10 Marvel Comics To Read If You Like The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead shares many similarities with other popular comic storylines in Marvel’s catalog.

Since the drama shambled onto the scene in 2003, The Walking Dead has stupefied readers with its steady stream of human drama, intense gore, and violent ends. The odyssey of Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors outlasting conflict with human and walker opponents alike is touching enough to inspire more than a decade’s worth of television.

In light of the comic’s recent end last year and the TV series’ impending conclusion, fans of the franchise are left to reflect on the journey so far and imagine what may be next out amongst the walker hordes. However, The Walking Dead shares many similarities with other popular comic storylines, particularly in Marvel’s catalog. Several marquee superheroes have explored mature themes in ways that echo that of Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic.

10 Warlock Is Illustrated By The Walking Dead's Artist

Artist Charlie Adlard – known for his gripping work on The Walking Dead – contributes to Warlock, the 4-issue miniseries tasked with reintroducing Adam Warlock to modern audiences following his pivotal role in "Infinity Gauntlet" 13 years prior. With his recently announced appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, readers will need to brush up on the character and what exactly makes him compelling. Warlock reimagines him as a simulated being within a virtual reality, cooked up by the villainous Enclave. However, not all is as it seems, and Adlard grants the same human quality he does the likes of Rick and Negan to this rather superhuman hero.

9 Captain America: Winter In America Explores Dark, Human Themes

Following the tumultuous politics of the 2010s, many readers found themselves disillusioned with the idea of Captain America "policing" the world. He was popular in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but those stories even began to tackle heavier issues related to America’s place in the modern world. Acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, having taken the comic community by storm with his run on Black Panther, took up Cap’s shield next.

"Winter in America" charts the return of Steve Rogers to the stars and stripes following the infamous "Secret Empire" event, which saw Captain America mutter the phrase, “Hail Hydra.” The story follows Captain Rogers as he faces the fear and rage directed at the country he loves so much, even from within its borders. A dark comic with heavy questions, TWD readers will appreciate the effort at analyzing relevant issues.

8 Maximum Carnage Rivals The Walking Dead In Gore And Violence

As a general phrase, “maximum carnage” certainly encapsulates the action and events of TWD. However, under the Marvel banner, “Maximum Carnage” holds a significant place in readers’ minds. Seeing villains finally cut loose and give the hero a true evil to contend with is satisfying, as it provides stakes and provokes a sense of doom for these characters. Carnage is one of the most violent characters in the Marvel Universe, taking a depraved pleasure in the suffering of others. In that regard, TWD readers will find echoes of Negan within the symbiote’s slimy form.

7 Irredeemable Ant-Man Is Kirkman's Contribution To Marvel

The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman was a fan of Marvel comics before birthing Rick Grimes and his endless trials. Having named his son after Spider-Man, it was only a matter of time before the writer was given the chance to create an original character for the brand. Enter Eric O’Grady, aka the Irredeemable Ant-Man, a character personified by his reckless attitude and immoral behavior. Kirkman finds these characters fertile ground for exploration, having written plenty of heinous human beings in his zombie epic.

6 Daredevil: The Man Without Fear Is Gritty And Grounded In Humanity

A Marvel classic, Frank Miller’s "The Man Without Fear" tracks the origin of Daredevil. Beginning with his tough upbringing by an out-of-luck single father, the superhero is slowly crafted through Matt Murdock’s experiences, culminating in a showdown with Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin.

Themes of identity and violence abound, evoking a dark mood that would go on to influence the popular Netflix series and assuredly fit in with that of The Walking Dead.

5 Ultimate X-Men #66-93 Is Kirkman's Faithful Run In Edgy Canon

Another one of Kirkman’s contributions to Marvel, his run on Ultimate X-Men saw many of the classic events in the team’s history updated for this edgier universe. Jean Grey’s transformation into Phoenix, as well as the arrival of Cable, signaled a love of X-Men lore and allowed Kirkman to play with some of the most iconic characters in comic history. His sharp dialogue and probing of the human (or mutant) condition will remind readers of Rick’s unhinged yet stirring speeches from TWD.

4 The Destroyer Is Kirkman To The Core

Published under the MAX imprint, Kirkman took a leap of faith with this series reintroducing a character of old. The Destroyer is a washed-up superhero, destined to fatally die from a heart attack, and he must settle things with his demons before time runs out. Written with a unique perspective on the merits of heroics, Kirkman was fully himself in this comic, given that it was a particularly niche character. The violence and mature themes he examines here will satisfy his devotees from TWD.

3 Old Man Logan Is Equal Parts Western And Post-Apocalyptic Tale

Arguably the best comic from Marvel, "Old Man Logan" tracks an aging and defeated Wolverine as he embarks on a road trip, alongside a similarly aging and blind Hawkeye, to help settle some debts back home. The Western aesthetic and bleak perspective on the Marvel Universe recalls the shadows of humanity that the survivors face in TWD. "Old Man Logan" is a comic relentless in its torture of the title character, prompting a reemergence of something he thought buried. It illuminates the dichotomy of humanity, between man and animal, and perfectly parallels the antics of Rick Grimes and his group.

2 Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe Is Heavy And Hardcore

An unforgivingly dark story, "Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe" was Garth Ennis’ first foray into Frank Castle’s world, long before he’d leave his mark with his MAX run. Here, Ennis introduces the Punisher as a man pushed beyond his limits, wronged by a system he’s intent on destroying.

A splendidly human portrait, Ennis’ miniseries bravely confronts the implications the existence of the Punisher would entail and rivals TWD as a valuable mature comic.

1 Marvel Zombies Is THE Hybrid Of Marvel And The Walking Dead

The ultimate marriage of Marvel and TWD, Robert Kirkman himself penned this disturbing story. Introducing an alternate timeline ravaged by a zombie plague, Marvel Zombies begins long after superheroes and villains were infected. Having nearly run out of normal people to eat, Kirkman charts the bounds that people will go to satisfy their greed. Gore, violence, zombies... Marvel allows Kirkman to run wild with their canon, and it’s bloody marvelous.