Image / Skybound is releasing a number of collectible items for the event. First up is The Walking Dead #1 15th Anniversary Variant, which features a new cover by Adlard with colors by Dave Stewart. It has an MSRP of $2.99. More merchandise tied to the celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.
The variant cover reimagines Tony Moore’s iconic first issue cover, but this time Rick Grimes is standing in front of a comic book shop. Retailers have the opportunity to opt in for a version of the variant that has their store logo incorporated into the cover artwork (added by Adlard himself). To participate, retailers should use the Diamond order code JUN180297 by the 7/6 FOC. The minimum order quantity is based on Image Exclusive Program tiers and pending credit approval.
The Walking Dead has been a strong seller since its launch in 2003 (see “April 2018 NPD Bookscan - Top 20 Superhero, Manga, Author Graphic Novels”). To date, 179 issues have been released, with 29 collected volumes on shelves. The comics have inspired a popular TV show, which will enter its ninth season this fall (see “'Y: The Last Man' TV Series News, 'Black Lightning' Ratings, 'The Tick' Renewed, 'Umbrella Academy' Filming, 'Snowpiercer' Greenlit, Gillian Anderson Off Geek Shows”). The property has also spawned tie-in merchandise, including toys, games (see “Mantic Offers 'The Walking Dead: All Out War Collector's Edition'”), novels, and much more.
