Carl Grimes played a crucial role in The Walking Dead comics, embodying the essence of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. His journey from a scared boy to a hardened survivor reflected a battle to maintain morality in an increasingly bleak reality. In the TV show, however, Carl met a tragic end during a war with the Saviors, diverging from the comic's hopeful future where he outlived his father and built a better world. His death served a purpose, influencing Rick Grimes to spare his son's dream of peace by sparing Negan, altering the narrative trajectory.

While the TV series' deviation highlighted its originality, it weakened the message of hope and perseverance that Carl symbolized in the comics. The two versions of Carl - one surviving, the other sacrificing himself - portrayed contrasting paths, reflecting the different storytelling choices between the comic and the TV series.