Negan is undeniably the epitome of walking controversy, but whether you love or hate him, it’s clear that The Walking Dead franchise is all the better for his presence. This isn’t just a matter of opinion—it’s a reality supported by the numbers and affirmed by TWD creator Robert Kirkman himself.

…Kirkman reveals that the comic’s sales spiked after Negan’s introduction and continued to climb steadily for an extended period.

Image Comics has been delighting fans this year with the release of deluxe editions of The Walking Dead comics, including a revamped version of issue #105. This edition features remastered artwork and vibrant recoloring by colorist Dave McCaig, along with writer commentary from Robert Kirkman himself.

In this commentary, the creator of the iconic comic series—which later became an even more renowned TV show—shares personal insights about the series. Among these revelations is the fact that sales of The Walking Dead spiked significantly when Negan was introduced into the narrative.

Love Him or Hate Him, Negan Made The Walking Dead Sales Spike

Cover C Connecting Variant by Mattia De Iulis for The Walking Dead Deluxe #100 (2024)

Negan, the infamous villain—or perhaps more accurately described as an anti-villain—of The Walking Dead series, made his unforgettable debut in issue #100. In this pivotal moment, he brutally killed fan-favorite Glenn with his barbed-wire bat, Lucille. This shocking act instantly made fans despise him, and his subsequent misdeeds only deepened that hatred for many. Yet, something remarkable happened amid this wave of loathing—sales for The Walking Dead saw a significant boost. It became clear that the audience’s hatred for Negan fueled the series’ popularity rather than diminishing it, a phenomenon that Kirkman himself later addressed.

In the writer commentary for The Walking Dead Deluxe #105, Kirkman reveals that the comic’s sales spiked after Negan’s introduction and continued to climb steadily for an extended period. He explains that the series experienced a “gentle glide up all the way to [issue #150],” and although the final 30 issues saw a slight decline, “it was still selling numbers anyone would kill for, then or now.” This underscores the profound impact Negan had on the series, with the love-hate relationship fans developed for him contributing significantly to its success.

Kirkman also shared that he interpreted this sustained sales growth as a sign to “keep doing what you’re doing.” Although Negan was initially a gamble, the character’s positive reception—evident in the sales data—validated Kirkman’s decision to introduce such a morally complex figure. It also encouraged him to fully lean into Negan’s role in the narrative. However, Kirkman was quick to clarify that he never allowed sales trends to dictate his writing at any point in the series. This makes it evident that his success with Negan stemmed from a genuine place of creative inspiration rather than a calculated strategy.

Why Negan Is a Character Worthy of Driving Sales

Cover B Variant by Charlie Adlard for The Walking Dead Deluxe #100 (2024)

While it’s clear that Negan was popular among fans, the question remains: why? Negan committed incredibly heinous acts during his time in The Walking Dead and was widely hated by many, yet he remained a major draw for the series. The answer likely lies in the fact that, despite being a morally corrupt character, Negan was still a GREAT one. His complexity and moral ambiguity set him apart from other characters, making him all the more compelling and intriguing. Ultimately, it all comes down to Kirkman’s excellent characterization, which made Negan not just a villain, but a truly fascinating figure.

Negan Is ABSOLUTELY One of Robert Kirkman’s Favorite Characters (& It Shows)

Cover D Variant by Julian Totino Tedesco for The Walking Dead Deluxe #100 (2024)

A large part of what made Negan’s character stand out is the genuine synergy Kirkman felt when writing him—a synergy that clearly resonated with readers on the comic pages. In his writer commentary for The Walking Dead Deluxe #103, Kirkman shared that Negan was genuinely one of his favorite characters. Much of that affection stemmed from the immense passion, love, and excitement he felt while writing Negan, which allowed the dialogue and narrative to flow almost effortlessly. This insight into Kirkman’s creative process makes it clear why Negan became such an exceptional standout for fans and readers alike of The Walking Dead.