The Strolling Useless comics and TV display each happen within the Deep South of america, with the display even being filmed basically in Georgia for authenticity. In consequence, it’s correct to mention that most of the characters could be thought to be true southerners. As a result of this, TWD author Robert Kirkman without a doubt has a leg to face on when calling out how popular culture in most cases portrays other folks from the South.
Whether or not you grew up within the South or no longer, you might be most probably aware of the standard southerner stereotypes, in large part because of how TV and films have portrayed them over time. Like many regional depictions in popular culture, those portrayals frequently exaggerate sure characteristics, turning them into clichés that go away actual Southerners feeling misrepresented, or worse, became caricatures.
The Strolling Useless, on the other hand, is likely one of the few main franchises that has controlled to keep away from this pitfall, providing a extra original and respectful depiction of southern characters.
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I By no means Preferred The Strolling Useless Comics, However 1 Factor Might Me Give the Sequence a Probability
The Strolling Useless is likely one of the most well liked comedian books, however I may by no means get into it till this main trade, which completely reinvented the collection.
The Fanatics Have Spoken: The Strolling Useless Nailed Southern Illustration With out Depending on Stereotypes
Quilt B Charlie Adlard Variant for The Strolling Useless Deluxe #114 (2025)
The deluxe model of Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard’s The Strolling Useless #114, at first revealed in 2013, has simply hit comedian e book cabinets in its absolutely remastered shape. Probably the most highlights of this version is a Q&A bit the place Kirkman responds to more than a few fan questions and feedback. Some of the maximum notable used to be a letter from a fan from Huntsville, AL, who wrote in to proportion his response to factor #112. Whilst his shiny recounting of the problem and his emotional reaction have been completely entertaining, it used to be his “P.S.” on the finish that really stood out.
On the shut of his letter, Kenneth wrote, “P.S. – thank you for environment a tale within the South that doesn’t revolve round how southern the characters are.” His remark used to be obviously a praise to Kirkman’s writing, praising him for growing a laugh and remarkable southern characters with out decreasing them to stereotypes or making their southern id their whole persona. This can be a not unusual misstep in lots of sorts of media, whether or not in writing or on display screen.
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“It is Onerous”: The Strolling Useless Writer Explains the Actual Reason why There Are No Fats Zombies
Fanatics of TWD will have spotted the absence of obese zombies, a element that may look like a big inventive oversight when aiming for realism.
In reaction, Kirkman wrote, “No sweat. Being from the South, I too am no longer too fond in their widespread portrayal in all sorts of media. Simply doing my phase.” With this, Kirkman recognizes that he stocks the similar frustrations with how southerners are frequently exaggerated or misrepresented in popular culture. Thru The Strolling Useless and its extra grounded portrayal of southern characters, Kirkman is, in his phrases, “doing [his] phase” to supply audiences extra original depictions that replicate the true South.
The Strolling Useless’s Southern Surroundings Complements, No longer Defines, Its Characters
Quilt C Whilce Portacio Connecting Variant for The Strolling Useless Deluxe #114 (2025)
Probably the most absolute best sides of The Strolling Useless is its various forged of characters. Even supposing maximum of them grew up or lived within the South, they each and every come from other backgrounds that cause them to exceptionally distinctive. That is a correct mirrored image of the true South, the place other folks from the similar area and even the similar state will also be utterly other, although they proportion a not unusual tradition. Many different tales pass over this nuance via depending too closely on Southern stereotypes, which frequently leads to flat, one-dimensional characters.
Characters like Daryl Dixon, The Governor, Glenn Rhee, Maggie Greene, Rick Grimes, Eugene Porter, and others all have characteristics that replicate their Southern roots. Alternatively, those characteristics don’t outline their whole personalities. As an alternative, Robert Kirkman presentations that whilst those characters are authentically Southern, they’re additionally advanced people. The time period “Southern” applies to a variety of other folks with other traits, upbringings, and lifestyles stories. On this manner, The Strolling Useless sticks out as a robust instance of learn how to set a tale within the South with out making it only about how southern the characters are.
The Strolling Useless Deluxe #114 is to be had now from Symbol Comics!
