Walking Dead vs. R-Rated Zombie Series: Why It’s Considered “Extremely Tame”

This article contains sensitive themes, including discussions about violence, sexual violence, and suicide.

While the graphic post-apocalyptic narrative of The Walking Dead may not be suitable for everyone, the series’ creator argues that it is “EXTREMELY tame”compared to its closest rival—often regarded as the most intense R-rated zombie series to date. For fans with a weaker constitution, this rival series is set to receive a cinematic adaptation soon.

In the latest issue of Walking Dead Deluxe #105, featuring the artwork of Charlie Adlard, coloring by Dave McCaig, and lettering by Rus Wooton, writer and co-creator Robert Kirkman discusses the contentious introduction of Negan’s ‘wives.’ Kirkman emphasizes his boundaries regarding depictions of violence, urging skeptics to compare his work with Garth Ennis’ Crossed.

Co-created with artist Jacen Burrows, Crossed, published by Avatar Press, showcases a world ravaged by a virus that unleashes humanity’s inherent brutality. Series expansions, including Crossed +100 and Crossed: Wish You Were Here, offer different perspectives within this bleak universe. Kirkman articulates the distinction between The Walking Dead and Crossed:

I certainly have a line I won’t cross. No pun intended, but you can look to Garth Ennis’s Crossed series to see a far more brutal and unforgiving exploration of the apocalypse. Walking Dead is EXTREMELY tame by comparison, but that was by design. The harsh elements that did make it in, I always tried to make sure they were a reflection of real life.

In 2024, a feature-length adaptation of Crossed was officially announced, produced by Six Studios. Garth Ennis is slated to write the screenplay, and the movie is currently under development.

Is The Walking Dead’s Violence Truly ‘Tame’?

The Vast Lines The Walking Dead Has Crossed

The Walking Dead vividly displays injuries—especially highlighted in the Deluxe reprints. It portrays themes of torture, suicide, and violence towards children, but maintains an emotional weight that often prevents the violence from feeling excessive or gratuitous. Each death in the series is depicted as a profound tragedy, emphasizing how the apocalypse alters the mental state of its characters.

Characters grapple with the dehumanizing impact of violence; each life lost carries significant consequences. The narrative delves into the psyche of those involved, providing an emotional backdrop that accompanies the brutality.

What Sets Crossed Apart from The Walking Dead?

Similar Premises, Diverging Realities

Crossed does not shy away from depicting visceral violence, including horrific acts against children. Its antagonists are not only imaginative but relishing in the suffering they inflict. Visually and thematically, Crossed is considerably more extreme than The Walking Dead, showcasing brutality on nearly every page. Where Walking Dead might portray a shocking scene once every ten issues, Crossed inundates its readers with relentless horror.

In response to a fan’s inquiry about Crossed in Deluxe #76, Kirkman expressed his admiration for Ennis while admitting that the content of Crossed was overwhelming for him. This acknowledgment highlights the significant divergence between the two series and cements Kirkman’s perspective that The Walking Dead is indeed more restrained.

Is the Violence in Crossed Justifiable?

Walking Dead’s Thoughtful Violence Vs. Crossed’s Graphic Nature

Garth Ennis, known for titles like The Boys and Preacher, often pushes boundaries with violence, yet Crossed exemplifies a more sobering approach. This series is a horror narrative, where the constant presence of violence communicates the distressing reality of the characters’ existence. Unlike in The Walking Dead, where death may serve a greater purpose, in Crossed, the only goal is survival against unfathomable horror.

By doing so, Crossed invites readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature, pondering what one would do to survive amidst chaos. While the original Crossed series maintains a significant level of insight, many spin-offs indulge in excessive brutality without the same narrative integrity.

A Shared Inquiry: Crossed and The Walking Dead

Crossed: An Absence of Boundaries in Depicting Human Depravity

Both Crossed and The Walking Dead delve into moving narratives revolving around humanity’s resilience in extreme situations. Although Crossed presents a more pessimistic view, it acknowledges the randomness and harshness of mortality more intensely. Both series provide readers with reflections on the human condition in a world where societal norms have crumbled.

Fans of The Walking Dead who venture into the realm of Crossed will encounter shared themes, albeit approached from a more brutal lens. While Crossed may be driven by shock value, both franchises strive to offer profound insights about survival and the human experience. However, readers should heed Kirkman’s caution: Crossed is perceived as so extreme that even his own gory universe seems “tame”in comparison.

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