Robert Kirkman is celebrating the next chapter of The Walking Dead with an exclusive look at a variant cover that doesn't even exist for the Negan Lives one-shot.While Kirkman and Charlie Adlard finished off the main series of The Walking Dead with the surprise conclusion in Issue #193, the pair have reunited once again to continue the story of Negan. With the real world in a lull due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Kirkman and Adlard have gifted comic book retailers Negan Lives for free, as well as special edition variant covers.Posting on Twitter, Kirkman said July 1 is a big day for retailers as Negan Lives officially drops. As well as showcasing the standard cover, which Kirkman said is "the best looking Walking Dead comic we've ever done," he explained how each shop will get one gold cover version of Negan Lives and two silver cover editions. Finally, he showed off a metallic red cover before quickly covering his tracks and saying, "Oh, that red cover doesn't exist."
Negan Lives serves as a direct continuation of Negan's world following his final appearance in Issue #174. Although Kirkman promised Negan wouldn't be seen again, readers waited another 19 months to find out what happened to him next. While Negan didn't directly appear in Issue #193, it was revealed he'd settled into a house in Springhaven, seemingly avoiding Carl. When he was last seen, Negan was confronted by Maggie for his crimes and had his life spared. The depressed Negan was a far cry from his former bat-wielding self, but the cover of Negan Lives has teased a return to form.
Kirkman previously lamented his handling of The Walking Dead's final issue and said it was a "questionable decision" to trick retailers. The comic's shock ending came after Adlard drew fake covers for the next three issues and retailers taking orders. Of course, the issues never existed, leading stores to refund customers who'd already ordered the comics. Kirkman teased that Negan would be the "new" Rick Grimes, however, the series came to an end before it ever happened. Unlike Issue #194-196, Negan Lives is very much real and has been gifted to comic book stores with 100% of the revenue going to those selling the title. Even though Kirkman stopped short of opening Negan Lives to give away any spoilers, the one-shot will continue the story of the fan-favorite villain.
Negan Lives #1 is a 36-page, black and white comic book, available exclusively at comic book shops today. There are extremely rare Gold (Diamond Code MAR208201) and Silver (Diamond Code MAR208200) foil variants of Negan Lives #1 in limited quantities, inquire with your local comic shop for availability and further details.