The Walking Dead: A Realistic Portrayal of Humanity’s Response to Civilization’s Collapse

At the core of Robert Kirkman’s narrative choices in The Walking Dead comic series lies a profound philosophical inquiry into human nature and civilization. This dilemma has occupied thinkers throughout history. Kirkman has articulated that the series’ premise revolves around the notion that, in the event of societal collapse, “humanity would turn on each other.”

Walking Dead Deluxe #105 variant cover, Negan beckoning the reader into a room where he's torturing a man

Kirkman ingeniously employs the concept of zombies as a catalyst for the breakdown of civilization, allowing him to explore how his characters navigate extraordinary chaos. While the outcomes are predominantly grim, Kirkman has also expressed a desire to cultivate a more optimistic perspective.

Kirkman’s Philosophical Insight in “TWD”‘s Letters Pages: The Nature of Humanity

Walking Dead Deluxe #105 variant cover, Carl Grimes screaming and pointing a gun

In the letters section of Walking Dead #105, Kirkman elaborates on his views regarding humanity’s response to catastrophic situations. His frequent discussions with Scott Gimple, the showrunner for AMC’s television adaptation, provided a platform for exploring these weighty issues. Kirkman noted:

I often talk about this with Scott Gimple in The Walking Dead writer’s room. A lot of what happens in this book is due to my belief that if civilization were to fall, we wouldn’t unite, we would turn on each other. Which, by extension, seems to mean that I believe people are inherently bad, and civilization keeps them at bay. I don’t think I really believe this; I think it’s more that I believe this is POSSIBLY true. I’m grateful when I hear stories of people coming together to deal with [Hurricane] Sandy, that I seem to be proven wrong.

This perspective provides insight into how The Walking Dead engages with essential questions about the human experience, making it a distinguished work of literature.

Kirkman’s narrative embodies a Hobbesian outlook, especially as the series evolves to concentrate on the reconstructing of the “social contract.”The thoughts expressed by Kirkman echo theories dating back millennia, most notably articulated by Thomas Hobbes who characterized the state of nature as “nasty, brutish and short”—a condition that civilization seeks to mitigate. The struggles faced by the characters in The Walking Dead illustrate this very philosophy, particularly evident in the later chapters where a renewed social order takes center stage.

Negan: A Reflection of Humanity’s Duality in Kirkman’s Vision

The Dual Nature of Negan: A Reflection of Human Nature

Kirkman’s philosophical exploration is exemplified in his decision to illustrate that while zombies pose a persistent threat, they are not the most significant danger in this shattered world. The focus on increasingly malevolent human antagonists serves not only as a narrative device but also as a commentary on humanity’s moral descent. Negan, introduced in Walking Dead #100, epitomizes Kirkman’s pessimistic view of human nature but later evolves into a character representing the potential for redemption, underscoring that humanity can recover and rebuild even from its darkest moments.

Kirkman’s Thoughtful Storytelling Contributes to the Comic’s Lasting Resonance

The Walking Dead Deluxe #105 – Main Cover By David Finch & Dave McCaig

Walking Dead Deluxe #105 main cover, Carl with his eye wound unbandaged, face-to-face with Negan

Concluding his remarks in Walking Dead #105, Kirkman reflected on responses to contemporary crises, such as Hurricane Sandy, emphasizing his gratefulness for examples that challenge his pessimistic views on human nature. As the series progressed, the interplay between humanity’s best and worst responses to existential threats became a central theme. Reexamining Kirkman’s thoughts from 2012 through the lens of the complete series reveals a complex dialogue about human resilience.

Ultimately, Robert Kirkman’s inquiries into potential societal collapse serve as a mirror reflecting both the darkest and most hopeful aspects of humanity. This duality is what elevates The Walking Dead beyond mere entertainment to a significant commentary on human behavior in dire circumstances, embodying valuable literary and cultural critiques.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #105 is currently available from Image Comics.

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