August 4, 2024
As part of the 100 Banned Books Project, I recently explored the first ten volumes of “The Walking Dead” graphic novel series—a new territory for me, given my limited exposure to graphic novels despite growing up where manga is ubiquitous. Opting to read a horror series was a leap out of my comfort zone, especially since I hadn’t watched the TV adaptation. My reactions and insights are entirely based on the impactful storytelling from 10 volumes of the graphic novels I’ve read. I encountered within these pages—yes, they were pretty intense and, at times, frightening.
Overall, “The Walking Dead” adheres to the classic science fiction narrative arc: a catastrophic disaster strikes, a leader or hero rises, and a tyrant emerges, further complicating the survivors’ quest for a resolution.
Since I’ve read only the first ten volumes, I could not see whether Rick or anyone else reached a clear resolution to the zombie apocalypse that was ever delineated. They did not even know why they were turning into zombies.
The first ten volumes’ underlying themes of leadership, community, and symbolism struck a deeper chord with me. These themes propel the plot and mirror the vast spectrum of human experiences and historical challenges.
In this blog post, I will delve into these themes, examining how they unfold in the harsh yet enlightening world of “The Walking Dead” and sharing my reflections on their broader implications on our understanding of society and survival.
Leadership in The Walking Dead
The concept of leadership in The Walking Dead graphic novels is dynamic and evolving. It initially mirrors the intense, life-and-death decisions often seen in military settings rather than those typical of a business environment.
This notion of leadership echoes historical instances where strong leadership was crucial during times of disaster. For example, records from ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans show leaders stepping up in times of crisis. In his 2012 paper, Hughes cites how Emperor Nero provided for his people following the great fire of Rome. Similarly, leadership was pivotal when Mount Vesuvius erupted 15 years later, with leaders managing crisis responses that likely saved many lives.
Early in the series, leadership is embodied by law enforcement figures like Shane and Rick. However, as the story progresses, this leadership structure evolves into a co-leadership model, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
They eventually encounter different leadership styles, exemplified by the governor of Woodbury, who lacks moral integrity despite his effectiveness against zombies. His actions precipitate his downfall, leading to his death at the hands of one of his people after he kills Lori and her daughter, Judith.
This part of the story emphasizes that effective leadership involves more than quick decision-making for survival; it necessitates a moral compass and the capacity to inspire and uphold trust among people. In light of this, Emperor Nero is not celebrated as a hero who rescued people in the disaster; instead, he is remembered as one of the harsh leaders. This graphic novel illustrates the intricate nature of leading in a post-apocalyptic world.
The Necessity of Community
Growing up in a country frequently affected by natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, I learned early on the importance of a strong community during crises. Reading “The Walking Dead” further deepened my understanding, as the characters’ survival often depends on their ability to unite and support each other.
The graphic novels show small communities, like the one formed by Rick and Lori, where everyone relies on mutual aid to get by. They highlight how, in dire need, the best assistance often arises from small, cohesive groups. Then, even a well-prepared individual will need help in the long run. For instance, Hershel Greene, who initially survives with just his family on their farm, is ultimately compelled to join the larger community after a tragic encounter with the zombies he harbored, killing his sons.
This theme reminded me of the community dynamics in N.K. Jemisin’s “Broken Earth” series. Although the plots differ, both stories reflect how communities react under stress differently—some by raiding or exploiting others and some by endeavoring to help those in distress.
Communities that uphold solid moral values tend to endure and thrive across generations. Disaster experiences profoundly affect our collective psyche, shaping how we respond to future calamities and enhancing our preparedness for them. On the flip side, self-centered actions can lead to isolation, especially when solidarity is vital in subsequent generations.
Humanity’s inherent inclination to support each other is evident in real-world responses to disasters, such as the international aid sent to Japan following severe earthquakes or the widespread assistance provided to Nashville after a major tornado in 2020 disrupted power for half a million households for an extended period. These acts of solidarity help communities recover and reinforce the essential human bond that emerges strong in the face of adversity.
Symbolism of Zombies and Survivors
In “The Walking Dead,” zombies symbolize the ubiquitous fears and disasters humanity faces. At the same time, the survivors represent those who overcome these challenges.
This motif resonates with ancient beliefs in many cultures, where disasters were often attributed to supernatural forces. In Japan, for instance, natural calamities were sometimes thought to result from angered mystical entities. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that gods often brought disasters as punishment.
The survivors in the graphic novels, much like communities facing real-world disasters, embody resilience and hope—a testament to human endurance and solidarity across different eras and cultures.
Conclusion
Every story, no matter its genre or setting, holds valuable lessons if we approach it with the right mindset. “The Walking Dead” is more than just a series about surviving a zombie apocalypse; it offers a profound exploration of leadership and community that is highly relevant to our real-world experiences. By depicting a post-apocalyptic world where the stakes are life and death, the series not only tests the resilience of the human spirit but also simulates disaster scenarios that push us to consider our responses to extreme adversity.
The graphic novels have prompted me to reflect on the qualities that define authentic leadership and the importance of community during crises. They underscore the idea that in times of dire need, the strength of our communal bonds can make the difference between survival and collapse.
As someone coming from Japan—a country awaiting a significant overdue earthquake—these stories oddly provide a sense of hope. They remind me that resilience, deeply ingrained in our
consciousness, can help us navigate and potentially overcome even the most catastrophic events. “The Walking Dead” reassures us that despite the horrors we might face, our capacity for cooperation and leadership can lead us through the darkest times.