In a 2007 interview with IGN, Robert Kirkman discussed the past, present, and future of the franchise, including one thing in particular: a Walking Dead prequel comic. Of course, Kirkman mentioned this as a ‘what if’; he wasn’t announcing any actual plans to make a prequel. However, the possibility of a Walking Dead prequel is exciting, to say the least, especially after Robert Kirkman’s most recent comments regarding one character in particular: Shane.
In the backmatter of The Walking Dead Deluxe #108 (by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard), Kirkman answered fan mail, including one question asking if he would do more with Shane’s character if given the chance. To that, Robert Kirkman confirmed that he would absolutely have done more with Shane if he had known that The Walking Dead would last as long as it did. Indeed, Shane was killed in The Walking Dead #6, so it’s fair to say there’s a bit more Robert Kirkman could have done with his character. Why not a prequel?
Shane Should Be the Focus of a Walking Dead Prequel
A Walking Dead Shane Prequel Could Focus on Shane & Rick’s Friendship
Not only did Shane barely appear in the original comic, but he was a major part of Rick’s life before the apocalypse. Rick would go on to become humanity’s savior, so every narrative avenue exploring who he is as a person should absolutely be taken. And, in this case, that includes Shane.
This proposed prequel could follow Rick and Shane during their time as Sheriff's Deputies, and even before then, as it’s been established that these two have been best friends for years. If The Walking Dead delved into their friendship before the apocalypse, then the moment when Shane walks Rick into the woods with intent to kill him in The Walking Dead #6 would hit so much harder, emotionally speaking. Telling fans they’re friends is one thing, but showing their friendship is another thing entirely, adding emotional depth to their violent (and short-lived) rivalry.
A Walking Dead Shane Prequel Wouldn’t Be Without Its Drama
This Prequel Could Reveal that Shane Has Always Loved Lori in Secret
While a Walking Dead prequel exploring Rick and Shane’s friendship would make Shane’s ultimate betrayal that much more impactful, the series itself would run the risk of being boring. What would they do? Go around solving crimes together? Sure, that could be entertaining, but where’s the conflict? The drama? Well, there’s an easy fix for that: Lori.
The reason Shane wanted Rick dead in The Walking Dead is that he ‘came back to life’ after humanity fell to the initial zombie outbreak. Rick was in a coma and was presumed dead by Shane, Lori, and Carl. So, Shane and Lori started a romantic relationship, and Shane became Carl’s surrogate father. Rick returning ruined all that, so Shane plotted to murder him in secret. There’s no way feelings that intense manifested after the apocalypse, implying that Shane has been in love with Lori all his life - and that’s the story a prequel comic should be told.