Robert Kirkman’s ‘‘The Walking Dead #1’’ Exclusive Variant Covers Available to All Wizard World Comic Con 2013 Attendees

First TWD #1 variant cover by comic writer/artist Michael Golden debuts at Portland Comic Con, Feb. 22-24; Limited Editions Via Skybound Only Available At Wizard World Throughout 2013

NEW YORK, February 13, 2013 – Robert Kirkman, creator and writer of the groundbreaking, Eisner-Award winning The Walking Dead comic book series and graphic novels continues to break records in all of its incarnations. Wizard World and Skybound, Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, have teamed to bring fans what they want, more of The Walking Dead! Now, all full-price attendees at every Wizard World event in 2013 will receive a limited-edition, exclusive cover variant of The Walking Dead #1.

A different superstar artist will create the variant cover art for each of the eight scheduled shows this year. Comic book writer/artist Michael Golden illustrates the first variant cover at Wizard World Portland Comic Con, Feb. 22-24 at the Oregon Convention Center. At each event, the cover artist will be on hand to sign fans’ copies. More cover artists will be announced shortly.

The exclusive The Walking Dead #1 editions will be produced in extremely limited quantities and are available to fans only while supplies last at each Wizard World convention.

“Wizard World cons have always been great events for The Walking Dead,” said Kirkman. “I’m excited to present the all-new #1 cover variant by the legendary Michael Golden at Portland Comic Con this year.”

John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO added, “With The Walking Dead #100 as the highest-selling comic book of last year, we are absolutely thrilled to have this exclusive book that started it all available to all our Wizard World fans, beginning in the Pacific Northwest. Giving it away for free to all paid attendees is our way of giving back to the fan community that has supported us!”

The Walking Dead graphic novels accounted for seven of the 10 bestselling titles of the year and were #1 overall for both 2011 and 2012.

Michael Rooker and Norman Reedus, stars of the AMC series based upon The Walking Dead will attend Wizard World Portland Comic Con. Comics legend Stan Lee, Happy Days star Henry Winkler, Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell, Homeland headliner Morena Baccarin and WWE® Superstar The Miz® are among the other headliners. They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the first event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar and the first Wizard World event in Oregon.

Wizard World Portland Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, February 24, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children. Event hours are Friday, Feb. 22, 3-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m and Sunday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Invincible Universe and Clone. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series with Kirkman serving as creator/executive producer and writer. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Skybound

Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves and Clone as well as Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com or www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Wizard World

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The 2013 event schedule to date can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****

February 22-24 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con

March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con

November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con

February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con