I loved The Walking Dead tv show when I finally got around to watching it a few years ago. The characters were compelling, the story was action-packed, and the elements of danger, found family, and tragedy were balanced well when characters faced off against zombies and amoral people. 

Of the comics, I prefer the black-and-white illustrations as it adds to the seriousness and terror of the comics rather than the full color comics. I was really surprised at how much darker - speaking to content - the comics were in comparison to the show. Characters were brutalized and beaten and terrified in a way that wasn't seen on the show. While I read the comics to see more of the characters I enjoyed in the show, it wasn't the most pleasant reading experience and I definitely felt compelled to take breaks when readings with the seriousness of the comics.  

If I had picked up the comics first with either no knowledge of the show, or not having first watched the show, I'm not sure how long I would have kept up with the comics. However, as a serious fan of the show, I enjoyed the comics and seeing the characters again.