Today was the first full-length day of Comic-Con, and a little franchise called The Walking Dead was featured in its own panel. This panel was focused specifically on the comic book (the TV show will have its own moment in the sun tomorrow). Writer/creator Robert Kirkman and artist Charlie Adlard were both present, along with editor Sean Maciewicz, to discuss recent big developments and the future of the series.

Kirkman touched on several subjects pertaining to the series’ lead protagonist, Rick. Rick’s anger streak seen in recent issues can be chalked up to the tenuous state of society in the aftermath of “All Out War” and the need for every member to perform their jobs. Kirkman doesn’t regret introducing the plot twist that saw Rick lose his arm, though he admitted it does cause certain practical challenges in terms of how Rick can hold and use various objects. While he was obviously noncommittal about the idea of killing off Rick, Kirkman did note that the series could very easily survive past Rick’s death.

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