I love TWD, but this book will absolutely flop if Rick ever dies.
I think we're actually seeing a nice set up (quote me!), where Rick may be captured, and the other characters are forced to become a little stronger. I'm thinking they rise up a ton and finally fill out a much needed supporting cast. Rick dying is just the nail in the coffin for the book. Michonne barely speaks, Andrea isn't that strong, Carl is decent, but he's a teenager, Jesus is still too fresh, and everyone else I'd have to stretch myself to even remember their name.