Within the final version of Luxurious reprint of UndeadRobert Kirkman named two villains he conceived, who by no means made it into the comedian collection - one among whom is predicted to play a key function within the upcoming spin-off comedian, Clemetina: E book Threeserving as Telltale's hero's best antagonist Undead online game.
The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104 – written by Robert Kirkman, with artwork by Charlie Adlard – features a peek on the creator's handwritten notes for the collection, which he factors out features a reference to “The Contractor,” a personality idea that by no means materialized on the web page.
Kirkman additionally used this notice to tease "The Gardener", one other mysterious potential enemy for Rick Grimes and his group of survivors. Now, it seems that some model of the character will lastly seem within the franchise's canon, though it stays to be seen how a lot this character has developed through the years.
Negan's Arrival Made Robert Kirkman Nostalgic for His Unused Villain, Together with 'The Gardener': Right here's What to Know
The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104 – Written by Robert Kirkman; Artwork by Charlie Adlard; Coloration by Dave McCaig; Rus Wooten lyrics
Guiding followers by his private notes from the timef The Strolling Lifeless Unique 2012 publication of #104, Robert Kirkman attracts consideration with two phrases specifically: “The Contractor”. Because the creator defined:
Oh, and look within the prime proper nook: “The Contractor”. That, girls and gents, is an unrealized villain for the collection. I don't keep in mind particulars about this specific villain. Cool identify. It's a disgrace it by no means made it into the ebook. Sometime I'll have to inform everybody about "The Gardener."
In all probability essentially the most thrilling half The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe - plus the visible delight of seeing the unique black and white artwork rendered in full, typically beautiful colour - is that this behind-the-scenes perception from Kirkman. Provided that Negan has simply made his huge collection debut as soon as once more, it is sensible that the franchise creator's focus could be on the villains.
Particularly with a venture as bold and long-lasting as Undeadwriting is a backyard of forking paths; each determination made is one other not made, and in the end each form the ultimate product. Whereas Kirkman doesn't have any additional particulars about "The Contractor," he admits a pang of remorse that the character by no means materialized. Though it's potential that they may - particularly contemplating that the opposite character discarded by the creator, "The Gardener", is lastly set to seem in a Undead comics in 2025.
Clementina: E book Three – Written and illustrated by Tillie Walden; Story by Robert Kirkman; Obtainable June 25, 2025 from Skybound Leisure
Originated as a part of The strolling lifeless multimedia foray into video video games, Clemetine has been the eponymous most important character of two comedian ebook spin-offs up to now, written and illustrated by Tillie Walden. In 2025, Walden will full the trilogy with Clementina: E book Threewhich can characteristic a personality known as “The Gardener”. Because the ebook’s synopsis explains:
Clementine lastly has every thing: a secure place to dwell, a girlfriend and even a cat... however nothing lasts ceaselessly. And when Clementine suffers a loss not like something she's ever confronted, a brand new mentor known as The Gardener presents her a brand new household and a brand new lifestyle...however at what price?
With Walden working from a narrative by Robert Kirkman, There's little question this "Gardener" is linked to his unused villain idea, however followers should marvel if the concept developed or was tailored to swimsuit Clementine circumstances.
The discharge of Clementina: E book Three will convey with it extra solutions and, to start with, it's potential that Kirkman will give extra hints.
There's additionally the likelihood that there by no means was a "Gardener" and that Robert Kirkman was concerned in some crafty viral advertising and marketing in The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104. In any case, the discharge of Clementina: E book Three will convey with it extra solutions and, to start with, it's potential that Kirkman will give extra hints. Both approach, followers of the franchise should marvel how totally different the collection would have been if any of Kirkman's unused concepts had taken root extra, and be pleased about that. Undead it ended up being as memorable and narratively satisfying as earlier than.
The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104 is now out there from Picture Comics.