Did The Walking Dead Really Just Kill This Major Character?

03/01/2017 07:45 pm EST

Major spoilers for The Walking Dead issue #165 follow.

The Whisperer War appeared to be a lot less deadly than many readers of The Walking Dead expected but the aftermath has proven a lot more dangerous for the Alexandria Safe-Zone.

Wednesday's new issue #165 appeared to spell the beginning of the end for a major character who many fans likely thought could never die. After rescuing Eugene from the ocean of the dead, Andrea rode off on her horse with a terrifying cut on her neck. "Oh, s---," Andrea said as Eugene looked at the blood, horrified.

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The instant reaction is that Andrea had been bitten or scratched by one of the walkers in the herd. It is the only cause of the mark which a reader has been provided the information to believe, though we did not actually see a zombie take a chunk out of her. This certainly appears to be the end for Andrea as there is no way to come back from a zombie bite or scratch on the neck. The only possibility is that a stray bullet nipped the edge of her neck and readers are being lead to believe Andrea is doomed for dramatic purposes.

On the optimistic for Andrea side of the spectrum: it is possible that a Whisperer remained in the herd and her imminent death is one big April Fool's joke to be unveiled when the next issue of The Walking Dead hits shelves on April 5.

"I don't think Charlie [Adlard] and I have ever had a quicker reaction after reading a script than this one," editor Sean Mackiewicz wrote in issue #165's Letter Hacks section. "That final image says all it needs to, so let's just get to these letters and recall sunnier days."

The statement is just vague enough to offer a little room for Andrea to somehow survive. Writer Robert Kirkman has, historically, mislead his readers with cliffhangers in previous issues of The Walking Dead. It's a common trick to get readers back for the next issue, however, there doesn't seem to be a way for Kirkman or Andrea to get out of this one with Rick's wife surviving.

Mackiewicz did conclude the Letter Hacks section, saying, "[AMC hasn't] needed Andrew for over four seasons, and look how well they're doing!"

With Andrea long dead on the TV series, one has to wonder what the implications of this major moment will be if the adaptation reaches this point. Given the fact that Michonne appears to be stepping into Andrea's shoes for television in terms of becoming skilled with a rifle and becoming Rick's main chick, the safe bet is that Danai Gurira would be out of a job come Season 13 or whenever this moment is realized. Of course, the AMC series does take the liberties of switching up a few character deaths, every now and then, so Michonne could make it until the very end, whenever that might be.

MORE WALKING DEAD: What Happens To Dwight In The Comics? / What Happens To Eugene In The Comics? / Who Dies In Hostiles And Calamities? / Austin Amelio Calls Season 7 Finale A Fulfilling Turning Point

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.

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