The creator of The Walking Dead cites Ezekiel as the smartest character in franchise history. King Ezekiel makes his first appearance in The Walking Dead #108, and for many, Ezekiel would be considered one of their favorite characters. His death would come in The Walking Dead #145, but his impact over those past 37 issues is undeniable, something that TWD's creator further legitimizes.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #113 features a Q&A section in which creator Robert Kirkman confirms Ezekiel to be the smartest character in the franchise. When one fan calling himself "A z" criticizes Kirkman's portrayal of Black characters in his universe and asks if Kirkman can "develop some strong Black men in the series that last longer [than] four issues" whilst referring to Ezekiel as "a clown," this is Kirkman's response:

Ezekiel may look like a clown, but I assure you he could very well be the smartest person in the book. Morgan was troubled, not crazy ... mostly. But I hear you. It's hard to do minorities justice in this book because ... horrible things happen to all the characters in this book. I'd argue that Rick is as damaged and crazy as Morgan ever was, if not more so. But I get what you're saying and I'll continue the effort to treat the minority characters with respect and not fall into any clichés.

Kirkman's response sheds light on the value Ezekiel brings to the series not only as a brilliant yet tragic character, but as a Black character in the large scope of the universe.

Robert Kirkman Considers Ezekiel the Smartest Character in The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead Deluxe #113 by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Dave McCaig, and Rus Wooton

When one re and analyzes what he accomplished during his tenure on the comic series, it's easy to see why Ezekiel very well may be The Walking Dead's smartest character. In the grander scheme of the franchise, he's able to not only cultivate an entire community off the back of theatrics and an experience with tiger who was impossible to adapt to television, but lead that same community. In making The Kingdom possible in a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak, he's smart enough to understand why such a regal presentation would be necessary to inspire his followers.

Some will criticize Ezekiel's presence as being cheesy or outright clownish, but he's always shown a self-awareness about who he is and the role he plays in delivering such a theatrical performance for the people around him. It's all part of a bigger plan for both him and The Kingdom. Knowing the kind of rigorous thought and planning that went into becoming this kingly character, as well as growing The Kingdom to begin with. There is an underlying brilliance to Ezekiel in that regard that's easy to overlook and even easier to miss.

Ezekiel is a Good Example of Representation in The Walking Dead

Robert Kirkman Always Intended Ezekiel to Be a Brilliant Black Character

Ezekiel, above all else, is a great example of Black representation within The Walking Dead. To the fan's overarching question about Black representation in The Walking Dead, Kirkman immediately dismisses the notion that Ezekiel is a clown. He's just as tragic as any other character in the cast, and hides an overlooked brilliance behind his supposedly clownish exterior. It's hard for him to have a happy ending in a world where so few characters get a happy ending. However, in the bleak world of The Walking Dead, Ezekiel is written positively as a highly intelligent Black man.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #113 is available now from Image Comics.