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Letter Hacks is Robert Kirkman's letter column at the end of most issues of the Comic Series. Questions are answered or there is a note to the readers.
Contact
The Walking Dead
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P.O. Box 1870
Lockport, NY 14417
OR
walkingdead@skybound.com
Notable Letters and Information
Volume 1: Days Gone Bye
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#1 |
Robert Kirkman makes a short introduction about the series. |
#2 |
It is confirmed that the zombies won't ever be intelligent.
In response to why the hospital and police station still had lights on and functioning elevators in the previous issue, Kirkman states, "Places like police stations and hospitals would have back up generators and I'm thinking for the most part that power would remain available until something went wrong." |
#3 | None |
#4 | At the time, Kirkman states that he doesn't have a planned ending for the book. |
#5 | None |
#6 | None |
Volume 2: Miles Behind Us
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#7 |
Robert Kikman explains the reasons for Tony Moore's departure and introduces Charlie Adlard as his replacement. |
#8 |
Kirkman establishes that he is never going to provide a rational explanation for how the outbreak occurs. He thinks any explanation would disrupt the normalness, and border "science fiction". He is more interested in what happens post-outbreak than what had happened leading up to it. |
#9 |
It is stated that Rick's coma lasted "a number of weeks" |
#10 |
It is confirmed that only humans can turn into zombies. |
#11 |
It is reaffirmed that zombies last a lot longer than a regular dead body. |
#12 |
Simon Pegg, an actor and zombie enthusiast who played "Shaun" in Shaun of the Dead, sends an email to Robert Kirkman. |
Volume 3: Safety Behind Bars
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#13 |
Robert Kirkman hints about the possibility of a The Walking Dead television show. |
#14 |
It is revealed that zombies only eat for impulse, and that they do not possess a functioning digestive system. |
#15 |
Kirkman once again teases the "Alien Invasion" of #75. |
#16 | None |
#17 | None |
#18 |
Kirkman hints that Rick may return to his hometown at some point. |
Volume 4: The Heart's Desire
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#19 | In the letter Hacks of this issue, Robert's responses to fan letter were not put in bold text
It is revealed that Duane Jones' name was inspired by Kirkman's favorite Romero actor. Duane Jones was the leading role in the film Night of the Living Dead. |
#20 | None |
#21 | None |
#22 | None |
#23 | None |
#24 | None |
Volume 5: The Best Defense
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#25 | None |
#26 | None |
#27 | None |
#28 | None |
#29 | None |
#30 | None |
Volume 6: This Sorrowful Life
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#31 | None |
#32 | None |
#33 | None |
#34 | None |
#35 | Kirkman reveals that a Rick Grimes full body statue has been made by Clayburn Moore. It is confirmed that Delcourt will be taking over the French language publication of the book. |
#36 | Kirkman doesn't plan on ever writing what caused the apocalypse. Michonne doesn't know any formal martial arts. Robert Kirkman confirms it is Thomas Richards' corpse that a roamer trips on in Issue 20. |
Volume 7: The Calm Before
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#37 | Instead of fan mail, this Letter Hacks edition featured an interview with Robert Kirkman by Andrea Voglino from an Italian magazine. |
#38 | None |
#39 | None |
#40 | None |
#41 | Kirkman confirms the rule that everyone has the same infection (of unknown origin) that causes zombies. Unless your brain is damaged, however way someone dies, they end up a zombie. A zombie bite kills due to infection or blood loss, not because of the zombie virus. |
#42 | None |
Volume 8: Made To Suffer
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#43 | None |
#44 | None |
#45 | None |
#46 | Robert Kirkman states that he is sorry to see Tyreese die but he has planned his death almost since his introduction. He asks readers not to "flip out" saying that there is a future for the series without him. |
#47 | None |
#48 |
Kirkman originally had intended Lori and Judy's death in #47, not this one. He writes this, however, makes the "twist" with Alice possible, but also equates to most of the deaths in this arc taking place in this issue, which had not been Kirkman's plan. |
Volume 9: Here We Remain
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#49 | None |
#50 | None |
#51 | None |
#52 | None |
#53 | None |
#54 | None |
Volume 10: What We Become
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#55 | None |
#56 | None |
#57 | None |
#58 | None |
#59 | None |
#60 | None |
Volume 11: Fear The Hunters
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#61 | None |
#62 | None |
#63 | None |
#64 | None |
#65 | None |
#66 | None |
Volume 12: Life Among Them
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#67 | None |
#68 | None |
#69 | None |
#70 | None |
#71 | None |
#72 | None |
Volume 13: Too Far Gone
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#73 | None |
#74 | None |
#75 | None |
#76 | None |
#77 | None |
#78 | None |
Volume 14: No Way Out
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#79 | None |
#80 | None |
#81 | None |
#82 | None |
#83 | None |
#84 | None |
Volume 15: We Find Ourselves
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#85 | None |
#86 | None |
#87 | None |
#88 | None |
#89 | None |
#90 | None |
Volume 16: A Larger World
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#91 | None |
#92 | None |
#93 | None |
#94 | None |
#95 | None |
#96 | None |
Volume 17: Something To Fear
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#97 | None |
#98 | None |
#99 | Kirkman confirms that Daryl Dixon won't appear in the Comic Series. Kirkman confirms that he's not using elements from The Bible. |
#100 | None |
#101 | None |
#102 | A letter sent in by Steven Yeun jokingly insulted Robert Kirkman and stated that he was very upset about the death of Glenn in Issue 100. |
Volume 18: What Comes After
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#103 | None |
#104 | None |
#105 | None |
#106 | Kirkman confirms that the Lilly in the Video Game is not the same character as the Lilly in the Comic and Novel Series. |
#107 | It is confirmed that Jeffrey Grimes will never appear in the TV Series |
#108 | Kirkman confirms the prison was originally supposed to appear in #7. |
Volume 19: March To War
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#109 | None |
#110 | None |
#111 | Kirkman stated that zombies do not digest food, and when their stomach is full, the food is simply forced out through the anus. |
#112 | None |
#113 | Kirkman suggests that Ezekiel could be the smartest person in the Comic Series. |
#114 | Kirkman reveals that there will be three trade paperbacks released in 2014. |
Volume 20: All Out War - Part One
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#115 | Kirkman explains that the companion TV series wont affect the parent show in any way. |
#116 | None |
#117 | None |
#118 | Kirkman reveals that Paul Monroe is a fan of the novel series "Goosebumps". |
#119 | Kirkman states that the book will be drastically different, starting with #127. |
#120 | Kirkman states that zombies have no real need for food and their urge to eat is due to a "false sense of hunger" they have come to possess after reanimating. |
Volume 21: All Out War - Part Two
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#121 | It is stated by Robert Kirkman that "...whatever is making them [zombies] walk around is also keeping them from rotting to bones in a matter of weeks." |
#122 | Kirkman confirms that Maggie's last name remains "Greene", as a way of keeping her family's legacy alive, and because Glenn's surname is nonexistent in the book. |
#123 | Kirkman and Sean discussed that the war, up to this point, had been about a week and a few days, with #115 and #116 being one day. #118 being approximately a week, with all the quick, smaller attacks on the outposts. And then #119 and #120 being another day. |
#124 | None |
#125 | None |
#126 | None |
Volume 22: A New Beginning
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#127 |
Kirkman revealed that Negan was the one who killed Holly. |
#128 | Robert Kirkman implies the timeskip length was supposed to be a secret (regarding Sean revealing it in the previous column). He also reveals that he planned to keep both Rick and Negan alive since the beginning. |
#129 | It was revealed that the #132 cover would feature Maggie Greene holding her and Glenn's child. |
#130 | It is explained by Kirkman (regarding Magna not finding any survivors during seven months on the road) that anyone who made it that far into the apocalypse, most likely did so by forming community of survivors who are far away from each other and hard to stumble upon during seven months of traveling. |
#131 | Robert Kirkman teases that Lucille's location will be revealed "later". It is confirmed that there is no caste system in the communities. It is teased that Negan might never escape from prison. |
#132 | Robert Kirkman asks a fan to "be patient" when it comes to learning the fate of The Sanctuary and the missing characters. It is stated that it might take a good number of issues until everyone's fate is revealed. Robert Kirkman reaffirms that the idea of "talking zombies" isn't good for the book. It is stated that "plenty of babies" were born at Hilltop. |
Volume 23: Whispers Into Screams
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#133 | None |
#134 | Kirkman reveals that The Hunters didn't get infected after eating a bitten human, as well as Gareth's group. |
#135 | Kirkman promises "more info on Negan and Jesus at some point (possibly soon)..." |
#136 | Kirkman jokingly says that each time a reader asks about Michonne, he pushes her reappearance or death confirmation back by two issues. It is also mentioned that issues without Rick might become a trend from now on. It is revealed that The Kingdom and The Saviors had more casualties than any other faction during the war. |
#137 | Compendium 3 was confirmed to be released October 13, 2015. |
#138 | Coming Soon |
Volume 24: Life and Death
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#139 | To Be Added |
#140 | It is confirmed that Alpha's first appearance was in Issue 132, when she confronted Dante with her shotgun. |
#141 | To Be Added |
#142 | It is revealed that most of the farming is done outside the communities. |
#143 | It is revealed that Negan was a used cars salesman before the apocalypse. Robert Kirkman alludes to the possibility of releasing a set of maps of the comic series, showing faction territories and other things. It is suggested that the horde of walkers seen at the end of this issue could be the largest the communities have ever faced. |
#144 | It is confirmed that Lucille's whereabouts will soon be revealed. It is also confirmed that going forward we will be seeing a lot more of The Kingdom. |
Volume 25: No Turning Back
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#145 | To Be Added |
#146 | Kirkman details how Alpha probably lured people outside the fair, i.e. asking help finding someone, asking to carry something, etc. In response to the lack of latinos in the comics, Kirkman responds that characters like Marco, Dante and Eduardo are all latinos. Finally, Kirkman delivers a long explanation about how zombification works, the text can be seen here. |
#147 | Kirkman states that the Saviors will be seen again "soon." |
#148 | Kirkman jokes that Andrea will die in Issue 150. He also says that Negan liked the younger Carson brother and forced him to come back with him as his assistant. |
#149 | Kirkman states that the Whisperers can uses any dead flesh to make their skin suits.
|
#150 | Kirkman states that Alpha's zombie skin is clean on the inside, dirty on the outside and that she probably put a little perfume before arriving at the fair.
|
Volume 26: Call To Arms
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#151 | Kirkman says Negan will never get out of his cell.
He also says to "stay tuned for big things", in regard to the radio and Stephanie. |
#152 | Kirkman says the Whisperer War will be very different to All Out War. |
#153 | Kirkman says he plans to spend more time at the Hilltop, The Sanctuary and the Oceanside. |
#154 | Kirkman says he enjoys writing Negan.
He also promises the Season 7 premiere will make up for the Season 6 cliffhanger. |
#155 | Kirkman says Magna will play a bigger role in future issues.
He also says Negan and Alpha's relationship plays a big part in the coming war. He confirms Laura's ethnicity as Latina. |
#156 | Kirkman explains that his original plan for Negan's appearance was that he was going to have him force Rick to kill Glenn in order to save his son.
|
Volume 27: The Whisperer War
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#157 | Robert Kirkman says he loves 16-panel grid comics and that he had used this format for The Irredeemable Ant-Man and random issues of Invincible.
Sean Mankiewicz promises that everyone featured in the last page will have drastically different lives by the end of the volume. This includes Rick, Carl, Andrea, Maggie, Michonne, Eugene, Gabriel, Aaron, Jesus, Dwight, Negan, Magna, Hershel, Dante, Lydia, Laura and William. |
#158 | About the recent deaths, Kirkman says that killing Alpha was one of the hardest deaths ever and Gabriel's death was one of the most unpleasant deaths yet.
In response to a reader comparing Siddiq to Axel, Kirkman claims that the two characters are drastically different and more of Siddiq will be seen soon. |
#159 | None |
#160 | Kirkman says that something that hasn't happened in a long time will happen in the next issue. |
#161 | Kirkman states that the readers will soon find out why Beta hides his face.
It is announced that 'Here's Negan' will be extended to a total of 16 issues. |
#162 | Kirkman confirms that Jesus is gay just like his comic counterpart. |
Volume 28: A Certain Doom
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#163 | It is confirmed that Eugene is on the autism spectrum. Kirkman states that he was "The most important character for the potential rebuilding of society" |
#164 | It is explained that Rick and Lori got "serious" in their relationship around when Rick was 23.
The mixup with the characters' ages is also acknownledged and that the time skip is likely more than two years. |
#165 | It is explained that some characters are aware of what happened in the past, such as Andrea knowing Carl killed Ben and gives a glimpse into what to expect in future issues. Such as Eugene finding out who got Rosita pregnant, that Maggie will find out that Negan is allowed to run free, and Eugene's connections to Stephanie will be revealed. |
#166 | Kirkman says that "there are so many other deaths on the horizon you have no clue are coming."
It was confirmed that Negan was originally going to be killed off in Issue 108. As a result, Dwight was not originally planned to defect to Rick's side. It was also confirmed that in the future, an existing or new character will be confirmed to be a lesbian. It was also revealed that the next issue will be a "big deal". |
#167 | Instead of Letter Hacks, Kirkman published his eulogy to longstanding character Andrea at the end of the issue. |
#168 | To Be Added |
Volume 29: Lines We Cross
Issue | Note(s) |
---|---|
#169 |
To Be Added |
#170 |
To Be Added |
#171 |
To Be Added |
#172 | To Be Added |
#173 | Kirkman says that Magna was originally not planned as a lesbian, and that he wanted to explore "[...] how sad it would be for a friend not to share the attraction you have for them and how akward how that would make things".
He admits that he changed this just due to the fact that the series had not had a lesbian couple yet. Kirkman also stated he knows exactly what's going to happen on Issue 200. |
#174 |
Most likely it was a mistake but they rerprinted the exact same letter and response from the last issue about Issue 200. |