Robert Kirkman

One of the most accomplished figures in the modern comic book industry, Robert Kirkman was the creator of the vastly popular zombie horror title The Walking Dead, as well as a writer and executive producer for the Emmy-winning television series (AMC, 2010- ) based on his work. The Kentucky native entered into the comic book field under his own steam, writing and funding his own efforts before attracting the attention of Marvel Comics with the superhero title Invincible and The Walking Dead. Kirkman subsequently wrote for many of the company's most enduring titles, including Captain America, before leaving their fold to become a partner at Image Comics, which issued The Walking Dead. The debut of the "Walking Dead" series brought Kirkman to national attention, and led to a slew of new titles for Skybound, his own imprint within Image, as well as feature film and other television projects. Kirkman's talent for synthesizing and transforming familiar tropes within the context of comics, as well as the success of the Walking Dead franchise, underscored his growing status as a major force within the entertainment industry.