The rollicking TV series, The Walking Dead, succeeds in making waves and capturing audience’s attention with its gruesome turns of events, taken from its original comic book source. One pivotal moment that drew a gasp from fans was the shocking death of Glenn Rhee in the seventh season’s opening episode. However, it turns out that Robert Kirkman, the comic creator, planned Glenn’s grim fate much earlier.
In a twist to the original storyline, the TV series saved character Abraham from his predestined end, only to meet the same painful death as Glenn, all at the hand of villainous Negan. This plot modification left fans hovering on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing the survivors and victims in the grim post-apocalyptic world.
Contrary to the TV plot, creator Kirkman confessed that he intended to kill off Glenn’s character in issue No. 75 of the comic. The decision was later changed due to Kirkman’s belief that there was more room to explore the potential of the character.
Mirroring the brutal demise in the comics, Glenn, the character played by Steven Yeun in the TV series, met his end when he was surrounded by zombies in the sixth season, third episode, titled “Thank You.” The directors cleverly faked his death by making it appear as if he was consumed by the undead. It was only in the later episodes that Glenn managed to survive by hiding under a dumpster.
The TV series continued its streak of surprises by changing the fate of character Abraham, played by Michael Cudlitz. Unexpectedly, Denise, portrayed by Merritt Wever, was shot through the eye with an arrow – the exact fate met by Abraham in the comics. Just when fans believed Glenn was safe, Daryl, played by Norman Reedus, punched antagonist Negan, leading to Glenn’s horrific death.
Before Glenn tragically met Negan’s bat in the comics, Kirkman confessed in an interview with the Daily Dead that he had planned to kill Glenn nearly 40 issues prior. However, he felt the character had more contributions to make to the storyline.
It was only in issue No. 100 of The Walking Dead that Glenn finally encountered Negan. The villainous leader of the Saviors ends Glenn’s life in both the comic and the TV series, leaving behind a chilling scenario of smashed brains and bone.
With new episodes on the horizon, including The Walking Dead: Dead City and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, there’s more to anticipate from this thrilling franchise.
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