title:How Robert Kirkman Built His Ultimate Zombie-Proof Car
content:The Vision Behind Kirkman’s Zombie-Proof Car
Imagine a zombie apocalypse: You need a car that can plow through hordes, keep you safe, and look cool enough to survive the end of the world. That’s exactly what Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman set out to design—even though he admits he knows little about cars or physics. After analyzing the behind-the-scenes video of his collaboration with Hyundai, I believe his project offers fun, practical insights into zombie survival vehicle design.
Kirkman drew inspiration from his own work on The Walking Dead, focusing on the scenarios characters faced: breaking through zombie ranks, staying secure in the car, and moving freely to gather supplies. His goal? A vehicle that felt both functional and visually iconic—even if his initial sketch seemed impossible to build.
content:Turning a Sketch into a Functional Vehicle
When builder Gary first saw Kirkman’s rendering, he thought it was impossible. But as he analyzed the design, he realized it could be adapted to work in real life. The team scaled down Kirkman’s original plans (like reducing the number of bars on the car) to make the vehicle functional.
V-shaped front was a key adaptation: It prevents zombies from getting stuck on the car, making it easier to plow through hordes. The team also added large spikes to the front—designed to cut through zombies with minimal effort. Kirkman’s non-technical background didn’t hold the project back; his focus on survival needs guided the builder’s technical choices.
content:Key Survival Features of the Ultimate Zombie Car
Kirkman’s car includes several features tailored to zombie apocalypse survival:
- Wheel blades: These use the car’s natural turning motion to take down zombies without extra power.
- Metal window plates: Welded on all windows, they let you check security by tapping (cling, cling—still good!).
- Battering ram/scoop: The V-shaped front acts as a scoop to deflect bodies, helping you break through large zombie masses.
- Armor plating: The team chose a textured, armor-like finish with rivets to mimic military-style protection, both functional and visually striking.
Each feature addresses a specific survival need—from security to mobility—proving that even non-experts can design practical tools with the right team.
content:From Design to Comic-Con Reveal
The car made its debut at Comic-Con, where Kirkman called the experience “absolutely ridiculous” and “remarkable.” Seeing his sketch turn into a real vehicle left him blown away. The collaboration with Hyundai let him “tear their car up and make it look crazy”—a fun departure from his usual work on comics.
It’s worth noting that Kirkman’s project isn’t just about zombies; it’s about resourcefulness. In a zombie apocalypse, survival depends on ingenuity—and this car embodies that spirit.
content:Toolbox & Action Guide
Immediately Actionable Checklist
- Add a V-shaped front to your car to deflect zombies and avoid jams.
- Install metal window plates for security (test them by tapping!).
- Attach wheel blades to use natural motion for zombie takedowns.
- Include a battering ram or scoop to break through hordes.
Advanced Resource Recommendations
- The Walking Dead: Survival Guide: Written by Kirkman, this book offers more zombie survival tips (perfect for expanding your apocalypse prep).
- Hyundai Elantra: Kirkman used this car as a base—its durability makes it a great starting point for any survival vehicle project.
content:Conclusion & Engagement
Kirkman’s zombie-proof car shows that even non-technical creators can design practical survival tools when they focus on real needs and collaborate with experts. The key takeaway? Resourcefulness beats expertise in an apocalypse.
When trying to design your own zombie car, which feature do you think is most important? Share your thoughts in the comments!