When Walking Dead was first announced that it would be coming to AMC, a lot of the fans of the comic books were wondering how closely it would follow the book. At one of the conventions, the Producers along with Robert Kirkman stated that while the overall destination would be the same, how they get there would differ. This has certainly been the case. This article will take a look at the different paths between the TV series and the comic book. Be warned, there are many possible spoilers ahead…

Let me say first that I thoroughly enjoy both the TV series and the comic books. I think it’s great that they don’t follow the comic book to the letter providing for some intriguing moments. One of the changes you’ll notice is the new recurring characters in Daryl Dixons played by Norman Reedus and T-Dog played by IronE Singleton. Both characters play well against each other with Daryl getting a lot of airtime this past weekend in Season 2 episode 5 “Chupacabra.” In the comic book, we have Tyreese who plays the tough guy that assists Rick on the Atlanta’s group journey to Hershel’s farm. I guess you can say that Daryl and T-Dog has elements of Tyreese.

Tyreese is of great support to Rick and his group because of one reason that the TV series has not followed, and that is a fatality. In the comic book, the whole Rick and Shane mix up/rivalry ends more quickly than the TV series. When Shane snaps and threatens Rick in the forest with his rifle, Carl shoots Shane dead to protect his father. Now this may still happen as we see a build up between the two escalating in each episode. Perhaps it will be a part of season two’s finale? Another difference is that Otis was never killed by Shane since Shane is dead. He doesn’t survive in the book very long any way. Poor Otis.

There are many other differences that you’ll find between the two. For example in the comic book you have a scene where one of Rick’s group is bitten and they have to accept the person’s decision to be left alone in the forest to turn. This contrasts with the CDC episode where a person decides to stay inside the CDC building that is set to self-destruct not wanting to face what the world has become. Carl being shot and taken to Hershel’s farm differs from the comic book in that Carl is never shot until more recent issues.

What’s next if the TV series follows the comic book? Well, after the group leaves Hershel’s farm, they come across a prison with four surviving inmates. From there they decide to make the prison with their fences, high walls and plenty of sleeping accommodations as their new home until their next obstacle in the form of the Governor. More on him next time when we reach that point.

So if you’ve read both the comic book and watch the TV series what do you think of it thus far? I think the cast they have assembled really helped to bring the series to life. Having Robert Kirkman the creator on hand with a seasoned producer like Frank Darabont has kept the series fresh for the comic book fans while enticing new people to enjoy the Walking Dead. Sadly Frank Darabont parted ways with the show due to differences and budget cuts in July of this year. Whether there will be any changes in the quality of the show won't be felt until part 2 of season 2 which begins in February of 2012.