‘The Walking Dead’ Lends Character to Comic, Teases Robert Kirkman

We try not to pay too much attention to the fact that one of the consistently best elements of of AMC's adaptation of 'The Walking Dead,' or even the franchise at large has no counterpart in the world of the comics.  Either way, everyone loves TV's backwoods, squirrel chuckin', mother...comforting, crossbow wielder Daryl Dixon, as portrayed by everyone's favorite of 'The Boondock Saints' (sorry Sean Patrick Flanery), Norman Reedus!

'Walking Dead' comic creator Robert Kirkman, as well as writer on the TV series remains well aware of the character's popularity, and has long teased the possibility of introducing him into the Image Comic's canon.  Based on covers recently released for upcoming issues as well as Kirkman's own words, Daryl Dixon lovers may have finally gotten their wish.

The recently released cover for the comic's 102nd issue prominently features a veiled figure clutching a crossbow (Daryl's signature weapon on the show), as well as rocking a sleeveless vest, something else the AMC character was frequently known for.  The potential introduction of Daryl Dixon into 'The Walking Dead' comics also opens the door for the character's brother Merle Dixon, played in the AMC series by Michael Rooker.  The "Something to Fear" arc showcases a number of unidentified figures gracing the covers, any one of which could belong to the AMC creations.

At the recent Image Comic Expo's 'The Walking Dead' panel, Robert Kirkman himself said of the possibility,

I've definitely considered writing Daryl in to the comics. Norman [Reedus] is always pestering me about it. All I can say right now is that if you have been paying attention to the Internet we did just release a series of teasers called 'Something to Fear' for a new story arc that's coming up and it's a series of very threatening looking people with very specific weapons and one of them has a crossbow.

Kirkman usually plays somewhat coy with details, but it sounds like a few AMC 'The Walking Dead' fans have new reason to check out the long-running comic series!  Of course, if I know Kirkman, he's just as likely to introduce the character, and immediately shoot an arrow through his brain!  Take that, fans.

Drool over the mysterious figure on issue 102 with the cover image below, and carve your thoughts into the comments section below!