The Walking Dead Creator Shares The 'True Name' Of Negan's Saviors (Here's Why It Had To Change)

One of the most memorable factions was Negan's villainous group, the Saviors The Walking DeadAs revealed by Robert Kirkman, their “original” name was less evocative, but still oddly fitting given the quixotic sense of humor their leader would become famous for throughout the rest of the comic.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #96 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Charlie Adlard – is a full-color reprint of the original black-and-white issue first printed in 2012. Deluxe reprint, Kirkman's “Cutting Room Floor” section.

Analyzing his handwritten notes on the matter, Kirkman noted that the replacement for the name of Negan's people was simply “Bad Band“- comments this”it has a beautiful ring,” Although in the end it was best that the author went with something more concrete.

Before they were “The Saviors,” Negan's crew was a “bad bunch.”

The Walking Dead Deluxe #96 – Written by Robert Kirkman; art by Charlie Adlard; color by Dave McCaig; A letter written by Russ Wooten

Introducing Negan, who leads a band of marauders called The Bad Group, would change the tone of the series, creating a ripple effect as the comic progresses.

Appeal of Robert Kirkman's comments The Walking Dead Deluxe has been the wealth of insight he has shared with fans about the evolution of comic book storytelling. Kirkman detailed his dynamic creative process, in which he was extremely flexible in planning far in advance and regularly planting arc seeds for the future, while changing plans and changing directions as the story dictated. Case in point: Although Kirkman's idea for Negan and the Saviors was early on, their character concepts were taking shape before they even debuted..

The Walking Dead #96 represented a major turning point for the series in more ways than one, none more evident than when it heralded Negan's impending arrival. The Saviors are perhaps the featured antagonists of the franchise, and Negan himself will continue to be one of them. The Walking Dead's the most memorable characters, even earning the prestige of being Robert Kirkman's favorite. But before their identity as “Saviors” was established, the author had a short hand for the rogue faction, as explained in the author's notes. The Walking Dead Deluxe #96:

Heh… The Saviors were originally called “The Bad Group”. It was never meant to be their name, but it has a nice ring to it.

As Robert Kirkman explains, “Bad Bunch” will never be the final name for the Saviors on the page — but even he admits it wouldn't be entirely out of place for them either. In any case, what makes it particularly remarkable is how it highlights how even a single, seemingly small decision can change the trajectory of a story. In other words, having Negan lead a group of marauders called “The Bad Group” will change the tone of the series, a change that will have a ripple effect as the comic progresses.

Even Robert Kirkman suggests that “Bad Bunch” suited Negan's sense of humor.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #96 – Available now from Image Comics

There was a certain line that Robert Kirkman would not cross when dealing with humor
The Walking Dead
and calling Negan's people the “Bad Bunch” would cross that line if it weren't clearly overstepping it.

Robert Kirkman's commentary on “Bad Squad” as the name of Negan's faction”it has a nice ring” could have been in jest, but it could also strike the reader as a tacit acknowledgment that the name will fit with Negan's character as fans will recognize him. The Walking Dead The arrival of Naga introduced an almost deviant dimension to the series.

Note that this was not “comedic relief” but another layer of tension and anxiety for both characters and readers to struggle with. In a way, there was a certain line that Robert Kirkman wouldn't cross when it came to humor The Walking Deadand calling Negan's people the “Bad Bunch” would cross that line if it weren't clearly overstepping it. I mean, it might have fit with Negan's sense of humor, or even Robert Kirkman's, but no. The Walking Dead's.

The “suspension of disbelief” on which all stories depend to one degree or another is an infinitely difficult task. It often seems that any story can only ask so much of its audience. With the zombie outbreak, The Walking Dead requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief from the reader beforehand; as funny as it sounds something as simple as naming their new villains “The Bad Group” would have risked testing the limits of readers' investment in the story.

“The Saviors” Name For Negan's “Bad Squad” Fits The Walking Dead's Tone

The Walking Dead #96 marks the first use of “Saviours”.

Its official introduction and the brutal killing off of fan-favorite Glenn would cement the idea that the Saviors title was a terrible joke. In this way, it manages to be ominously entertaining without being as blatant as “Bad Band”.

More than a matter of humor, the name of Negan's “bad band” — and any band The Walking Dead – was about staying true to the tone of the series, which remained consistent throughout. Calling Negan's men the “Bad Bunch” would represent a change, or perhaps it's better to say compromise the tone of the story, which could lead to others in the process changing the comic by degrees each time. Robert Kirkman's comment that it was never considered the band's last name suggests he recognized it at the time.

Fans can only ask “What if?” of The Walking Dead so much for Kirkman's comments Deluxe The rerelease certainly serves as an impetus to do so. It also allows readers to examine Kirkman's decisions in a larger context. By identifying what makes “Bad Band” not work as a name, a clearer picture emerges of what makes “The Saviors” the best fit.; that is, it also contains Negan's trademark bad humor, but in an appropriate way The Walking Dead's own style.

They were presented as saviors Walking Dead Deluxe #96, it is immediately clear that they are something else. Even before its introduction The Walking Dead #100, this is the first hint of the dark irony that plays a central role in Negan's character. Its official introduction and the brutal killing off of fan-favorite Glenn would cement the idea that the title “The Saviors” was a terrible joke. In this way, it manages to be ominously entertaining without being as blatant as “Bad Band”.

Presentation of the Saviors was The Walking Dead's Most Dramatic Turn

Watch Negan's entrance again The Walking Dead Deluxe #100 – Available November 6th

with
The Walking Dead Deluxe
#100 and the introduction of Negan, soon to be reissued
The Walking Dead
is sure to kick into high gear just like the series itself.

Considering how big Negan's presence is The Walking Dead franchise, sometimes he can forget that he's more than halfway through the comic's run. The Walking Dead #96 represents the conclusion of the final arc before Negan's arrival, meaning it closes the door on one era of the series and opens the door to another. Commentary by Robert Kirkman Deluxe say until the reprint of the issue and his remarks on the next few issues will no doubt be weighed down by the weight of what's to come.

for lovers The Walking Deadthe Deluxe reissue is an indispensable resource; For those who didn't follow the comic issue during its initial release, this is an opportunity to do it in full color, and for longtime fans, it's an opportunity to relive the experience. For both, Robert Kirkman's take on the iconic series is endlessly fascinating. with The Walking Dead Deluxe #100 and the introduction of Negan, soon to be reissued The Walking Dead is sure to kick into high gear just like the series itself.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #96 Available now from Image Comics.