STILL WALKING WITH THE DEAD: KIRKMAN TALKS THE WALKING DEAD

[MattBrady]

by Chris Arrant

"To me, the best zombie movies aren't the splatter fests of gore and violence with goofy characters and tongue in cheek antics. Good zombie movies show us how messed up we are, they make us question our station in society... and our society's station in the world. They show us gore and violence and all that cool stuff too... but there's always an undercurrent of social commentary and thoughtfulness."

That quote is from Robert Kirkman's introduction to the first collection of The Walking Dead, and gets to the core of why he writes the book, and also why fans love it.

It’s that technique, or formula if you will, that has proven so successful for the series which debuted at Image Comics in December 2003. In the resulting months since the inaugural release, the series has steadily risen in the charts and in the hearts of comic readers. Acclaimed by comic fans including Shaun of the Dead co-creator Simon Pegg, Walking Dead has followed the life of policeman and family man Rick Grimes as he deals with the tragedy that has affected his life, his family, and the world itself.

In recent issues, Rick and the crew have found a makeshift home behind the high steel fences of a high-security prison just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Although they have had a rocky relationship with the surviving prisoners, it seems quite calm compared to their previous homes. But this tenuous peace can't be permanent, otherwise what fun would that be?

"By the end of issue #18 we’ll see the situation with the prisoners resolved," Kirkman explained. "So that won’t really be an issue, one way or another. The plan right now is for Rick and Company to establish the prison as their home base, their safe place. Eventually they’ll be venturing out of their new safe zone to explore the world around them but first they’ve got to learn everything they can about their new home. That’s what issues 19-24 will be about--setting up the prison as their home. They moved into the place in issue 13 but things have been so crazy there are entire wings of the prison that haven’t been explored. There’s also plenty of things left to go wrong, which will be abundantly clear by the end of issue 18."

One of the big questions left unanswered in the pages of The Walking Dead is, simply put, where did the zombies come from? In the first issue, the reader was left just as clueless as Rick, who awoke from a coma to discover the world in shambles. When asked if there are plans to reveal the origin of the zombie plague, creator Robert Kirkman is apprehensive.

"I think the story is more about the characters than the zombies and we really don’t need to see why the zombies are doing what they’re doing," said Kirkman about the origin of the zombies. "Besides, they’re explained in at least some small way in almost every zombie movie. I say pick one and go with that if it makes you feel better. Me? I prefer to tell what’s happening to Rick and crew now instead of what happened completely out of their control with no relation to them months ago. It just doesn’t interest me."

"Of course, if sales ever take a dive you’ll see “The Walking Dead: Origin” full color special in stores," Kirkman added facetiously.

When we talk about the beginnings of the The Walking Dead, it leads us also to grasp for the end of the series. In the movies that made the zombie genre famous, it follows the lives of a select group who seem to be the last survivors of the zombie invasion. One of the things Kirkman promised when he began the series is to find out how people would survive during this catastrophe, and how life goes on.

When asked the inevitable end, Robert Kirkman explains that he's got a plan.

"Not right now," Kirkman said bluntly. "But do any of us really know how we’re going to die? I like that the characters don’t know and I don’t know. I plan on doing at least 75 issues and I’d like to go well past that. So I don’t think having an end in mind is all that important. I do have events planned up through issue 50 so it’s not like I’m flying by the seat of my pants or not working towards anything."

"At the end of the day though--if I ever get into a pinch--I could just have zombies eat everyone. Instant last issue," Kirkman joked.

Switching gears a little bit, the success of The Walking Dead have been emblematic of the zombies it portrays: slow and steady.

In an industry where most series experience a steady & slow decline in sales except when a new creative team, revamp, or a new first issue, The Walking Dead has experienced a steady increase in sales of 112% since its first issue. With only one change of artists, the series has consistently defied the odds and garnered acclaim from all corners of the industry.

"I think it sucks. I mean, I really hate knowing that scads and scads of people are out there reading my books," Kirkman smiled.

"It should be said that Invincible also rises in sales every month (so far, fingers crossed) so I think it’s a sign that people do want new ideas, or at least new characters in comics," Kirkman explained. "I would never claim that having a bunch of people attacked by zombies is a new idea. But yeah, every month when sales go up I do a little dance; it’s really pretty ridiculous (the dance). Every month when numbers come in I’m always expecting a drop... so I’m equally shocked and delighted every month. It’s not going to last forever, it’s got to level out some time."

Going back to discuss the change-up in artists, when it was first announced some people were apprehensive. Tony Moore had carved a niche with his solid and expressive linework, and seemed integral to the series he helped create with his long-time friend sine 7th grade, Robert Kirkman. As lateness became a factor, Moore decided to step away from the series after issue 6 and let another artist come into the fray to make sure the series kept on schedule.

"It was tough. I’ll be honest," Kirkman explained. "Tony was a big part of the book and like you said, my friend since the 7th grade. But the schedule was slipping and I had already watched Invincible start a steep plummet in sales when the schedule slipped and I didn’t want to see this book suffer the same fate. Tony, I think, wasn’t enjoying the book as much as he should have been, and I hated seeing my friend under such stress. For the good of himself and the book, he bailed. He’s doing some great projects right now that will all be seeing the light of day before the end of the year so everything has worked out for the best."

Enter Charlie Adlard, artist of such books as Warlock, 2000AD, and the cult hit Astronauts in Trouble.

"Charlie was a dream come true. It was one of those things where I had always wanted to work with Charlie. I’d been a fan for some time and I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to get him. I’m still shocked he said yes, but I’m very thankful. Charlie really made me more excited about the book when he came on board. I think his work has a darker, more serious tone to it than Tony’s and that’s really what I wanted to do with this book. In the end, Charlie is a perfect fit for the Walking Dead. He, along with gray toner Cliff Rathburn are working a special kind of magic on these stories.

Kirkman continued, saying "I think they’re a big part of why the book saw some really steep climbs in sales once they came on. . And while some people did say they preferred Tony when Charlie took over I’m hearing exactly the opposite from people who started with Charlie’s issues and worked their way back. I think in the end, comic fans just fear change."

Now that Charlie Adlard has been onboard The Walking Dead for over a year, Robert Kirkman is still amazed by the artwork that comes in.

"What’s not to like?" Kirkman exclaimed. "His pages usually come in two batches. He’s send me half the book and then a few days later he’ll send me the other half. Those two days are like Christmas for me! I pour over every damn panel like I’ve got nothing better to do. It honestly really does kill my work schedule because I’m just staring at the pages for hours. With Ryan Ottley on Invincible he’s sending me a page or two a day, so it’s a pretty steady stream, so it only kills a few minutes each day. But Charlie, hitting me with those bundles... heh. I think Charlie’s facial expressions are top notch. He really tells what I’m trying to tell without going over the top. Looking at issue 17, because I’ve got it in front of me, there are a few pages where someone’s just giving someone a “look” and it’s perfect.

"Also, Charlie’s use of shadow is a sight to behold," Kirkman explains. "He’s just throwing stuff down like it’s nothing and it turns out perfect. His page layouts are superb and easy to follow. When I do actually put some action in the book it flows exactly how I want it too. Charlie’s a real pro. I’d do whatever I had to do to keep him on this book for the long-haul...and I’ve told him as much."

One of the added bonuses included in the single issues of The Walking Dead is the inclusion of a letters column, entitled "Letter Hacks". Letters columns had long been a staple in the industry, but were eschewed away in the late 1990s to some disdain from fans and creators alike. But that tide is slowly turning, as letter columns became championed by Brian Michael Bendis in the pages of Powers, and in The Walking Dead.

"Every single month I sit down to do that stuff and I really, really don’t want to. It’s a pain... it takes forever. But every time I’m at a con, or online I’m always seeing someone say it’s their favorite part of the book or that they read the book one day and then read the letters column the next day. It seems to be important to people. And goddammit... they’re buying the book...they’re putting the food on my table, I might as well give them what they want. Hell, truth be told I think the fans deserve more. I’ve got a great bunch of people reading this book as near as I can tell."

It was recently announced that another of Kirkman's creations, Invincible, had been optioned as a major motion picture by the people behind the successful Constantine movie. Looking at The Walking Dead you can almost imagine, almost visualize, a movie from this

"Sure, why not. Make it a trilogy... that’s be cool, wouldn’t it?" KIrkman said. "I’m more in the Alan Moore camp on movies. I’d want them to be good, I’d do what I could to ensure that (like writing the screenplay for Invincible) but at the end of the day its apples and oranges and I don’t think one effects the other. Movies... feh. I’ll take comics any day."

[samnoir]

The prison arc is by far the best twist in the zombie genre in any medium since the soldiers vs. scientists in an underground shelter scenario played out in Romero's Day of the Dead.

The characters are developing so naturally in this monthly format that I think the industry really needs to rethink it's obsessions with "arcs" and just focus on great storytelling like this.

Hope we get to see Walking Dead as a cable TV show.

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[Blablabla]

Damn at least 75 issues That is alot of walking dead

[xpositive]

Originally posted by MattBrady
One of the added bonuses included in the single issues of The Walking Dead is the inclusion of a letters column, entitled "Letter Hacks". Letters columns had long been a staple in the industry, but were eschewed away in the late 1990s to some disdain from fans and creators alike. But that tide is slowly turning, as letter columns became championed by Brian Michael Bendis in the pages of Powers, and in The Walking Dead.

Exactly. He prints my letters every issue now. It gives me something more to look forward to. Since these books don't appreciate in value like they used to, it makes them worth more to me to keep them. Kirkman rocks.

You're really missing out if you're not reading this book!

[AndrewP]

Oddly enough, I just finished reading the first trade for this series yesterday. I really enjoyed it, and can't wait to get the next one. I was really digging Tony Moore's work though...I'll have to see how I feel about the new artist going forward.

[GOSD]

I love Kirkman's stuff.

As long as he writes it, I buy it.

[GOSD]

Originally posted by AndrewP
Oddly enough, I just finished reading the first trade for this series yesterday. I really enjoyed it, and can't wait to get the next one. I was really digging Tony Moore's work though...I'll have to see how I feel about the new artist going forward.

Charlie's work is a little less "detailed" (IMO) than Tony's work but you'll get use to it.

He has gotten much better..

[LunarDaydreamer]

Still flat out one of the greatest comics on the racks. I bought the first trade and just *had* to buy issue #7 which was out on the same day - so invested was in the characters.

Walking Dead just continues to get better and better month by month, more a human drama than a bloodbath - although it does have more than it's fair share of gore within that!

I'm down for the first Invincible Hardcover too - and even thoguh I have the issues of Walking Dead, should they pony up and make a Hardcover of it - i'll but that anyway!

Fabulous stuff!

[Troy Brownfield]

This is, hands-down, my favorite book right now. I often give trades to friends at Christmas (hell, more than a couple of them EXPECT that I'll be giving them a cool trade), and this past year it was "Walking Dead". Not only do Kirkman and co. hit all the zombie grace notes, they've done a remarkable job of making the situation psychologically real.

[LunarDaydreamer]

Troy - cracking article on Akira the other month (as I mentionend at the time), but seeing as we're on the subject of great horror - and a top recommendation for those who havent read it - any chance of a feature on Hitosi Iwaaki's stunning Parasite?! Fabulous horror that fans of Walking Dead, Moore's Swamp Thing et al would just drink up - brilliantly imaginative, packed with suspense, gore and giggles in equal measure. HUGE fan.

[craigshawpins]

I've been desperate to start Walking Dead but am, as always, holding out for the hardcover trade. Is one due?

c.s.

[AlexLothos]

Originally posted by Blablabla
Damn at least 75 issues That is alot of walking dead

Nah, not enough. Keep 'em coming and beyond!

[hellboy666]

I've also been meaning to check this book out. If a hardcover of the first 2 or 3 TPBs was offered (similar to Invincible, which I plan on getting) I think I'd give in and buy it.

I loved last year's "Dawn of the Dead" movie and this comic looks pretty cool from what I've seen.

[Moonbeam]

I honestly can't think of another monthly that I look forward to as much as Walking Dead. The cliffhangers have been tremendous, and it reads so well as a monthly.

I don't even think of this as a zombie book anymore. It's a relationship book -- a group of people dealing with each other in the middle of a crisis. That crisis could have been anything -- the death of a friend, an attack on their street, a tragedy at the local school, whatever! It's the way they react that is a joy to read. Oh sure, I love zombies and think some of the side stories about killing them are hilarious. But for me, the book comes down to people, their growth and their relationships as they deal with constant crisis.

Issue #15's ending threw this comic into my top favorite comics list, because I honestly had NO clue who might have done it. The guesses were endless. The writer gives you so much information about the characters -- mostly through the realistic and well-timed dialogue -- but the turns and twists in their situation are unexpected enough that you can't get enough of it. And the character list is constantly evolving -- nobody is safe from elimination, and new people are joining the group all the time -- so it's hard to know what is going to happen next.

I am curious about the birth of that child. I think that's going to be a huge event, and I assume Kirkman has it planned out.

I've already turned a few people on to this comic -- and I hope the sales numbers continue to grow until it's at a level where it deserves to be.

[Val]

WD is definitely awesome.
But to me, the hype is kind of scary.

There are a lot of people who love this book.
Yet sometimes, the very passion people exhibit might coax new readers into expecting too much.
Sort of like movie hype.

Sure, it's great for sales at first, but it can also work against you if a reader who isn't really a horror fan checks it out then comments "Eh, I didn't think it was that great."
or "That sucked."
When in fact, it is a good product, just not for that person. Unfortunately, comments like "that sucked" don't give that range of analysis.

That aside, WD is a multi-layered story that almosts makes you forget about the zombie aspect.
Like Robert said, it really is about humanity itself.

If you like a good drama, this is the book to pick up.
I hope one day I can write a story of such quality.

And if you like a good comedy (with some crude humor), Battle Pope by Kirkman will be the one to get in June!
Oh yeah, shameless plug time, baby!

[LunarDaydreamer]

I'd heard a lot about the series when I got the first trade - but at the reduced price point just plain fancied it.

What I found was nothing like I thought it would be in all honesty, but utterly engrossing.

See if you can borrow one from a friend - or just jump in head first ... and I hope you enjoy it as much as I (and we) do!

Hoping this finds you happy & well!

[Agent Wax]

Every wednesday i go to the comic store and i see walking dead I pump my fist and let out a loud, "YESSAH!" And then its the first book i read. SO damn good. I love how you can never count out a major character from getting killed, so it keeps you on edge at all times. The cast is constantly revolving, new people coming in, people dying, which is done in true horror movie fashion. Great book, i will keep buying it until Kirkman stops doing it.
-wax-
xxx

[Reaper]

As you can see below, The Walking Dead is my current favorite. It is truly a great read month in and month out.

I was really bummed when Tony Moore left the series. I loved his art; it was detailed and sure. (I'm really glad that he’s still doing the covers though.) I thought that Charles Adlard was a good choice for a replacement though because I really liked his dark, shadowed artwork on The X-Files comic. His art fits the tone of The Walking Dead very well indeed.

When I read in this article that the art change was made to keep the book on schedule, I am thankful for the change. I was just marveling at how many issues have come out already. In fact, The Walking Dead replaced The Goon as my current favorite just this week because I know that I can expect a new issue every month and this keeps me more invested in the characters and storyline.

Once again, kudos to Kirkman and crew for a great comic!

-Tim

[Blind Assassin]

This book, hands down, is one of the most consistent sellers at our shop.

For people who have never read it, the 9.99 price point for the first tpb is very attractive, and once they are done, 99% of the time, they come back for tpb #2...and then they come in for the single issues, because they can't wait for the next trade.

Congrats to Kirkman and the whole team for a job well done. Your efforts do not go unappreciated.

[Fiasco Coyote]

This is probably my favorite book on the stands right now.

Seriously, if you're not reading this book, I would highly suggest it. It's amazingly easy to jump into, and the character development and dialogue is, in my opinion, some of the best written in comics today. Don't even wait for the trade! GO GET THIS BOOK TODAY!!!

[Kirk Kushin]

I like fun, light books- so Walking Dead would be the last book I think I would ever enjoy. I have followed Invincible from the get-go and thought I'd check it out since I like Kirkman's style so much. Now I'm hooked. It is a great on-going story that really has very little to do with the horror and more to do with the characters. I'd recommend that people who are "waiting for the trade" get caught up and enjoy the monthly installments. It's a lot of fun so don't miss the boat!

[Aaron Weisbrod]

With no regular Alan Moore books coming out these days, THE WALKING DEAD is THEE best monthly comic on the shelves.

I too do a litle dance every time I see a new issue on the shelves, and I haven't done that since PREACHER...

THE WALKING DEAD is an amazing book... one of the few that *everyone* should try reading.

Zombified,
Aaron Weisbrod

[qtzar]

Do you guys/gals think the Walking Dead is the best thing since the Preacher? i do. i just read the first 16 issues in 2 sittings and i fell hard for this title.its also a great title to give to non comic readers,so they can become die hard comic fans (pun intended)

[Aaron_W]

I didn't care much for Preacher so I'd say this book is on another level.

Anyway this is a great book, only one book on the racks today is better month in and month out...Invincible! What is it with Kirkman? How does he come up with such great stuff? And I love how he DOESN'T writer for the trades. His stories don't all come in neat 6-8 part arcs, it's a monthly comic that is written that way. I love it!

[Jay Carvajal]

Glad to see this awesome series getting some more exposure. Best book out there IMO. I think Charlie Adlard is really underrated. Yeah his style is different from Moore, but he is an excellent storyteller and he turns out the pages on a regular basis(very rare now days). Some of the cliffhangers on this book have been jaw dropping to say the least. Here's hoping this series never ends.

Jay

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