Merle hasn’t made an appearance (aside from Daryl’s hallucinations) since early on in season 1, but The Walking Dead Dixon brothers are expected to make a reunion in season 3. So we have to ask, which brother is the toughest Dixon?

We’ve grown to love Daryl Dixon for his reluctant compassion for characters like Sophia, and we know he’s willing to fight his way through a crowd of walkers. His backstory breaks our hearts, as the little brother who was left behind and often forgotten, never good enough for his big brother. Just look at this photo.

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And then there’s Merle, who we met as the angry racist, sexist, everything-ist who made our blood boil with his treatment of others. After Rick handcuffed him to the top of building in Atlanta, he was even more ticked off. While we felt bad for him in that situation, we couldn’t help feeling a little like he deserved it (he could have killed T-Dog!).

Even though Rick and Glenn went back for him, he doesn’t know that, so his reconnection with Daryl’s crew is going to cause a bit of a stir. Especially considering that Merle’s been living in Woodbury under the influence of the Governor.

Handless and quick tempered, Merle is bound to wreak some havoc.

But is he the toughest Dixon brother?

Entertainment Weekly took time to chat with Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker, which you can watch here, on which brother they thought was the most bada– brother, and their legions of fans.

At the same time they each say, “He is.” But then Reedus go on to say, “It depends on what you mean by ‘bigger.’”

Rooker retorts, “It depends on who’s running the fastest. You know, he usually takes off quicker than I.”

When asked about their fan clubs, Dixon’s Vixens, Rookeraholics, and more, and who they like best, Rooker jokes, “It probably depends on how many beers they’ve had.”

Reedus is quick to say, “We love them all though.” Aww, thanks Daryl, we love you, too.

But how should the fans decide which group is the best?

“I think they should start a roller derby ring,” Reedus suggests. “You know what I mean, like a roller derby league? That would be awesome.”

“The Dixon Vixens on wheels,” adds Rooker.

We’re all for a Dixon-devoted roller derby league. We’d participate.

And as for our favorite Dixon, we have to side with Daryl. Merle just seems like kind of a jerk at this point. Maybe we’ll change our minds about him later though.

Who is your favorite Dixon brother? Tell us why!