go pick up your copy today, you won’t be disappointed.