Earlier this week, it was unexpectedly revealed that
The Walking Dead would end with issue #193. The long-running series helped put Image Comics on the map and spawned a successful TV series on AMC that was once one of the biggest shows on the air. Well, writer Robert Kirkman and artist Charlie Adlard definitely deliver a satisfying ending, and it's bound to get fans of the comic talking.
Below, we've recapped the events of the final issue and delved into what becomes of characters like Carl Grimes, Maggie Greene, Michonne, Negan, Eugene, and more.
The Walking Dead has a dedicated fanbase, and theories have been doing the rounds for years now about how the story will end. Rick Grimes was killed off in issue #192 much to the horror of many readers, so the pressure was definitely on this final chapter to address that
and what comes next.
So, to find out what happens, all you guys have to do is click on the "View List" button below!
An Unexpected Time-Jump
The final issue of
The Walking Dead jumps into the future by a good 10 - 15 years and reveals that Carl and Sophia are now married and living in a farmhouse with their six year old daughter, Andrea.
Civilisation has largely been restored, the undead are pretty much nowhere to be seen, and are mostly used as entertainment by some less than savoury characters in travelling shows. However, when one of the walkers finds its way on to Carl's property, he takes it out much to the annoyance of...Hershel?!
Maggie's son warns him that there will be consequences because his walkers were "private property," something that's confirmed when Sheriff Kapoor tells Carl that he will have to attend a court hearing...
The Court Hearing
Michonne - now known as Judge Hawthorne - is in charge of the High Court and Maggie is now President of the United States. Despite the fact that Carl has taken out the rest of Hershel's walkers (which is why he's now in this court after being fined for ending that first one), it's ultimately decided that he's in the right and that the dead should not be used as entertainment moving forward.
While they don't pose the threat they once did, Carl justifies his actions by reminding everyone what they went through to get to where they are today, and points out that even one walker escaping and biting someone could take them all back to where they once were. After looking at a statue of his father outside the court, Carl returns home with his family and reads his daughter a story.
That just so happens to be a tale about what Rick Grimes did to make this future a reality, and while he may have been gunned down in cold blood, it's clear that, without him, none of this would exist.
What Becomes Of The Comic's Lead Characters?
That's very much an abridged version of how things play out, but it's a suitably simple story that reveals what the world looks like now that the undead are no longer an ever looming threat, and how Rick's actions ultimately did lead to the survivors being able to rebuild what was broken.
Carl, meanwhile, gets his happy ending and is clearly his father's son, and determined to make sure that his sacrifice wasn't for nothing. As for the comic's leads, continue reading below to find out how their respective story arcs wrapped up in this issue!
Carl And Sophia
Living in Hershel's old farm, Carl and Sophia are happily married and have a young daughter named after Andrea. The final page of the comic sees Carl reading to his daughter in a rocking chair as he finally has the peaceful (mostly zombie-free) life his father always wanted for him.
Two more fan-favourite characters enjoying a happy life together are Princess and Mercer.
Hershel And Maggie
As we mentioned above, Maggie is now the President of the United States and based out of the Commonwealth. Hershel, meanwhile, clearly resents the fact that Rick is remembered as a hero when his father has been mostly forgotten, and coasts through life living off the back of his family name to promote a show in which he puts the spotlight on the undead as some sort of attraction.
Michonne
Known as Judge Hawthorne, Michonne rules over the High Court with full authority and is clearly comfortable in her new role. However, she remembers the way things used to be and has Carl looking after her sword...just in case it's ever needed again.
When she's not in court, Michonne calls the Commonwealth home and spends her days with her daughter and her grandchildren.
Negan
Negan is still alive, and when Carl comes to visit him, he refuses to answer the door. Instead, the one-time villain spends his days mourning his wife and is clearly a changed man.
It's a disappointingly brief appearance from the fan-favourite character, but one that actually feels oddly fitting.
Pamela And Sebastian Milton
If you were worrying that Sebastian Milton wouldn't get what was coming to him after he gunned down Rick, think again. He remains behind bars for the murder of Carl's father and his mother looks to be a in a bad way health-wise.
Seeing as the world is supposed to be civilised now, it makes sense that he would pay for his crime in this way rather than Carl delivering lethal justice.
Eugene
Just because the world is more civilised these days, that doesn't mean things are entirely back to normal! Eugene is now attempting to rebuild the nation's railway system in order to link the East and West coasts, but his health his failing and his girlfriend Stephanie appears to have died since the events of the previous issue. Despite that, his knowledge remains key to improving life for everyone.
Jesus And Aaron
Things didn't end well for these two on the small screen, but they get their happy ending in the comic book series and are shown living a happy life together in a very brief moment in this finale.
Someone not quite as happy is Laura; she's never forgiven Rick for killing Dwight to prevent war.
Lydia
Lydia, the daughter of Alpha and someone the young Carl was romantically involved with for a time, is still around and clearly not over her old flame. Their relationship is definitely strained, but they do part on good terms despite the fact Carl is now living out his life with Sophia and Andrea.
What do you guys think about the way The Walking Dead ended with issue #193? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and stay tuned for more details.