Get ready to read The Walking Dead in a whole new way. As announced by Image Comics, Robert Kirkman’s landmark comic book series is getting the color treatment this fall. The zombie book was originally published in black and white. But now, the series is being released in new deluxe editions, featuring, for the first time, full-color pages. Have a look. 

Originally published in October 2003, the comic quickly became a huge success. It conclude its run in 2019 after 193 issues. The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 will be available with five different covers.  

• The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 Cover A David Finch & Dave McCaig – Diamond Code AUG200027
• The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 Cover B Tony Moore & Dave McCaig – Diamond Code AUG200028
• The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 Cover C Charlie Adlard – Diamond Code AUG200029
• The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 Cover D Julian Totino Tedesco – Diamond Code AUG200030
• The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 Cover E Arthur Adams – Diamond Code AUG200031

 

Each issue will additionally include a new installment of “The Cutting Room Floor,” featuring Kirkman’s original handwritten plots along with commentary on abandoned storylines and plot points that may have changed along the way. Image also warns that there are no plans to publish these deluxe color editions in trade paperbacks. So those who are thinking of waiting for collected editions may want to reconsider. 

 

In addition to the cover art, the publisher revealed a handful of preview pages from the first issue, which we’ve included for you to check out below. 

 

Speaking with AMC back in 2009, Kirkman explained his decision to make the series in black and white. 

 

“That actually came from our original idea because [co-creator Tony Moore and I] believed Night of the Living Dead was in public domain,” Kirkman said. “We thought it would be neat to just go out and do a comic book series that takes place in that world, and do it in black and white. In the end, we decided to do something completely different, but to keep the black-white thing because you could get away with more gore. It’s not all bloody and violent with red all over the page, so it seems a little less offensive. It’s also a little cheaper to print.”

 

The Walking Dead Deluxe #1 hits shelves on October 7. 

 

So what do you think? Are you interested in reading The Walking Dead in color? Or do you prefer the original black and white versions? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!