Robert Kirkman Describes His Influences
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC
The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has always been open about the influence of horror legend George Romero on his work. After Romero’s recent death, Kirkman decided to write the deceased creator a letter in one of his comics.
In Issue 171 of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman used the Letter Hacks section to pay tribute to the filmmaker. The letter introduced a new character and paid tribute to Romero’s work. New TWD Comic Already Iconic
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit Image Comics
Kirkman wrote, “I wrote the opening sequence to this issue a few months ago. When I had them leaving deserted Pittsburgh, the hometown of George A. Romero and the setting of Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead…”
“I just couldn’t resist the idea of having Michonne turn around and reenact the memorable scene from the beginning of Day of the Dead.”
“I thought introducing Princess in this way would really showcase just how important this new character will be. I even bought Day of the Dead on iTunes and watched it for the first time in a few years. To say these movies were an inspiration for what you’re now reading the 171st issue of is an understatement.”
“They’re the true north of what I’ve done in this series. The Walking Dead simply doesn’t exist without George A. Romero doing his movies first.”
Early Influences For Kirkman
George Romero | Photo Credit Everitt
The letter also spoke about the early influence of Romero’s work. Kirkman had seen the original Night of the Living Dead on a late-night broadcast, which aired after his parents had gone to bed.
Robert Kirkman wasn’t allowed to watch horror movies as a child, so this defiance may have been another reason why he was drawn to the genre. It wasn’t until much later that he saw Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.
Have you caught up on all of George Romero’s old films?
