If I had to single out the most popular comic book-based franchise that doesn’t feature a superhero these days, I’d have to go with The Walking Dead. Since debuting on AMC nearly a decade ago, the horror series has managed to captivate audiences in an entertainment landscape already oversaturated with zombies. In fact, it’s now heading into its tenth season, and has even spawned a spinoff in the form of Fear The Walking Dead.
But to the surprise of many – and especially to those who enjoy this franchise across multiple forms of media – the comic book series that started it all ended this week with issue #193. Normally, I’d think creators and publishers would want to check out at #200, but when a writer like Robert Kirkman believes the story is done, it’s done.
Naturally, lovers of the TV show are wondering if this decision will affect that particular telling of the tale, but AMC has reassured us all that there’s no end in sight. Though it remains to be seen if it’ll touch Supernatural‘s impressive fifteen year run over on The CW, the network is confident there’s much more to come, saying:
“This extraordinary comic created a world that already lives in multiple forms, and in the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world, and will for many years to come.”
This, of course, aligns with earlier statements of AMC not fretting over declining ratings. Hey, even though a percentage of the audience has checked out, there’s no denying The Walking Dead remains a prime time juggernaut. All we can do is hope the product doesn’t fizzle out because network execs don’t know when to let go as Kirkman did.
Circling back to Kirkman himself, here’s what he said regarding his decision to close the book as it were:
“In a way, killing this series has been a lot like killing a major character. Much, much harder… but the same feeling. don’t WANT to do it. I’d rather keep going… But the story is telling me what it wants and what it needs. This needs to happen. Whether I want it or not.”
If you’re at all familiar with both The Walking Dead comics and TV show, then you know how they’re different beasts. That said, I can see how AMC’s able to squeeze a little more juice out of this bag of oranges. On the plus side, that means there’s more news on the way as well, so keep watching this space.
