"The Walking Dead" Season 7 may see Rick replacing the villainous character Negan now that the cancer has exposed a tiny bit of his humanity in the comic book's 162nd issue.
Since being introduced in issue 100, Negan was portrayed as the most evil character that does not have any regrets when killing the residents of Alexandria. But all this changed when he his Lucille bat was broken. As all "The Walking Dead" fans know, the bat was named after Negan's late wife, Lucille, who died because of cancer.
In one of the scenes from the comic book, Negan buried the broken bat as a means of also paying tribute to his wife. This moment came as a shock to readers because Negan did not only show his lighter side; he also proved that he has some emotions hiding behind his stern façade, according to Cinema Blend.
With issue 163 now up for release, it is expected that more of Negan's lighter side will be explored. However, this could also mean that Alexandria would need a new villain or someone that they would fear. On the cover of the book is Negan's body paired with Rick's head. As of late, it is unclear whether or not this photo has some significance for what is in store in the series.
Meanwhile, outside the comic books, "The Walking Dead" Season 7 will return to AMC with episode 9 next month. While speaking with Entertainment Weekly, cast member Andrew Lincoln said that his character Rick will be like a different person in the upcoming episodes.
"There is a lot more levity, if you can believe that, than you have ever seen before in Mr. Grimes. There is sort of a freedom in him, a feeling that comes from losing everything, and also the thrill of the fight," he said.
In other news, at least one character will also be killed off during the second half of "The Walking Dead" Season 7. There are rumors that following Glenn, Sasha will be the next one to die.
"The Walking Dead" Season 7 will return to AMC with episode 9 on Feb. 12.