Juanita Sanchez

Juanita Sanchez, known almost exclusively by her nickname Princess, burst onto the scene in The Walking Dead #171 published by Image Comics in 2017. Introduced in the later chapters of Robert Kirkman's landmark zombie survival saga, Princess arrived as a wildcard — a survivor with a magnetic personality, a sharp wit, and an even sharper aim. Her debut added fresh energy to a series that had been running for over a decade, and collectors who picked up issue #171 off the shelf had no idea they were holding the first appearance of a character who would soon earn a devoted fanbase.

Princess is defined by her exceptional marksmanship, which has kept her alive through some of the most dangerous situations the post-apocalyptic world could throw at her. Beyond her combat skills, her colorful personality and layered backstory gave writers and readers alike something to invest in emotionally. She quickly proved herself as more than comic relief, becoming a genuine survivor with depth and resilience that resonated with long-time Walking Dead fans.

Her character gained significant momentum as The Walking Dead moved into its final story arcs, and her popularity extended beyond the page when she was introduced in the television adaptation, further cementing her status as one of the more memorable late-era additions to the franchise. This crossover appeal between comics and screen audiences has a proven track record of driving renewed collector interest in key first appearance issues.

For collectors, The Walking Dead #171 is the book to chase. As a first appearance in a title with one of the most dedicated fanbases in modern comics, it carries real long-term appeal. With the series now complete, back-issue hunting for character keys has become a priority for Walking Dead completionists, and Princess ranks among the most compelling late-run additions to the roster. Whether you are building a Walking Dead key run or hunting undervalued first appearances, this issue deserves a serious look.