When you think of The Walking Dead, you probably picture relentless hordes of zombies, desperate survivors, and a world teetering on the edge of collapse. It’s hard to imagine now, but this cultural phenomenon almost had a very different identity.
We're talking about one that might have completely changed the way fans remember it. Before the comic became the legendary franchise we know today, Robert Kirkman pitched a couple of early names that ranged from the legally questionable to the downright cheesy. Image Comics co-founder Jim Valentino recently appeared on the Robservations with Rob Liefeld podcast as a guest, where he revealed the interesting story behind the comic’s original title ideas.
On the podcast, Valentino shared that Kirkman initially suggested “Dawn of the Dead" as the comic book series title. For those who are die-hard zombie fans, you already know that this name is etched into horror history thanks to George Romero’s classic zombie film of the same name. As expected, Valentino said that he shut the idea down immediately. He told Kirkman that the name was already the title of a movie.
While he didn't go into further detail about why he rejected it on the spot, it's likely because using the same name would have been legally risky. Honestly, it would've been a bad move altogether. Besides the legal concerns, the title would've been creatively limiting. It would've been tied to an existing universe rather than standing on its own, which could've made it harder for the comic to establish its own identity.
But Kirkman didn’t give up. His next suggestion, “Planet of the Zombies," was equally flawed in Valentino's and my own personal opinion. Once again, Valentino didn't share on the podcast why he didn't like it. However, I personally think the title is awkward, over-the-top, and almost cartoonish. It sounds like the kind of name you’d find on a cheesy B-movie poster. Thankfully, it didn't turn out to be the official title either.
It was only after these early missteps that the perfect title finally emerged. Kirkman asked Valentino, "How about The Walking Dead?" and this time, he struck gold. The beloved comic book series would be given this name, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Looking back, it’s fascinating to think about how close the comic book series came to having a name that might have undermined its success. A name like "Dawn of the Dead" or "Planet of the Zombies" might have framed the story as derivative or campy, overshadowing Kirkman’s unique vision. Thanks to his persistence and Valentino’s guidance, the comic eventually landed on a title that was as iconic as the story itself.
That single decision not only gave the comic book series its unforgettable identity but also set the stage for a franchise that would inspire a hit television show and become a lasting fixture in pop culture.