It was in October 2003 when Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore let the zombies of the Image Comics/Skybound series "The Walking Dead" shamble to life on the comics page. Ten years of walker bites, fights and betrayals later, the franchise has grown to become one of the most successful in pop culture.

Kirkman plans on celebrating in style this year at Comic-Con International in San Diego, where he and Skybound will erect a massive setup to mark the anniversary, including zombie costume contests, a zombie makeup station, celebrity appearances and a booth where fans can gather to play "The Walking Dead" video game from Telltale.

The LA Times' Hero Complex had the details which will also include the debut of the Kirkman-designed "Zombie Survival Machine" -- a tricked out undead killing version of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster -- and a chance for fans to design their own version which may be built for the series true anniversary celebration in October at New York Comic Con. Plus, the summer celebration will see the return of the "Walking Dead Escape" interactive zombie run at San Diego's Petco Park, which last year nearly claimed the life of CBR Staffer Steve Sunu.

"It's hard to believe the growth and expansion 'The Walking Dead' has undergone since I began writing the comic 10 years ago," Kirkman told the paper. "This entire event is a thank-you to fans of 'The Walking Dead universe.'"

Check out the complete press release and Steve Sunu's harrowing escape form last summer's zombie-filled maze below, and stay tuned to CBR for more on the 10th anniversary of "The Walking Dead."

Official Press Release

Future US, a leading digital media and content marketing group, and Skybound, Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, announced today they are partnering once again at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 with a host of experiential activations around The Walking Dead universe. The partnership celebrates a decade of Robert Kirkman's groundbreaking Eisner Award-winning comic book series and best-selling graphic novels. This year's campaign applauds the wild popularity and longevity of The Walking Dead comic series.

The Future US booth will kick off July 17, 2013 at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 with the debut of the Veloster Zombie Survival Machine, a custom 2013 Hyundai Veloster built by renowned car fabrication shop, Galpin Auto Sports.

WalkingDeadChopShop.com, a unique configurator app, will allow fans to design their own custom digital zombie survival machine on the show floor. The submitted designs will be entered into a contest and the winning design will be constructed and unveiled at New York Comic-Con in October 2013.

"I had so much fun designing last year's Zombie Survival Machine that I wanted to invite fans of The Walking Dead to share that experience and see their vision come to life at this year's San Diego Comic-Con," said Kirkman. "It's hard to believe the growth and expansion The Walking Dead has undergone since I began writing the comic ten years ago. This entire event is a thank you to fans of The Walking Dead universe."

In addition, the booth will feature TellTale'sThe Walking Dead video game, zombie costume contests, celebrity appearances, a zombie makeup station, and social media contests.

"It has been amazing to see the reception for Robert Kirkman's vision brought to life at last year's Comic-Con, and we're very excited to expand on that experience for 2013," said Rachelle Considine, president, Future US. "With exclusive videos, contests and surprises, The Walking Dead experience will live far beyond Comic-Con."

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-winningThe Walking Dead, long-runningInvincible, all-agesSuper DinosaurandThief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work andWitch Doctor,Invincible UniverseandClone. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped theNew York Timesbestseller 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'sThe 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 Deadand all Skybound titles arewww.Skybound.comandwww.TheWalkingDead.com

About Skybound

Skybound is the home ofRobert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series,The Walking Dead, long-runningInvincible, all-agesSuper Dinosaur,Thief of ThievesandCloneas well asWitch DoctorandInvincible Universe.Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games(The Walking Dead: AssaultiOS app),and entertainment events (The Walking DeadEscape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC'sThe 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. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman,The Walking Deadand all Skybound titles arewww.Skybound.comandwww.TheWalkingDead.com