AMC's scare-sensation The Walking Dead began life on the comic book page back in 2003. Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard created a multi-media monster. Their character creations have gone on to become some of the most recognizable in all of pop culture.
The likes of Rick, Glenn, Maggie, and Negan all started out in Kirkman's comic. The TV adaptation of The Walking Dead has thrown its fair share of classic characters into the mix. Not all have resonated with fans, but some of them have been monumental successes, even going as far as to challenge Officer Friendly for his title as The Walking Dead's most iconic survivor.
10 With A Few Terrifying Appearances, Pope Cemented Himself As A Great Villain
Pope and his band of masked men burst onto The Walking Dead scene at the end of season 10. Although fans would have to wait a while to meet the leader of The Reapers, he most assuredly cut an intimidating presence once they did.
He may not have been as impactful as other Walking Dead big bads, and he arguably suffered from a tendency to commit acts all too familiar to those seen by the former villains. But Ritchie Coster's psychotic soldier played his part in creating some of Walking Dead's most thrilling scenes in recent years.
9 The Walking Dead Ditched Douglas For Deanna With Excellent Results
Alexandria's leader Douglas Monroe from Robert Kirkman's comic never made it onto AMC's fright-filled franchise. Instead, The Walking Dead fans were given Deanna Monroe, brought to life by the exceptionally talented Tovah Feldshuh.
Feldshuh put the skills that made her a Broadway star for over 4 decades on full display during her time on The Walking Dead. She may not have lasted as long as one of Walking Dead's more resilient characters, but she had an undeniably positive effect on the quality of each episode she appeared in.
8 Beth Held Her Own Amongst The Established Members Of The Greene Family
Hershel had a whole host of children in the comics, yet none of them were named Beth. Emily Kinney's resilient survivor was a creation entirely unique to the TV show. Amongst her soulful songs and moonshine missions, Beth became an important and well-liked presence on The Walking Dead.
Her infuriating death undid some of this. When looking back at the earlier seasons of Walking Dead, it's clear that Hershel's daughter brought an undeniably endearing, innocent quality to a series filled with such murder and mayhem.
7 T-Dog Wasn't A Major Player, But His Heroic Actions Are Still Felt Today
IronE Singleton arguably never got the chance to grow his Walking Dead persona into something really special. Fondly remembered by fans for his sacrifice that kept the iconic and unkillable Carol Peletier alive, T-Dog was a bold, brave survivor from his first moments on screen.
T-Dog went back to save Merle even after being racially abused by him. Despite dying in season 3, Theodore Douglas remains an important piece of Walking Dead.
6 From Love Interest To Walking Dead Big Bad, Leah Quickly Made Her Mark
As of the season 11 midseason finale, Leah has turned against Daryl and quite possibly killed some of his friends. Initially, Leah began The Walking Dead as one of the most anticipated and requested characters of all - the love interest of Norman Reedus' beloved biker, Daryl Dixon.
Leah's relationship with Daryl, her affiliation with The Reapers, and her turn against Pope have made her a fascinating and unique addition. And of course, fans have her to thank for the emergence of another, far more adorable character.
5 In A World Overrun With The Dead, Everyone Could Use A Best Friend Like Dog
Embodying all the noble traits of his owner, Dog is loyal, fierce and brave. Dog is The Walking Dead's most heartwarming hero. The fearless four-legged fighter has kept Daryl alive on more than one occasion, proving himself a valuable companion in a world ruled by roamers.
Norman Reedus campaigned for his character to have a pet, and he got his wish. Just a few seasons later, fans appreciate that he did. Dog might just be the only character more likable than Daryl Dixon himself.
4 AMC's Show Upgraded The Baby Judith From The Comics
While Judith Grimes did technically originate in the comics, she died as a helpless baby. This left AMC to take most of the credit when it comes to the fantastic character underneath the Grimes family Stetson.
Of course, a fair amount of the applause has to go to Cailey Fleming. The young actress has given Rick's adopted daughter endearing bravery that's impossible to ignore. As The Walking Dead is set to continue after the original series comes to a close, it won't be surprising to see Judith take on the undead in years to come.
3 Sasha Became Far More Than Just A Sister To An Iconic Comic Character
Tyreese may not have lived up to his comic book counterpart. One thing that AMC did do better the character is give him a sister, Sasha. Sonequa Martin-Green wasted no time in becoming a fan favorite on Walking Dead. By the time of Sasha's ultimately heroic death, she had far surpassed the accomplishments of Chad Coleman as Tyreese.
Sasha played her part in multiple storylines on The Walking Dead, and she did so whilst enhancing the characters around her - particularly Bob, Rosita, and Abraham.
2 Michael Rooker As Merle Is A Hollywood Highlight Of The Early Seasons
From racist redneck to reluctant hero, big brother Dixon boasts one of The Walking Dead's most fascinating character arcs. Michael Rooker added another iconic character to his catalog with his show-stealing performances as Merle. He also gave The Walking Dead some genuine star power in its early seasons.
The team behind The Walking Dead has created some tremendous characters for their hit horror adaptation. Few are as fleshed out, captivating, or downright watchable as Merle Dixon. The one-armed warrior is only overshadowed by one character unique to the TV show.
1 Daryl Dixon Has Arguably Surpassed Even The Greatest Characters From Kirkman's Comic
Norman Reedus' crossbow king is arguably The Walking Dead's most popular character regardless of where he originated. Outside of Rick Grimes, no character has reached the heroic heights of Daryl Dixon. From his desperate, selfless search for Sophia to his dread-inducing showdown with Beta, Daryl has shown no hesitation putting others before himself.
Despite his previous success in Hollywood, Norman Reedus has never been more popular than he is today. Daryl Dixon is the reason, and after 10 and a half seasons, fans are nowhere near ready to say goodbye to his badass biker.