Robert Kirkman, born on November 30, 1978, in Richmond, Kentucky, is the most commercially influential comics creator of the twenty-first century. His career began modestly with self-published titles such as Battle Pope in 2000, before he joined Image Comics, first with Tech Jacket and Invincible in 2003, then with The Walking Dead that same year.
The Walking Dead #1, published in October 2003, marks the beginning of a black-and-white post-apocalyptic saga that would run for one hundred and ninety-three issues, ending in July 2019. Drawn primarily by Tony Moore for the first six issues and then by Charlie Adlard for the remainder of the series, TWD sets itself apart through its rejection of moral simplicity, its graphic violence, and its willingness to kill off any character without warning. The AMC television adaptation, launched in 2010, became a global cultural phenomenon, propelling the original comics to record-breaking popularity.
Alongside this, Invincible, drawn by Cory Walker and later Ryan Ottley, ran for one hundred and forty-four issues from 2003 to 2018. This superhero series, which starts as a loving tribute to the genre before pivoting into shocking violence as early as issue 7, is widely regarded as one of the greatest independent superhero series ever published. The animated adaptation by Amazon Prime in 2021 triggered an explosion in demand on the back-issue market.
Kirkman has also been a partner at Image Comics since 2008, the only person to hold that title alongside the original founders. He founded Skybound Entertainment, a multimedia studio that manages his intellectual properties and publishes other creators. His other notable works include Outcast, Oblivion Song, and Fire Power.
For collectors, The Walking Dead #1 is the ultimate modern holy grail: a CGC 9.8 copy has reached impressive heights and the series remains one of the strongest investments on the market. Invincible #1, long undervalued, has seen a meteoric rise in value following the animated series. TWD #19 (first appearance of Michonne) and #27 (first Governor) are major keys. A complete run of TWD or Invincible in single issues represents a true collector's treasure.
The Walking Dead proved that independent comics could become global cultural phenomena. Its success redefined the commercial possibilities of creator-owned comics.
Find Walking Dead #19, #27, #100 and the full 193-issue run for less. Discover the best budget entry points, underrated runs, and where to score cheap deals.
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Read article →A practical guide to starting a Walking Dead collection: how to spot the true first print of #1, avoid reprint traps, identify key issues (#19, #27, #100), and choose between single issues and compendiums.
Read article →Walking Dead #1 Robert Kirkman (2003), all 193 issues of the complete series, key issues, variants… Your complete guide to collecting the Kirkman and Adlard masterpiece.
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Read article →Where to start with Walking Dead comics? Singles or compendiums, Prison and Negan arcs explained — a collector's reading guide with key issue data.
Read article →From the 1992 secession of seven Marvel artists to Spawn, The Walking Dead, and Saga — the complete history of Image Comics, its key issues, and collector values in 2026.
Read article →From Kirkman's 2003 pitch to the surprise #193 finale: all 32 story arcs, Tony Moore vs Adlard, TV market impact, and CGC values for every key issue.
Read article →Walking Dead #1 first print, #19, #100: which keys stand up over time? eBay data, verified records, the reprint trap explained. Not financial advice.
Read article →From Days Gone Bye to All Out War, discover the essential Walking Dead arcs and the key issues every collector should know about.
Read article →Walking Dead #1 (1st Rick Grimes), #19 (1st Michonne), #27 (Governor), #100 (1st Negan): the 10 essential Walking Dead key issues with CGC values.
Read article →The Walking Dead is a 2003 Image Comics creation — no Bronze Age issues exist. Honest guide to the real keys: #1 first print, #19, #27, and #100.
Read article →Guide to Walking Dead key issues: TWD #1 first print, #19 (1st Michonne), #27 (1st Governor), #92, #100 (1st Negan). Real eBay data and documented records.
Read article →The Walking Dead launched in 2003 — there are no Silver Age issues. Guide to the real modern keys: TWD #1 first print, #19, #27, and #100.
Read article →Expert guide to The Walking Dead #1 first print (2003): 7,200 copy run, Tony Moore cover, CGC grades, variants, and why a 9.8 fetches up to $28,000.
Read article →Tony Moore #1, #100 variants, Adlard classics: a collector's guide to the most sought-after Walking Dead covers with real eBay data and documented records.
Read article →All Out War, the Governor arc, No Way Out — discover the top Walking Dead runs by issue numbers, market value, and why every collector should own them.
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