This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of the acclaimed AMC TV horror series, The Walking Dead. Zombies (or ‘Walkers’ to use TWD cannon’s vernacular) were already a popular and accepted horror staple thanks to the pioneering work of zombie godfather George A. Romero, but the reach and popularity of The Walking Dead has been monumental.
The success of The Walking Dead has dealt fans of the undead a real treat – typically the exploits of reanimated ghouls have been restricted to movies, but the long-running series has allowed the zombie apocalypse to be explored in hitherto unheard-of scope and depth. Over the years, audiences have seen a small group of people, headed by Rick Grimes, develop from desperate civilians through to adept survivors, and into settlers guided by the tribal politics of the new world. But of course, none of this comes as a surprise to anyone who read the original comic series...
As well as all of the human exploration and drama, The Walking Dead has delivered some of TV’s most iconic and beloved characters. Rick Grimes, Darly Dixon, and Michonne have the ass-kicking hero category on lockdown, timid housewife Carol’s arc is a rollercoaster of character development, and The Governor and Negan are such compelling villains that they’re impossible to hate. And this is before you even start piling on bizarre groups like the Wolves, Scavengers, and Whisperers.
If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, it's only right that you want to bring some more of the post-apocalyptic world stumbling and lurching into your life – here are some of the best ways to do it.
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1 of 16The Walking Dead Blu-Ray Collection
The trials and tribulations of Rick and the gang. This collection will nab you the first 99 episodes of zombie-smashing goodness, while the remaining seasons can be streamed through Amazon Prime or NowTV.
2 of 16The Walking Dead Compendium One
Though the AMC series has done a pretty good job of adapting the comic, the original source material, created by Robert Kirkland, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, is certainly its own unique beast. Narrative and character arcs differ considerably, with some recognised TV faces being entirely absent. It's a hectic, gory, and glorious ride. This compendium brings together the first 48 issues of The Walking Dead.
3 of 16Fear of The Walking Dead
This prequel to The Walking Dead tells of the zombie outbreak's beginnings in Los Angeles, California. The Fear of The Walking Dead hits on a notably different pace to the original series, using a dramatic and dysfunctional family as a compelling medium for exploring the wider Walking Dead world.
4 of 16The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series (PS4, Xbox One)
Telltale's video game series features a whole roster of fresh characters, and is arguably the most enthralling and engaging exploration of The Walking Dead's Walker-infested world – it's full of great story telling, emotional weight, and memorable moments. The game's also had a huge impact on the wider gaming world by bringing episodic and choice driven gameplay to a mainstream audience.
5 of 16Metal Stamped License Plate
'Municipal MG-96234' is a true deep cut for a Walking Dead fan in the know – this license plate is a replica of the one found on Rick Grime's King County Sheriff Car in episode one.
6 of 16Funko Pop Negan
The brutal, sadistic villainous mastermind who's impossible not to love. Whether in a comic book panel or incarnated on-screen by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who appears to have been born for the role), Negan is a magnetic and dominating presence.
7 of 16Funko Pop Michonne
Michonne is a zombie-taming, katana-wielding, badass survivor who's responsible for saving the Grimes gang's collective backside on more than one occasion. What would we do without her? With actor Danai Gurira's confirmed departure from the show, we'll be finding out when the second half of season 10 airs.
8 of 16Daryl Dixon Deluxe Action Figure
The reticent Daryl Dixon, the redneck biker turned kind-hearted hero who's always equipped with a crossbow and sharp moral compass. This hugely detailed action figure to Norman Reedus's iconic incarnation comes complete with angel-wing leather jacket and grimy poncho.
9 of 16Rick Grimes Deluxe Action Figure
Rick Grimes goes through a pretty tough personal journey, with his morals, alliances, and patience being tested regularly. Luckily, this concerned father is more than willing to settle a dispute with the support of his trusty revolver. This figure is modelled on Andrew Lincoln's look in season 3.
10 of 16Lucille Full Size Replica
'Take it like a champ!' - Lucille, Negan's trusty companion, has been the sudden and brutal end of many a beloved character. Thankfully this tribute to the bloodied bat is only made of plastic.
11 of 16The Governor’s Room Construction Set
The Governor, leader of the faux-utopian Woodbury, was a troubled man and one of The Walking Dead's most interesting antagonists. This construction set lets you pay homage to his unhinged ways and turned daughter, piece by piece – try to focus on building the set, and not the accompanying lies and psychological delusion.
12 of 16The Walking Dead Risk
Fight tooth and nail with friends, family and zombie hoards as you vie for control of key locations from The Walking Dead. This adaptation of the classic Risk board game includes additional rules, cards, and weapons to better emulate the spirit of the series.
13 of 16The Walking Dead Official Cookbook by Lauren Wilson
Who knew that the apocalypse could offer up so much chance for culinary experimentation? This recipe book will get you at the secret behind classic on-screen dishes, like West Georgia Correctional Facility Oatmeal, Carl's Chocolate Pudding, or Carol's Beet and Acorn Cookies. Might be best to avoid any Terminus inspired dishes, though.
14 of 16The Quotable Negan: Warped Witticisms and Obscene Observations by Robert Kirkman
This little book is more than a list of memorable and hilarious Negan quotes, even though there are a lot of them. It's also a fact file on The Walking Dead's most iconic bad guy, answering all of the questions a fan could have, including the history of Lucille, the reason for Negan's long series survival, and exactly how many fucks he gives.
15 of 16The Walking Dead 3D Don’t Open Mug
A creepy mug based on Rick's first encounter with the Walkers – it's a truly key moment in both the comics and TV series, and the phrase will forever follow the franchise.
16 of 16Zombie Hand Keychain
A novel way to keep a hand on your keys, and a nifty-but-grim reminder of your Walking Dead love, wherever you may be.
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