The Walking Dead Creator Explains Why Glenn Was Killed Off: The Surprising Influence of One Individual

In the gripping world of The Walking Dead, the character of Rick Grimes faced insurmountable challenges during the zombie apocalypse. To survive the relentless onslaught of undead adversaries, Rick relied on forming alliances with capable survivors, one of whom was Glenn. This resourceful scavenger quickly became one of Rick’s closest allies after Rick awoke from his coma. Unfortunately, Glenn’s storyline took a tragic turn when he was murdered by the notorious Negan. Recently, series creator Robert Kirkman shed light on the reasoning behind Glenn’s tragic fate and revealed the influence of the character’s live-action portrayal.

First introduced in the second issue of the comic series, Glenn was characterized as a pizza delivery worker who used his agility and intimate knowledge of Atlanta to prove invaluable as a supply runner. His early encounters with Rick led to the formation of a vital bond when Glenn brought him back to his camp, allowing for an emotional reunion between Rick, Carl, and Lori. Glenn’s death resonated deeply with both fans and fellow characters, underscoring his importance in the narrative.

All that said, after seeing the portrayal of Glenn on the television show, and the stellar performance by an actor whose name I can’t seem to recall (ever, really — it’s quite strange) for me at least, the comic book Glenn just became a pale impression of the TV show character, so I figured, why waste my time telling stories with this guy anymore, when that real dude is making the comic character look so bad.

Glenn’s Live-Action Portrayal: A Game Changer for the Character

Insights from The Walking Dead Deluxe #102 (2024)

Glenn's death from the Walking Dead (graphic content censored)

In a poignant moment shared in The Walking Dead Deluxe #102, Kirkman humorously addressed a fan named Steven—coincidentally, sharing the name of Glenn’s actor, Steven Yeun. Responding to this unique coincidence, Kirkman remarked on the impact of Yeun’s performance, stating that after witnessing Glenn’s adaptation in the television series, “the comic book Glenn just became a pale impression of the TV show character.”He further elaborated, “So I figured, why waste my time telling stories with this guy anymore, when that real dude is making the comic character look so bad.”This comment highlights how Yeun’s portrayal of Glenn brought a depth that couldn’t be replicated in the comics.

The Masterful Performance of Steven Yeun

Glenn faces his Death on The Walking Dead

Kirkman’s decision, attributing Glenn’s demise to Steven Yeun’s remarkable acting, serves as a revitalizing force for the series—enabling it to explore fresh narratives for nearly 100 additional issues. The dynamic differences between the comic and television portrayals reveal the immense talent present on both sides, showcasing the strength of Kirkman’s writing paired with Yeun’s compelling performance. As both fans of The Walking Dead and the wider community mourn the loss of Glenn, they acknowledge that the character’s journey has been forever enriched thanks to Yeun’s extraordinary contribution, leaving an unforgettable legacy.

Fans can explore these themes further in The Walking Dead Deluxe #102, currently available through Image Comics.

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