It’s fair to say AMC series The Walking Dead has sometimes employed a bit of artistic license here and there, veering away from the narrative of the source material comic books. Now approaching its 10th season, fans of the TV series may not be aware of just how different it is compared to the comics. Here’s a look at just five of the key differences.
The 5 key changes from The Walking Dead and the comics
Abraham’s bait and switch
The cliffhanger at the end of season six left fans convinced series favourite Glenn (played by Steven Yeun) would fall victim to the evil Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).
And they were right – however, it wasn’t until after the brutal murder of Abraham (Michael Cudlitz).
Season seven began with Negan clubbing Abraham over the head with his baseball bat Lucille, before beating him to a pulp.
However, Abraham’s death in the comic books was very different.
He was actually killed by Dwight (Austin Amello) in the comics with an arrow through his skull.
READ MORE: The Walking Dead season 10: Will the Daryl and Carol romance happen?
Rick should be missing a hand
In the comic books, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) suffered further at the hands of The Governor (David Morrisey).
So much so, he even had a hand chopped off by the villain.
However, no such punishment faced Rick during their conflict in the earlier seasons.
Rick remained with both hands right up until his departure halfway through season nine.
READ MORE: The Walking Dead season 10 spoilers: Alpha’s death ‘sealed’ by Ezekiel
Carl should still be alive
In heartbreaking scenes in season eight, Carl (Chandler Riggs) succumbed to a bite from a Walker.
Underneath the community of Alexandria, Carl showed his dad the bite, knowing there was nothing they could do.
He passed away on the TV show but in the comic books, he’s still alive and kicking.
The decision for Carl to die was met with a mixed reception by viewers and the actor’s father even claimed it wasn’t his son’s decision, according to Syfy.
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Carol is a lot tougher… and still alive
The first AMC and Fox viewers see of Carol (Melissa McBride) is as a weak and submissive wife to husband Ed (Adam Minarovich).
A victim of domestic abuse and oblivious in terms of survival, things weren’t easy for her at the beginning.
However, now 10 seasons in, Carol has transformed into a hardened, savvy, ruthless and strong fighter.
In the comics, Carol’s transformation never occurred, she remained a weak and codependent character.
She also eventually died in the comic books, sacrificing herself to the Walkers.
READ MORE: The Walking Dead season 10 spoilers: Will Negan kill Alpha?
The show’s biggest star never existed in the comics
Arguably the biggest difference between the show and the comics is the fact that the series’ biggest character was never put on paper.
Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) was completely made up for the TV series.
In fact, so was his brother Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker).
Nevertheless, Daryl has become a huge fan favourite in The Walking Dead universe.
Now one of the show’s highest-paid actors, Reeds returns in season 10 to play the character once more.
The Walking Dead season 10 premieres on October 6 on AMC.
