The Walking Dead spin-off graphic novel Clementine is mixing young adult stories with zombies in a newly released trailer. Award winning cartoonist Tillie Walden’s upcoming trilogy is expanding Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead universe by exploring the ‘coming of age’ genre amidst the zombie apocalypse.
Previously, Clementine starred in the Telltale game for The Walking Dead, earning her some popularity among fans. Since then, she became a part of the comics, with the one-shot, Negan Lives and Skybound X. The young adventurer has been through a lot, and even had to have one of her legs amputated. Marketed as a sequel to the Telltale game, the graphic novel picks up right where it had left off.
Image Comics and Skybound released a trailer for Tillie Walden’s upcoming Clementine Book One, giving fans a look at the first installment of the trilogy. The preview promises that she will encounter “new allies, new rivals, and new love.” However, similar to others who have journeyed through the zombie invasion, she will have to learn about the danger that her friends and herself can quickly become. Illustrated in black and white like the original title, the style emphasizes the dismal and melancholy tone. The first book of the trilogy will mark the launch of Skybound Comet, an imprint that caters to the 12+ young adult demographic.
As she attempts to disregard her trauma and being anew, Clementine meets an Amish teenager, Amos, who unite in a journey. Approaching an abandoned ski resort, they soon realize that it is a sanctuary created by a group of teenagers their age, trying to rebuild society on their own. With the option of their partnership, Clementine might be thinking ahead of herself. Speaking about the upcoming entry into the Walking Dead universe, artist Chip Zdarsky (Daredevil) gave a positive endorsement, saying, “With Clementine, beloved cartoonist Tillie Walden blows open the WALKING DEAD universe with a story full of blossoming relationships in the shadow of wintery death. It’s ominous and magical and will have you craving more when the final page turns.” Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes) also spoke positively of the project, saying, “Clementine is an arresting exploration of trauma, community, and hope, devastatingly rendered in Tillie Walden’s signature style. A triumph of the zombie genre.”
Clementine’s journey is only beginning as she searches for other survivors. The coming of age tale will be a testament in her realization that she can’t trust others too much. With the zombies, trust could be the thing that ends everything. The first installment is picking up where Telltale left off, giving fans some room to fill in the gap. Clementine Book One is set to release in comic shops and digital platforms on Wednesday, June 22, with a wide release on Tuesday, June 28.
Source: Image Comics