In quite possibly the most inspired pairing in comics to TV/movies history (with the exception of Christopher Nolan and Batman), AMC announced today that it is developing Robert Kirkman’s the Walking Dead to be one of their new dramatic series. Given the quality of TWD and the content that AMC is putting out, it really seems like a match made in heaven.
For those that are unaware (and if you’re reading this blog or consider yourself a comic fan, you should know already), the Walking Dead is, in my opinion, the best piece of zombie fiction ever released. Kirkman’s ongoing story of a group of people trying to survive in a zombie infested world is a completely immersive experience, as you find yourself at times thinking as a part of this small band of people and of what you would do if you were there. The protagonist is Rick Grimes, a small town police officer who was in a coma (ala 28 Days Later) when the zombie apocalypse started, and by the time he had come to it was already too late for humanity. Following his perspective as he tries to find his family and beyond, Kirkman carefully crafts a hero we can root for, even as he reveals himself as psychologically fragile (to put it quite nicely).
In short, this comic freaking rules.
The fact that AMC is working on taking it to series and is putting esteemed writer/director Frank Darabont (directed a little film called THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) means that they take this title seriously, and if all goes according to plan, the zombie apocalypse will be taking over America in real life as well because this thing will be what Emmy awards are made for. You heard it here first.
Here’s hoping AMC ends up crossing their shows over, as a zombiefied Walter White and Don Draper could possibly make Breaking Bad and Mad Men even more entertaining. Think about it AMC.
