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[Coop]

Seems like it'll follow the general outline of the first six issues (the first paperback volume).

Ending the season there is fucking perfect.

The show seems really interesting and after Breaking Bad I'll defiantly watch it. How many issues are out now?

 

[wenis]

Someone else need to take this concept but based on a Nuclear Holocaust, or maybe another biological one like The Stand (maybe a non preachy take on the rapture). Either way, I hope this series re invigorates interest in the whole Post Apocalyptic television genre.

Bio-Chems are so 2002.

 

[Costanza]

The show seems really interesting and after Breaking Bad I'll defiantly watch it. How many issues are out now?

70. This collects the first 48 for cheap..

 

[~Kinggi~]

Can someone explain where this show is at? Has it already aired?? If not, when does it start? Sounds like it could be really good.

 

[Costanza]

Can someone explain where this show is at? Has it already aired?? If not, when does it start? Sounds like it could be really good.

read the last page?

AMC just picked it up for six episodes starting in October.

 

[~Kinggi~]

read the last page?

AMC just picked it up for six episodes starting in October.

I DONT READ



....thanks, October sounds so perfect...

 

[BlueTsunami]

Bio-Chems are so 2002.

Bring em' back! ;_; I don't know, I don't really care about what caused the end of the world, its all just a spark for Post Apocalyptic goodness to me.

 

[gdt]

Bring em' back! ;_; I don't know, I don't really care about what caused the end of the world, its all just a spark for Post Apocalyptic goodness to me.

Maybe try BBC's Survivors?

if anyone wants to make a run down here I'll drive us up to Kirkman's place and you can all just ask him for some good spoilers?

Just ask him who's gonna play Rick, Lori, and Carl.

 

[gdt]

Just saw this picture of the guy (supposedly) playing Rick...I'm liking him more and more...

 

[itsinmyveins]

I'm not a big fan of that actor but I guess he was alright in Trainspotting (don't really remember, though) so we'll see. Oh, and Hackers -- which I saw just last weekend on TV -- is so bad. It's exactly what you might suspect when you hear the summarization: A movie from the middle of the 90's about "cool" hackers who're being set up by an evil corporate hacker. Expect a lot of techno, ugly fucking clothes and cheesiness.

 

[gdt]

NOT A NEWS UPDATE, just a cool article.

Since I heard that Robert Kirkman’s (“MARVEL ZOMBIES”, “TOP COW’S PILOT SEASON”) amazing “THE WALKING DEAD” comic book series would be adapted into a television series from AMC I have attempted (and at times failed) to keep my opinions on the subject to a minimum as to not ‘jump the shark’ and make any hasty judgments. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea seeing as Frank Darabont (“THE MIST”) is a fantastic director and I do believe that “MAD MEN” is one of the best television shows running on television. But when it comes to adapting such a heavy series such as “THE WALKING DEAD” into live action form I have to be a bit skeptical. Not because I don’t believe that the creative team can pull it off, but because I, like so many, love the source material so much. There have been a lot of great comic to film adaptations in the past (“SPIDERMAN 1 & 2”, “THE DARK KNIGHT”) that have raised the bar for what movie goers should come to expect from big Hollywood. But then by the same token there have been some epic failures as well. (“FANTASTIC 4”, “GHOSTRIDER”) Therefore I am going into this article with all the love and care of any fan that is hoping to see one of their favorite stories rendered in a respectful way, and that is why I am writing this. Who should play Rick? What should we hope to see from the series? And most importantly can it be done well? These are all things that are circling the thoughts of horror fans across the globe right now, and inside you can find my thoughts on the pilot (and subsequent series due in October) as well as what I personally hope to see from Darabont & Co. Read on for the full article.

Since its inception all the way back in 2003, Image Comics’ original monthly following the desperate attempts of Rick Grimes and his rag-tag group of survivors in the wake of the zombie apocalypse has been hailed as one of comics greatest stories. Not only does the series offer fans an amazing take on the tired subject of zombie survival, but it transcends all cliches and sets itself apart from the pack by simply being a remarkable piece of fiction. On its own “THE WALKING DEAD” is a true masterpiece of the genre, and arguably, literature. After all, how many other comics that have run for 7+ years say that they have consistently raised the bar for a genre as glutted as the one it stands atop of?

Ever since early last year we have heard the rumors of the series being adapted into an original television show. One could make the case that now is a better time than ever with shows such as Showtime’s adaptation of Jeff Lindsay’s popular series of chiller novels “DEXTER” setting new records for the horror genre in TV. Other series such as The CW’s “SUPERNATURAL” and ScyFy’s titular “GHOST HUNTERS” have ushered in an age of renewed interest in the macabre and the spooky that hasn’t been seen since the hay-day of The WB’s Joss Whedon craze. Even the usually snooty award shows such as the Golden Globes, The Emmy’s, and even The Oscars have started to accept our beloved genre into their ranks casting aside the social stigma that has plagued it for so long. (“DEXTER” alone has gathered an impressive 2 Emmy’s and 2 Golden Globes) If ever there were a time for a horror series like “THE WALKING DEAD” to be unleashed unto the world it is now.

Still, there are some who don’t believe the hype, or, just don’t understand what all the fuss is about. I’m not one to put down people’s opinions (no matter how I feel about them) and I can understand that some may not appreciate what many call the “soap opera” aspect of Kirkman’s story. They are entitled to their opinion, and in the open mouth of the internet they can feel free to wag their tongues in whatever direction they deem necessary. Myself, nor the countless flaming comments of their peers can change their minds on the subject so why waste the time? With that out of the way, I am going to make a very bold statement and hope that I am offered the same respect when I say that…

Horror is a mockery of itself right now. Never before have I seen such a point in the life of the genre that makes me so uneasy. I’m not going to turn this into a rant on the lament of “gore-porn” and/or remakes and how they have distilled horror into an unsavory version of what it once was back in the golden days. I will say this though: horror MUST evolve and stop the de-evolution downturn that it has been going through. Stop and think about all the movies that have garnered such doting praise and fans over the past decade. Films such as “LET THE RIGHT ONE IN”, “MARTYRS”, “FRONTIER(S), and others of their ilk have been so critically acclaimed because they go beyond the formula of blood, guts, and tits. Instead these films and those like them present viewers with a slow burn pacing and allow themselves to build an emotional connection between character and viewer so that when the blood does start spilling we CARE. You are sucked into these films because they DARE to be something more than a splatterfest. This isn’t to say that I don’t love me some good ol’ fashioned blood ‘n guts from time to time, but for this writer I prefer these more dramatic offerings into the genre. (Which is quite possibly why I think “DREAD” is the best horror film released so far this year, but this is beside the point) Long story short: if the genre continues to churn out nothing but awful remakes and “SAW” films it will dash any hopes of ever becoming recognized as a true medium.

I could whine about that subject all day, but I will spare everyone that. The moral here is that “THE WALKING DEAD” offers up exactly what the genre needs right now. There is blood, gore, body parts flying, and plenty of arterial spray, but these things are happening to people we can identify with. Your father can look at Rick and his family and identify, teens can the lovers Andrea and Dale and feel their pain and their care for each other, and so on and so forth. If people from all walks of life, of all ages, races, creeds, and genders can relate to a character within the story then not only will it be a more successful series but it will also drive more interest in the genre. You can call “THE WALKING DEAD” a soap opera with zombies, but myself and the thousands upon thousands of readers like me who read the story every month don’t see this as a bad thing.

So now that I have said all that I still think there are several things that need to happen to make this a success for AMC. The first thing being proper casting for the series’ main character, Rick Grimes. There have been several different names thrown around, and for the most part all of them have been tolerable, but the runaway fan favorite seems to be Mark Pellegrino. (“LOST”, “SUPERNATURAL”, “THE BIG LEBOWSKI”) There is no doubt about it-he has the chops. Over his career Pellegrino has been “that guy that was in –“ but never has he been THE guy. I’m not so sure why this is seeing as the actor has more talent and depth in his pinky than most of the people in roles much larger than his own. For those who have watched “LOST” or the current season of “SUPERNATURAL” the role of Rick Grimes seems to have been made for Pellegrino. That’s why I hope that AMC reads these types of things on boards such as ours and seriously considers Pellegrino. He has that every man look about him while carrying himself with the professionalism and swagger of a quiet badass. Poetic compliments aside, there are some actors that look the part, and then there are the ones that ARE the part. The hopes of Pellegrino clinching the role goes beyond his obvious resemblance to the character in question, and I wouldn’t be throwing my name into his corner if it didn’t. The fans have followed these characters and been lead by Rick just like the rest of the survivors within the realm of this story for years now, and in saying that they know what they want. The intuition of fans goes beyond that of any Hollywood exec in charge of casting (Here’s looking at you Halle Berry in ‘CATWOMAN’) and I would hope that their voices would at least be considered. Oh, and if Mark doesn’t work out I’d gladly settle for “SIX FEET UNDER” and “DIRTY, SEXY, MONEY” actor Peter Krause.

Ok, so I obviously you know who I want to play our main character at this point, but there is one more thing I would like to throw into the ring before I cut this off. Darabont struggled very adamantly in pre-production of “THE MIST” to shoot the film in black and white, and eventually settled on cornering his vision into a special feature on the DVD. I personally view this vision of the film to be a FAR superior version of the movie, and it makes those rusty FX scenes look completely believable. Therefore I propose that the series be shot in stark black and white just like the source material. Not just because it looks cool and it makes for a very unique visual but because it also allows the network and the creators to be more graphic without the censors jumping down their throats. Imagine if “THE WALKING DEAD” could depict these gruesome scenes in a far more realistic (and graphic) manner just by making itself look even more like the source material? I think that in doing this you also give a more ‘timeless’ look to the series, and a ‘classic’ feel that it rightly deserves.

That being said I feel like the show is moving in the right direction. AMC is a fantastic network that is quickly becoming more and more diverse and edgy without sacrificing the integrity within the content. All in all “THE WALKING DEAD” has the potential to be the most successful television series in horror history given the already ravenous fan base and the prime choice of timing for its release. Jon Bernthal will likely prove to be a great choice for the character of Shane and fans will like what he brings to the character. And even though I still monitor the updates on the series with the same eagerness and nervous hope as the rest of you out there, I have a lot of faith in Frank Darabont and the creative team.

Anyway, that’s my two cents, what say you?

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/comics/480

If I had my way, I'd still have Peter Krause take the role, but Pellegrino would be my #2 choice.

 

[itsinmyveins]

I dunno man. Hearing people mention Pellegrino only sounds like they want a character from another show they enjoy in this too. I don't get that. I'd rather see a total unknown or someone yet to prove themselves cast as the main characters, assuming that they're able to pull it off.

That part about the black and white is just stupid. It'd only seem like a homage to the old Romero-movies while turning people away from the show. And I hardly see how black and white would make it seem more timeless. This show isn't about monsters like the ones found in The Mist.

 

[gdt]

I dunno man. Hearing people mention Pellegrino only sounds like they want a character from another show they enjoy in this too. I don't get that. I'd rather see a total unknown or someone yet to prove themselves cast as the main characters, assuming that they're able to pull it off.

That part about the black and white is just stupid. It'd only seem like a homage to the old Romero-movies while turning people away from the show.

I admit I would like black and white versions on the DVD/BRD. Why not?

 

[itsinmyveins]

I admit I would like black and white versions on the DVD/BRD. Why not?

Well, if it's just extra stuff on a DVD then it's fine by me.

 

[J Tourettes]

Johnny Lee Miller is a shocking actor, hope he doesn't get it.

 

[gdt]

Well, if it's just extra stuff on a DVD then it's fine by me.

Yeah, I can't agree with airing it in black and white.

A) The show would crash and burn.

B) BnW isn't inherently better than color.



Also, I wouldn't put it past them to have entire scenes in BnW for the more violent stuff. Could work well stylistically.

 

[gdt]

When I picture a live action WD in my mind, I get alot of grey. Sorta like The Road, but not as bombed out.


As for the music, I hope there's no music AT ALL.

 

[itsinmyveins]

Yeah, I can't agree with airing it in black and white.

A) The show would crash and burn.

B) BnW isn't inherently better than color.

Also, I wouldn't put it past them to have entire scenes in BnW for the more violent stuff. Could work well stylistically.

Yes, pretty much. Although I'd say it could get tiring to do a Kill Bill as soon as there are zombies around in the long run and depending on how frequently that would happen. I suppose flashbacks could easily be done in black and white or maybe the openings of the show. I don't know. I guess we'll find out come october

 

[Massive Nights]

I really hope Johnny Lee Miller doesn't get, his American accent in that lawyer show is fucking awful, it's worse than Hugh Laurie's was in House at the start and that shit was BAD. I think Peter Krause would be perfect, Satan from Supernatural would be a close second for me.

 

[Cornballer]

Link.

AMC casts 'Walking Dead' lead

AMC has cast Andrew Lincoln as the lead in its zombie apocalypse thriller "The Walking Dead."

Lincoln ("Teachers," "Love Actually") will play Rick Grimes, a small-town cop who leads a group of survivors in their struggle against a world besieged by zombies.

As previously announced Jon Bernthal ("The Pacific") will play Shane, a survivor who was Rick's police partner before the zombie disaster.

“Andrew Lincoln, wow--what an amazing find this guy is," said Robert Kirkman, who wrote the comic book series upon which the series is based. "Writing Rick Grimes month after month in the comic series, I had no idea he was an actual living breathing human being and yet here he is. I couldn't be more thrilled with how this show is coming together."

"Walking Dead" starts shooting in June in Atlanta, with Frank Darabont as writer, director and executive producer.

 

[AgentOtaku]

Awesome!

 

[Funky Papa]

I know nothing about him besides the fact that he doesn't look like Rick.

Is he competent?

Edit: Jesus Christ, Britons are taking over US television :lol

 

[randomwab]

I cannot judge until he has long hair and beard.

 

[Cornballer]

I know nothing about him besides the fact that he doesn't look like Rick.

Is he competent?

Here's his imdb profile. I don't know anything about him.

 

[half a moon]

I'm not going to buy the 8 volume bundle without knowing if I like it or not.

Can I find an authorized online scanning of at least issue 1 anywhere?

 

[Funky Papa]

Here's his imdb profile. I don't know anything about him.

I ah... uhh... well, I guess I still know nothing about him

 

[Hari Seldon]

I want to buy this on my iPad.

 

[WyndhamPrice]

Seeing as how I don't think I've ever seen this guy in anything I'm indifferent but I'm happy that the role is cast and that means we're one step closer to seeing this on TV.

 

[J Tourettes]

Lincoln should be alright, he's an alright ok and was a bit of a heart throb over here (UK) for some of his roles.

 

[castlegar]

Nice! No clue who Andrew Lincoln is tho. Looks-wise he seems fine, but I hardly care about appearances for something like this. And its not like Rick is the most unique-looking fella, his character is based on an every-man type so as long as he's not ugly i don't see a problem. Really looking forward to seeing how this turns out

 

[Cornballer]

I ah... uhh... well, I guess I still know nothing about him

Neither do I. I don't think I've seen a single thing he's been in. Furthering the mystery, I like how one of his profile photos on IMDB has him with his back turned and there's another where he's covering his face with his hands. :lol

Anyway, casting an unknown is not a big deal to me, and Kirkman certainly sounds happy about it.

 

[Funky Papa]

Neither do I. I don't think I've seen a single thing he's been in. Furthering the mystery, I like how one of his profile photos on IMDB has him with his back turned and there's another where he's covering his face with his hands. :lol

Anyway, casting an unknown is not a big deal to me, and Kirkman certainly sounds happy about it.

Shit. This feels like an announcement of an announcement.

DID I SLIP INTO THE GAMING FORUM?!

 

[Cornballer]

I'm not going to buy the 8 volume bundle without knowing if I like it or not.

Can I find an authorized online scanning of at least issue 1 anywhere?

Get a copy of the first TPB from the library if you can. That's how I've been enjoying the series.

 

[Raydeen]

Someone else need to take this concept but based on a Nuclear Holocaust, or maybe another biological one like The Stand (maybe a non preachy take on the rapture). Either way, I hope this series re invigorates interest in the whole Post Apocalyptic television genre.

Fallout - That's one TV show I'd watch! Or movie. Get to it Mr Whitta!

Darabont writing / directing is a great coup though - read the first 4 volumes - shame the artstyle drops off after the first one, the replacement artist isn't nearly as good - but there's plenty of fodder for some good TV there.

Egg as Rick - awesome! I think he auditioned for the new Dr Who as well - still he'll get what Matt Smith got for Who probably EVERY episode. There's a reason most UK actors want to go to the US (apart from the superior writing in US shows)!

 

[Costanza]

Never heard of him but if Kirkman thinks he's good then I'm on board.

 

[Blader]

Never heard of him but if Kirkman thinks he's good then I'm on board.

Well, what's he gonna say?

“Andrew Lincoln, wow--what a terrible find this guy was. Writing Rick Grimes month after month in the comic series, I had no idea he was an actual living breathing human being, and it turns out, he still isn't!"

 

[the_log_ride]

Man, can't wait til this airs...

 

[Gary Whitta]

Is that the douche from This Life?

 

[Burli]

Yup, I think he'll do a good job. I think.

 

[beelzebozo]

hey, the guy from LOVE ACTUALLY! i like this guy.

 

[J Tourettes]

Is that the douche from This Life?

It is indeed.

 

[VGChampion]

I'd really like a black and white version but just as an extra probably wouldn't work. There's a lot of work that goes into making a B&W visually appealing and if it isn't done with that in mind in the first place, it just doesn't look good sadly.

 

[Brian Fellows]

That casting choice is cool with me.

 

[skynet]

Is that the douche from This Life?

He was likeable in Teachers! Egg was a bit of a minge tho...

 

[Sobriquet]

Never heard of him but if Kirkman thinks he's good then I'm on board.

This. I couldn't ask for a better endorsement.

 

[LocoMrPollock]

Meh, I'll have to trust the Kirkman on it, I reckon.

Now, just waiting for Andrea to be cast.

 

[gdt]

Don't know this guy, but he has a good look/build for it.

Who knows, he could be John Hamm all over again.

God, I can't wait till October.

 

[gdt]

Meh, I'll have to trust the Kirkman on it, I reckon.

Now, just waiting for Andrea to be cast.

Lori is more important, and I want to see how old they'll make Carl.

 

[bathala]

Post-Lost isn't bad at all for tv series.

Game of Thrones and Walking Dead are some of the new series I'm waiting for.

 

[LocoMrPollock]

Lori is more important, and I want to see how old they'll make Carl.

Never really cared for Lori. Andrea is my favorite character with Carl coming in second, so yeah, I hope they pick a good kid to play him.