Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, expresses his desire for a faithful animated adaptation of the series. However, according to comicbook.com, a significant hurdle stands in the way: the expansive popularity of The Walking Dead’s extended universe.
Since its inception in 2010, The Walking Dead has enthralled audiences worldwide with its tale of survival in a zombie-infested world, spawning numerous spin-offs and becoming a monumental success for AMC.
Kirkman voices his aspirations for an animated series in his column in The Walking Dead Deluxe #85, but acknowledges that the rights issue with AMC poses a challenge.
Until Kirkman reclaims the rights from the network, the possibility of an animated adaptation remains uncertain. Currently, AMC profits from two spin-offs featuring original cast members: Dead City and Daryl Dixon.
An animated series could offer a chance to address criticisms of the live-action adaptation, which deviated from the source material in significant ways. Fans have lamented the show’s departure from key moments and characterizations from the comic, such as the death of Glenn and the survival of characters like Andrea and Carl.
Faithfully adapting the comic through animation could rectify these discrepancies and provide closure for fans disappointed by certain narrative choices in the live-action series. Carl’s death, in particular, stands out as a divisive decision that an animated adaptation could potentially amend.
While the prospect of a ‘The Walking Dead’ animated series remains uncertain, fans can relive the best moments of the AMC show by streaming all 11 seasons on Netflix.
