MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Despite proclaiming himself “the worst public speaker ever, ever,” Image Comics partner Robert Kirkman reassured retailers at the ComicsPRO annual members meeting that retailers are important to the future of comics. While digital comics are coming, Kirkman assured the gathered retailers that printed comics are special, and that he sees them remaining the key form for comics sales.

Kirkman told a story of spending $120 in cab fare while on a business trip in order to get to a comic book store to buy a copy of “Savage Dragon.”

“Comics are special,” Kirkman said. “It’s not something that can easily translate” into other media.

Kirkman said even though his titles “Invincible” and “The Walking Dead” are available online via the comiXology comics iPhone app, sales of the printed editions have not changed. In fact, he said, printed comics sales have increased.

“We have this dedicated fan base,” Kirkman said, who will continue to seek out the print product.

Digital comics, Kirkman said, will be best used to seek out the next generation of readers.

“Image as a publisher is going to try to use digital to steer people to stores.”

Kirkman also gave a brief updated on the planned TV series based on “The Walking Dead.” He said news about casting should be coming soon, shooting would begin in May, and that he expected significant promotion at San Diego Comic-Con. He said Image would be using promotional opportunities from the show to direct fans to comic book stores.

- Matt Price