SDCC '06: KIRKMAN CHALLENGES McFARLANE

**MattBrady** · 07-22-2006, 10:32 PM

by Albert Ching

An otherwise uneventful Comics-Con panel led by Todd McFarlane Saturday (overview of Todd McFarlane Productions’ current and upcoming comics, slides of new toy products, Q&A) took an interesting turn when writer (and fellow Image contributor) Robert Kirkman took over the audience Q&A.

From the crowd, he identified himself as a fan who was wondering if McFarlane had any ideas for new comics. McFarlane (who evidently had never met Kirkman and did not recognize him) mainly danced around the question, equating it to if you create a character like Mickey Mouse, that would be enough for him and he wouldn't worry about creating Donald Duck or Goofy. After this, one of McFarlane’s fellow TMP panelists identified Kirkman, telling McFarlane he wrote "that Walking Dead comic you like."

Kirkman continued by saying he didn't buy toys, and just liked McFarlane's comics, and didn't want to put him on the spot, but since comics were what got him famous and he has time to work with the toys, why can't he put out a new comic?

McFarlane explained to him that it's difficult for him to maintain the proper pace drawing and doing his other duties. Kirkman - still not satisfied - bluntly asked him "Do you want to do a book with me?" McFarlane eventually relented, and told Kirkman to talk with editor Brian Holguin about ideas and, adding, "You convince him, he convinces me - you and me. And I'll give you some free toys." He then joked, "And thanks for making money for Image," to which Kirkman sarcastically replied "Someone has to."

This ended the panel, and the two were seen shaking hands, with Kirkman saying that he'll "come back next year if he has to."

Newsarama's Comic-Con International '06 Coverage is brought to you by Miramax Films’ RENAISSANCE. In theaters this fall.

buji · 07-22-2006, 10:43 PM

that Kirkman has all the wackiest ideas - what a guy!

& as much as i'd would be all over a Kirkman / McFarlane book, i think it's more likely that Kirman's zombies would be roaming our streets before that happens. too bad.

NewRisingSun · 07-22-2006, 10:51 PM

way to go Kirkman!!!

Unknown · 07-22-2006, 10:52 PM

In your face McFarlane! In your comic-ruining face!

rodolfo leon · 07-22-2006, 10:57 PM

well, at least someone loves McFarlane enough to call him out.

talk about tough love!

The Watchman · 07-22-2006, 10:59 PM

Man, that Kirkman, he's exactly what this industry needs I tells ya.

mikey_danger · 07-22-2006, 11:00 PM

I didnt think my man love for Robert could be any stronger than it already was... but then he goes and shows he has a real set of balls to match his brains.

Mr. Kirkman... have my man babies.

Tom Daylight · 07-22-2006, 11:06 PM

An inspirational performance by Kirkman.

I wasn't aware TMP was still in business, by the way...? I thought they went bankrupt last year? What are they doing hosting panels?

jeremydale · 07-22-2006, 11:08 PM

Robert, you just made my day. Way to fight the good fight!

- jeremy

Ectocooler · 07-22-2006, 11:09 PM

I'm upset that Kirkman doesn't buy toys

Haha, McFarlane got grilled. His toys suck. I did like his art on Spidey. Jim Lee did better with X-Men though.

Slayton · 07-22-2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

He then joked, "And thanks for making money for Image," to which Kirkman sarcastically replied "Someone has to."

Oh...that's just so nice. For God's sake it's about time someone didn't bow before McFarlane. So many people seem intimidated by him. That's was great, especially since you can tell it was honestly done in the spirit of Robert honestly wanting Todd to create comics. Just...wow.

MatthewSmith · 07-22-2006, 11:36 PM

Oh wow, that was beyond awesome.

Robert Kirkman is my new hero.

Supreme Convoy · 07-22-2006, 11:39 PM

Man, I'm missing out! That would have been awesome to see in person!

J.L. · 07-22-2006, 11:40 PM

We need more people like Robert Kirkman.

J.

Imiron · 07-22-2006, 11:43 PM

"And thanks for making money for Image," to which Kirkman sarcastically replied "Someone has to."

That is AWESOME!

HeX111 · 07-22-2006, 11:47 PM

f*cking AWESOME!

I have a newfound (or rather, greatly increased) respect for Robert Kirkman after having the sack to say that to Todd

and in the public forum... at the biggest event in the medium...

my hat's off to you brother... you rock

earth2tom · 07-22-2006, 11:49 PM

Am I the only one who sees this as a planned event to promote and get some buzz on a future project by Kirkman and McFarlane?

I just can't see McFarlane not knowing who Kirkman is. I mean they work for the same company after all and McFarlane reads TWD and probably has been at the same conventions as Kirkman before and probably keeps up with the whos who of the various Image creators.

wishlish · 07-22-2006, 11:53 PM

And The Walking Dead and Invincible will be published by Marvel's Icon line in 3...2...1...

Seriously, you go, Kirkman!

BlueThunderArmy · 07-22-2006, 11:54 PM

Mr. Kirkman: if you'll be in Chicago, I owe you a pint. Well done.

OM · 07-22-2006, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ectocooler

I'm upset that Kirkman doesn't buy toys .

[Cut to: Scenes of Elves in Santa's Workshop]

Elf #1: "Kirkman doesn't buy toys!"
Elf #2: "Kirkman doesn't buy toys!"
Elf #3: "Kirkman doesn't buy toys!"
Elf #4: "Kirkman doesn't buy toys!"
All: "SHAME ON YOU!"

MarkG72 · 07-22-2006, 11:55 PM

Awesome .

malkovich71 · 07-23-2006, 12:01 AM

Man, that takes balls. Way to go Kirkman!

MatthewSmith · 07-23-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earth2tom

Am I the only one who sees this as a planned event to promote and get some buzz on a future project by Kirkman and McFarlane?

I just can't see McFarlane not knowing who Kirkman is. I mean they work for the same company after all and McFarlane reads TWD and probably has been at the same conventions as Kirkman before and probably keeps up with the whos who of the various Image creators.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Todd didn't know who Kirkman was. Image is a totally different type of company than say Marvel or DC. In many ways, its just a collection of different companies under one umbrella. Kirkman has done all of his work under Image Central. And Todd's stuff is all under TMP which he controls. So it would be very possible that Todd wouldn't have any idea who is working on what Image book unless it was a book being putout by TMP.

And just because Todd reads his book, that doesn't mean he's going to know what the guy looks like. I read lots of Kirkman books, and I've seen pictures of him on comics websites in the past. But if I had to, I bet I wouldn't be able to pick him out of a line-up.

SuperginraiX · 07-23-2006, 12:02 AM

Wow. Respect.

I need to buy more Kirkman comics now.

malkovich71 · 07-23-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey_danger

Mr. Kirkman... have my man babies.

I don't even know what that means......but it scares me.