Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" comic book has been turned into one of the biggest hits on television, often scoring higher ratings for cable network AMC than broadcast network shows get. Given all of the other creative pots that Kirkman has a hand in, it was only a matter of time until another of his comic book titles was picked up by an eager network hoping lightning will strike twice.
Kirkman's most recent comic creation, a monthly rag called "Outcast" has become said comic-to-TV title. Cinemax has ordered a pilot for "Outcast," which reportedly does for demons what "The Walking Dead" did for zombies.
The writer himself made the official announcement to his followers on Twitter while attending Comic-Con 2014. Kirkman created "Outcast" with artist Paul Azaceta, simultaneously working with Fox International Channels to develop the property for television. The first issue was published by Image Comics in June of 2014. It was immediately greeted with sales that were reportedly higher than "The Walking Dead" at its peak sales. It has already sold out of its first and second printings, and is now headed for a third. Issue #2 arrives in stores on July 30, 2014, but attendees at Comic-Con can get their hands on it early. "Outcast" #3 will be out August 20, which is also when the third printing of #1 will be available.
"Outcast" is the story of Kyle Barnes, a man whose family has been plagued since childhood by demon possession. With a friend's help (who also happens to be a minister), he sets out to find out why he is a nexus of supernatural activity and why he has his unique gifts. What he discovers could mean the end of life on Earth as we know it.
Casting has not yet begun, but pre-production of the Cinemax series is already underway, with Kirkman himself writing the script for the pilot. He will executive produce with David Alpert, Sue Naegle, Chris Black and Sharon Tal Yguado. The series' tone is intended to be different than that of "The Walking Dead," with Kirkman aiming for an "epic horror" style capable of genuinely frightening readers. Presumably, the TV series will attempt to emulate this tone.
No word yet on a premiere date for "Outcast" the series. "The Walking Dead" returns for its fifth season on AMC in October.
