The Walking Dead Just Gave Jesus A Boyfriend

Spoilers for The Walking Dead‘s issue #169 follow. The issue is available at your local comic book shop or digitally online.

The apocalypse was once a world where characters could not take the time to think about developing and being in relationships, however, the new world built by Rick Grimes and his supportive communities has allowed for such a time to pass. The most recent issue of The Walking Dead comics finally gave Paul “Jesus” Monroe a boyfriend.

It’s been a long time coming but Aaron and Jesus have finally sealed the deal on becoming an item in the Image Comics series. The level-headed Hilltopper has long had a connection with the scout from Alexandria but the two have been reluctant to admit to one another or other survivors.

Rick, asking for Jesus’ help on a trip to Ohio, was the first to hear about the new relationship. Jesus is typically quick to assist on such missions, however, the new relationship and idea of settling down a bit has him thinking and acting differently.

After hearing Rick’s request, Jesus outright says to Rick Grimes that he and Aaron have developed a relationship. “When I said I have something worth staying for — it was a someone,” Jesus said. “A specific someone, actually. It’s Aaron. I was talking about Aaron. He’s not going to want to go either.”

For Jesus, this is a major pivot. The character has always been quick to advise and assist Rick and Maggie in any venture they find themselves burdened with. He has been a valuable asset in each conflict he has been present for. Now, he is looking to build a life of his own within the walls of Alexandria with a significant other.

The conversation was one of several major and pivotal plot points in The Walking Dead #169.

Applied to TV

When major moments occur in The Walking Dead comics, the speculation immediately turns to how and when it will be applied to the AMC TV series. 

Fans hoping to see a romance blossom between Aaron and Jesus might be in luck but it will take some time — as in, a few years. The AMC series is at a story point equivalent of issues #115-#120. With the All Out War storyline promising to make up much of Season 8, the series will likely land around issue #126 by the time the next batch of episodes comes to an end. At an average pace of about 20 issues per seasons, Jesus and Aaron would not cement their relationship until Season 10 or 11, assuming the show chooses to follow the comics.

Paul “Jesus” Rovia was revealed to follow the same sexuality on television as in the comics towards the end of the show’s seventh season during a conversation with Maggie. However, the war times do not lend themselves to developing relationships. 

“I loved how that was handled in the show and it struck me that, I don’t know when the last time he shared that information was,” Jesus actor Tom Payne told ComicBook.com. “So, that shows a really nice relationship with Maggie. It’s such a small scene. I loved how in that small scene he spoke about being in a group home and he spoke about his boyfriends and revealed a lot about himself in a short amount of time which was really great. Obviously, this is the apocalypse, so if we’re worried about people’s sexuality, then it’s just ridiculous.”

In order for Jesus and Aaron to get together, Aaron and his current boyfriend Eric would have to split up. Such a storyline was realized in the comics during the All Out War story, over 40 issues prior to Jesus and Aaron’s relationship becoming official. 

More Walking Dead

MORE WALKING DEAD: TWD Season 8 Trailer Details Revealed / Why FTWD Is So Good Now / Dayton Callie Explains Jeremiah’s Complexity / Ross Marquand Promises A Massive TWD Season 8 / Negan’s Complete Backstory Coming In October / Madison Clark Is Officially FTWD’s Rick Grimes

Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. The Walking Dead will return for its eighth season in October of 2017. The first trailer is expected to arrive at San Diego Comic Con in July. For complete coverage and insider info all off-season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.