(BOSTON, MA) – July 2, 2013 – AMC announced today it has joined forces with Skybound, Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics, and Ruckus Sports for the second annual The Walking Dead Escape (www.thewalkingdeadescape.com), a zombie obstacle course at Petco Park during Comic-Con weekend in San Diego, July 19th and 20th. Last year, Skybound and Ruckus Sports brought the first The Walking Dead Escape to San Diego during the 2012 Comic-Con weekend. The Walking Dead Escape allows fans to live out the events from the groundbreaking, Emmy-award winning and top-rated AMC series, which is based on Robert Kirkman’s Eisner Award-winning best selling The Walking Dead graphic novels.
The course is open July 19 & 20 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm where Survivors can climb, crawl and slide as part of the adventure and to also avoid confrontation by hordes of Walkers. The Walking Dead Escape is not a race and Survivors are not timed. The goal is for the Survivors to reach the decontamination zone where their level of infection – if any – is determined by a confidential military scan. Walkers are transformed into the undead by professional makeup teams and released on the course to haunt the living. In addition, participants and spectators alike can immerse themselves in The Walking Dead Fan Festival, an interactive “after party” featuring games, food, and merchandise from all facets of The Walking Dead universe.
"After overwhelming positive feedback from those who experienced ‘The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego’ last summer, we wanted to bring our fans an even bigger and better experience for 2013. As promised, we will be upping the ante as we bring on board celebrated and renowned new partner, AMC,” said Liam Brenner, founder of The Walking Dead Escape and Ruckus Sports. "With AMC’s creative prowess, we are confident that this year’s ‘Escape’ will be the most action-packed and thrilling event yet. We know fan expectations are high and hope to deliver beyond their wildest imaginations."
"The fan reaction to ‘The Walking Dead" on AMC has been truly remarkable and exceeded our wildest expectations. It is the number one show on television among adults 18-49, and this live experience allows these passionate and dedicated fans to actually enter the zombie apocalypse that provides the backdrop for the series," said Theresa Beyer, VP of activation and promotion at AMC. "Whether acting as survivors, walkers or spectators, this perilous and immersive attraction allows fans of the show to put themselves in the world that they can’t get enough of.”
This year The Walking Dead Escape is elevated with new props, scenes and full Walking Dead experiences. Fans may choose among three ways to participate in this epic adventure; as a “Survivor” racing through the zombie-infested evacuation zone with familiar scenes and props from the show and comic book series; as a “Walker" in the undead horde or as a “Spectator” watching the apocalypse from sidelines at the Escape Party.
For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.thewalkingdeadescape.com.
To view video and photos from last summer’s event in San Diego go to www.facebook.com/TheWalkingDeadEscape. To receive updates about the Zombie Apocalypse, be sure to follow @TDWEscape on Twitter! Early registration is strongly recommended, as walk-ups may not be available on event day.
About Robert Kirkman Robert Kirkman’s success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company’s inception twenty-one years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He’s the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com
About Skybound Skybound is Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics and home to his creator-owned works including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. Skybound also develops and fosters other talented writers, creators and artists and publishes their comic book series and graphic novels: Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound’s successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S., where Kirkman serves as Executive Producer/writer. Kirkman is also developing a new show with FOX International Channels based on his upcoming comic book series set in the world of exorcism. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com
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About AMC
Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, and boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history with “The Walking Dead.” AMC’s original drama series include “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead,” “The Killing” and “Hell on Wheels.” Its newest series, “Low Winter Sun,” premieres this summer. AMC also explores authentic worlds with bold characters through its slate of unscripted original series like “Comic Book Men,” “Small Town Security,” “Talking Dead,” and “Freakshow.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.
About Ruckus Sports, LLC
Ruckus Sports, LLC, an innovator in mass-participatory events, creates compelling, exhilarating outdoor events designed for a wide range of people. Beginning in 2010 with its signature event, “The Ruckus Challenge,” these events reach multiple markets across the country, with thousands of participants from ages 2 to 72 having completed our premier obstacle races. As the creator and producer of “The Walking Dead Escape,” Ruckus continues to demonstrate that extraordinary mass-participatory events can take many forms and appeal to a variety of audiences. Ruckus Sports is a portfolio company of Steel Sports Inc., a network of branded, participatory and experience-based businesses.
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