The ComicsPRO comics industry conference has announced that Robert Kirkman will be the keynote speaker. The event publishers, distributors, comic shop owners, and creators will be held on February 19-21, 2026, at the Hilton in Glendale, California.

“Robert has been instrumental in the growth of comic shops in the 21st century. First, by creating amazing stories for comics and then by bringing those stories to a wider audience through hit TV series,” ComicsPRO President and Captain Blue Hen Comics owner Joe Murray said. “As Robert’s profile has risen in the entertainment industry, his love and support for local comic shops has remained strong. We are beyond thrilled to welcome him to our 2026 Annual Meeting as the Keynote Speaker!”

Kirkman has had a significant impact on modern comics, as the co-creator of The Walking Dead – a comic that explores how people survive beyond the initial zombie apocalypse – and Invincible, a coming of age superhero comic in which the young hero learns that his father is actually a villain. Both series have seen success as TV series adaptations, including multiple spinoffs of The Walking Dead.

He is known for co-creating Outcast, Oblivion Song, and Fire Power, and for his work writing Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies. Recently, Kirkman has been heading The Energon Universe featuring licensed characters from Transformers and G.I. Joe, and original characters from Void Rivals, co-created by Kirkman.

“I’m excited and tremendously honored to be delivering the keynote speech for ComicsPRO this year,” Kirkman said in a statement. “I previously spoke at ComicsPRO way back in 2010 and while my unwavering devotion to the direct market retail community has remained unchanged in that time, I hope I’ve gotten a little better at public speaking.”

The 2026 ComicsPRO conference will feature presentations by publishers, networking opportunities, educational events, and small group conversations. There will be programing designed by retailers to discuss education, promotion, connecting with other industry professionals, and more.