University of Panels

14: The Governor

(Brian "Philip" Blake)

 

While the incarnations of the Governor in THE WALKING DEAD comic and TV series are heavily different from one another, both equally an embody the same psychotic characterization that makes both versions the ultimate source of savagery in the zombie apocalypse.

 

If there's one thing that I love about THE WALKING DEAD than anything else, is that like William Golding's LORD OF THE FLIES, it explores the depths of human savagery. The focus of the narrative is not the zombies themselves, but rather the survivors of the apocalypse and their endeavours. With the collapse of the government and a lack of established rules, the survivors are all the more tempted to give into to their inner desires, which often have the tendancy to rob them of what little humanity they have left. In essence, THE WALKING DEAD asks the question of who the real monsters are, the zombies, or the survivors? If there was one character that fully explored the worst depths that humanity could sink to, it would no doubt be the Governor. As I stated in my review of the fifth volume of the series, the Governor is a psychotic madman who will do anything to get what ever he wants, even if it means resorting to murdering any who get in his way. His barbaric nature puts him at odds with Rick's band of survivors, as he sets his sights on their prision, wanting to take control of its resources for his stronghold, the town of Woodbury. The actions that Governor takes to reach his ambition ultimately end up with the deaths of several of Rick's friends, the destruction of the prision, and his own demise. This guy truly is the incarnation of what an individual without order or humanity to restrain them has the potential to become: a violent, animalistic, and savage monster...