All the Major Threats in The Walking Dead, Ranked

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Calling The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman one of the greatest independent comics ever made is actually an understatement. Running for an impressive 193 issues between 2003 and 2019, this legendary comic series has transcended its genre to become a cultural phenomenon, even spawning the critically acclaimed AMC TV show (and its subsequent spin-offs). What truly sets The Walking Dead apart is not just its survival narrative, but the dangerous adversaries its characters must confront. While it may initially seem like a zombie story, the real peril lies in the other survivors, as they prove to be far more terrifying than the undead.

Although there aren’t many large dangers (apart from the constant threat of zombies), the dangers in the narrative are all substantial and frightening in their unique ways. It’s worth noting that every major threat was featured in the television series, which underscores just how significant they truly are.

4) The Commonwealth

To begin, let’s discuss the last significant adversary in “The Walking Dead,” which is The Commonwealth. Although they boasted an army of 50,000 soldiers, making them one of the most prosperous communities our heroes encountered, this prosperity came at a price. They were plagued by corruption and rigid class systems, fostering discord rather than unity based on equal treatment. Upon their arrival, Rick and his group initiated efforts to improve their situation for the better.

Although a full-blown war didn’t occur as with some other threats, the Commonwealth demonstrated how the series has progressed from its early days. The zombies had receded to such an extent that society was able to rebuild itself, yet there were still issues needing resolution following all that had transpired. This also hinted at the approaching end and suggested that the world would recover in a unique manner of its own.

3) The Whisperers

As a cinephile, I must say that among all the adversaries our heroes have encountered, none have sent chills down my spine quite like the enigmatic Whisperers. These survivors, in an eerie twist, concealed themselves by wearing the hide of the deceased to mask their scent, making them indistinguishable from the hordes of the undead. Their cunning strategy was to infiltrate these zombie packs and seize unsuspecting victims, integrating them into their own ranks. Alpha and Beta were the heads of this sinister pack, their leadership a constant reminder of their ruthless intent.

Under Alpha’s leadership, they became an even more formidable force. However, Beta instigated conflicts with our main characters, leading to war. With Negan and some of his ex-Saviors by their side, they clashed with the Whisperers and emerged victorious. This group was incredibly entertaining and creative, providing a much-needed boost in an otherwise dull period for the comic. The artwork and design for them were exceptional, making them stand out.

2) The Governor

In the series, Brian Blake, or simply “the Governor,” was the primary antagonist. He ruled over a community called Woodbury and initially appeared weak. However, as time passed, he morphed into a ruthless, manipulative psychopath, capable of turning anyone he encountered into his pawns. His ultimate objective was to seize control of the prison that our heroes had abandoned earlier.

The antagonist devised various methods to injure and threaten our main characters, demonstrating just how profoundly an apocalypse can alter someone. Later, he suffered the loss of an eye and an arm before vanishing for a short while; upon his return, he massacred a significant portion of Rick’s group. He was the initial warning that not everyone you encounter can be trusted, and his influence proved enduring, ensuring he would always be remembered.

1) The Saviors

As a die-hard Walking Dead fan, it’s no surprise that Negan and his Saviors claimed the top spot in our book. With their captivating portrayal on the show and the release of a video game, they’ve become an unmissable force within the series. Leading up to the jaw-dropping events of issue 100, we were introduced to the Saviors who, in many ways, mirrored Rick’s group but with a sinister twist. They faced their own struggles for survival under Negan’s leadership and suffered significant losses among their ranks. This forced them to strike back, adding tension and intrigue to the already perilous world of The Walking Dead.

In an unprecedented turn of events in our series, we introduced a villain who matched Rick’s power, yet he was a madman with a flamboyant way of speaking. Despite his insanity, he was captivatingly entertaining and his fan base grew so much that he eventually got a redemption storyline. When he was merciless, he showed no mercy, but surprisingly proved to be a valuable ally. Negan was instrumental in crafting some of the most compelling stories throughout the series, making it difficult to envision how it would have unfolded without him.

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2025-07-20 15:40