New ‘Walking Dead’ Season 3 Pic, Plus Details on Upcoming Preview Weekend!

Violent nerdgasm!  AMC has heard the cries (moans?) of rabid 'The Walking Dead' fans, and has decided to make the long wait until October for season 3 just a little more bearable.  One week prior to Comic-Con 2012, AMC will host a 'Walking Dead' preview weekend, replaying past episodes with new season 3 tidbits, and culminating in a live 'Talking Dead' event!  So what will we see from season 3, and when will it take place?

AMC has announced today that it will play host to a 'The Walking Dead' preview event weekend, taking place from July 7-8.  beginning at 11:30 a.m. each day, the network will replay all 19 episodes of the Robert Kirkman-adapted zombie series. Prior to each episode, 'Talking Dead' host Chris Hardwick will provide introductions and interviews from 'The Walking Dead' season 3 set, affording viewers their first look at some of the new locations from the upcoming season.  In addition, every episode with be wrapped with exclusive character and scene-specific content from the first two seasons, including behind-the-scenes footage and sit-down interviews with the cast.

It all culminates on Sunday night at 10:00 p.m., when 'Talking Dead' unleashes an all-new hourlong special live from Los Angeles, where Hardwick will give fans a first look at 'The Walking Dead' season 3, including a scene from the new season, video interviews with the cast, a tour of the new sets and a sneak peek at the props and wardrobes featured in season 3!

Speaking with in-studio guests including the show's executive producers and other celebrity fans, Hardwick will also preview the show's presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2012, as well as release a special code to viewers to enter 'The Walking Dead' Watch to Win Sweepstakes, where the winner will receive a trip to Atlanta and a "stagger on" role as a zombie.

Following the hour-long special, AMC will also broadcast the never-before-aired black and white version of the pilot episode "Days Gone Bye," keeping its monochrome appearance in tone with the art of the comics.

But wait, there's more!  Check out this brand-new photo from 'The Walking Dead' season 3, featuring Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) with a makeshift silenced pistol!  Tell us what you're most anticipating from the new season in the comments!