Is The Walking Dead repetitive? Creator Robert Kirkman speaks out

Like the dead themselves, Robert Kirkman’s?Walking Dead?story?continues to plod on, both in print and on TV. While the AMC drama recently concluded the first half of its ninth season, Kirkman’s original comic book series has been running for over 15 years and has covered far more story than the show.

For some fans, the long grind is starting to war. In a letter printed in The Walking Dead issue #187, fan “Danny the Mc” criticizes Kirkman for recycling his story. “There is only one plot in this book,” he complained. “Rick and Company meet another group of people, a fight ensues, Rick and Company win. That’s it.” Kirkman gamely responded:

I’ve heard the ‘Oh, man…?TWD?just recycles the same story over and over again,’ complaint many times. And if you’re not into the book anymore, that’s fine, stop. I completely understand. Some people aren’t up for the long haul …?BUT “meeting new groups and getting into conflicts with them” is… every… continuing story. It’s every TV show. New enemies, new antagonists, new conflicts… and each of those conflicts are different in some way… and result in characters learning new things and growing in new ways. The same way the conflict with The Governor and Woodbury is completely different than the conflict with Negan and the Saviors… in almost every single way. If you think those two huge storylines are the same, this book just isn’t for you. And that’s fine!

With respect to Kirkman, the conflict between Rick and the Governor is fairly similar to the conflict between Rick and Negan. Both feature Rick heading a group of survivors fighting to keep their home (first the prison and then Alexandria). After some early losses, they rally and overcome their opponents. Sure, the Governor and Negan had some ideological differences, but both of them had the same ruthless willingness to sacrifice their own in the name of victory. The Governor had an undead daughter and Negan talks to a bat; they both have a screw or two loose. But we digress.

Whether its fan fatigue or lack of fresh storytelling, ratings for season 9 of The Walking Dead were way down compared to the show’s heyday. As for the comic series, if Danny is speaking for more than just himself, Kirkman and company might have a problem on their hands.

The second half of season 9 focuses on our heroes’ battle with the Whisperers and kicks off February 10. We’ll see if that will reenergize the fan base.

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h/t SyFy Wire