Many of the networks are working with comic book companies to come out with new comic book-related shows to follow in the footsteps of "The Walking Dead." There are certain tips the creators of these new shows should take from how "The Walking Dead" has played out. These tips will placate the fans of the comic without leaving people out in the cold who have never picked up an issue.
Tell the Backstory
Creators of the new shows should not automatically believe viewers already know the backstories of the characters involved. The creators of "The Walking Dead" started the first show out in the same way the comic was started so that people could have an idea of what brought at least some of the characters to the current point in the show. If a backstory is not given, people who do not read comic will be distanced from the show in the first episodes.
Use the Comics as a Guide
The comic books should only be used as a guide by the creators. In "The Walking Dead," the creators have used the comics as a base for the show but not as a full blueprint. Certain issues the character face have been pulled directly from the comics while others have been straight from the minds of the creators. If comic fans know exactly what is coming, they might feel distanced. At the same time, they might ruin the experience for other viewers by explaining everything that will happen in the near future.
Characters
"The Walking Dead" uses some characters straight from the comic and others which have never appeared in print before. This keeps the comic book fans on their toes while giving non-readers characters that are exclusive to their medium. Characters who are straight from print should keep most of the characteristics as their drawn counterparts as to not upset comic readers.
The Final Story
The creators of the new shows should use the comics as a guide, but not the end-all-be-all for the shows. A show's ratings will quickly fall if fans believe they have been alienated by the creators. With the new comic book-related shows, the creators have to placate two distinct types of fans. By keeping a balance between the two, a new shows has a better chance succeeding.
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