Walking Dead comic creator grabs former gaming CEO as new boss for digital firm

Comics and games are getting along just fine. Jon Goldman, a former video game executive, is joining Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead comic book series, as a managing partner in charge of a new business.

Goldman is joining Kirkman’s imprint Skybound, which is a multiplatform entertainment company that publishes comic books through Image Comics. Goldman, who previously served as chairman and CEO of video game company Foundation 9 Entertainment, will focus on emerging and new business.

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Kirkman is the creator and executive producer of The Walking Dead. He said, “With his knowledge and expertise, our entire team is lucky to have Jon come on board. I am excited to see what’s in store for Skybound.”

Goldman will oversee the strategic direction for the company and operate businesses around games and live events. Skybound’s properties include The Walking Dead, Outcast, Manifest Destiny, Clone, Witch Doctor, Dead Body Road, and Super Dinosaur.

“Our collective goal is to build major enterprises surrounding the remarkable worlds that Robert creates within his comics all while remaining true to fans,” said Goldman.

At Foundation 9, Goldman managed the largest independent video game development company in the world. At its peak, it had 11 studios and 1,000 employees. He sold the company in 2006 and has recently served as board member and CEO for two portfolio companies of Jerusalem Venture Partners in video games and online video.

“My involvement with Skybound has been a long time in the making,” he said. “It is a great privilege to work with the Skybound team to create a multifaceted transmedia company including imprints in the world of video games, merchandise, special events, and beyond.”

The Walking Dead already has a successful TV show and video game series, the latter produced as an episodic game by Telltale Games.

Skybound recently announced a national tour of the zombie-obstacle course, The Walking Dead Escape, which will launch on April 24 in Baton Rouge, La.