All zombies are created equal. All zombie stories are not.

From its humble beginnings as an indie comic bookThe Walking Dead has become a pop culture juggernaut boastingNew York Times–bestselling trade paperbacks, a hit television series, and enough fans to successfully take on any zombie uprising.

Triumph of The Walking Dead explores the intriguing characters, stunning plot twists, and spectacular violence that make Robert Kirkman’s epic the most famous work of the Zombie Renaissance.The Walking Dead novels’ co-authorJay Bonansinga provides the inside story on translating the comics into prose;New York Times bestsellerJonathan Maberry takes on the notion of leadership (especially Rick Grimes’) during the zombie apocalypse; Harvard professorSteven Schlozman dissects the disturbing role of science in the television series; and more.

Triumph of The Walking Dead features a foreword by horror legend Joe R. Lansdale.

The Walking Dead gained national attention as AMC’s latest critically acclaimed drama, shattering the network’s previous premiere ratings highs and earning a second season renewal after its very first episode. But before its television debut, Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead was a comic phenomenon.

James Lowder, veteran editor and author in the horror genre and comics field, collects some of the biggest names in the zombie genre, along with other top horror and comics writers, to discuss the series on both page and screen.

Contents include:

what makesThe Walking Dead so effective as a zombie narrative
the television show’s surprising optimism
Rick Grimes as Objectivist hero
The Walking Dead’s journey from comic to television series

Jay Bonansinga, Brendan Deneen, Jonathan Maberry, Kim Paffenroth, Lisa Morton, Kyle William Bishop, Del Howison, Craig Fischer, Kenneth Hite, Kay Steiger, Matt Staggs, Ned Vizzini, Scott Kenemore, Brendan Riley, Arnold T. Blumberg

“Foreword:The Walking Dead, with Entourage” – Joe R. Lansdale
“Introduction:In Medias Apocalypsis” – Jim Lowder
“The Pathos ofThe Walking Dead” – Kyle William Bishop
“Take Me to Your Leader” – Jonathan Maberry
“Four-Color Zombies” – Arnold T. Blumberg
“A Novelist and a Zombie Walk into a Bar” – Jay Bonansinga
“Meaninglessness” – Craig Fischer
“Zombie People” – Brendan Riley
“No Clean Slate” – Kay Steiger
“Happy (En)Trails” – Vince A. Liaguno
“Rick and Rand” – Ned Vizzini
“Postmodern Merlin” – Kenneth Hite
“Feel Better?” – Steven Schlozman
“The Walking Dead andDance of Death” – Lisa Morton
“Rick Grimes: A Zombie Among Men” – Scott Kenemore
“The Hero Wears the Hat” – David Hopkins
“‘For Love Is Strong as Death’” – Kim Paffenroth
Cover art and interior zombie art – Rafael Kayanan