AMC has long been known for its hit TV show The Walking Dead, based on the popular series of comics, and with Preacher, based on the DC Vertigo gaining critical acclaim, AMC seems poised to stake its claim in the world of TV-Comic adaptations. Which why their new documentary about the history of comic books just makes sense.
Announced via press release, AMC has teamed up with Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead comics and Executive Producer on The Walking Dead TV show, to create a six-part documentary series will explore the world of comic books, with the working title: Heroes and Villains: The History of Comic Books. Kirkman, alongside David Alpert, will be Executive Producers on the project.
Heroes and Villains will cover a wide range of topics from origin stories, to the untold history behind iconic characters, pop culture, politics, race, gender and sexuality. The show will also explore stories, people, and events that have transformed the world of comic books.
“At the end of the day I am a comic fan first and foremost. I am a lover of the medium and the stories it enables people to tell,” said Robert Kirkman. “I’m excited to partner with AMC once again to bring the stories of some the most influential people in comics to a television audience.”
In regards to the project, President of Programming at AMC and SundanceTV, Joel Stillerman said, “We are incredibly excited to continue our partnership with Robert, David and Skybound. Beyond The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, they are prolific producers and publishers who have an amazing knowledge of comic book history and genre storytelling.”
Stillerman went on to say, “We believe going deep into the history behind some of the greatest comic books will be of great interest to this audience.”
The series is slated to premiere in 2017