Robert Kirkman Sparks Debate With Bold Claim About Manga and Image Comics

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With manga growing in popularity worldwide, Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible, has observed a clear connection between the two mediums.

On the Robservations with Rob Liefeld podcast, Robert Kirkman shared his thoughts on how the comic book industries in the East and West differ. He explained that while Marvel and DC are large, they can be restrictive in scope. Kirkman believes that any growing interest in comics ultimately benefits Image Comics. He pointed out that fans who enjoy manga and then explore American comics often gravitate towards Image, as it offers a similar variety of genres – including horror, science fiction, action, and romance – all combined in one place.

I was really interested to hear what Robert Kirkman said at ComicsPRO 2026. He pointed out something I’ve been thinking for a while now: the success of Invincible is a lot like what’s happening with manga. He basically said that manga’s huge popularity comes from how easily it transitions into anime, and Invincible is proving that American comics can do the same thing – build a really strong following through animated adaptations!

Although some believe Marvel and DC haven’t focused enough on manga readers, the idea that Image Comics appeals to them most is based on a single viewpoint. Marvel has actually worked with the manga industry, with some releases published by Viz Media. It’s probably inaccurate to say manga fans are being ignored, considering there are comics that blend manga styles with well-known comic book characters.

As Kirkman mentioned, Image Comics seems like a great next step for manga fans looking to get into comics. The company has so many different titles that there’s a lot to explore.

Manga, Anime, Comics Have Inspired One Another Before

Manga’s popularity around the world has changed how comics are made, helping them evolve with modern entertainment. While comics like The Walking Dead and Invincible have also been incredibly important, manga is now more widely appreciated and influential among Western comic creators.

In a recent interview with Nikkei XTrend, the speaker discussed the compelling storytelling found in Japanese manga and anime, questioning why Western comics don’t often achieve the same impact. They suggested that manga benefits from a wider range of stories, as American comics are heavily focused on superheroes, which dominate the market. Interestingly, DC Comics’ Absolute Batman series has acknowledged this influence by directly referencing manga art styles in its cover variations.

The connection between comic books and Japanese manga/anime extends beyond just printed books. Both Marvel and DC have created anime series inspired by their comic stories, showing a strong link between these art forms. As Robert Kirkman suggests, manga fans could definitely find a lot to enjoy in American comics – they just need to find the right titles.

Image Comics can be found wherever comic books are sold.

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2026-04-30 21:40