IMO, Negan's introduction was softened by:

1. Melon bash toned down for TV

2. The way the outpost raid was written for the show.

3. Jeffrey Dean Morgan isn't that physical of a presence.

 

In the comic, I don't recall Rick's raid on the outpost being so brutal - number of kills, taking arsenal, and heads on pikes.  I remember it as being just as taking out a few guys, making Negan's response/introduction with Lucille being a way over the top/intensely brutal response.

 

Also in the comic, the melon bashing was more graphic.  Glenn struggled more before he went completely down, with Negan mocking him the entire time.

 

I can appreciate the comments on how Negan is somewhat of a letdown.  He was a physically bigger guy in the comic (adding to the presence,) and shown as more insanely brutal (mildy Joker-like, for a good comparison.)

 

They nailed the cocky jock theme the comic had, but he's not the oversized physical and mental monster painted more vividly in the comic.

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