The Walking Dead‘s numerous spin-off series have captured audiences’ attention, showing that there’s plenty left in the zombie apocalypse left to explore. As creators continue to brainstorm ideas for where the franchise should go next, one possibility seems to be growing in popularity: an animated version.

A Walking Dead animated series would enable the franchise to better explore the characters and larger world while also attracting new and old fans. Additionally, it would be something different and stand apart from the other ongoing series while also enriching them. Frankly, with everything else the show has tried, we’re surprised a Walking Dead animation hasn’t already happened.

6Appealing to Old Fans

The Walking Dead was originally a comic book series by Robert Kirkman. A hit with readers, an animated version would pull in old fans of the comic who were eager to see it adapted. It could also bring in former TV fans who didn’t appreciate the direction of the original series, as it would provide a relaunch of the world they previously so enjoyed.

Appealing to New Fans

While bringing in old fans, an animated Walking Dead could also bring in viewers who never watched the original series but enjoy animated horror. The previous live-action versions might not have been to their taste, or they might have learned about the original series so late that they didn’t feel it was worth catching up on. Thus, an animated version could be a new start for them in several senses.

5Easier to Create

An animated version of The Walking Dead could offer a more direct adaptation of the source material, since parts that were difficult to create would now be much easier. An example involves the comic scene in which Rick’s hand was chopped off by the Governor. Because his missing hand would require CGI, makeup, and advanced planning and coordination throughout the rest of the show, this incident wasn’t included in the original series. Notably, he did later cut off that hand in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which was likely easier to depict due to the series’ shorter run.

If a voice actor were to leave the series, it would also be much easier to recast their voice and continue on with their character, as opposed to writing them off. In this respect, an animated version is less hectic to control, which means the story won’t be forced into convoluted, unpopular choices based on actor availability.

More Cost-Effective

An animated series will be more cost-effective than the live-action version. This is both a reason why it should be easier to make and why it has the ability to go beyond the original; some of the money saved on settings, special effects, etc., could be used to hire talented voice actors, experienced animators, and others who will make the animation a hit. Additionally, it will be easier to show even more walkers and even more dangerous scenes, since there won’t be budgetary constraints or safety concerns.

4Kirkman Wants It to Happen

The Walking Dead’s creator, Robert Kirkman, has shared that he’d “love to see [an animated version] happen.” His enthusiasm for the project not only shows its potential, but also suggests he could play a role in helping it take off. Even today, he continues to have strong opinions about what he wants to change in the series (some regarding big characters/plot points and others small), and it would be interesting to see how he’d play to the strengths of an animated version.

As seen above, viewers already got a glimpse of what this animation could look like in the style of Tony Moore (the comic’s original artist).

Rights and Creative Direction

At this point, the future of the animated series largely comes down to whether Kirkman can secure the rights back from AMC. This wouldn’t just enable the animated series to happen, but also allow Kirkman to be more involved from this point on. With that creative control, he could undo controversial scenes and episodes, further develop the lore, or even take things in an entirely new direction.

3Other Animated Comic Book Series Have Succeeded

The Walking Dead wouldn’t be the first comic to have an animated spin-off. In fact, one of Kirkman’s other creations already has one. Invincible, which tells the story of Mark Grayson as he begins to develop powers and learn about his superhero father’s past and goals, is a huge hit with audiences. If The Walking Dead were to do something similar, there’s every reason to believe it would succeed as well. Some other popular animated adaptations of comics include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Young Justice, and Batman: The Animated Series.

Other Comic Animations

Unlike The Walking Dead, Invincible doesn’t have a live-action version, so there’s nothing to compare against the animation. However, Garth Ennis’ series The Boys has both an animation and a live-action series (as well as a spin-off). Titled The Boys: Diabolical, the show made a name for itself and highlighted how series can benefit from both live-action and animated forms, as the latter was able to explore several storylines and ways of storytelling that the original never could achieve.

2It Worked Great for the Video Games

The Walking Dead has already delivered a pseudo-animation in video game format. Specifically, we’re talking about the Telltale Walking Dead games, which saw new characters Lee Everett (voiced by Dave Fennoy) and Clementine (voiced by Melissa Hutchison) attempting to navigate the zombie apocalypse. These games were already highly cinematic and engaging, and they’re still beloved by gamers and Walking Dead fans today.

Returning Characters

While playing the Telltale games, fans of The Walking Dead games got a taste of what animating the original characters could look like. Fan favorites like Jesus, Hershel, and Glenn all made appearances, while Michonne got her own spin-off game. Plus, characters who had been mentioned or hinted at in the original series, such as Hershel’s son, Shawn, received fuller stories.

1Good Timing, Given the Spin-Offs

Right now, interest in and desire for The Walking Dead is strong. While multiple spin-offs have ended, such as Fear the Walking Dead and The Ones Who Live, others such as Dead City are still pulling in views. An animated Walking Dead could build upon the excitement generated by these series or even tie into their plots, thereby offering viewers something that was simultaneously familiar yet new.

Revitalizing the Series

Although the current spin-offs are still a hit, they all relate to the original Walking Dead series, and as previously mentioned, this makes them less of a draw for viewers who never finished the show. Additionally, even though the spin-offs are popular now, various other zombie shows have been released over the past few years, and a zombie series needs to stand out and do something different in order to really make a name for itself. An animation could do just that, as it would have the creative freedom and resources to tell whatever story it wants, as well as the experience (and brains) to tell it well.