Robert Kirkman apologizes for The Walking Dead finale

If you felt a little ripped off by the Season 6 finale of The Walking Dead -- you know, the one where they were building to the introduction of Negan, and the death of a major character, but cut to credits without showing Who. The. Hell. Died! -- well, creator Robert Kirkman has heard your cries.

As reported by Blastr, Kirkman addresses the situation in the letters page of Issue #154 of the comic. He apologizes for dicking fans around -- sort of. He also says the finale cliffhanger leading to next fall's Season 7 premiere was a success, and basically pulled what Star Trek: The Next Generation did every season.

Someone with a better knowledge of Star Trek should fact check that one, because I'm not quite certain I buy it.

Check out his statement below, and let us know: Do you feel like you have a few extra months to hope, and not grieve? Do you think it was a smart play to get you talking? Or do you still feel pretty pissed at the non-reveal?

'The Walking Dead' Companion Series Officially Titled 'Fear The Walking Dead'

We finally have an official title for The Walking Dead companion series thanks to a tweet from Robert Kirkman. The show will be called Fear The Walking Dead and we'll be getting a first look this Sunday after The Walking Dead season finale.

We know that the new series will air six one-hour episodes, the setting will be LA and we'll (obviously) be exploring the lives and storylines of new characters. The series will have the same team as TWD with executive producers; Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero and David Alpert. It will premiere late this summer with the show’s second season airing in 2016. AMC president Charles Collier recently revealed that the companion series will explore "what was going on in other parts of the zombie apocalypse, and what it looked like as the world really did ‘turn.’"

AMC has already ordered two seasons of what looks to be a prequel of the original series and cast members include; Cliff Curtis as "Sean," Kim Dickens as "Miranda," also Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam Carey.

So what do you guys think of the title? Seems a little lackluster? Let us know if you're excited about the new series and of course, remember to tune in for the 90-minute season five finale this Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC followed by Talking Dead.

IT'S OFFICIAL! The walking dead companion show on AMC is called FEAR THE WALKING DEAD! Expect more news very soon! #FearTheWalkingDead
— Robert Kirkman (@RobertKirkman) March 27, 2015

-Larissa Mrykalo

Robert Kirkman Reveals New Info on 'The Walking Dead' Spinoff

Courtesy AMC blogs

A new look, new characters, a new location, and a new director with new vision in Adam Davidson. These are the tidbits Robert Kirkman, creator and one of the executive producers of "The Walking Dead," revealed about the show's new companion series. Entertainment Weekly recently pinned down Kirkman to get some much desired info on the show that will begin filming in a few days.

We already know it will be set in Los Angeles but will it be any way connected to Atlanta or the characters we've come to know and love (and sometimes hate with the fire of a thousand suns)? Here is what Kirkman told EW...

I will say that this is going to be a show about family. But it’s going to be a show about a different type of family that we haven’t explored in "The Walking Dead" thus far. So what we’re trying to do with "The Walking Dead" spinoff is keep the story as familiar as possible for people that love "The Walking Dead," so you’ll get the kind of things that you expect from a Walking Dead story. But, at the same time, we’ll want to tell these stories in a completely different way with completely different people in a completely different setting that’s going to make for a fundamentally different show. I think the look and feel of "The Walking Dead" spinoff is going to be startlingly different.

AMC Orders Pilot for Companion Series to 'The Walking Dead'

Courtesy AMC

AMC just announced a pilot order for a companion series to "The Walking Dead" and not only will Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert be on board as executive producers but it's also being produced by AMC Studios. In addition, the AMC blog mentions that "Dave Erickson (Marco Polo, Sons of Anarchy), who co-created and co-wrote the pilot with Kirkman, will serve as an executive producer and showrunner."

Hopefully this means the new series will stay pretty close to the original series...or do we want something different? Not much more info has been revealed other than the fact that the pilot is scheduled for production in late 2014.

From AMC President Charlie Collier, “Almost from the beginning of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it’s the question I get asked the most. Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We’re thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners.”

New Teaser For 'The Walking Dead' and the Promise of a More 'Grown-Up' Season

Courtesy TWD Facebook Page

The newest 15-second teaser for season five of "The Walking Dead" features a surrounded Tyreese in a quaint little home in the woods. So he's not at Terminus. Check. It's brief but tense and hints at the intense season that awaits. Doesn't it seem like at the beginning of the past season, they build up the tension and say how brutal the upcoming season will be?

Last season (at least the second half) left us with no fingernails and Andrew Lincoln recently old Entertainment Weekly in an exclusive that this was kid's stuff. Lincoln said, “We’re really earning our rating this season. There are families that watch it together, but just so it’s on the record, guys—it’s a grown-up show this season.” EW was on set to get a closer look at this season and this week is offering four exclusive covers with the full story. Here's a little bite from executive producer and creator of the comic, Robert Kirkman, “By minute two or three of our season premiere, I think the vast majority of our questions have been answered, and five or six more have been presented, so you’re very much going to be invested, well-informed, and ready for the ride that we’re going to take you on.”

After the jump, check out the teaser and then pics of the exclusive EW covers that you can run to your local mini-mart to grab. They promise, "New Characters!" "Freakier Zombies!" and "More Kissing?" Of course, tune in on Sunday, October 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Click here for the full trailer.

Prepping for 'The Walking Dead' Season Four Finale: Questions, Thoughts and Theories

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

Fans of "The Walking Dead" are bracing themselves for the season four finale tonight. I don't think any fan would argue that this last half of the season has been riveting, gut-wrenching and overall, stressful (in a good way) to watch. The character development has been strong this season and I feel pretty comfortable in saying that we've grown to genuinely care about what happens to these folks. Even Chris Hardwick pointed out on his wrap-up show, "Talking Dead" that he often (accidentally) views these characters as real people.

So here we are, at the end of the fourth season, wondering what the hell is going to happen tonight. Based on interviews, including one with Robert Kirkman, the perceived hope at the end of the last episode, is not going to last. He warned The Hollywood Reporter,"I would expect a very high level of deadliness. Our season finale is not going to disappoint anyone; we've got some big stuff planned." Showrunner, Scott Gimple, solidified this ominous message, "It's pretty deadly. There will be some very difficult, shaking moments for these characters. Everything they know is shaken." Norman Reedus probably best summed up "A" as, "insane -- it's f---ing nuts!"

Robert Kirkman to Produce Sci Fi Thriller 'Air' Starring Norman Reedus

Courtesy THR

An exclusive over at The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Robert Kirkman (creator of "The Walking Dead" comics) will be taking a stab at producing a science fiction film. Ironically, the thriller, titled "Air," will star "Walking Dead" fav, Norman Reedus as well as Oscar nominee, Djimon Hounsou. According to THR, "Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions is in final negotiations to acquire the project."

Also attached to this "low-budget pic" are Christian Cantamessa (who wrote the script) and Chris Pasetto who will make his feature directorial debut. Joining Kirkman (who's producing under his Skybound Entertainment banner) on producer duties will be David Alpert (the Circle of Confusion partner that also exec produces "The Walking Dead"), Brian Kavanaugh-Jones ("Insidious") and Chris Ferguson.

THR describes the film's plot:

The story is set in an underground cryogenic facility after a nuclear fall-out renders the atmosphere unbreathable. Air centers on its two custodial workers (Reedus, Hounsou) who take care of the cryogenically sleeping personnel that are to re-establish society but they struggle to preserve their own sanity and lives while maintaining the extremely fragile environment of the last livable place on earth.

We'll keep you posted on any new developments. We just hope this doesn't mean Norman will be too busy to fulfill his walker-killing duties.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Robert Kirkman Provides Insight into Remaining Season Four Episodes of 'The Walking Dead'

Michael Cudlitz as "Abraham" (courtesy EW)

In anticipation of the return this Sunday of "The Walking Dead," Entertainment Weekly has been interviewing key cast members about what we can expect in the remaining eight episodes of season four. Interviews so far with Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira hint that the season will contain drastic changes, big reveals and in-depth looks into these tragically separated characters. But EW's most recent interview with executive producer, Robert Kirkman, answers many key questions about not only the dire scenario but what's going on with old and new characters.

Kirkman concurred with the other cast members that the remainder of the episodes will be completely different than season four's first eight:

It’s all of our characters scattered to the winds. Everybody’s separated and so we’re actually doing a lot of really intense, character focusing episodes. So because they’re separated there will be episodes that focus on different people. There will be episodes that focus on different groups at a time when they’re in their worst situation yet. We’re really going to really drill down into them and get to know them much more than we’ve gotten to know them before. I think after the end of these eight episodes you’re going to be acutely aware of who these people are and I think they’re going to be some really shocking revelations about what makes people tick and who they really are at their core.

'The Walking Dead Escape' Zombie Obstacle Course Infects the Nation

The virus has spread! But in this case, it's a good thing. Ever since its San Diego Comic Con debut in 2012, "The Walking Dead Escape" zombie obstacle course (based on the comic book and TV series) has attracted hordes of fans and now it's expanding to other cities. The tour of terror begins on April 24 in Baton Rouge, LA and finishes up at Petco Park in San Diego, right where it began in 2012.

"Walking Dead" Creator, Robert Kirkman discusses the course's success with Entertainment Weekly:

The Walking Dead Escape is something that’s been an absolute massive hit for us. It was immensely popular at New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con, and now we’re going wide with it. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon, especially if you’re a big 'Walking Dead' fan. It’s an experience unlike anywhere else. You can live the kind of things you see in the comics and show and go to a place and get chased by zombies. Or go to a place and watch your friends get chased by zombies. And nobody gets eaten, which is the best of both worlds!

So how does the brain-child of the series handle the course? Kirkman reveals, “I go very slowly through it. These are slow zombies. You can run your way through it and do really well, or you can take your time and maneuver your way through it. You can use your muscles and you can use your brain.”

Have you ever navigated the obstacle course? Would you be brave enough to try it out this year? Check out the dates and cities below and be sure to let us know if you'll be attending!

Tour Locations and Dates:
Baton Rouge, LA – April 24th at Baton Rouge River Center Arena
Houston, TX – April 26th at Reliant Stadium
Miami, FL – May 3rd at Sun Life Stadium
Tampa, FL – May 10th at USF Sun Dome
Jacksonville, FL – May 17th at EverBank Field
New Orleans, LA – May 24th at Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Atlanta, GA – May 31st at Philips Arena
San Diego, CA – July 25th and 26th at Petco Park surrounding Comic Con 2014

-Larissa Mrykalo

Remaining Titles and Descriptions for 'The Walking Dead' Season Four

Zombie-luring Carl. (Courtesy comicbook.com) 

February 9 is around the corner and thanks to DailyDead and SpoilerTV, we have all of the titles and brief synopses for the remainder of "The Walking Dead"'s fourth season. Teasers trailers and photos have been released and can tell us a lot but so can episode titles. What can you gather from some of the descriptions, especially the final title, "A?" Could "A" stand for The Alexandria Safe-Zone? Abraham?

Robert Kirkman recently discussed what's next for the series at Amazing Arizona Comic-Con:

The rest of Season 4 starts February 9, and it gets pretty dark. I guess the answer is ‘yes.’ But just how far we go and what we do and stuff, you’ll just have to watch. But I will say that the show will continue to get a little bit bleak at times and a little bit darker as the world progresses, and as things get a little bit more dire as they have in the comic. So we’re not going to be pulling any punches, and there’s a lot of stuff coming up that AMC is very worried about, which makes me happy.

Below is the list and descriptions and then the most recent preview of the Carl-centric mid-season premiere. Let us know what you're most excited about seeing in the next eight episodes...

A Look Ahead at 'The Walking Dead' Season Four

We're eagerly anticipating the mid-season return of "The Walking Dead" and just love when AMC gives us previews to hold us over. We still have to wait until Sunday, February 9 at 9 p.m. ET but until then, enjoy this peek. The almost-four-minute video offers commentary from not only the show's Executive Producers; Robert Kirkman, Dave Alpert, Gale Anne Hurd, and Greg Nicotero, but also from key cast members. More psychological horror, changing characters and a weakened group due to being separated from each other, is promised.

Here's a quick run-down from AMC's press release...

Following the devastating events of the mid-season finale, Rick and the group are still reeling from the loss of their home, family, and friends. With the destruction of the prison, we see the group of survivors broken apart and sent on divergent paths, unsure of everyone else's fate. What was a challenging life behind fences and walls grows that much more perilous and precious as they are exposed to new dangers, new enemies, and heartbreaking choices. They will have their faith thoroughly tested -- a faith that breaks some of them and redeems others.

-Larissa Mrykalo

More Information on 'Walking Dead' Spin-Off Series

Back in September, we reported that “The Walking Dead” would be getting a spin-off series. Problem was, we didn’t know much about what the companion to the AMC hit would be about. Now we may have some more info thanks to TVLine. They’re reporting there's a buzz that the companion series may be a prequel that would “chronicle the early days of the epidemic and the effort to contain it.” AMC won’t comment on this speculation though.

In an October interview with IGN, “Walking Dead” creator and co-executive producer of the spin-off (along with Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert), Robert Kirkman, did confirm some additional information:

Yeah, it’s a really different location with completely different people, so we are going to see an entirely different corner of the Walking Dead world. It definitely won’t be set in Georgia, I can at least say that. It’s important to us that this show exists on its own. The spinoff has to be a show worthy of existing, or else we’ve all sold out. So that’s something we’re all working hard towards doing, and I think we can pull it off. I think that the ideal situation is, when you’re watching the spinoff, you’re like, “Wow, this is a really awesome show.” The whole other show doesn’t need to exist for this show to be cool and stand on its own.

The series is set to air in 2015 and is still in the infant stages of development. We want to know what you think of a prequel and the possibility of seeing how a whole new group of survivors are managing in the zompoc. Do you think it’ll be a success?

It would be interesting to see what was happening while Rick was recovering in the hospital. Agreed?

-Larissa Mrykalo

Cinemax to Terrify Viewers with Exorcism Drama 'Outcast'

Kirkman with some Walkers, courtesy IMDB

If you love "The Walking Dead", prepare for more terrifyingly good television from the mind of its creator, Robert Kirkman. Cinemax has announced that they have acquired the U.S. rights to the Kirkman/Fox International Channels (FIC) exorcism drama, "Outcast."

"Outcast" is an adaptation of the upcoming comic of the same name, by Kirkman/Skybound. Both will center on Kyle Barnes, a young man who has been cursed by possession since his childhood. As an adult, he ventures to find the truth, however, what he finds could mean the end of the world as we know it.

“Despite the success of "The Walking Dead," "Outcast" is only my second foray into the horror genre. I think Kyle Barnes is every bit as compelling as Rick Grimes and demonic possession is way scarier than zombies--so this is going to be fun. Starting a new project is like setting off on an long journey and I couldn't ask for better travel companions than David Alpert and Sharon Tal Yguado and I'm thrilled to be a part of what Cinemax has planned for the next few years.” Kirkman stated, when discussing the new project.

'The Walking Dead' Episode Two Preview and Hints About the New Virus

Courtesy: Comicbook.com

Another sneak peek at this Sunday’s episode of “The Walking Dead” implies that strange things are afoot in the cell block. Well, we know from the ending of the season premiere that Patrick died mysteriously and was resurrected as a funky-eyed walker. Could it be him they’re yelling about in this preview?

In an interview over at Vulture, Robert Kirkman talks about what this mysterious virus is:

Pulling in a new threat in your fourth season, I think, is a good thing. Also, it’s important to know that this is really just some form of the Spanish Flu. It’s something that exists in our everyday world now; it’s a time where there is no modern medicine. Scott Gimple, the new showrunner, really wanted to explore that new possibility of the simple things, the really little things, coming to devastate these people. That’s what we’re going to explore.

'The Walking Dead: A Decade of Dead' Documentary Available Online

Issue #100

A special 22-minute documentary called “The Walking Dead: A Decade of Dead" is now up and available for you to watch for free online. It takes a look at the last ten years from the start of the hugely successful independent comic “The Walking Dead” all the way up to the television show’s fourth season and its production.

“To celebrate 10 Years of The Walking Dead, Skybound teamed up with Hyundai and Future US to make this documentary detailing the history of The Walking Dead.”

We have the video here for you to check out.


-Larissa Mrykalo

New Comics: May 29, 2013

BY DAVID BERCK

This is an awesome week! There are plenty of different flavors of comics being released, covering horror, sci-fi, super heroes, alternative genres, and even a good ol' heist-related story. Lots to read and so little time to do it, so let's get to it!

AMIGO COMICS
Westwood Witches #1 (Of 4)
So there’s this guy who writes paranormal romance novels about witches. It’s a lucrative market right now, after all. Problems begin to happen when Jack Kurtzberg develops writer’s block and decides to move back to his hometown. That doesn’t sound so bad, right? The real problem is that his new neighbors are witches of the not-so-nice demon worshipping variety. Hilarity Chaos ensues. The cover is occulty and bloody. This bears checking out.

First look from 'Walking Dead' Season 4

Courtesy AMC

AMC released today a First Look photo from The Walking Dead Season 4, and it shows a very tired Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). But Lincoln and his cast members shouldn't be too tired yet since they just went back into production this week in Atlanta, Ga.

The zombie drama based on Robert Kirkman's comic book returns this October, but in the meantime, let's speculate about what the pic can tell us. Aside from more of a beard, and bigger bags around his eyes, Rick doesn't seem to notice the walker creeping up behind him.

What else do you think is going on in the pic?

-Aaron Sagers

'Walking Dead' finale wrap-up, ratings, Season 4 tease

Morrissey, courtesy AMC

Sunday brought a close to the third season of The Walking Dead but that doesn’t mean that news on the series ceases. Oh no, folks, there will be ample news trickling in right up until Season Four begins on October. In fact, it's already starting.

The fact that the finale drew a staggering 12.4 million viewers while it aired directly against the season premiere of HBO’s Game of Thrones (which also boasts zombies, and impressive numbers: a record-breaking 6.7 million for the night) proves that paranormal themes in pop culture is a dominant force.

People obviously love this show; it strikes a chord in us. It makes us think, "How would I handle this situation?" That's good TV.

McFarlane Toys unveils 'Walking Dead' Michonne statue

Courtesy MTV Geek

Pay attention, serious toy collectors and fans of The Walking Dead. Todd McFarlane and his McFarlane Toys, and Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman have collaborated and created a statue of fan-fave Michonne that kicks as much ass as she does.

Thanks to an announcement over at MTV Geek we learned that this exclusive piece "...is approximately 14.5 inches high with a base that rotates 360 degrees, and features Michonne throwing down on a couple of Walkers, with gruesome detail from every angle. The suggested retail price is $295.00, and there will only be 1,500 pieces made."

Kirkman gave MTV Geek a phone interview and revealed "It's a collaboration between myself and Todd McFarlane and McFarlane Toys. I’d been in discussions with McFarlane about doing the statue, and I said, ‘I really want to do something that pushes the envelope’."

He added:

'Walking Dead' gets new showrunner

Gimple and undead, courtesy Scot Gimple

There has been much speculation as to whom the new showrunner would be on AMC's zombie series The Walking Dead. It turns out, it’s going to be recently fired Glen Mazzara’s number two man.

His name is Scott Gimple and he’s a top writer on the show. He jumped on the the zombie train during Season 2 and he’s written several episodes for not only S2 but also the upcoming third season.

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting Gimple will "take the helm of the series when it resumes production later this year for season four."

Regarding Mazzara’s departure, "Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward and conclude that it is best to part ways," AMC said in a statement early Friday announcing the show's fourth-season renewal.

"This decision is amicable, and Glen will remain on for postproduction on season 3B as showrunner and executive producer."

One thing that the AMC statement did not touch on was THR's reports that Mazzara was frequently behind on his schedule and clashed with "very proprietary" creator Robert Kirkman.

So will this third showrunner be a charm? Or, will he meet the same fate as Mazzara and first (also fired) showrunner, Frank Darabont? As long as the show keeps getting renewed and our zombie lust is sated, we’re happy!

The Walking Dead resumes its third season this Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

-Larissa Mrykalo