The Walking Dead Comic (2003)

The Walking Dead is a comic book series written by Robert Kirkman that first debuted in 2003.

An epidemic has swept across the world, causing the dead to come alive and feeding on the living. Within months, the community collapsed. There is no government, no shops, and no television. Rick Grimes finds himself one of the few survivors in this horrific world. A small town Kentucky cop waking up from a coma in the hospital after being shot on duty, Rick finds the world deserted of all living things. He returns home to find his family, his son Carl and his wife Laurie, gone. He must transcend death and horror to try and find his wife and son. In a world ruled by the walking dead.

Kirkman's run on "The Walking Dead" has been widely acclaimed for its compelling characters, its exploration of complex moral issues, and its unflinching look at the horrors of the zombie apocalypse.

One of the key aspects of "The Walking Dead" is its focus on character development. Kirkman is known for creating complex and nuanced characters, who are forced to confront their own flaws and limitations in order to survive. The protagonist of the series, Rick Grimes, is a prime example of this. Over the course of the series, Rick evolves from a police officer struggling to protect his family to a ruthless leader willing to do whatever it takes to keep his group alive. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with characters like Michonne, Daryl, and Carol all undergoing significant development over the course of the series.

Another notable aspect of "The Walking Dead" is its exploration of complex moral issues. Kirkman uses the series to ask difficult questions about the nature of humanity, the role of violence in society, and the ethics of survival in extreme circumstances. These themes are often explored through the interactions between characters, as they grapple with difficult decisions and face the consequences of their actions.

"The Walking Dead" is also known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and gore. The series is not afraid to show the horrific consequences of the zombie apocalypse, and Kirkman's vivid and gruesome depictions of violence have earned the series a reputation for being one of the most graphic and intense comics on the market.

The artwork in "The Walking Dead" is also a standout aspect of the series. The early issues were illustrated by Tony Moore, while Charlie Adlard took over as the series artist starting with issue #7. Adlard's stark and moody style perfectly captures the gritty, realistic tone of the series, and his work has become synonymous with the franchise.

Overall, "The Walking Dead" is a powerful and intense series that explores complex themes and features compelling characters. Kirkman's run on the series has become a touchstone for the zombie genre and has earned a place as one of the most important and influential comics of the past twenty years.