CBR

The surprise end of The Walking Dead confirms it really was Rick Grimes' story. 1 / 8

Fans felt his death might have opened up new stories to be told. 2 / 8

Many were looking to Carl or Michonne to take his mantle up. 3 / 8

Some even believed the Old Man Carl theory would play out. 4 / 8

But Robert Kirkman's story started with Rick and now, it ends with him - or at least his legend. 5 / 8

Looking back, it was always about his struggles, and the loved ones he lost. 6 / 8

Even the villains were all tied to Rick as he shaped the future for everyone. 7 / 8

Thus, with him dying, Kirkman decided so too did the heartbeat of the book. 8 / 8