Meaning: The quote by Robert Kirkman, the writer of the popular comic book series "The Walking Dead," highlights an important aspect of the series that has contributed to its appeal and accessibility to new readers. The quote emphasizes the ongoing availability of new issues and trade paperbacks, making it easier for readers to engage with the story and catch up with the latest developments in the series.

"The Walking Dead" has gained a dedicated fan base and achieved widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, complex characters, and intense, post-apocalyptic setting. The series follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, also known as "walkers," and encounter various challenges, both from the undead and from other human survivors.

One of the key factors that has contributed to the success of "The Walking Dead" is its accessibility to new readers. Unlike some other comic book series where new readers may feel overwhelmed by the extensive backlog of issues and story arcs, "The Walking Dead" has made it easier for newcomers to jump into the series and start following the story. This is achieved through the simultaneous release of trade paperbacks and individual issues, as mentioned in Kirkman's quote.

By releasing new trades and issues at the same time, the series ensures that readers have multiple entry points into the story. Trade paperbacks, which typically collect several single issues into a single volume, allow readers to catch up on a significant portion of the story in a more convenient format. At the same time, the ongoing release of individual issues means that readers who prefer to stay up to date with the latest developments can do so without having to wait for the trade paperback to be released.

This approach not only caters to the preferences of different types of readers but also demonstrates a commitment to engaging with new and existing fans. It allows new readers to immerse themselves in the series without feeling daunted by the extensive back catalog, while also ensuring that dedicated readers can continue to follow the story as it unfolds.

Furthermore, the availability of trade paperbacks and individual issues at the same time reflects a strategic approach to marketing and distribution. By offering multiple formats for readers to engage with the series, "The Walking Dead" has been able to reach a broader audience and attract readers who may have different preferences when it comes to consuming comic book content.

In addition to the accessibility of its format, "The Walking Dead" has also been praised for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature in extreme circumstances. The series has consistently delivered gripping storytelling that keeps readers invested in the fates of the characters and the evolving dynamics of the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit.

Overall, Robert Kirkman's quote about "The Walking Dead" as a "friendly" new reader type book underscores the series' commitment to engaging with a diverse audience and making the story accessible to both newcomers and dedicated fans. By simultaneously releasing trade paperbacks and individual issues, the series has succeeded in creating multiple entry points for readers to immerse themselves in its rich and captivating narrative. This approach has undoubtedly contributed to the enduring popularity and widespread appeal of "The Walking Dead" as a comic book series.