Is The Walking Dead Ready to ‘Redeem’ Negan by Introducing an Even Worse Villain

In the latest issue of the Deluxe reprint of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman named two villains he conceived of, who never made it into the comic series – one of whom is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming spin-off graphic novel, Clemetine: Book Three, serving as the greatest antagonist yet for the hero of Telltale’s Walking Dead video game.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #104 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Charlie Adlard – includes a peek at the author’s handwritten notes for the series, which he points out includes a reference to “The Contractor,” a character concept that never materialized on the page.

Kirkman also used this annotation to tease “The Gardener,” another mysterious potential foe for Rick Grimes and his group of survivors. Now, it seems that some version of the character will finally appear in franchise canon, though how much this character has developed over the years remains to be revealed.

Negan’s Arrival Has Made Robert Kirkman Nostalgic For His Unused Villain, Including “The Gardener”: Here’s What To Know

The Walking Dead Deluxe #104 – Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Charlie Adlard; Color By Dave McCaig; Lettering By Rus Wooten

Guiding fans through his notes-to-self from the time of The Walking Dead #104’s original 2012 publication, Robert Kirkman draws attention two words in particular: “The Contractor.” As the author explained:

Oh, and look up at the top right: “The Contractor.” That, ladies and gentleman, is an unrealized villain for the series. I don’t recall details on this particular villain. Cool name. Kind of a shame it never made it into the book. Some day I’ll have to tell everyone about “The Gardener.”

Arguably the most exciting part of The Walking Dead Deluxe – other than the visual treat of getting to view the original black-and-white art rendered in full, often-stunning color – are these behind-the-scenes tidbits from Kirkman. Given that Negan has just made his grand debut in the series once more, it makes sense that the franchise creator’s focus is on villains.

Especially with a project as ambitious and long-running as The Walking Dead, writing is a garden of forking paths; every decision made is another not made, and both ultimately shape the final product. While Kirkman has no further details about “The Contractor,” he does admit to a twinge of regret that the character never materialized. Though it is possible they will – especially considering that the other character namedropped by the author, “The Gardener,” is finally set to appear in a Walking Dead comic in 2025.

“The Gardener” Will Appear As A “Mentor” To Telltale’s Walking Dead Hero – But Kirkman’s Comments Hint At A Dark Turn

Clementine: Book Three – Written & Illustrated By Tillie Walden; Story By Robert Kirkman; Available June 25, 2025 From Skybound Entertainment

Originating as part of The Walking Dead’s multimedia foray into video games, Clemetine has been the eponymous main character of two graphic novel spin-offs so far, written and illustrated by Tillie Walden. In 2025, Walden will complete the trilogy with Clementine: Book Three, which will feature a character named “The Gardener.” As the synopsis for the book explains:

Clementine finally has it all–a safe place to live, a girlfriend, and even a cat… but nothing lasts forever. And when Clementine suffers a loss unlike anything she’s ever faced, a new mentor called The Gardener offers her a new family, and a new way of living… but at what cost?

With Walden working from a story by Robert Kirkman, there is no doubt this “Gardener” is connected to his unused villain concept, but fans have to wonder whether the idea has evolved, or been adapted to fit Clementine’s circumstances.

The release of Clementine: Book Three will bring with it more answers, and in the lead up, it is possible Kirkman will drop more hints.

There is also the possibility there never was a “Gardener”, and that Robert Kirkman is engaging in some sly viral marketing in The Walking Dead Deluxe #104. In any case, the release of Clementine: Book Three will bring with it more answers, and in the lead up, it is possible Kirkman will drop more hints. In any case, fans of the franchise must wonder how different the series would have been had any of Kirkman’s unused ideas taken more of a root, and be grateful that The Walking Dead turned out as memorable and narratively satisfying as it did.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #104 is available now from Image Comics.