Dale is a main character first encountered in Issue 3 of Image Comics' The Walking Dead. He is the oldest survivor of the Atlanta group and former husband of his late wife, Erma. Dale later formed a relationship with Andrea, who both adopted Ben and Billy after their father's death. Dale was part of the Prison committee along with Rick, Tyreese and Hershel. After the destruction of Prison, he became a de-facto co-leader of the remaining group, although acknowledging that Rick is their true leader.