Few comic book series are riper for Easter eggs than Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead. Indeed, the fact that it is based on one of the oldest and most storied genres in horror gives it decades of zombie conflict to tap into. For one of the series’ quirkier hat tips, however, the creators went outside the culture of the undead for an interesting reference of a more personal nature.

In Kirkman and Tony Moore’s The Walking Dead #3, as Rick, Lori, Carl, and other zombie apocalypse survivors adjust to their new life, they attempt to restore some semblance of normality with a little get-together. However, the peaceful vibe is upended when the group runs across a few stray zombies.

There’s nothing especially noteworthy about the zombies they encounter, except for one zombie whose name – Front – is visible on his pocket protector that, in humanity’s worst calamity, has inexplicably remained perfectly clipped to his shirt pocket. This zombie is the ultimate nerd culture Easter egg.

Moore Uses The Simplest Image To Start A Conversation About Hip Hop And Geeks

The Walking Dead’s Tony Moore Uses Easter Eggs to Perfection

The zombie most likely refers to the musician MC Frontalot, the self-proclaimed master of “Nerdcore Hip Hop,” a subgenre of underground hip hop where artists rap about topics that interest nerds and geeks. MC Frontalot often goes by the nickname “Front,” and the zombie with the “Front” pocket protector bears a striking resemblance to him. From the glasses to the short-sleeved Oxford shirt and tie, the zombie is the spitting image of how Front might appear in undead form.

What sets this Easter egg apart from others is that fans would be hard-pressed to find its connection to the story. Readers who recognize that the zombie has a name badge might dismiss its inclusion as simply artistic license by Moore. Conversely, other fans who appreciate thoughtful Easter eggs might interpret the name as a nod to a character from the survivors’ past. Moreover, Moore has yet to acknowledge the zombie is any different from the other zombies he drew in the issue.

Delving Into The History Of Moore’s Easter Egg Delivers A Surprise

However, the abundance of coincidences leaves little doubt that the zombie is a deliberate reference to MC Frontalot. Outside the name and resemblance, there’s Moore’s intimate involvement in the whole Nerdcore Hip Hop scene. Not only is he a well-known fan of the music but he also has a personal relationship with MC Frontalot himself. Indeed, Moore inked some of Front’s media, including the covert art of his Nerdcore Rising album. Perhaps most tellingly is Front’s own post to his Facebook page saying that he thinks the Front zombie in the comic is him. Accordingly, even without his acknowledgment, it’s more likely than not that the zombie named Front is Moore’s cheeky tribute to an artist he respects.

The best Easter eggs lie in plain sight. They are neither so obvious that fans will easily recognize them, nor so obscure that only the super expert will be able to spot them in the wild. When seamlessly integrated into the plot, they enhance the narrative without disrupting it. Crafting successful Easter eggs is a challenging task, one easily botched if not done thoughtfully. Tony Moore’s zombie Easter egg in The Walking Dead exemplifies his skill by demonstrating creative freedom and nuanced layering that fans find particularly rewarding. When executed well, Easter eggs like this one elevate the fan experience, showcasing the brilliance of The Walking Dead in its masterful use of subtle details.