Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer, screenwriter, and producer known for his significant contributions to the comic book and television industries. Kirkman is recognized for creating "The Walking Dead," "Fear the Walking Dead," "Invincible," "Tech Jacket," "Outcast," "Oblivion Song," and "Fire Power" for Image Comics. He has also written for several major Marvel series, including the "Avengers Disassembled" storyline for Captain America, "Ultimate X-Men," "Fantastic Four," and the initial five-issue run of "Marvel Zombies." His career began with self-publishing, starting with the superhero parody "Battle Pope," which he co-created with artist Tony Moore and published under the Funk-O-Tron label.

Kirkman achieved a breakthrough with the launch of "Invincible" for Image Comics, a series focusing on the adolescent son of the world's most powerful superhero as he develops powers and begins his own superhero career. Shortly after, he co-created "The Walking Dead" with Moore, later illustrated by Charlie Adlard. Published through Image Comics, the zombie survival series became a global phenomenon, running for 193 issues and inspiring AMC's television adaptation, where Kirkman served as executive producer and writer. The series became the highest-rated basic cable drama.

The success of "The Walking Dead" brought Kirkman critical recognition. The comic series received the Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series, and Kirkman was honored with the Innovator Award at the Saturn Awards for his work adapting comics to the screen and serving as executive producer. He also received the Inkpot Award for his contributions to comics and science fiction and was granted a special award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival for his overall achievement. The television adaptation of "The Walking Dead" received nominations for Best New Series and Best Television Series Drama at the Writers Guild of America Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, and was named Television Program of the Year by the American Film Institute.

Beyond "The Walking Dead," Kirkman has expanded his creative portfolio. "Invincible" was adapted into an Amazon Prime animated series, with Kirkman as producer. The series was renewed through season five. Kirkman also expanded his film credits with the action-horror comedy "Renfield," a Universal Pictures release for which he served as executive producer and co-wrote the story. He has served as executive producer on AMC's "Robert Kirkman's Secret History of Comics" and created the Cinemax series "Outcast."

Kirkman is the chairman of Skybound Entertainment, which he co-founded with David Alpert to support creator rights and creative control. Skybound expanded to include Skybound Games, developing video games based on its intellectual property. Kirkman continues to develop and produce projects across comics, interactive games, film, television, licensing, and merchandising. As an advocate for independent creators, Kirkman's journey from self-publishing to building major entertainment franchises positions him as a prominent voice in creativity, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.