The latest installment of the Deluxe reprint series of The Walking Dead has sparked excitement among fans with revelations from creator Robert Kirkman about two unutilized antagonists. Notably, one of these characters is poised to become a significant villain in the forthcoming graphic novel, Clementine: Book Three, marking a new challenge for the protagonist of Telltale’s Walking Dead video game series.
In this revealing notation, Kirkman also teased the character known as “The Gardener,”hinting at an intriguing addition to the expansive universe of The Walking Dead. Fans can be reassured that this figure will finally grace the franchise with their presence, though the depth of their development has yet to be fully understood.
Nostalgia for Unused Villains: Kirkman’s Reflection on “The Gardener”and “The Contractor”
As Kirkman reflects on his early notes from the time of the original publication of The Walking Dead #104 in 2012, he draws attention to the enigmatic phrase “The Contractor.”He shared:
Oh, and look up at the top right: “The Contractor.”That, ladies and gentlemen, is an unrealized villain for the series. I don’t recall details on this particular villain. Cool name. Kind of a shame it never made it into the book. Someday I’ll have to tell everyone about “The Gardener.”
The recent return of Negan in the series has reignited Kirkman’s reflections on villains, a thematic element crucial to the narrative’s longevity. Every choice in storytelling, especially in a series as extensive as The Walking Dead, creates pathways that could have transformed the narrative into many possible directions, evoking both excitement and a tinge of regret as Kirkman acknowledges the missed opportunity of “The Contractor.”The intriguing possibility remains that this character might still emerge in future editions, especially with “The Gardener”confirmed to appear in a comic slated for 2025.
“The Gardener”as a Potential Mentor: A Twisted Path Ahead for Telltale’s Hero
Coming Soon: Clementine: Book Three – Written and Illustrated by Tillie Walden, Story by Robert Kirkman
Clementine, the central figure born from The Walking Dead multimedia expansion into gaming, has successfully anchored two graphic novel adaptations thus far, crafted by the talented Tillie Walden. Set for release on June 25, 2025, Clementine: Book Three will introduce “The Gardener.”According to the book’s synopsis:
Clementine finally has it all–a safe place to live, a girlfriend, and even a cat… but nothing lasts forever. And when Clementine suffers a loss unlike anything she’s ever faced, a new mentor called The Gardener offers her a new family, and a new way of living… but at what cost?
This new dynamic suggests a complex relationship between Clementine and The Gardener, potentially drawing from Kirkman’s original concept for an unused villain, raising questions about character evolution and the darker undertones that may surface in the narrative.
As anticipation builds for the arrival of Clementine: Book Three, it’s likely that Kirkman will continue to drop intriguing hints about the storyline, leaving fans questioning the true nature of The Gardener.
The Walking Dead Deluxe #104 is currently available from Image Comics, inviting fans to explore the vibrant art and deeper insights behind the narrative.
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