By Michael Primavera, Special to The Chronicle
AMC has decided to take the reigns in adapting the graphic novel “The Walking Dead.” Robert Kirkman, who created the graphic novel, will be directly involved in the adaptation. He will serve as an executive producer on the television series. The show will be directed by three-time academy award-nominee Frank Darabont, who has directed movies such as “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile.”
The story follows Rick Grimes, a small town police officer, who after being shot falls into a coma and awakes to a zombie apocalypse. The part of Rick will be played by Andrew Lincoln, who has been in movies such as ” Love Actually,” “Teachers” and “Strike Back.” Rick leads a group of survivors in hopes of finding a safe and secure place for them to call home.
It is uncertain how closely the show will follow the graphic novel. However AMC has released a trailer, which implies it will be quite faithful.
Most people view graphic novels as something very happy, upbeat medium filled with super-heroes saving the day, but “The Walking Dead” is dark, gritty and gory.
The fact that it is gory is one of the most exciting things about this show. AMC is a network that is not afraid to be dark or gritty, and certainly doesn’t shy away from violence.
AMC has released a few pictures of the zombies and cast. The zombies look amazingly realistic and disgusting, but in a good way. It is exactly what you want to see in the context of the story. The show has done a great job with the make-up and costumes.
Along with all the gore and the costumes, “The Walking Dead” has a great story. It is filled with excitement, drama, and the unexpected. Let’s hope that the television show will contain all of these elements, because they really drive the story along.
Between the gore and the story line, “The Walking Dead” will definitely be a show to watch. It’s not just another show about monsters. It is a show that is going to be exciting and without a doubt surprising.
AMC has ordered six, one-hour episodes for the first season and it is set to premier on Halloween night. Make sure you tune in, you won’t be disappointed.