Why is Negan so important to The Walking Dead?
Find out more about the iconic villain before the season seven premiere!
ThisWalking Deadarticle containsMAJOR SPOILERSfor the TV show and the comic books.
But while this big death marks his most infamous moment, this scene doesnt define Negan.
Theres a lot more to him.
So who is Negan?
Negans first kill in the story is perhaps a good place to start.
Well, hed spare most of their lives, anyway.
It was only fair that one Alexandrian should die for all of the Saviors theyd killed.
Glenns last word was Maggie.
This was Negans first appearance inThe Walking Dead.
Whether itll be Glenn who will die at the hands of Negan on the TV show is anyones guess.
It was Abraham that originally suffered the arrow to the head in the comics.
The same could happen with Negans first victim.
The bases are loaded and Negan is up to bat.
Its also strength of will.
Negan believes that what hes doing is right.
He even has a moral code, if youre brave enough to call it that.
Its why he named his group The Saviors.
We learn through this arc that Negan doesnt really want chaos at all.
In fact, Negan is fighting against it by establishing order through force.
In return for their obedience, Negan promises protection…from him.
Negan extorts the surrounding settlements to keep his people fed, clothed, and armed.
And he keeps the Saviors in line with a twisted code of law.
And in both cases, theyre willing to kill their enemies to accomplish their goal.
(Lets hope the writers room doesnt feel the need to point that out, though.)
Interestingly enough, Negan also takes a peculiar liking to Carl in the comics.
Needless to say, he fails against such great odds, but his fate isnt the one youd expect.
Negan shows something resembling sympathy towards young Carl, who reminds him of the son he never had.
He spares Carls life and even allows him to return home to Rick.
Thats not to say that he doesnt punish Carl in some way for killing his men first.
This brings up something really interesting.
Their relationship continues through several issues, including after Negan is finally defeated in the All Out War arc.
How would Negan be different if he had a son of his own?
If Negan had the same, would he be a better man?
Probably not, but its worth considering.
Dont forget to listen to Den of GeeksWalking Deadpodcast,No Room in Hell!
John Saavedra is an associate editor at Den of Geek US.
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