The Walking Dead comic book series comes to sudden end – this is what happened

In an unexpected turn of events, The Walking Dead has come to a sudden end.

The comic book series – which has scored legions of fans throughout its 193 issues and was adapted into one of the biggest TV shows of all time – drew to an unexpected close with creator Robert Kirkman saying: “I got to tell my story exactly how I wanted to and end it on my terms, with no interference at all along the way... at any point.

He continued: “That’s such a rare thing, and it doesn’t exist without the unyielding support this series got from readers like you. Thank you so much.”

But, how did things end up?

In true Walking Dead fashion, there was one final time jump before things finished altogether. This time, we saw Carl and Sophia – both of whom appeared in the series as children but were killed off long ago - living together in a farmhouse with a six-year-old daughter named after Andrea (who was played in the series by Laurie Holden).

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Sadly, the walkers were not killed off and no cure has been found, however a form of civilisation – led by Maggie, now president – has been formed

It appears to have been at least 10 years, and although there is no cure, the world no longer sees walkers as a major threat. Civilisation is largely restored.

Hershel, who is also still alive in the comics despite dying in the show’s fifth season, is now making money from owning and showcasing walkers for a profit. This act is later made illegal by Michonne.

For those who don’t know, Andrew Lincoln’s character Rick Grimes was killed off in the comics last month and, as readers expected, the tale ended with Carl reading Andrea story about his father and how he shaped the world they’re living in today.

What this means for the TV show remains to be seen, but it certainly gives them license to end things – or indeed continue it for as long as they see fit.

The series returns to UK and US screens for its tenth season this October.