Secret Headquarters and The Walking Dead Artwork exhibited

By April MacIntyre Oct 30, 2010, 17:09 GMT

Dave Pifer, owner of The Secret Headquarters, says “We’re big fans of The Walking Dead comics, and we’re thrilled to be able to mix it up with the varied style of these rad artists.”

The Secret Headquarters is one of Los Angeles’ cult favorite sources for graphic novels.

They have announced a series pf limited-edition prints, inspired by Robert Kirkman’s comic books, will debut in time for October 31 premiere of AMC original series

The Secret Headquarters (SHQ) is pleased to announce the creation of special limited-edition artwork to celebrate the October 31st premiere of The Walking Dead, an AMC original series based on the comic series by Robert Kirkman.

Robert Kirkman (kirkmania.com) is a New York Times  bestselling author known for being the cultural zeitgeist of the comic book industry.  Following the grassroots success of the self-published Battle Pope (2000), Kirkman caught the eye of Image Comics founding partner Erik Larsen. After several short-term projects (SuperPatriot  and TechJacket), he achieved superstar status in 2003 with Invincible and The Walking Dead. 

During a subsequent stint at Marvel Comics, he gained many new fans with the haunting and hilarious Marvel Zombies.  MTV translated Kirkman's Invincible into a motion comic.  Kirkman's Skybound imprint (skyboundent.com - under the Image Comics umbrella), is committed to fostering up-and-coming talent in the industry, and all acquisitions are hand-picked by Kirkman himself. Kirkman won the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series for "The Walking Dead", now brought to the smallscreen on AMC.

The four prints were designed by Jordan Crane and hand-printed by Jordan Rae; each was illustrated by a different accomplished artist (Lisa Hanawalt, Jon Vermilyea, Johnny Ryan and Jordan Crane).

Inspired by shooting range targets, the prints pay homage to the acclaimed comic series.

Available individually or as a set of four, the archival-quality prints measure 23 x 35 inches on acid-free 70lb. paper. Each print is limited to a run of 100 copies and will be signed by both the artist and Kirkman.

Dave Pifer, owner of The Secret Headquarters, says “We’re big fans of The Walking Dead comics, and we’re thrilled to be able to mix it up with the varied style of these rad artists.”

Robert Kirkman, creator and writer of The Walking Dead, says “I'm astounded by the talent involved and couldn't be happier with how this turned out. I think people are going to love these prints and I hope it brings people into The Secret Headquarters in droves because it's a great store.”

Johnny Ryan

Johnny Ryan (johnnyryan.com) was born in Boston, MA in 1970. He draws the comic book PRISON PIT. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, 2 cats and a dog.

Jon Vermilyea

Jon Vermilyea (jonvermilyea.com) studied cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.  Jon currently works as a freelance artist doing illustration for print and apparel, book production, comics, animation and computer games. Jon is a regular contributor to the Fantagraphics anthology MOME and Koyama Press books. His work has been featured in publications such as The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror, Vice Magazine, and Marvel's Strange Tales.  He also animated the music video for the song “My Girls” by Animal Collective.

Lisa Hanawalt

Lisa Hanawalt (lisahanawalt.com) is some girl from Palo Alto, CA who has a fancy art degree from UCLA. When Lisa isn't seen drawing at the bus stop, or freezing in New York, she can be found creating work for The Believer, McSweeney's, Vice Magazine, etc.

Jordan Crane

Jordan Crane (whatthingsdo.com, reddingk.com) is an American comics illustrator, and is noted for well-observed narratives that focus on the vulnerability and mystery of the human experience. Crane is also known as a master silkscreen printer whose illustrated prints have become highly sought after.

The prints are currently available for purchase as sets of four; individual prints will be available for purchase as of October 29th, either at The Secret Headquarters (3817 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles / 323.666.2228) or via walkingdeadprints.com.