And as this exclusive image from season 8 shows, they remain armed and ready for battle.

We have basically set the stage for All Out War, says Gimple.

Negans said it, everybody has seen theyre in it.

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Credit: Gene Page/AMC

His swagger is definitely back, says Gimple.

But its a measured swagger.

Its a focused swagger.

He absolutely has it and you will see it in episode 1.

Its really a lot happening simultaneously, promises the showrunner.

We just want the audience to hold on to their seat as theyre thrown through this thing.

In the meantime, follow me on Twitter@DaltonRossfor moreWalking Deadupdates.