Michonne Grimes (/mɪˈʃɔːn/ mi-SHOHN) (full name in the comic book series: Michonne Hawthorne) is a fictional character from The Walking Dead. The character also appears in media adaptations of the series, most notably the television series of the same name, in which she is portrayed by Danai Gurira.[2] Armed with a katana and harboring a mysterious past, Michonne has a prominent role in the conflict between the town of Woodbury led by The Governor, and the Prison group. At one point, Michonne runs away to Oceanside, and her absence was explored in a 3-episode mini-series by Telltale Games, exploring her departure and living life at sea.[3][4][5]
| Michonne Grimes | |
|---|---|
| The Walking Dead character | |
 From left to right: Michonne, as she appears in the comic book series, television series (portrayed by Danai Gurira) and video game series. | |
| First appearance |
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| Last appearance |
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| Created by | Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard |
| Adapted by | Glen Mazzara Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) |
| Designed by | Tony Moore (art covers) |
| Portrayed by | Danai Gurira |
| Voiced by | Samira Wiley (video game) G. K. Bowes (Onslaught[1]) |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Comic: Michonne Hawthorne Television: Michonne Grimes |
| Occupation | Comic: Private Practice Lawyer (former) Constable for the Alexandria Safe-Zone (former) Soldier for the Militia (former) Fisherwoman at Oceanside (former) Lawyer at the Commonwealth (former) High Court Judge at the Commonwealth (currently) Television: Guard for the Prison (former) Constable for the Alexandria Safe-Zone (former) Soldier for the Militia (former) Member of the Alexandria Council (former) Head of Security and Leader of the Alexandria Safe-Zone (former) Soldier for the Coalition (former) Consignee for the Civic Republic Military (former) |
| Affiliation | The Survivors (formerly) Alexandria Safe-Zone (formerly) The Militia (formerly) Comic: Oceanside (formerly) The Commonwealth (currently) Television: The Coalition (currently) Civic Republic Military (formerly) |
| Fighting style | Swordsmanship |
| Weapon | Katana Machete |
| Spouse | Comic: Dominic Hawthorne (ex-husband) Television: Rick Grimes (husband) |
| Significant others | Mike (late boyfriend) Comic: Tyreese (late boyfriend) Morgan Jones (late lover) King Ezekiel (ex-boyfriend) |
| Children | Comic: Colette Hawthorne (daughter) Elodie Hawthorne (daughter) Television: Andre Anthony (son) Carl Grimes (stepson) Judith Grimes (adopted daughter) Rick Grimes Jr. (son) Flame (pet) |
The character has been critically praised, often regarded as a fan-favorite in both mediums. Michonne was voted #86 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes[6] and Gurira's performance has been well received.
Appearances
editComic book series
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Early storylines (2005–2008)
editMichonne is introduced as a mysterious woman armed with a katana. She first appears towing two armless, jawless zombies in shackles and causes no small consternation among the group. She saves Otis from zombies and follows him to the abandoned prison where the group is based.[7] She immediately bonds with Tyreese, recognizing him from his days in the NFL, and shares his passion for weightlifting.[8] They sleep together, precipitating Tyreese's breakup with Carol Peletier; Michonne and Tyreese then become a couple.[9]
Post-prison (2008–2010)
editAfter the events at the prison, she returns to look for the RV survivors and puts Tyreese's reanimated remains to peace.[10] When she finds only footprints, she begins to follow them and stumbles upon Rick and his son, Carl. She saves Carl from a zombie and joins up with Rick and Carl.[11] She bonds with them and keeps Rick's "conversations" with Lori secret. They rejoin other surviving members of the group at Hershel Greene's farm.[12] Michonne travels with the survivors in search of safety, and inquires about Morgan Jones' whereabouts.[13]
Alexandria (2010–2012)
editWhen the survivors locate the town of Alexandria, a safe haven from the undead, and think they have finally been given an opportunity to rest, Michonne has a difficult time relinquishing her sword, as seen with her confrontation with Alexandria resident Douglas. Another resident, Olivia, persuades Douglas to allow Michonne to keep her weapon. Michonne settles into her new "home" and even hangs her sword above the mantle. She recalls all of the horrific ways she has used it to survive, and finally proclaims, "I am through with you."[14] Michonne begins to let her guard down, and Rick asks Douglas if there is a job for her in the community. Since there is no need for lawyers, Douglas recommends making her a constable to uphold the law in Alexandria.[15]
War against Negan (2012–2014)
editMichonne and Abraham are clearing zombies away from the Alexandria Safe-Zone perimeter when they are surprised by an unknown man, later revealed to be named Paul "Jesus" Monroe. Jesus reveals he has traveled from a community nearby and wishes to establish an alliance between them all.[16] Rick lashes out at Jesus, knocking him unconscious, and Michonne helps in tying him up. Rick, Michonne, and Abraham set out to scout the area for an impending threat, but realize Jesus was telling the truth, and Rick decides to work with him.[17] Rick, Michonne, Jesus, Glenn, Carl and Andrea travel to Jesus' community, the "Hilltop".[18] Along the way, Paul helps the group defeat walkers even with his hands tied, proving his trustworthiness.[17]
Disappearance and The Walking Dead: Michonne (2014–2016)
editAfter the war, there is a time-skip. Michonne is not seen for a long period of time. Rick states that he still misses her "even after all this time."[19] Michonne's disappearance is explained in the video game.
Final issue (2019)
editMichonne's last appearance comes in the final issue of the comic series, decades after the tragic murder of Rick. By this point, societies around the world have been restored significantly and walkers are now the oddity rather than the majority. An adult Carl is tried before Michonne, now a High Court judge in the Commonwealth, for the crime of killing walkers Hershel Rhee kept as a travelling show feature, as they are now viewed as property. Michonne determines Carl not guilty, ensuring a peaceful resolution for Carl and his family.[20]
Television series
editSeason 2
editMichonne makes her first appearance as a hooded figure near the end of the second-season finale, "Beside the Dying Fire" (though at the time Danai Gurira had not been cast for this role), wherein she saves Andrea from a walker by decapitating it with her katana, which features a triquetra on the inner crossguard.[21][22]
Season 3
editIn the episode "Walk with Me", Michonne and Andrea are taken by a group led by Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) from a nearby town called Woodbury, run by the Governor (David Morrissey). Andrea, having been severely ill after spending eight months on the road, embraces the town's sense of community which Michonne resists, suspicious of The Governor and his leadership.[23]
Season 4
editIn the season premiere "30 Days Without an Accident", Michonne comes back to the prison from her tireless search for the Governor which has proved unsuccessful.
Season 5
editIn the season five premiere "No Sanctuary" Michonne and the others are able to escape Terminus and are reunited with Carol (Melissa McBride), Tyreese and Judith.[24]
Season 6
editSeason 6 finds Rick, Michonne and the others struggling to keep the Alexandria members safe while also teaching them how to survive. In the season premiere "First Time Again", the group discovers an enormous herd of roamers trapped inside a quarry not far from Alexandria. They decide to use the herd as a learning opportunity and also eliminate the threat before it becomes a problem later.
Season 7
editIn the season premiere, "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be", Michonne witnesses the deaths of group members Abraham and Glenn. She is later held at gunpoint, along with the rest of the group, as Negan commands Rick to chop off Carl's left arm to remove the last of Rick's disobedience. Michonne tells Negan that they now understand, but Negan tells her that its Rick who doesn't understand.
Season 8
editThe eighth season of the series focuses on the ongoing war against Negan and the Saviors, with both sides suffering several losses. Having been injured previously, Michonne does not make many appearances initially, but becomes more involved in the second half of the season. In the midseason premiere, "Honor", she and Rick deal with the aftermath of Carl being bitten by a walker. Michonne is forced to say a tearful goodbye as Carl, close to turning, shoots himself to prevent reanimation. In "The Lost and the Plunderers" she and Rick leave Alexandria after burying Carl and head towards Hilltop, stopping at the Junkyard on the way. Michonne seems shocked to find that all of Jadis’ people have been murdered and is later slightly uncomfortable after Rick decided not to save her. The couple eventually reach hilltop.
Season 9
editThe ninth season of the series finds Rick's group attempting to build new lives following an end to the conflict against the Saviors, with Negan being kept in the jail inside Alexandria. Despite the loss of Carl, Rick and Michonne have moved forward and have concentrated on building a future for the growing Judith. The couple also decides to start trying to conceive a baby together.
Season 10
editThe tenth season has been confirmed to be Michonne's last on the show, with Gurira exiting after a handful of episodes during the first half of the season.[25]
Season 11
editIn "On the Inside," Virgil talks about his experiences with Michonne to Connie while trying to convince her to leave him behind.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
editIn other media
editMichonne, alongside other The Walking Dead characters, appears in the adult comedy series Robot Chicken in the episode: "The Robot Chicken Walking Dead Special: Look Who's Walking", voiced again by Danai Gurira.
Michonne appears as a skin in Fortnite Battle Royale, with two selectable styles based on her season 5 appearance, with a hooded alternative style. She was released alongside the survivors in arms set, bundeled with her katana on December 17, 2020.
Michonne is a playable character in The Walking Dead: Destinies, voiced by Debra Wilson.
Michonne appears as an operator in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, voiced by Danai Gurira. She appears as part of the Tracer Pack: The Walking Dead - Michonne Operator Bundle released on 27 February 2024. Her appearance is based on her appearance in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Reception
editMichonne was voted #86 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes.[6] Regarding the television portrayal of the character, her scowling expression, reserved nature, and "Magical Negro"[26] qualities have been much-discussed by reviewers.[27][28] Michonne's uniquely independent nature has been praised, with one website commenting, "A case could be made that no character is as independently strong as Michonne."[29] However, others have criticized Michonne's lack of development on the show, writing that she "was quickly sinking into the "strong black woman" trope. She is constantly assaulted and manhandled with seemingly very little concern shown for her wellbeing."[30]
Noel Murray of Rolling Stone ranked Michonne number one in a list of 30 best Walking Dead characters, saying, "She survived on her own for months, figuring out how to thrive in the wilderness under the harshest of circumstances. Yet she's also adapted well to living in a group, and has even started to draw on her pre-apocalypse past as a mother and an academic to start thinking about how best to rebuild society. Savage when she has to be, tender and affectionate with her friends and lovers, both nurturing and deadly as they come, this character (courtesy of Danai Gurira's continually extraordinary performance) represents this series at its best. Michonne hasn't lost touch with her humanity. And she's a thrill to watch on a killing spree."[31]
References
edit- ^ Takahashi, Dean (July 17, 2020). "The Walking Dead: Onslaught will crawl its way into VR this year". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ^ Neumann, Clayton (March 18, 2012). "Actress Danai Gurira to Play Michonne in The Walking Dead Season 3". AMCtv.com. Archived from the original on May 26, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ "Telltale and Skybound Announce 'The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Games Mini-Series'". telltalegames.com.
- ^ Dyer, Mitch (June 15, 2015). "E3 2015: The Walking Dead: Michonne Miniseries Announced". IGN.
- ^ Kohler, Chris. "Telltale's Next Walking Dead Game Stars Michonne". Wired.
- ^ a b "Michonne - #86 Top Comic Book Heroes". IGN. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie, Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones) (i), Moore, Tony (cover) (col), Kirkman, Robert (let). "The Heart's Desire" The Walking Dead, vol. 4, no. 19, pp. [22] (June 1, 2005). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie, Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones) (i), Moore, Tony (cover) (col), Kirkman, Robert (let). "Here We Remain" The Walking Dead, vol. 4, no. 20, pp. [22] (July 13, 2005). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie, Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones) (i), Moore, Tony (cover) (col), Kirkman, Robert (let). "The Heart's Desire" The Walking Dead, vol. 4, no. 20, pp. [22] (July 13, 2005). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie (inker, cover), Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones, cover colors) (i), Wooton, Rus (let). "Made To Suffer" The Walking Dead, vol. 9, no. 49, pp. [22] (May 14, 2008). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie (inker, cover), Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones, cover colors) (i), Wooton, Rus (let). "Her We Remain" The Walking Dead, vol. 9, no. 52, pp. [22] (September 17, 2008). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie, Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones) (i), Moore, Tony (cover) (col), Kirkman, Robert (let). "Here We Remain" The Walking Dead, vol. 9, no. 53, pp. [22] (October 8, 2008). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie (inker, cover), Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones, cover colors) (i), Wooton, Rus (let). "Fear the Hunters" The Walking Dead, vol. 9, no. 62, pp. [22] (June 11, 2009). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie (inker, cover), Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones, cover colors) (i), Wooton, Rus (let). "Life Among Them" The Walking Dead, vol. 12, no. 71, pp. [22] (April 28, 2010). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w), Adlard, Charlie (p), Adlard, Charlie (inker, cover), Rathburn, Cliff (gray tones, cover colors) (i), Wooton, Rus (let). "Life Among Them" The Walking Dead, vol. 13, no. 74, pp. [22] (July 8, 2008). 1942 University Avenue, Suite 305, Berkeley, CA 94704: Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w). The Walking Dead #92 (December 2011), Image Comics.
- ^ a b Kirkman, Robert (w). The Walking Dead #93 (January 2012), Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w). The Walking Dead #94 (February 2012), Image Comics.
- ^ Kirkman, Robert (w). The Walking Dead #131 (September 2014), Image Comics.
- ^ The Walking Dead #193
- ^ "The Walking Dead Michonne's Katana (SKU: MC-MC-WD001, Price: $249.99)". Medieval Collectibles. Archived from the original on July 14, 2013.
- ^ Lacey (November 8, 2012). "The Blah-king Dead – Walking Dead Recap – Episode 3.3 – Walk With Me". Geekenfreude.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2013.
- ^ Sepinwall, Alan (March 3, 2013). "Review: 'The Walking Dead' – 'Clear': The weak shall inherit the earth".
- ^ Bryant, Adam (February 22, 2015). "The Walking Dead Postmortem: Danai Gurira on Michonne's Big Choice". TV Guide. Retrieved February 23, 2015.
- ^ Houghton, Rianne (April 4, 2019). "Walking Dead boss hints at "giant" Michonne season 10 storyline ahead of Danai Gurira's exit". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
- ^ DeVega, Chauncey (November 26, 2012). "Michonne or Maggie? Race, Gender, and Rape on The Walking Dead TV Series". Daily Kos.
- ^ Bernstein, Robert (October 29, 2012). "'The Walking Dead' Recap: Walk With Me". Den of Geek. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
- ^ Hinckley, David (November 15, 2012). "Renegade fighter Danai Gurira finds a fatal attraction in 'The Walking Dead'". The Daily News. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013.
- ^ Ogden, Maxwell. "The Walking Dead: Setting A High Standard for Women on Television". Movie Pilot. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ^ "Is Michonne Really Progressing in The Walking Dead". Movie Pilot. November 17, 2015. Archived from the original on December 29, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ^ Murray, Noel (December 7, 2016). "30 Best 'Walking Dead' Characters". Rolling Stone.
