Summary
The Walking Deadcreator Robert Kirkman has teased the possible continuation of the popular post-apocalyptic comic book series past its previous conclusion in an issue of theDeluxecolorized reprint, which is an exciting prospect for fans to daydream over.The Walking Deadwas first released in 2003 under Image Comics and ran for 193 issues before ending in 2019. The series published a handful of specials later on, and now colorist Dave McCaig is giving the once black-and-white story a whole-new look in theDeluxerun that began in 2020.
Despite being over 20 years since the comic book debuted (and over a decade since the TV show’s release), the fandom’s interest in the zombie franchise shows no signs of burning out. The community still discusses character arcs, significant plot points, and popular theories in 2025, includingThe Walking Deadfans’ current discovery of a possible connection between Lizzie and the Whisperers. Now, there’s a chance that a new arc could be released sometime in the future.
InThe Walking Dead Deluxe#100, Kirkman responded to a fan’s letter within the “Letter Hacks” section, which asked if the creator’s spin-offThe Alienwould ever continue. Kirkman stated there possibly won’t be any newTWDcomic material afterClementine Book 3release, and doubtedThe Alienwould ever return. However, he dropped something exciting for fans afterward. “I mean, it’s possible we just keep going withThe Walking Dead Deluxe#194 and beyond! Who knows what the future may hold,” Kirkman teased. The creator’s transparency in the back pages of the reprint has been incredibly informative so far, even revealing apivotal Rick moment that caused difficulties duringThe Walking Dead’s development, and the thought of the original story continuing is thrilling.
Even though the comic run and its live-action adaptation have presented some harrowing, nail-biting, and gut-punching moments,Kirkman believesThe Walking Deadis quite tame in comparison to another R-rated comic. Garth Ennis’Crossedcomic book, published by Avatar Press, follows a group of survivors navigating a deadly pandemic where the virus leaves a cross-like rash on infected’s faces, and Kirkman noted the series’ unbridled violence earns its reputation and rating. ShouldTWDDeluxecontinue past issue #193, the creator will understandably be seeking ways to up the ante regarding zombie hordes, villains, and the horrors that manifest when humans face the threat of extinction, perhaps taking a leaf fromCrossed’s book.
TWD’s parent TV show may have ended in 2022, but several spin-offs have aired to give fans their fix. Rick and Michonne ledThe Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which supplied the long-awaited moment when the former sheriff loses his hand,The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonfollowed the popular crossbow-wielding survivor combating the outbreak in Paris, andThe Walking Dead: Dead Citysaw tensions rise when Maggie and Negan navigate Manhattan together.The Walking Deadactor Austin Amelio has even teased Dwight’s return in a possible spin-off, and the creators that expanded the adaptation thus far, including Frank Darabont, Scott M. Gimple, and Angela Kang, will surely sink their teeth into more content should Kirkman continue theDeluxecomic run in the future.
The Walking Dead Deluxe#107 will hit shelves on June 11, 2025, andThe Walking Dead: Dead Cityseason 2 is expected to release in Spring 2025.
