The Walking Deadhas carved its niche in the world of zombie fiction within graphic storytelling, captivating its audience with tales of survival, humanity, and the chillingly macabre. However, a series has emerged that surpasses the extreme elements ofThe Walking Dead, overwhelming even its creator,Robert Kirkman, with its intensity. This series is Garth Ennis’sCrossed.
Crossedis a stark contrast to the usual zombie narratives. The series, debuting in 2008, swiftly captured public interest with its bold portrayal of a world devastated by a pandemic. Those infected by the Crossed virus display not just a hunger for violence but revel in the most brutal forms of human depravity, marked by a distinct red cross-like rash on their faces. Unlike traditional zombies, the Crossed embody a more sinister threat, reveling in cruelty and extreme violence, often of a sexual nature.
Garth Ennis, the mastermind behindCrossed, is no stranger to pushing the envelope.Crossedelevates the shock factor found inGarth Ennis’s other works,The BoysandPreacher, delving deeper into the darkest aspects of human nature. This exploration is so extreme that even its cover art often crosses the boundaries of conventional taste.
InWalking Dead Deluxe #76, a reader inquired about Kirkman’s views onCrossed(viaScreen Rant). His response, coupled with an added comment from editor Amanda LaFranco, highlights the visceral reaction this series elicits. Kirkman’s expression of it being “a bit much” reflects a shared sentiment among many fans ofThe Walking Dead. Kirkman revealed,
“I love Garth, but it’s a bit much for me, frankly.”
Despite its graphic nature,Crossedis not without depth. The series dives into the fragility of human identity, especially under duress. Themes of religion, politics, and survival are explored through a lens that is often missing in other zombie narratives. The series takes advantage of internal monologues, providing a more intimate connection with its characters and their transformations in the face of relentless horror.
One of the high points in theCrosseduniverse is Alan Moore’sCrossed +100. Set a century after the initial outbreak, Moore’s addition to the series offers a haunting vision of a future shaped by a near-extinction event. The narrative is rich with a reimagined English language and societal norms, reminiscent of classics likeA Clockwork Orange. It’s a compelling blend of post-apocalyptic horror and sociological contemplation.
The Walking Dead: Every Season of the Original Series, Ranked
After the onset of a worldwide zombie apocalypse, survivors must fight their way to survive not only the dead but the living too.
Contrasting Worlds: The Harsh Realities of Crossed vs. The Empathetic ‘The Walking Dead
The stark differences betweenCrossedandThe Walking Deadare pronounced. While Kirkman’s creation often treats death with a sense of loss and empathetic storytelling,Crossedopts for a more nihilistic approach. It uses its setting not just to challenge its characters but to delve into the darker aspects of human nature. The protagonists inCrossedare often far from heroic, frequently displaying selfishness and cruelty – a survival tactic in a world far more unforgiving than that ofThe Walking Dead.
For fans ofThe Walking Deadcurious aboutCrossed, a good starting point would be either the original series by Ennis and Jacen Burrows or Moore and Gabriel Andrade’sCrossed +100. Both entries provide ample R-rated content but avoid feeling gratuitous compared to other parts of the franchise. It’s an experience that simultaneously parallels and diverges significantly fromThe Walking Dead, offering an unflinching look at similar themes but through a much more intense lens.
Crossedstands as a unique entity in the realm of zombie fiction. Its unbridled approach to storytelling and exploration of the extremes of human nature make it a compelling, albeit challenging, read. For those who tread into its pages, it offers a glimpse into the abyss, a look at what lies at the far end of horror and human depravity.
The Walking Dead franchisecontinues to expand on screenthanks to spinoff showsDaryl Dixon, Dead City,andThe Ones Who Live.
