In the late issue of theDeluxereprint ofThe Walking Dead , Robert Kirkman named two villain he conceived of , who never made it into the comic series – one of whom is set to play a pivotal purpose in the upcoming spin - off graphic novel , Clemetine : Book Three , serving as the corking opponent yet for the hero of Telltale’sWalking Deadvideo biz .

The Walking Dead Deluxe#104 – written by Robert Kirkman , with fine art by Charlie Adlard – includes a peep at the author ’s handwritten notes for the series , which he points out includes a reference to " The Contractor , " a character concept that never materialized on the pageboy .

Kirkman also used this annotation to pester " The Gardener,“another mystical potential opposition for Rick Grimes and his group of survivor . Now , it seems that some interlingual rendition of the character will finally appear in franchise canon , though how much this lineament has produce over the yr remains to be revealed .

Negan from the Walking Dead comics on the left and live-action Negan on the right, both holding Lucille

Negan’s Arrival Has Made Robert Kirkman Nostalgic For His Unused Villain, Including “The Gardener”: Here’s What To Know

The Walking Dead Deluxe#104 – Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Charlie Adlard; Color By Dave McCaig; Lettering By Rus Wooten

draw fans through his notes - to - ego from the time of The Walking Dead#104 ’s original 2012 issue , Robert Kirkman draws attention two words in particular : " The Contractor . " As the author explained :

Oh , and look up at the top right : " The Contractor . " That , madam and valet , is an unrealised villain for the series . I do n’t retrieve details on this particular villain . nerveless name . Kind of a shame it never made it into the book . Some mean solar day I ’ll have to tell everyone about " The Gardener . "

Arguably the most exciting part ofThe Walking Dead Deluxe – other than the visual delicacy of acquire to view the original contraband - and - blank graphics rendered in full , often - sensational color – are these behind - the - prospect tidbits from Kirkman . Given that Negan has just made his wonderful debut in the serial once more , it make believe sense that thefranchise creator ’s focus is on villain .

Comic book art: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leaping into action.

According to Robert Kirkman , the adaption of his long - running walk Dead comical series had an unexpected impact on the counselling of the story .

Especially witha project as challenging and long - running asThe Walking Dead , writing is a garden of forking path ; every decision made is another not made , and both in the end shape the final intersection . While Kirkman has no further details about " The Contractor , " he does take on to a stab of regret that the character never materialized . Though it is possible they will – especially believe thatthe other role namedropped by the generator , " The Gardener , " is finally set to appear in aWalking Deadcomic in 2025 .

“The Gardener” Will Appear As A “Mentor” To Telltale’s Walking Dead Hero – But Kirkman’s Comments Hint At A Dark Turn

Clementine: Book Three– Written & Illustrated By Tillie Walden; Story By Robert Kirkman; Available June 25, 2025 From Skybound Entertainment

Originating as part ofThe Walking Dead’smultimedia foray into video games , Clemetine has been the eponymic primary part of two pictorial novel whirl - offs so far , write and illustrated by Tillie Walden . In 2025 , Walden will complete the trilogy withClementine : Book Three , which will feature a character name " The Gardener . " As the synopsis for the book explains :

Clementine at long last has it all – a safe place to live , a girl , and even a cat … but nothing lasts forever . And when Clementine bear a loss unlike anything she ’s ever faced , a new wise man called The Gardener offer her a new family , and a new way of living … but at what cost ?

With Walden working from a account by Robert Kirkman , there is no doubt this " Gardener " is connect to his unused villain conception , but fans have to marvel whether the thought has evolved , or been adapted to fitClementine’scircumstances .

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The exit ofClementine : Book Threewill make for with it more answers , and in the lead up , it is possible Kirkman will shed more hints .

There is also the possibleness there never was a " Gardener " , and that Robert Kirkman is wage in some sly viral marketing inThe walk Dead Deluxe#104 . In any case , the release ofClementine : Book Threewill bring with it more answers , and in the hint up , it is possibleKirkman will drop more hints . In any case , fans of the franchise must inquire how unlike the series would have been had any of Kirkman ’s unused idea accept more of a root , and be grateful thatThe walk Deadturned out as memorable and narratively satisfying as it did .

The Walking Dead Deluxe#104is available now from Image Comics .

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan in The Walking Dead: Dead City custom image

Image Created by Lukas Shayo

The Walking Deadis a monumental multimedia franchise that began with a comic book series created by Robert Kirkman , Tony Moore , and Charlie Adlard . The franchise gained far-flung popularity with the launch of the telly seriesThe Walking Deadin 2010 on AMC , which chronicles the lives of survivors in a post - apocalyptic world overrun by zombi , referred to as " Walker . " The success of the original show has led to legion twirl - offs , vane series , TV game , novel , and other media . The franchise explores themes of survival , human nature , and the breakdown of company in the face of an existential menace , make it one of the most successful and influential repugnance series of the 21st century .

Walking Dead Deluxe #104 cover, a man with a half-burned face walks under a bridge, where another man watches him

The Walking Deadis a massive multimedia franchise that began with a comic book series created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The franchise gained widespread popularity with the launch of the television seriesThe Walking Deadin 2010 on AMC, which chronicles the lives of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, referred to as “walkers.” The success of the original show has led to numerous spin-offs, web series, video games, novels, and other media. The franchise explores themes of survival, human nature, and the breakdown of society in the face of an existential threat, making it one of the most successful and influential horror series of the 21st century.

The Walking Dead (2010) Movie Poster

The Walking Deadis a massive multimedia franchise that began with a comic book series created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The franchise gained widespread popularity with the launch of the television seriesThe Walking Deadin 2010 on AMC, which chronicles the lives of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, referred to as “walkers.” The success of the original show has led to numerous spin-offs, web series, video games, novels, and other media. The franchise explores themes of survival, human nature, and the breakdown of society in the face of an existential threat, making it one of the most successful and influential horror series of the 21st century.

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The Walking Dead