Within the final version of Luxurious reprint of UndeadRobert Kirkman has named two villains he conceived, who by no means made it into the comedian collection - one among whom is predicted to play a key position within the upcoming spin-off comedian, Clemetina: Guide Threeserving as the best antagonist of Telltale's hero Undead online game.
The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104 – written by Robert Kirkman, with artwork by Charlie Adlard – features a peek on the writer'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 over time.
Negan's Arrival Made Robert Kirkman Nostalgic for His Unused Villain, Together with 'The Gardener': Right here's What You Ought to Know
The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104 – Written by Robert Kirkman; Artwork by Charlie Adlard; Colour by Dave McCaig; Rus Wooten lyrics
Guiding followers by means of 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 writer defined:
Oh, and look within the prime proper nook: "The Contractor". That, women and gents, is an unrealized villain for the collection. I don't bear in mind particulars about this specific villain. Cool title. It's a disgrace it by no means made it into the e-book. 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 gorgeous colour - is that this behind-the-scenes perception from Kirkman. Provided that Negan has simply made his large collection debut as soon as once more, it is smart that the franchise creator's focus could be on the villains.
Particularly with a mission as bold and long-lasting as Undeadwriting is a backyard of forking paths; each determination made is one other not made, and finally 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 attainable that they'll - particularly contemplating that the opposite character discarded by the writer, "The Gardener", is lastly set to look in a Undead comics in 2025.
Clementina: Guide Three – Written and illustrated by Tillie Walden; Story by Robert Kirkman; Out there 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 essential character of two comedian e-book spin-offs to this point, written and illustrated by Tillie Walden. In 2025, Walden will full the trilogy with Clementina: Guide Threewhich can function a personality known as “The Gardener”. Because the e-book’s synopsis explains:
Clementine lastly has every part: a secure place to reside, a girlfriend and even a cat... however nothing lasts perpetually. And when Clementine suffers a loss in contrast to 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 doubt this "Gardener" is related to his unused villain idea, however followers need to surprise if the concept advanced or was tailored to swimsuit Clementine circumstances.
The discharge of Clementina: Guide Three will deliver with it extra solutions and, to start with, it's attainable 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 in The Strolling Lifeless Deluxe #104. In any case, the discharge of Clementina: Guide Three will deliver with it extra solutions and, to start with, it's attainable that Kirkman will give extra hints. Both approach, followers of the franchise need to surprise how totally different the collection would have been if any of Kirkman's unused concepts had taken root, and be glad about it. 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.