Robert Kirkman and Neil Gaiman are among Hollywood’s 25 most powerful authors, according to Hollywood Reporter.  Kirkman was ranked #6, behind the success of The Walking Dead, and Gaiman #23, behind Coraline, Stardust, and two projects in development (The Graveyard Book and American Gods).  They’re the only comic writers on the list, unless you count Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), who came in at #20. 

A number of other writers with major geek culture connections join them, including George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones) at #7, James Patterson (whose work is being adapted into graphic novels by Yen) at #8, Stephenie Meyer (Twilight) at #10, J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) at #11, and Charlaine Harris (True Blood) at #14.