New Issue Of The Walking Dead Is Highest Ordered Image Comic In Almost 20 Years

The newest issue - #163 debuting February 1 - has just become the highest ordered Image comic in nearly 20 years. Comic retailers around the country have ordered more than 730,000 issues in total.

(Image Comics)

The comic will be bought by many fans, as this single issue will only cost 25 cents. In order to celebrate Image's 25th birthday, The Walking Dead, Outcast, and Invincible will all release issues for only a quarter on the day. The Walking Dead is obviously the most popular of the three - given the success of the show.

The issue is titled "Conquered" and it will be the first issue following the Whisperer War. #163 will show the aftermath of the war, and the beginning of a new set of problems for Rick and the survivors.

Not only does this issue tease a new storyline, but it's going to have a whole lot to tell. #163 will be a massive 40 pages long.

Creator Robert Kirkman commented on the new issue - and the success of Image - in the issue's press release.

"The Direct Market helped make THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, and OUTCAST the successful series they are today, and acknowledging that support is a big part of our agenda as Image turns 25 this year," explained Kirkman. "Comic book stores have made it easier for us to accomplish everything we've done since our last anniversary, so giving back just makes sense, even though it means we're not making a dime off these books. Don't get me wrong: Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, Cliff Rathburn, and Rus Wooton are all being compensated as usual for their contributions to THE WALKING DEAD #163, but neither myself nor Image will profit off this issue. As with most of our decisions at Image, we're looking instead at the long-term benefits of getting more readers into stores and more of the world's best creator-owned comics into those readers' hands."

If you've got a quarter to spare, check out the new comics from Skybound and Image this February. None of the three will disappoint.

MORE WALKING DEAD:

Andrew Lincoln's Epic Reaction To Season 7 Finale / New Season 7B Key Art / Violent Takes Were Removed From Midseason Finale / Best Moments of 2016 / Negan Featured in #162 Preview / Five Worst Storylines / Who Will Be The Next Major Death? / AMC Stock Takes Hit With TWD Ratings Drops / Spoilers: How Will Season 7 End?

The Walking Dead returns for the rest of its seventh season on February 12 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. Fear the Walking Dead's third season does not yet have a premiere date but with The Walking Dead finale set for April 2, expectations for Fear's return are set for April 9. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.