Carlos Mendoza (aka Mean Mug) was a Latino-American enforcer and patrolman for the post-apocalyptic ruthless organization, the Saviors, during the worldwide zombie apocalypse. He was a staunch lackey of Negan Smith and supported him every turn of the way.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Carlos Mendoza, also known by his nickname “Mean Mug” due to his signature scowl and intense demeanor, was born in 1980 in San Antonio, Texas.
Carlos joined a small gang during his late teens, where he honed his skills in intimidation and learned to command respect through fear. The gang was involved in petty crime, but Carlos’s ruthless attitude made him rise quickly through its ranks. He was sentenced to prison in the mid 90’s and was doing time in and out for assault and drug trafficking.
The Outbreak (2010’s)[]
When the apocalypse began, Carlos quickly adapted to the chaos. His survival instincts and criminal past allowed him to thrive in a world without rules. Like many others, Carlos initially operated solo, scavenging and avoiding larger groups. However, his violent and domineering personality eventually led him to cross paths with the Saviors, a group that sought order through fear and intimidation—values that aligned perfectly with his own worldview.
The Saviors found Carlos and saw in him someone who could become a grunt —someone who could instill strength into their enemies and help control the lower ranks. He was recruited into their ranks, where he quickly became known as "Mean Mug" due to his signature intimidating glare and unflinching demeanor. He served as a low-ranking guard and patroller at the Sanctuary and during business deals, often deployed in situations requiring physical intimidation or a strong hand.
Time in The Saviors[]
Carlo was first stationed at one of the Savior roadblocks. He stands alongside other Saviors as Negan makes his dramatic entrance, terrorizing Rick Grimes' group. Carlos plays a minor but crucial role in maintaining order as part of the roadblock team, helping to ensure that the Saviors’ authority is unquestioned. He doesn’t speak much but is marked by his ever-present scowl and watchful eye with the others. He witnesses the brutal execution of Abraham Ford and Glenn Rhee and smiles during the ordeal.
Carlos is visible during Negan's speech to his followers and later witnesses the execution of Dr Emmett Carson. Later, he stands behind Negan as the leader executes David for attempting to rape Sasha Williams.
As the war between the Saviors and Rick's group begins to unfold, Carlos is seen cheering along with the other Saviors at Negan’s declaration of war and is seen as a vivid lackey.
Demise[]
During the battle that follows, he is tasked with escorting Eugene Porter and Sasha as they leave the Sanctuary. However, during the firefight at Alexandria, Carlos is killed by Shiva, the tiger of Ezekiel, who mauls him to death as he returns fire at the attackers. He is brutally maimed and dies of blood loss in the ordeal. His body is later burned by Alexandria.