Walking Dead Universe: Supporting Characters and Spin-Offs to Collect

The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore/Charlie Adlard, published by Image Comics from 2003 to 2019 (193 issues), is the best-selling independent comic book of the 21st century. Its post-apocalyptic universe, centered on survivors rather than zombies, has spawned a media empire and a community of passionate collectors.

For the collector, Walking Dead represents a unique case: a completed independent series whose first issues compete in rating with the Marvel and DC keys. The announced end of the series in 2019 and the rarity of early prints have created a structured and mature collectible market.

The emblematic characters

Michonne — the katana survivor

Introduced in Walking Dead #19 (2005), Michonne has become one of the series' most iconic characters. WD #19 is the second highest-rated issue in the series after #1, with CGC 9.8 copies reaching record highs. Its presence in the comics precedes and exceeds its television adaptation in terms of impact on the rating.

Negan — the charismatic villain

The series' most notable antagonist appears in Walking Dead #100 (2012), an issue released with multiple variations to celebrate the hundredth episode. Despite a higher circulation than early issues, rare variants of WD #100 are highly sought after. Negan is the only character to get spin-off publications of his own.

The Governor — the first big threat

Philip Blake, Governor of Woodbury, appears in Walking Dead #27 (2006). The series' first true human antagonist, he was also the subject of novels (Rise of the Governor, The Road to Woodbury) which complete the universe for crossmedia collectors.

Derivative publications

Here's Negan

Initially published as backup stories in Image+ (2016), Negan's origin was compiled as a trade paperback then as a special edition. These original backup stories are little-known but valuable collectibles for completionists.

Negan Lives

Surprise one-shot published in 2020, a year after the end of the series, Negan Lives was created to support comic shops during the pandemic. Distributed free of charge to stores, certain variants (red and gold covers) have become rare and sought-after collector's items.

The Walking Dead/Invincible crossover

The crossover between Kirkman's two flagship series at Image — Walking Dead and Invincible — offers a unique collectible. This improbable meeting between universes is popular with fans of the two franchises and its popularity has increased with the success of the animated adaptation of Invincible.

The Walking Dead: The Alien

This digital one-shot by Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martin, published on Panel Syndicate in 2016, tells the story of Rick's brother in Spain. Its later physical release is a rare addition for exhaustive collectors.

Collection strategy

Walking Dead #1 first print (2003, estimated print run of 7,200 copies) is the absolute modern indie holy grail. The first 50 first print issues constitute the heart of any serious collection, with decreasing but significant odds. WD #19 (Michonne), #27 (Governor), #100 (Negan) and #193 (final issue, surprise ending) are the keys to prioritize. The complete first print series (193 issues) is a prestigious collection achievement. Check out our guide toindependent comics and their valueto go deeper.