I've loved this whole Whisperers story arc, and I've loved what they've done with Negan throughout this time as well. He really is a complex character on so many levels. It was strangely satisfactory to see him fighting on "our" side in this past issue. I even loved, in some deranged way, seeing him reunited with the Most Evil & Notorious Baseball Bat In History's reigning champion Lucille. And as I've mentioned before, it was when he "lost" her (I don't want to put in any specific spoilers, but if you aren't caught up on the comic, READ now lol!) that we finally got to see any real, sentimental emotion from him (not including anything here from Here's Negan). I really feel that this event is going to effect him. He's either going to fight relentlessly for Rick and the team's side to obliterate the Whisperers, or he's going to fight them for his own vengeful reasons and then slip back into his previous, sociopathic ways. That is, IF he makes it.

I'm wondering what you all think. Do you think that Negan will survive the Whisperer War? If so why or why not?

I am not totally sure. I think if he goes off the rails out of anger and pain, acting erratically could truly get him killed. But then again, it's really hard to picture Negan actually dying. Good or bad, that would literally be the loss of a comic legend. Plus, I think if he survives they could give him even more new development and story arc. I'm on the fence with this one!

 

Wouldn't that be fitting?? Especially since Andrea has all but begged Rick to kill Negan after they took him captive. Although, I don't want to see Rick die yet, no, it's too soon lol! I wouldn't mind Negan being around a couple more years, either. At least long enough to maybe make us totally hate him again for awhile? lol. Plus, I know in the comics here Carl is getting really close to being able to lead. I feel that Rick may end up putting him in charge of the Sanctuary now that Dwight is gone (I think Michonne hinted at this subtly in a recent issue). I think after Carl has led for a bit, and become established, respected, feared (all that good stuff that comes with being a ZA leader), THEN it will truly be Rick's time to die. He needs to see that Carl can do it, that he's ready. Negan, I don't know [MENTION=107612]DragonRacer[/MENTION] made a good point about his backstory not being done until March of next year. So he will probably live that long. It will be interesting to see who gets to kill him eventually and why.

 

Ya, I know Rick really is pretty physically beat to hell in the comic, and I read somewhere but cannot for the life of me remember where that Kirkman stated that it isn't a far-cry for Rick to die soon, like within 1-2 years of the comic. I do think Carl would grow into a wonderful leader, as long as he has someone (*cough*Sophia*cough*) to keep his anger/rage in check. I believe he could be far more brutal than Rick. I just meant that perhaps Rick may make him (with some persuasion from people like Michonne) the new leader of the Sanctuary. That would still give Rick a chance to see that Carl is truly "ready" and "grown". I think this would lead Rick to perhaps be a bit more reckless and maybe try to fight Negan, or someone else maybe, leading to his death. Then after, Carl would perhaps merge the two communities (ASZ and Sanctuary) or appoint a new leader of the Sanctuary and return home to ASZ. Or stay and lead the Sanctuary and maybe Andrea would take Rick's place as leader of Alexandria. I think Rick dying would be an utterly devastating blow, no matter what shape he's in. And it would definitely steer the comic in a familiar yet different direction. It may be fascinating. I love comic Carl, love him. He's my favorite in the comic by far, so much potential (that I pray they end up utilizing in the show already for jesus sakes), I'd love to read how he helps to continue to live, lead, and rebuild a society. I'm interested on how he'd handle different conflicts. I think his youth and hardened demeanor could make for some great storylines. Ok and let's be honest, his physical appearance would play into his intimidation factor. But I would miss Rick too! Maybe he could step down??? Do you think he is even capable (as in, on an ego level) of doing such a thing?

 

I can totally see your scenario with Negan (who, in his captive cell, has been pretty much safe and sound over the years, probably with nigh an injury more than a hang nail), I could see that being what leads Rick to finally (at least) attempt to kill Negan (wishing like holy hell that he'd done it when he first caught him), maybe leading to his death, or at least an injury that will kill him in a matter of hours or maybe a couple days. But I'd hate to see Alexandria destroyed...Although! Maybe then all the survivors from Alexandria can move to the Sanctuary, where my comic-husband rules the roost :zombies_alien:

 

Ya that does sound pretty right. Plus, since he lost control over his group in AOW, what did he have to lose? He was kept safe, fed, warm in the winter, probably cool in the summer, he was bathed and groomed and even had Carl to talk to a lot. Life wasn't too bad for him at that point. Despite his recent actions, I've always felt he's had something up his sleeve. The "nice" Negan seems too good to be true lol.

 

I can say that although there are dozens of people who should rightfully want to kill Negan, Dwight would be in my top 3, right alongside Rick and Maggie. I find it immensely entertaining to be seeing Negan in a sense being 'babysat' by Dwight, for a time even him having to watch Dwight tote Lucille around. Ironic, isn't it? (Ugh, maybe in Dwight's instance it isn't so tasteful to use a descriptive that's first four letters are I-R-O-N [insert evil little grin here]???)