Robert Kirkman at a Glance
Robert Kirkman: Net Worth, Career, and The Walking Dead Legacy
What is Robert Kirkman’s Net Worth?
Robert Kirkman is a celebrated figure in the comic book and television industries, best known for co-creating the massively successful “The Walking Dead.” As of 2024, Robert Kirkman’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million. This financial success is a testament to the popularity of his work and the diverse revenue streams it has generated, spanning comic books, television, video games, and other media.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 30, 1978, Robert Kirkman spent his childhood in Cynthiana, Kentucky. Growing up, he developed a passion for movies, with zombie films holding a special fascination for him. This early interest in the horror genre would later play a significant role in shaping his career, influencing the creation of “The Walking Dead” and its exploration of the zombie apocalypse.
Venturing into Comics: The Early Career
Kirkman’s initial foray into the world of comic books began with the superhero parody “Battle Pope” in 2000. Co-created with artist Tony Moore, the comic was self-published under the Funk-O-Tron label. “Battle Pope” was later adapted into an 8-episode animated web series by Spike TV in 2008. Following “Battle Pope,” Kirkman worked on a SuperPatriot miniseries for Image Comics. During this project, he teamed up with E.J. Su to create the series “Tech Jacket” in 2002, also published by Image. “Tech Jacket” ran for six issues, showcasing Kirkman’s growing abilities as a writer.
In 2003, Kirkman collaborated with Cory Walker to create “Invincible” for Image Comics. The series became a cornerstone of Image’s superhero line. Ryan Ottley later replaced Walker due to deadline constraints, but the series continued to thrive.
The Walking Dead: From Comic to Global Phenomenon
Shortly after the launch of “Invincible,” Kirkman and Tony Moore, his collaborator on “Battle Pope,” joined forces to create “The Walking Dead.” Launched in 2003, “The Walking Dead” was a huge success, earning the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series in 2007 and 2010. The comic series ran for an impressive 193 issues, concluding in 2019. Its exploration of human survival in a zombie apocalypse captivated a vast audience and earned critical acclaim.
The success of “The Walking Dead” extended far beyond the comic book format. In 2010, AMC adapted the series into a television show of the same name. The television series aired 177 episodes across 11 seasons and earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama. The show, while loosely following the comic’s storyline, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Kirkman served as an executive producer and wrote several episodes, including “Vatos,” “Made to Suffer,” and “Strangers.”
“The Walking Dead” has spawned an extensive media franchise. This includes video games, webisode series, and novels, expanding the universe created by Kirkman. Novels such as “The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor” (co-authored with Jay Bonansinga) and others like “The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury” and “The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor” further explored the world of the series. Furthermore, Kirkman co-created “Fear the Walking Dead,” a companion series to the original television show with Dave Erickson, proving the franchise’s enduring appeal.

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Beyond Image: Robert Kirkman’s Marvel Comics Work
In addition to his work with Image Comics, Kirkman has also contributed to Marvel Comics. His initial project was a revival of the original Sleepwalker series from the 1990s, but it was canceled before publication. Some material from this project was included in “Epic Anthology No. 1” (2004). Despite the cancellation, Kirkman continued to work with Marvel, contributing to various series, including the “Avengers Disassembled” issues of “Captain America” (volume 4), one-shot publications for “Marvel Knights 2099” (2004), “Jubilee,” and “Marvel Team-Up” (2005-2007). He also worked on “Ultimate X-Men” for two years and the miniseries “Irredeemable Ant-Man” (2006-2007). His collaboration with Marvel ended in July 2008 when Image Comics made Kirkman a partner. He is the only partner out of the five not to be a co-founder of Image Comics.
Personal Life and Achievements
In July 2018, Robert Kirkman invested in a $7.25 million compound in Encino, California. He is married, and he and his wife have a son named Peter Parker Kirkman, born in April 2006. Kirkman’s significant contributions to the comic book industry have been recognized through numerous awards. In 2020, he received a special award at the Angouleme International Comics Festival for his overall achievements. He also won the Inkpot Award in 2012, solidifying his place among the most influential creators in the industry.