The Croat: Dead City’s Most Ruthless Villain Explained

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Dead City.

Who Is the Croat and What Is His Connection to Negan?

In the first episode of “Dead City“, Maggie encounters Negan, who’s journeying with a speechless girl named Ginny. It’s been a few years in this universe, so there are some unclear events the series will eventually clarify. Curious about why she’s pursuing him, Maggie asks for his aid in tracking down and vanquishing the Croat. Negan initially feigns ignorance of him, but his ruse is exposed when Maggie mentions that the Croat’s group had invaded her community, using the well-known Savior whistle.

Negan acknowledges that the Croat was extremely crazy and he believes Hershel is likely dead. Maggie demands that Negan assist her because she thinks he still owes her something, but he might not. She also reminds him that he’s a fugitive with no place to go. Negan agrees to help Maggie search for the Croat, but only if Maggie guarantees Ginny a secure place with education in a safe community. As they dodge walkers, giant insects, and a relentless Marshall, we eventually encounter the Croat himself.

Initially, he appears more like a grandpa than a merciless ruler. He confronts Hershel, who is tied up, demanding information about Negan. Instead of cooperating, Hershel retorts sarcastically, causing The Croat to threaten him with a tool resembling a scythe. However, an employee interrupts, diverting his focus towards a doomed inmate attempting to escape from the prison.

In the second episode, Negan confides in Maggie that a man, originally from Croatia, unexpectedly showed up at his place. This individual had endured unspeakable hardships; his entire family was brutally killed right before his eyes. Negan took him under his wing and the Croat started referring to Negan as his brother due to feeling secure under his protection. However, it was revealed that the Croat enjoyed inflicting pain and tormenting others for amusement. The Croat served as Negan’s personal torturer until one instance where Negan explicitly instructed him to let a wandering girl go free. Unfortunately, the Croat kidnapped her and committed an atrocity so heinous that Negan refused to discuss it aloud. In a failed attempt to punish him, Negan shot him but missed, only managing to wound his ear. The Croat managed to escape, and there had been no news of him since… until now.

1) Maggie informs everyone that she’s acquainted with the Croat and suggests they could defeat him similarly to how the VA communities overpowered the Saviors. Her intention is for Negan to act as bait, allowing them to execute their attack. Interestingly, Negan provides valuable information about the Croat’s mindset, which aids them in strategizing.

In episode four, there’s a flashback showing Negan and Simon arguing with the Croat about a violent act he had committed in the past. Meanwhile, in the current timeline, it’s the first encounter between Negan and the Croat in years. Contrary to what Negan anticipated, the Croat embraces him warmly, inviting him to join his group. However, Negan declines the offer, then goes on to rescue Perlie, only for the Croat to threaten him with a gun. What a delightful reunion!

The Croat and His Burazi Group in The Walking Dead: Dead City, Explained

In this narrative, a group referred to as the Burazi is recognized among Croatian communities. The term “buraz” translates to “brother” in Croatian, hinting at the Croat’s nickname for Negan, who has been previously mentioned. As episode two progresses, we learn from Tommaso that the Croat goes by both “Van Gogh” and “the psycho.” The Burazi are notoriously feared throughout New York City, earning a reputation reminiscent of an ominous Daft Punk-like presence when they are out in public.

Later on, Amaia discloses that their party was finding it tough to stay alive following the military’s bombardment of all escape routes from the island. The Croat’s arrival only compounded their problems. He proposed shelter and luxuries in return for joining his ruthless faction. Tommaso, having personally experienced the Croat’s cruelty after being imprisoned and tormented for information, managed to flee thanks to a walker (referred to as fleshies) providing an opportunity, but doubts Hershel could possibly still be alive.

In episode three, we delve deep into the intricate Burazi compound located at Madison Square Garden, and it’s nothing short of chaotic. There are tanks filled with preserved human bodies, reminiscent of a Gladiator arena, and cells for torture. The group frequently shouts “Doma Smo!” which means “We are at home!” in Croatian. Essentially, they embody a more sinister version of the Saviors, with a “join us or perish” attitude.

The Croat tells Marshall, his captive, that he had a background in renewable energy before the crisis. He’s been turning methane gas from decomposed bodies into liquid fuel. This grim idea of utilizing death as a resource is what he shares with his followers. Then, he forces Marshall to inhale this fuel and struggle for survival. The Croat refers to his place as a “sanctuary,” similar to Negan’s compound. He’s very hands-on when it comes to killing, from smashing a man’s head on a balcony to brutally dismantling a girl inside the Sanctuary.

From Negan’s tale, it appears no Saviors remained with the Croat when he left. Over time, it seems likely that he gathered his own community, eventually ruling over the island. The Croat’s survival serves as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have in this world. Interestingly, the fact that they still use the Savior whistle long after Negan’s rule suggests a lingering connection between them.

Essentially, this character can be seen as a creature partially molded by Negan himself. It’s clear he continues to embody a dominating mentality, a trait that even concerns Negan, a man infamous for brutally crushing two individuals with a barbed wire baseball bat. If Negan considers the Croat to be psychotic, then that speaks volumes. At the end of season one, Maggie managed to rescue her son by delivering Negan into the Croat’s hands. Later, the Croat presents Negan to the Dama, the true power behind the scenes, who encourages Negan to reclaim his position as a merciless leader.

The Croat in The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2: Still a Negan Fan

In the start of season two, Negan is found in prison as the Croat continues his efforts to persuade him to regain power. Eventually, the Dama successfully manipulates Negan by disclosing that his wife Annie and son Joshua are en route to New York City. While we’re unsure if this information is accurate or not, it appears that Negan is convinced enough to act upon it.

1. In an ominous turn of events, the Croat presents Negan with a modified Lucille 2.0, equipped to deliver both a lethal shock and fatal blow. True to form, Negan uses this deadly tool during an unsettling encounter with some rowdy New York City residents. This act of violence brings a smirk to the Croat’s face, underscoring his growing fixation on Negan.

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2025-05-05 18:34