Why So Blu?

SDCC 2011: The Walking Dead

Last year saw the premiere of the television adaptation of acclaimed graphic novel author Robert Kirkman’s ongoing zombie series, The Walking Dead.  I managed to attend the panel at last year’s Comic Con, where I was able to see a first look at the series.  If it were not for the insanity going on with the busy Hall H schedule this past Friday at this year’s Comic Con, I would have loved to have attended the panel again for season two of the now critically acclaimed television adaptation.  However, I may have had trouble, since the panel for The Walking Dead was one of the most anticipated panels at this year’s Comic Con.  Fortunately, I still had a chance to visit the booth on the showroom floor, as well as get a look at season two, which can be seen below.

There definitely is a lot going on in this very slick trailer, which in no way suggests that things are going to be getting any easier for Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors, as they continue to make their way through a world now suffering a zombie apocalypse.  I for one am really anticipating what this full, 13-episode second season will have to offer.  The first season was very solid, but could use some room for improvement, which I would like to believe is very possible, given the popularity of this series.

In addition to the trailer, audiences at Comic Con were treated to a large scale photo setup booth for The Walking Dead.  The booth faithfully recreates a key scene from Season 1 and finds a Merle Dixon replica (courtesy of Special FX Makeup Artist Greg Nicotero and his KNB EFX Studios) chained to the department store rooftop moments before he cuts off his own hand. The walkers, meanwhile, actively shake back and forth at the door, moaning as Dixon desperately pulls at his handcuffs.  I took it upon myself to become involved in this most harrowing situation.

Plenty of other Walking Dead themed items were available on the showroom floor as well, including all of the different versions and copies of the graphic novel in which the show is based on, several different zombie busts, and even the debut of The Walking Dead Board Game.  There was also promotion of the official companion guide to The Walking Dead TV series.  This one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes guide focuses on both the making of Season 1 and the creation of the bestselling comic book which inspired it.  All of these items, along with more news, photos, and videos can be found at AMC’s Walking Dead website.

Season 2 of The Walking Dead returns Sun., Oct. 16 at 9PM | 8C on AMC