Walking Dead shock as comic series ends with unannounced finale
The Walking Dead comic series has finished this month after 193 issues.
The end comes as a huge shock to fans, as no warning was given at all until the release of the final issue, which is 72 pages long. The series began with issue #1 in October 2003.
Writing in the Letter Hacks section at the end of issue #193, creator Robert Kirkman acknowledged that closing The Walking Dead unannounced may frustrate some readers, but explained that it was consistent with the storytelling of the series.
"The Walking Dead has always been built on surprise. Not knowing what's going to happen when you turn the page, who's going to die, how they're going to die... it's been ESSENTIAL to the success of the series," he wrote.
"It's been the lifeblood that's been keeping it going all these years, keeping people engaged.
"It just felt WRONG and against the very nature of this series not to make the actual end as surprising as all the big deaths... from Shane all the way to Rick."
Kirkman thanked the fans and added his delight that he managed to tell his story on his own terms all the way through.
"I hope you understand," he said. "I hope you, dear reader, know how much I appreciate the gift you have given me. I got to tell my story exactly how I wanted to, for 193 issues, and end it on my terms, with no interference at all along the way... at any point.
"That's such a rare thing, and it doesn't exist without the unyielding support this series got from readers like you. Thank you so much."
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Last month's issue saw the series' biggest ever death as protagonist Rick Grimes was murdered.
It is unclear what The Walking Dead's end means for the TV series, which is currently filming its 10th season and currently in the middle of the Whisperers arc.
Kirkman previously confirmed that Rick's death in the comics was not inspired by the TV show.
The Walking Dead airs on AMC in the US and on FOX in the UK. You can also catch up on the show via NOW TV.
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