The Walking Dead Creator: Harsh Criticism from Legendary Artist Erik Larsen

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Summary

  • Erik Larsen criticized Robert Kirkman for his page turns in The Walking Dead comics.
  • Kirkman defends his unique style, emphasizing the set-up and knock-down structure.
  • Despite Larsen’s critique, Kirkman’s narrative skill sets The Walking Dead apart in the comic world.

It might be difficult to envision Robert Kirkman, the creator of “The Walking Dead”, facing any form of criticism for his cherished comics that sparked the entire AMC series, but it appears that not even he is exempt from such remarks. However, it may hurt a bit more when the critique comes from a peer like renowned artist Erik Larsen.

Originating from the minds of writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore in 2003, “The Walking Dead” comic book series showcased numerous character deaths and diverse outcomes similar to its widely acclaimed TV version. Despite these similarities, the core concept remained consistent as it focused on Sheriff Rick Grimes, who emerges from a coma into a chilling zombie apocalypse. Upon finding refuge with fellow survivors such as his son Carl, Shane, Daryl, and Carol, Rick assumes leadership and guides them through perilous survival journeys filled with many heartbreaking incidents. Unsurprisingly, “The Walking Dead” became one of the most influential zombie comics in history, breathing new life into the genre, and spawning numerous successful TV spin-offs. Interestingly, Kirkman recalled an artist who criticized him for his unique comic art style.

The Walking Dead Creator Was Called Out by Erik Larsen for His Comic Book Page Turns

According to ScreenRant’s report in The Walking Dead Deluxe #110, Robert Kirkman mentioned that artist Erik Larsen often criticized him for his unique comic book element: his page turns. Kirkman wrote, “Larsen always critiques my page turns.” Yet, Kirkman shared that even though Larsen doesn’t fully appreciate them, he admitted that the reason Kirkman arranges his panels in a specific way is due to his preference for the “build-up and payoff structure.

Significant moment of turning a page, often a point of contention for Erik Larsen due to my habit of including something at the end of pages prior to crucial revelations, such as Kal on page 7. I understand his perspective and don’t always employ this technique, but I appreciate a structured approach that builds anticipation with a setup followed by a climax, which I believe enhances the impact of the page turn. However, Larsen argues that it weakens the page turn itself since the reader is already aware of the surprise. Well, he might just have a point.

Despite Kirkman acknowledging that Larsen’s criticism of the page-turning moments in The Walking Dead might hold some truth, it is this very aspect that distinguishes the comic from others, providing an engaging experience for readers who are eager to uncover what transpires next or gain insight into a character’s perspective on a given situation. In 1992, Larsen debuted his superhero series, Savage Dragon, which became one of the longest-lasting creator-owned superhero comic series and served as the company’s publisher for several years.

Regardless of Larsen’s opinions about Kirkman’s writing approach, it’s undeniable that Kirkman has a knack for crafting compelling stories. A surprising fact emerged recently: one of the show’s formidable antagonists was named after a bully from Kirkman’s high school in Kentucky. This revelation left an indelible mark on Kirkman, and ever since then, he’s stated that he would never bestow a noble character with the name Philip.

Regarding the sequel to “The Walking Dead,” titled “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” season 2 is scheduled for release on May 4, 2025. Meanwhile, the third season of “Daryl Dixon” will be available on AMC and AMC+ in the Fall of 2025.

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2025-05-07 14:01