Daryl Dixon is one of the most popular characters on AMC's smash-hit show "The Walking Dead," with stores selling shirts that read "If Daryl dies we riot." While many fans have noticed and hoped for potential relationships at first with Carol and then Beth on the show, Daryl is one of the few "Walking Dead" characters to never be explicitly in a relationship. Fans may now have their answer as to why -- Daryl may be gay.

This isn't just fan speculation or theory -- it comes straight from "The Walking Dead" comic creator Robert Kirkman. Kirkman said as much when explicitly asked a question about Daryl's sexuality in the reader letters section of "The Walking Dead" #130 (via Comicbook.com). The reader compares the comic-only character Jesus with the show-only character Daryl, drawing a parallel between the tough as nails nature of both characters. Jesus, however, is openly gay, while Daryl's sexuality has long been up in the air. That leads the reader to ask the question on fans mind: could Daryl be gay? According to Kirkman, sure.

"All I can say is that it's been discussed," Kirkman says in his response. "We have very specific ideas about Daryl's sexuality (or the seeming lack thereof). and if there's ever a quit period in the show where he's not consistently distracted by crossbowing...we'll tackle it in the show."

Kirkman went on to say, just for the record, that AMC would be completely okay with Daryl being gay. Daryl actor Norman Reedus is truly one of the biggest attractions for the show, making it seem unlikely that Kirkman and other show runners would kill him off anytime soon due to the risk of alienating fans. The revelation that Daryl is gay would also be likely to burn many fans, as it is almost certain that there are viewers among the show's millions that do not agree with homosexuality and don't want to watch it in their favorite show.

If it ever is explicitly addressed, props to Kirkman and AMC for including a gay character that goes far beyond the normal, gay stereotypes so commonly seen on TV. Characters don't come more badass than Daryl Dixon, gay or not.

The fifth season of "The Walking Dead" premieres Sunday, October 12 on AMC and picks up right where season 4 left off with Rick and his group trapped in a boxcar by the mysterious citizens of Terminus.