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In a candid moment during his keynote speech at ComicsPRO, renowned comic creator Robert Kirkman disclosed his disinterest in the iconic character Batman, stating, “I honestly don’t really care for Batman.” This statement, made in front of an audience of comic industry professionals, has sparked conversations about the future of comics and the necessity for fresh, innovative ideas.

Kirkman, who is best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the comic industry through new approaches rather than relying on traditional characters that have dominated the landscape for decades. He pointed to the success of his own creations, such as Invincible, as proof that established brands can thrive when infused with new life and perspectives.

During his keynote, Kirkman also unveiled exciting new projects, including a new series titled M.A.S.K. set within the Energon Universe and another superhero series called Terminal. He indicated that these ventures are part of a larger strategy to engage readers with innovative storytelling while building on beloved franchises.

Revitalizing Comics Through Animation

Kirkman voiced a strong belief that animation could play a significant role in revitalizing the comics industry, similar to the successful manga-to-anime pipeline. He noted the success of the animated adaptation of Invincible, which has garnered a substantial following and increased interest in the comic series. “What I’m seeing with Invincible and the way that the animated series is fueling the sales on the trades in the direct market is something that, to me, is a sign that there’s a potential to build something really exciting in this industry,” he said.

Embracing New Ideas and Brands

Reflecting on his career and the evolution of the comic industry, Kirkman acknowledged that the landscape has changed significantly since he began reading comics in 1990. He pointed out that classic characters like Batman and Spider-Man once represented new ideas but have now become fixtures that can hinder industry growth if not approached with innovation.

• Established Brands: Kirkman mentioned that successful franchises like The Walking Dead and Invincible thrive on a combination of familiarity and innovation. His work on these series demonstrates the potential of intertwining new characters and storylines within established universes.
• Industry Feedback: He emphasized the importance of engaging with comic retailers to understand market dynamics and adjust offerings accordingly. Kirkman recalled a conversation with a retailer about declining sales on The Walking Dead before its conclusion, highlighting the challenges of maintaining interest over time.

New Projects on the Horizon

Kirkman introduced two upcoming titles that exemplify his vision for the future of comics:

• M.A.S.K.: Written by Dan Watters and illustrated by Pye Parr, this ongoing series will be part of the Energon Universe and is set to launch in June 2026.
• Terminal: A new superhero series co-written by Kirkman and Joe Casey, featuring artists Andy Kubert, David Finch and Art Adams. Kirkman mentioned that approximately 18 issues of Terminal will be completed by the time the first issue is released.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Comics

As Kirkman concluded his address, he underscored the need for the comic industry to nurture new ideas. He encouraged retailers to support emerging titles that could evolve into the next generation of beloved franchises, similar to the iconic heroes that have come before.

With the comic industry undergoing a recovery phase following the pandemic, Kirkman expressed optimism about the future, citing the emergence of new titles that could capture the attention of audiences and expand the market. He urged those involved in the industry to foster a culture of innovation and support for new creators.

As Kirkman aptly summarized, “The Spider-Mans, Ninja Turtles, and Invincibles of tomorrow are out there, and they just need a little bit of aid from you to grow into what they could become.”

As the comic industry continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how these new projects perform and whether Kirkman’s predictions about the potential of animation to revitalize comic storytelling come to fruition. Readers and industry professionals alike are encouraged to engage with upcoming titles and share their thoughts on the future of comics.