The Walking Dead is coming to a TV (and other platforms) near you – October 31 to be exact. Don’t be left in the dark and wait to the last minute to catch up before the premiere episode. Here’s a handy listing of just how you or friend or spouse or grandmother or that crazy drunk uncle you’d rather not talk to anymore can read one of the most exciting series in comic book history.

1. Trade Paperbacks The easiest and most affordable way to get caught up with The Walking Dead are the good old soft covers. Currently there are 12 volumes, each collecting 6 issues; up to issue #72 (Volume 13 is expected November 17, 2010). Each book is roughly 136 pages and are $14.99.

2. Hardcovers A step up from the trades are the very nice hardcover editions that look great on the bookshelf. So far 5 books have been published, each collecting 12 issues; up to issue #60 (Volume 6 is slated for October 13, 2010). Each book is roughly 304 pages and are $34.99. A little more pricey but I feel that this is the best way to read the series. These books have also been published in limited /signed editions and a most contain bonus material like commentary and pencil sketches.

3. The Walking Dead Omnibus HCs Back in 2005 Image released the Over-sized Slipcase Hardcover that collected issues #1-24. It had a print run of only 3000 and priced at $100.00 quickly sold out. It was followed up with a Volume 2 in 2009 that collected issues #25-48, that one is still available. I see no reason with Image would not continue with this format. Like the Hardcovers, they have abundant bonus material and were available as signed editions limited to 300 copies.

4. The Walking Dead Compendium Volume 1 A nice alternative to the over-sized hardcovers is the Compendium although it is one huge Softcover book. It tops out at 1, 088 pages, has a price of $59.00 and collects #1-48. It was first released in May, 2009 and quickly sold out. Image will be releasing a New Printing of this book in the next few weeks.

But wait there’s more…

5. None of the trade paperbacks include the covers to the series, so you may want to consider picking up The Walking Dead Covers HC, $24.99 (expected October 2010). A great coffee table and conversation piece to have and to show to you non-comic book friends!

6. For those of you who have fully embraced the Digital Age of Comics, Image recently launched their iTunes App (with ComiXology) and now offers The Walking Dead right to your Apple device. The series is completely up to date and are available for $1.99 each or packaged together (standard six-issues story arcs) at $9.99.

7. Finally for the Über-enthusiast – and if you can find it – there is the The Walking Dead Script Book from October, 2005. This has the complete and unedited scripts for the first six issues. Well worth it and a nice addition to my collections. To be honest I’m not sure if this material has been printed in the collected editions.

Already own The Walking Dead? What way is best for you? Or your crazy drunk uncle?