Michonne Hawthorne (Comic Series)

This article is only for the comic version of Michonne Hawthorne. To see the article for the TV version, go to Michonne Hawthorne (TV Series).
Michonne Hawthorne is the tritagonist of Image Comics, The Walking Dead. She also appears as the titular main protagonist of her own spin-off game developed by Telltale Games. It is set within the same continuity/universe as the comics.
Equipped with a katana and formidable combat expertise, Michonne serves as a vital protector of the survivors. Upon reuniting with her daughter in the Commonwealth, she sets aside her swordsmanship and reverts to her role as a lawyer within the community.
Years following Rick Grimes' passing, Michonne assumes the esteemed position of high court judge in the Commonwealth, ensuring that people remember the sacrifices made by her close friend, Rick. She presents her sword to Carl Grimes as a token of their bond, ultimately finding contentment alongside her loved ones.
In the The Walking Dead: Michonne, she was voiced by Samira Wiley. 
== Biography ==
===Early Outbreak===
Michonne's introduction into the narrative paints her as an enigmatic figure, armed with a katana that immediately captures the group's attention. Her initial appearance brings about a mix of confusion and concern within the group as she arrives with two armless, jawless zombies tethered in shackles. Her intervention becomes evident when she rescues Otis from a precarious encounter with zombies, leading her to trail him to the abandoned prison that serves as the group's sanctuary.
A significant bond quickly forms between Michonne and Tyreese, who recognizes her from her previous life as an NFL player. Their connection deepens as they share a mutual passion for weightlifting, eventually culminating in a romantic involvement. This romantic development, however, marks the end of Tyreese's relationship with Carol Peletier.
As the story unfolds, Michonne gradually unveils aspects of her life before the apocalypse. She discloses her former profession as a lawyer, the recent dissolution of her marriage, and the painful loss of custody of her children. Initially, her behavior suggests potential trauma or mental distress, including instances of conversing with herself and her deceased boyfriend—an observation first made by Andrea within the prison's confines. Michonne later confides in Rick Grimes, revealing that her imaginary conversations with her late boyfriend serve as a coping mechanism to prevent herself from succumbing to the horrors of the real world. In response, Rick shares a unique connection by showing her a rotary telephone he employs to "communicate" with his late wife, Lori.
The storyline takes a darker turn when Michonne, alongside a small group, is dispatched to investigate a helicopter crash, inadvertently stumbling upon the town of Woodbury. Events take a sinister twist when the Governor of Woodbury betrays and captures them, subjecting Michonne to heinous acts of violence, including rape and torture. Recognizing the escalating threat posed by Michonne, especially after her actions in eliminating all participants in a gladiatorial-style contest, the situation takes a more dire turn. Although the group successfully manages to escape, Michonne chooses to remain behind, explaining that she needs to attend to certain matters. She tortures, sodomizes, and mutilates the Governor before making her way back to the prison with the rest of the group.
In response to the Governor's retaliation, Michonne and Tyreese shift their strategy to engage in guerrilla warfare. Their objective is to create a window of time for the prison to prepare for the impending attack. However, circumstances force Michonne to flee after narrowly avoiding capture. Tyreese, on the other hand, is seized and used as a bargaining chip in the Governor's attempt to infiltrate the prison. When this scheme proves unsuccessful, the Governor wields Michonne's katana to bring about Tyreese's demise. In a poignant twist, Michonne returns moments later to retrieve her sword and subsequently vanishes into the nearby woods.
===Post-Prison and Alexandria===
Following the events that unfolded at the prison, Michonne embarks on a quest to locate the RV survivors and provide a dignified end to Tyreese's reanimated remains. Her search, however, yields only a trail of footprints, prompting her to follow them. This journey leads her to an unexpected encounter with Rick and his son, Carl. During this encounter, Michonne demonstrates her protective instincts by saving Carl from a zombie threat. As they join forces, she assumes a maternal role, safeguarding Carl, and extends her protective care to Rick out of profound respect for him.
A strong bond forms among Michonne, Rick, and Carl as they navigate the challenges of their post-apocalyptic world. Michonne values their connection to the extent that she keeps Rick's private "conversations" with Lori confidential. Together, they reunite with other surviving members of the group at Hershel Greene's farm, finding solace and safety among their companions. As Michonne continues to travel alongside the survivors in their pursuit of safety, she expresses curiosity about the whereabouts of Morgan Jones. When Rick inquires about her attraction to Morgan, Michonne openly acknowledges her feelings but underscores that she is still grieving Tyreese's loss.
Upon reaching the town of Alexandria, a seemingly safe refuge in the midst of the undead chaos, Michonne faces a challenging moment when she is asked to part with her cherished sword. This situation unfolds during a confrontation with Douglas, a resident of Alexandria. However, Olivia, another resident, successfully persuades Douglas to allow Michonne to retain her weapon. As Michonne settles into this newfound "home," she takes the unusual step of hanging her sword above the fireplace mantle. While doing so, she reflects upon the harrowing experiences that have led her to wield the sword for survival and eventually declares, "I am through with you."
Gradually, Michonne begins to lower her guard, prompting Rick to inquire if there might be a role for her in the Alexandria community. As there is no demand for lawyers, Douglas suggests appointing her as a constable to uphold the community's laws.
Michonne's integration into Alexandria includes attending a welcome gathering organized by Douglas in honor of the town's new residents. However, during the festivities, she remains reserved and introspective. When a fellow resident, Barbara, attempts to play matchmaker between Michonne and a young man named Heath, Michonne becomes increasingly disinterested in the conversation among the partygoers and tries to leave. Barbara, with good intentions, persists in discussing Michonne's culinary preferences, causing Michonne to snap and question whether that is the sole concern on her mind. The exchange leaves the guests in silence, making Michonne uncomfortable enough to exit the event. Seeking solace, she encounters Morgan, who had also left the party earlier. They bond over their shared aversion to overly cheerful individuals, and Michonne admits that their previous conversation made her feel even more isolated. In a vulnerable moment, she rests her head on Morgan's shoulder, leading to an intimate encounter that night. However, Michonne becomes disenchanted with Morgan's inability to let go of his deceased wife.
Despite their initial complications, Michonne eventually falls for Morgan. The two later reconcile and decide to take things slow, focusing on getting to know each other better. Tragedy strikes when Morgan is bitten by a zombie, forcing Michonne to amputate his arm in a desperate attempt to save him. Michonne later apologizes to Morgan, expressing her regrets for any insensitivity. However, she realizes that Morgan has already succumbed to his injuries.
The group faces a formidable zombie onslaught in Alexandria, successfully defending the town and mourning the loss of Morgan and other comrades. Rick discovers Michonne sitting at Morgan's grave, where she confesses that she would have spent the rest of her life with him. She then voices doubts about ever finding happiness again. Michonne actively contributes to clearing the last remnants of the zombie horde in Alexandria. When Rick inquires about her well-being, she admits that she is managing and appreciates someone caring about her.
===War with The Saviors===
Michonne and Abraham find themselves clearing zombies from the Alexandria Safe-Zone perimeter when they encounter a stranger named Paul "Jesus" Monroe. Jesus reveals he hails from a nearby community and proposes an alliance between their groups. Reacting strongly, Rick incapacitates Jesus, and Michonne assists in restraining him. After scouting the area for potential threats, Rick, Michonne, and Abraham realize Jesus spoke the truth, prompting Rick to decide to collaborate with him, a decision Michonne supports. They journey to Jesus' community, known as the "Hilltop," accompanied by Glenn, Carl, and Andrea, where Paul's resourcefulness further establishes his trustworthiness.
Upon arrival at Hilltop, they discover that Hilltop's leader, Gregory, has struck a deal with Negan, leader of "The Saviors," whereby Hilltop provides half of their resources in exchange for protection from the undead. Rick decides to confront Negan, a decision met with apparent displeasure from Michonne. During their return to Alexandria, they engage a group of Saviors, defeating them and sparing one to convey their message to Negan, asserting their protection over Hilltop and demanding half of Negan's supplies.
The conflict escalates with the death of Abraham and the capture of Eugene by the Saviors, igniting a fierce confrontation between Alexandria and the Saviors. Michonne joins Rick, Carl, Glenn, Maggie, and Sophia on a journey to Hilltop, but they are seized by Negan en route. Tragically, Negan brutally kills Glenn and departs, issuing a warning about collecting half of Alexandria's supplies. Upon their return to Alexandria, they find evidence of a battle between the Safe Zone and the Saviors, and they seize one of Negan's men but ultimately release him. Following Carl's disappearance, Michonne joins Rick, Andrea, and Jesus in a mission to Negan's community, suspecting Carl's abduction. After a brief confrontation between Rick and Negan, they discover Carl is unharmed and return to Alexandria.
Michonne's unsuccessful attempt to pursue a romantic connection with Heath, marred by Maggie's revelation about her past involvement with Tyreese, leaves her disheartened. She departs and requests Heath to pretend their moment never occurred. Later, while Michonne and Carl combat a group of walkers, Carl expresses feelings of inadequacy due to his single eye, but Michonne reassures him, drawing parallels with Rick's resilience despite losing a hand. Michonne also confides in Andrea about her struggle to engage in natural conversations with others, including Heath, feeling a sense of alienation.
Michonne, Rick, and others embark on a journey to "The Kingdom" to seek Ezekiel's assistance in confronting Negan. Despite a rocky start, Michonne and Ezekiel develop a romantic relationship. Michonne actively participates in the war against Negan and the Saviors, resulting in Rick's group emerging victorious and Negan's subsequent imprisonment.
After the war, there's 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." Her disappearance is explained in the video game.
===Telltale's The Walking Dead: Michonne===
This miniseries follows Michonne's journey after leaving Rick Grimes' group and what led her to return. It begins with Michonne on a boat with others, dealing with her past and contemplating suicide. They receive a radio signal from Mobjack and investigate an abandoned boat. They're ambushed by siblings Sam and Greg Fairbanks, taken hostage by a larger group led by Norma, and brought to Monroe.
At Monroe, Michonne is interrogated and faces decisions regarding her fellow survivors. Tragedy strikes as Greg is accidentally killed, and Samantha seeks revenge. The group escapes, but Sam is wounded. They find shelter at Sam's family home, where her father is killed by Randall. Michonne and Pete (if he stayed) fight off the assailants and capture Randall. Norma demands Randall's return, leading to a standoff. Meanwhile, Sam's family struggles with their own hardships.
Norma and her group arrive, seeking an exchange for Pete's crew. The situation escalates, and a gunfight breaks out, attracting walkers. Michonne has to make a tough choice regarding Randall. The exchange is disrupted, leading to more violence. Michonne confronts Norma, leading to a deadly showdown. The house catches fire during another confrontation, forcing Michonne and Sam to make harrowing choices.
In the end, Michonne, Pete, and their group plan to scavenge supplies and help Sam's family. Michonne grapples with survivor's guilt and decides to potentially rejoin Rick Grimes' group. The miniseries also delves into Michonne's hallucinations and her ongoing struggle with her past.
===The Whisperer War===
Michonne's return is marked by her arrival on a sailboat, showing her reluctance and negative feelings about being sent by Rick to deal with Ezekiel. She opens up about abandoning her daughters during the outbreak and expresses deep regret. Rick's response is blunt, telling her to "get her act together" and return home.
Tragedy strikes when Rick and Michonne discover the decapitated heads of Ezekiel and Rosita, leaving Michonne devastated. They also learn that Negan has escaped from his cell. Initially, Michonne contemplates going back to sailing with Pete, but Rick urges her to step up as the new leader of the Kingdom following Ezekiel's death.
Despite their victory over Negan, Rick's group gets entangled in another conflict, this time with the "Whisperers." Michonne and her allies eventually emerge victorious, but a massive herd of walkers threatens Alexandria. They manage to drive the walkers away, but Andrea is bitten and dies. Michonne and Maggie handle her body while the group mourns their losses and begins the process of rebuilding. Rick makes the cautious decision to form an alliance with Negan, believing he has changed.
===Conflict with the Commonwealth===
Michonne's journey brings her to the Commonwealth, a community that appears to be a utopia. Here, she experiences a remarkable reunion with her daughter, Elodie, whom she believed was lost during the outbreak. Presented with an opportunity to join this community and resume her previous role as a lawyer, Michonne makes a significant gesture by giving her sword to Eugene, signaling her readiness for a fresh start with a new life.
However, her retirement from action is short-lived. She is compelled to take action once more, this time to protect Elodie. Michonne intervenes to prevent her daughter from getting involved in a violent uprising against the Commonwealth's governor, Pamela Milton, and to shield her from an approaching horde of Walkers.
===Fate===
Michonne makes her final appearance in the last installment of the comic series, many decades after Rick's tragic death. In this distant future, societies worldwide have made substantial progress, and Walkers have become a rarity rather than the norm. Carl, now an adult, stands trial before Michonne, who has risen to the position of a High Court judge in the Commonwealth.
Carl faces charges for the act of dispatching Walkers that were being kept as a spectacle by Hershel Rhee, as they are now regarded as valuable property. Michonne, in her role as a judge, ultimately finds Carl not guilty, ensuring a peaceful resolution for Carl and his family. 
== Appearance ==
Michonne is an African-American woman with a muscular build, usually wearing her hair in short dreadlocks. She often sports a stern or determined expression, reflecting her resilience in the face of adversity. She is typically seen wearing practical clothing suitable for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, such as cargo pants, boots, and a jacket or vest. Additionally, she is recognizable by the katana sword she carries, which becomes her signature weapon throughout the series.
== Personality ==
With a tough exterior forged through surviving the apocalypse, Michonne is a formidable warrior, skilled in combat and adept at navigating the dangers of the world around her. Yet, beneath her stoic facade lies a complex individual with a rich inner life. While she often operates with a sense of self-reliance, Michonne's loyalty to those she cares about runs deep, driving her to protect her friends and allies at all costs. However, her past traumas and losses have left emotional scars, leading her to keep others at arm's length and grapple with inner turmoil. Despite her guarded nature, Michonne's journey is marked by moments of vulnerability, highlighting the depth of her character and making her a compelling presence within the series. 
== Trivia ==
*Robert Kirkman mentioned in the Letter Hacks of Issue 49 Michonne is the strongest character in the comic book.
*Before the apocalypse, it has been confirmed Michonne didn't know any martial arts.
*Although she has been seen as a fairly good shot with a gun, Michonne rarely uses one, preferring to almost exclusively use her sword.
**This is shown to be almost the exact opposite as her TV series counterpart, who is not adept with firearms at all.
*Michonne, along with Rick Grimes, Andrea, Abraham Ford, the Governor, and Negan have killed the most named characters either as a zombie or as a living person.
*In Issue 36, wrote of Michonne's rape and revenge in a letter as follows:"​It was always my plan to NOT show what happened to Michonne--to show the "closed door"...But then when it came time for HER revenge--I wanted to show every single action taken against The Governor. (aside from a few done while he was passed out). "The idea is that you never SEE the evil person's actions...but when the good person does their thing--you see just how evil they can be. It makes you question the character-and hopefully yourself--especially if you're cheering them on the whole way."
== External Links ==
* Michonne Hawthorne (Comic Series) on The Walking Dead Wiki.
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