Marvel Announces New Zombie Comic Series, ‘Empire Of The Dead,’ Written By George Romero

Marvel has published its fair share of zombie comics over the years, but now it can claim to have a one written by the father of the modern zombie genre, none other than Night of the Living Dead director George A. Romero.

The Romeo-penned Empire of the Dead, which will feature art by Alex Maleev and a variant by Arthur Suydam, who also provided covers for the various Marvel Zombies mini-series, will debut in 2014.

Romero initially teased the title back in 2012, but will appear at New York Comic Con to elaborate on the new series at Marvel's Cup 'O Joe panel Saturday at 4 p.m., and will also be signing for a couple hours just before the panel.

His new series promises a "new predator" in addition to zombies a post-plague New York. That setting is a departure for Romero, who set and shot all of his zombie films in and around Pennsylvania.

Here's what Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso had to say about the new series:

George A. Romero singlehandedly created the zombie genre that’s captured the public imagination for decades. Now, his unique vision for the silver screen comes to life on the comic book page – a chilling rumination on human nature and man’s place in the food chain, served with a terrifying twist.

Empire of the Dead arrives in January.