It's popular because it gives a chance to expand on Carl's character arc. In the show, Carl has a lot of potential that sometimes isn't fully explored. Fanfiction with an oc can do that. The oc can bring out different sides of Carl, like his protective side, his leadership side, or his more vulnerable side. Plus, fans like to see how Carl would react to new people and situations that are created specifically for these fan - made stories.
Unfortunately, Carl did die in The Walking Dead comics. It was a sad moment for fans. His death had a big impact on the storyline and the other characters.
Another interesting one is 'Carl's Unlikely Friendship'. Here, the oc is a boy with unique skills. The story delves into how Carl and this oc become friends and how their friendship changes things in their small community within the 'Walking Dead' world. It's full of action and some heart - warming moments.
Carl and Sophia are indeed deceased in The Walking Dead comics. Their fates were determined by the story's progression and the challenges the characters faced in that post-apocalyptic world.