"I'm Not Really a Fan": Invincible Creator Names the A-List Superhero Franchise He Dislikes

Summary Robert Kirkman, creator of Invincible and The Walking Dead, is not a fan of DC Comics' Batman or mainstream comics in general – in part explaining why his success has come almost entirely outside the two major publishers.

The Walking Dead Deluxe full-color re-release of the groundbreaking zombie comic includes new annotations from Kirkman, revealing behind-the-scenes details, including his distaste for the Caped Crusader.

Kirkman's preference for independent comics and unique stories has shaped to his success in the industry, and in turn helped make him one of the most influential comic book creators of his generation.

According to Invincible creator Robert Kirkman, he is not a fan of DC Comics' Batman, or the major publishers in general. Having also created The Walking Dead, Kirkman stands out as arguably the most prolific independent comic book creator of the 2000s, making his perception of mainstream comic book characters particularly noteworthy.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #91 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Charlie Adlard – continues the full-color reprint of the series. Issues of the re-release also include new annotations from the author, revealing a wealth of behind-the-scenes details about the creation of the series and his writing process.

Despite the iconic status of comics' biggest characters, it isn't uncommon for prominent creators to have opinions that go against the grain. In Kirkman's case, he's avoided falling into one of the biggest fan communities in all pop culture, as he professed not to be a fan of the Caped Crusader.

Related “I Do Credit Robert Kirkman”: How The Walking Dead Helped Launch Another Massive Horror Hit (by Accident) The Walking Dead was a hit right up to its ending, but the surprise final issue inadvertently helped to launch a new horror franchise to huge success!

Robert Kirkman Admitted That He Doesn't Like DC Comics' Legendary Batman

The Walking Dead Deluxe #91 – Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Charlie Adlard; Color By Dave McCaig; Lettering By Rus Wooten

Close

Kirkman not being a big fan of Batman actually makes sense, considering how he bucked the popular trope of exploring Batmanesque characters in Invincible.

As Robert Kirkman wrote in the back of The Walking Dead Deluxe #91, in the letters pages, a surprising character sketch appeared in his original script for the issue:

"I drew a picture of Batman. Gross. I'm not a corporate guy. And really, in general, I'm not really a Batman fan."

Interestingly, Kirkman has actually delved into this style of hero before, with Oblivion Song serving as his approach to a Batman-like character, one reliant on gadgets and combat skills. In Invincible, The Dark Knight's analog was Darkwing, a character relegated to brief cameos, and dispatched in a fairly unceremonious way, along with the other Guardians of the Globe.

The Walking Dead Based on one of the most successful and popular comic books of all time, AMC’s The Walking Dead captures the ongoing human drama following a zombie apocalypse. The series, developed for television by Frank Darabont, follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it is the living who remain that truly become the walking dead. The Walking Dead lasted for eleven seasons and spawned several spinoff shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.

Kirkman not being a big fan of Batman actually makes sense, considering how he bucked the popular trope of exploring Batmanesque characters in Invincible. Where many independent creators make sure to put their street-level detective front and center in pastiche-oriented books, this isn't the case in his series. Instead, it's younger protagonists, analogs of other independent superheroes and monsters who often take center stage. Contrasting Kirkman's superheroes with the Caped Crusader makes for a night and day difference in tone.

Kirkman's Indie Comics Success Is Underwritten By His Disdain For Mainstream Comics

The Writer's Opinion On Batman Explains A Lot

Close

Considering Robert Kirkman's attitude toward the Caped Crusader, readers will have a better time understanding the limited use of Batman's analogue in Invincible.

While some comic book writers have peaked in their careers writing for Marvel or DC, others have firmly carved out a role in the independent sphere. There are few writers for whom this is more true than Kirkman, whose Skybound imprint at Image has become a home for unique stories, excellent treatment of franchises, and up-and-coming creators. The writer continues to make it clear that, while he does have a healthy respect for the big two, some characters simply aren't in his wheelhouse -- especially The Dark Knight.

While Robert Kirkman's perspective may seem like a hot take to some, it's far from unique, especially among comic book creators. In fact, some of the most prolific comic book writers in history, namely Alan Moore and Garth Ennis, aren't fans of superheroes at all. In the case of the Walking Dead creator, his enjoyment of the likes of Superboy and the Teen Titans shines through in his signature superhero series. Considering Robert Kirkman's attitude toward the Caped Crusader, readers will have a better time understanding the limited use of Batman's analogue in Invincible.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #91 is available now from Image Comics.