Zombie Virus Is Now Official

Information taken from BBC news here. Go check it out!

As crazy as it sounds, victims of a new strain of the swine flu virus, H1N1, have been reported in London. After death, the virus is able to restart the victim's heart for up to two hours. This person behaves in extremely violent ways from what is believed to be a combination of brain damage and a chemical released into the blood during resurrection.

This is the first article I have found with any mention of the "zombie" flu as a mutation of the swine flu. Something like this seems too bizarre to be true but I guess you never know. I'll post more info as I come across it (assuming it's true).

The Science Behind Real Zombies

You read it right. The Coolidge Corner Science On Screen series puts doctors and scientists in the driver's seat to explain how and why a movie could happen. Dr. Steven Schlozman, who teaches at Harvard Medical School and practices childhood and adolescent psychology at Mass General, gave the introduction lecture for George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Dr. Schlozman even interviewed Romero prior to his lecture.

So what did the good doctor have to say about everyone's favorite apocalyptic vision? Take a look:

Wow! New Dead Rising 2 Trailer!

There is no possible way words can be any better than watching this...



I... can't... wait!!!

Left 4 Dead - Free Trial Friday!

In case you're late to the game ...reeeaaal late, Valve is offering a free trial of the best zombie shooter out there. The free download will be available on Steam starting this Friday at 12:01 a.m. GMT. It is also worth mentioning that this is for the PC version only.

The trial version of Left 4 Dead will include full access to both the original game's content as well as the Survival Pack, but will only function for 24 hours without actually paying for the game.

Some Light Clarification...

I've received several emails concerning the Plants vs Zombies contest and just wanted to clarify a few things:

First, you do not need to be a FaceBook user and adopt a zombie there to qualify. You may still enter by including in your email what you would name your adopted zombie. Second, you do not need to be a FaceBook user to create a zombatar over at PopCap Games. Third, you will earn a bonus entry by including a pic of your zombatar in your email.

Sorry for any confusion, I was only trying to keep things fun. So.... email your name, address, and pet zombie's name to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "PVZ" as the subject. And because my son has created about a dozen zombatars, here's another one for you to enjoy:

I Love Sarah Jane

This is one of the coolest zombie short films I have seen. Written by David Michod and Spencer Susser (who also directs), the story is about thirteen year old Jimbo and his desire to be with Sarah Jane. We can all thank Andy R. for sending this one in. Enjoy!

Dead Rising 2 - Capcom Confirms Multiplayer

Capcom's head of research and developement, Keiji Inafune, confirms that Dead Rising 2 will offer multiplayer.

"We're at a point in game history that you need to have some form of multiplayer
component in a game," said Inafune, "Single-player alone is not going to cut it.
So rest assured we are going to put multiplayer in the game, but I can't go into
specifics about what type of multiplayer as that directly relates to some of the
game systems that we don't want to talk about at this event. It will be online
multiplayer, so keep that in mind."

It also sounds like we will be able to see up to 7,000 zombies on screen at once! Might want to dust off the original Dead Rising as we will probably not see this one until March 2010.

Current Contest Reminder

Just a reminder to enter the Plants vs Zombies contest. Five winners will take away a free copy of the game courtesy of PopCap Games.

To enter, email your name and address to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com and include the name of your adopted zombie friend. You can earn an additional entry by emailing me a picture of the zombatar you created over at PopCap Games. Contest runs until May 15th.

Though not elibible to win, here's the zombatar my four-year-old son created:

If you're not a FaceBook user and do not have access to PopCap's PvZ application, you are still eligible to win by simply including what name your would give to a zombie friend that you adopted.

Zombie Wranglers

Looks like XBox 360 owners can expect to see another downloadable zombie game. This is in addition to the game Zombie Apocalypse that we reported about earlier. Frozen Codebase is releasing Zombie Wranglers to the masses May 6th. From Frozen Codebase:

In ZOMBIE WRANGLERS, you play one of four quirky suburban tweens, charged with the onerous task of ridding your community of a mysterious zombie outbreak -- and being home for supper afterwards! Stagger (don't walk!) to your Xbox 360 on May 6th and become one of the ZOMBIE WRANGLERS

Zombatar? Zombatar? Where?

Over at PopCap Games, you can create your very own Zombatar! It just gets funner as the anticipation builds for the May 5th release of Plants vs Zombies. So head over and create your zombatar.

Don't forget about our Plants vs Zombies contest, either. Drop me an email at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with your address and the name of your adopted zombie for your chance to win. Complete details can be found here. To add to the fun, include a picture of your new zombatar to earn an additional entry!

Plants vs Zomies - Contest Now Live!

Plants vs Zombies looks to be another fun and addicting game being released on May 5th by PopCap Games. Readers here should already be aware of the game and great videos. If not, click here to check out the videos I posted earlier and here to register with PopCap Games for updates, a chance to play the game early, and even a discount on the purchase.

I'm also excited to announce that Zombies & Toys is currently having a contest that will conclude on Friday, May 15th. Two grand prize winners will receive a "goodie bag" and five other winners will receive a copy of the game! Thanks to PopCap Games for providing our great readers for this opportunity!

Entering is easy. Visit Plants vs Zombies on FaceBook and adopt a zombie. After doing so, email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with your name and address and tell me what name you gave your new adopted zombie. If you do not use FaceBook, you are still eligible by simply emailing what you would name your zombie friend. Don't forget to please put "PVZ" in the subject line. Let's keep this fun and PG rated so be mindful when naming your new zombie friend. You can also follow Plants vs Zombies on Twitter for all of their latest updates.

Winners will be announced on Monday, May 18th.

UPDATE: earn a second entry by including a pic of the "zombatar" you created at PopCap Games website!

Non-FaceBook users are still eligible to enter by emailing me the same info. One entery per person, please. Zombies & Toys is not responsible for adverse effects caused by entering or winning this contest including, but not limited to, stubbed toes, headaches, car accidents, acid rain, alcohol abuse, stock prices, loss of sleep, dirty dishes, or anything else you may want to try and hold me responsible for. Good luck and have fun!

Zombies & Toys Stuff

I have restocked the Zombies & Toys SWAG. If anyone is interested in showing their support, please pick something up! Here's what we have available:

Zombies & Toys 3" stickers
$1 shipped for 3

Zombies & Toys 1" buttons
$3 shipped for a pair

Zombies & Toys 2-sided keychain
$5 shipped

Zombies & Toys 3" button
$3 shipped

Zombies & Toys shirt (size Large)

$10 shipped

Zombies & Toys pocketwatch keychain
$6 shipped

Stickers are UV protected and are good for indoor or outdoor use. They are 3" round stickers. The keychains are 2 sided and made of a light metal. The image is protected by a clear coat and are very durable. Pocketwatch keychains are silver.

If interested, please simply send PayPal payment to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com and include in the memo what you are paying for. If you are interested in purchasing several of the same item, please email me at the same address before purchasing so that I can save you on shipping. If you're looking to spend a few more bucks, I have some items available at Cafe Press as well.

Dead Rising 2 Video

Not sure if everyone has seen this so I thought I'd put it up just in case.




It has been confirmed that the game will last 72 hours like it's predecessor. I have also read that the dead zombies will remain on the floor until you enter another loading area. That was my only real gripe with the first one. I didn't like that there wasn't a finite amount of zombies in an area. It has not been released whether or not an area can be "cleared out" of zombies rather than continuous respawining.

Robert Kirkman Interview

Newsarama.com recently posted an interview with The Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman. If you're reading this blog than that name should sound familiar. The Walking Dead is to zombie comics what The Zombie Survival Guide is to books of the genre.

I'm a few books behind so be warned that there are some mild spoilers in the interview. Not so much spoilers, maybe, but insights and references to things going on presently. So click here to go check it out.

Great News From October Toys!

I posted earlier about the release of a new way to purchase Z.O.M.B.I.E. figures from October Toys. Well, for those who have yet to subscribe to their mailing list there has been an update.

It seems the Horde of Z.O.M.B.I.E. toys will now contain 13 zombies of various types and colors rather than 10 of the same. And better yet? The price still stays the same at $10! Besides, the package is way cooler than the M.U.S.C.L.E. garbage can we used to get as tikes. Am I showing my age? Regardless, click here and git yourself some Z.O.M.B.I.E.s!

If you're on the fence, click here to read the review and view the pics I posted already.

Bought some already? Then head over to October Toys and register for updates. Nice bunch of folks on the forums as well if you want to chat with like-minded fans of zombies and toys (the objects, not the site).

Left 4 Dead - Downloadable Content Available Today

Again, I don't think I'm telling you anything you don't already know. However, be aware that the Left 4 Dead downloadable content was made available today for the low, low price of free.

The download features a new survival mode. This mode takes you to one of the many areas where an event triggers a horde attack. There, you will battle wave after wave of attacking dead. As the battle ensues, there is less time between spawings and, yes, the tanks are involved, too. The object of the game? Stay alive.

The download also makes available for Versus Mode play "Dead Air" and "Death Toll".

So whaddya waiting for? Oh, yeah. To finish reading today's updates! My bad.

Mutants - Another Zombie Movie Alert!!

The zombie movies keep coming and I hope this trend doesn't stop anytime soon. Let's just hope these upcoming zombie movies we're getting flooded with do well and make studios money. If they don't, I doubt we'll see more. I'm remaining optimistic as most of the ones reported on here look pretty good to me. I know, I know... blah, blah, blah, get to the movie....

This one-sheet was just released for the French-made zombie movie, Mutants. The plot sounds decent and this poster has me sold! I reported earlier about another French zombie film, The Horde, and professed my love for some of the horror titles to come from that country. In case you're too lazy to click the link, go watch Frontier(s), Them, and High Tension. There is no word on a US release of Mutants yet. Here's the official synopsis:

"In a world devastated by a pandemic virus that turns human beings into
primitive and bloodthirsty creatures, Marco and Sonia set off to find a secret
base to escape from the 'mutants'. When the latter attack them, Marco is
infected too. Little by little, he undergoes the same changes. Sonia, who is
expecting a baby, is then forced to fight her worst enemy, the man she loves."

Also worth mentioning:

Fox Atomic is closing its doors this week. With this news, we're hearing reports of upcoming movies being bumped over to Fox. One movie in particular? 28 Months Later. Months has been rumored but this is the first time Fox has mentioned it which gives it a somewhat official possibility!

Left 4 Dead downloadable content will be made available tomorrow!

Sick of the Plants vs Zombies videos? I'm not!

In preparation of the Plants vs Zombies game contest, I have decided to compile all of their videos in one post! You can thank me later. I, for one, can't wait to play this.

Don't forget to visit PopCap Games and register for updates. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to play the game in advance as well as get a discount on the purchase. If you're a FaceBook user, add Plants vs Zombies for more fun! You can post the music video on your page, adopt a zombie friend, and will soon be able to create your own zombie avatar. Finally, follow Plants vs Zombies on Twitter for all of the latest updates.

Finally, Zombies & Toys will be launching our Plants vs Zombies contest this Friday! The kind folks over at PopCap Games are sponsoring. Two lucky winners will receive a Plants vs Zombies goodie bag and five runners-up will receive a copy of the game! The contest will kick-off this Friday, April 24th and will conclude on Friday, May 15th. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 18th.

Entering is easy. Visit Plants vs Zombies on FaceBook and adopt a zombie. After doing so, email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with your name and address and tell me what name you gave your new adopted zombie. Don't forget to please put "PVZ" in the subject line. Let's keep this fun and PG rated so be mindful when naming your new zombie friend.

Now on to the videos!











Non-FaceBook users are still eligible by emailing me the same info. Zombies & Toys is not responsible for adverse effects caused by entering or winning this contest including, but not limited to, stubbed toes, headaches, car accidents, acid rain, alcohol abuse, stock prices, loss of sleep, dirty dishes, or anything else you may want to try and hold me responsible for. Good luck and have fun!

Zombieland - Some Pics

Not much of an update but a little something to wet your appetite. After posting last week about Woody Harrelson's attack on what he thought was a zombie, here's a bit of a follow-up. I managed to find some pictures of a post-apocalyptic Hollywood from his upcoming movie, Zombieland.

Due for release this fall, it's a zombie-comedy whose final acts take place in an amusement park. Hence the movie's name. Well, a small update is better than no update so enjoy the pics!

Night of the Living Dead with Bunnies!

I can't believe I haven't posted this before! There's a website where a bunch of movies are all redone by animated bunny rabbits and reduced to 30 seconds. Pulp Fiction, Jaws, No Country For Old Men, and... Night of the Living Dead.

So sit back and enjoy. Just don't make popcorn as the clip will be over when you come back.

American Zombie Contest Results

Ok, so I'm a little behind with this one. But take a glance over this week's updates and you'll see why. As most of you already know, the contest for a free download of American Zombie concluded last week. Even though I'm not posting the winners until now, I did notify Jessica at New Video Digital on Saturday. So the two lucky winners should have already received their download codes and have seen the movie!

So a boisterous "Congratulations!" and big "Thank you!" to our two winners:

Tracey Byram and Don Stephan


There will also be some bags-o-swag mailed out next week for some lucky runners-up! So those of you who are fans of Zombie & Toys can proudly show their support! If you did not win, you can purchase a copy by clicking on the iTunes button below. A sincere "Thank You" to all of those who entered and don't forget to check back next week as we'll be giving away copies of Plants vs Zombies from PopCap Games!



So, what about the answers to the question for a bonus entry? Here are some of my favorites:
"If you were a zombie, what job would you want and why?"

If I were a zombie I would be a butler at a haunted house. - Chelsea J.

To star in a video game because my kids love them. - Kathy S.

If I were to be a Zombie, I think I would want the job of teaching all the new Zombies how to make it in their brave new world. - Donna C.

If I were a zombie, I would want to work janitorial at theslaughterhouse, because then I'd get paid AND get all theblood, guts, and brains I can eat. - Auriette L.

I'd deliver newspapers since I know from experience that it's done before daylight and it would be cooler. I wouldn't want to have a job in the hot sun especially since I live in the South. - Tamara B.

If I were a zombie I'd keep my current job. I work in a factory and I think a zombie could do a great job! - David C.

If I were a zombie, I would want to own a Halloween store. I love halloween and it would bring in tons of customers! - Teresa C.

If I was a zombie I would want to be a brain surgeon. - Kelly F.

If I were a zombie, I would still want to be a mom... So I'd be a zombie mom. - Heidi K.

I'd want to work in a funeral home if I was a zombie because I would feel right at home with my fellow dead. - Joni C.

The job I would like to have if I were a Zombie would be that guy that is the first to enter a cursed tomb on an archeological dig. Thems things are sometimes booby trapped, and so I could by pass them undead, and be the first to see what no other has seen in hundreds or thousands of years. - Jennifer C.

The job I would want as a zombie would be an usher at a movie theatre because it can be very dark in there making attacks easier. - Latessha W.

If I were a zombie I would try to be the first zombie ball boy in Major League Baseball. I could definitely keep the fans from reaching-out over the field. Hit by a line drive, no problem. - Ken R.

If I were a zombie I would want to be a dog trainer because to have a pack of zombie dogs at your side makes you one bad ass zombie, and quite possibly the leader of the horde. - Jeffrey K.

Work in a tv station. Much of the work is mind numbing and brainless. As a zombie, it probably wouldn't bother you quite as much... - George G.

If I was a zombie I'd want to work in Fast food cause it would fit. - Gary E.

If I were a zombie, I would make a good living as a scavenger, walking around the bottom of the ocean looking for sunken treasure. - Holden H.

I would want to run a day care, I'd keep those little demons in their place! - Donna P.

If I was a zombie I'd want the job of scavenger so I can clean up the human scraps the other zombies didn't eat so that nothing gets wasted. - Laura D.

If I was a zombie I'd want the job of official brain taster so I could figure out who had the best tasting ones. - David J.

My job as a Zombie would be a NFL runningback. Only a shot to the head could stop me from reaching the endzone. - Ken K.

If I were a zombie I would have the job as the director of a homeless shelter! - Anne T.

The FX Show!

While not exactly a zombie update, I wanted to let everyone know that the FX International show opens today. It looks to be a good time with plenty of special guests and events. Leonard Nemoy (Star Trek), Ray Park (Star Wars), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Julie Benz (Dexter), and Jason Miller (Day of the Dead) are among the many celebrities you will find.

Our good friends at Zombie Head will be there with their unique zombie crafts and Bent Wookie will also be representing. You Bent My Wookie is also giving away a Pop Culture Action Figure Package from Mezco Toys! Entering the contest is easy, click here and fill out the information. While you're over there, peruse around and take in the greatness!

The FX Show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year from April
17-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida.

On Saturday at 10 am, Disney world will be doing a panel to give
information about star wars weekends and the exclusive collectibles for
the events on the main stage of the show. We have just received word
that The Disney team running the event will be giving away a few of the
SW Weekends Exclusives at the panel to lucky attendees weeks before
anyone will be able to buy them at the theme parks.

The Finnish Disco!

You may ask why a zombie news site would post the incredible, Finnish Disco video you are about to watch. But after you've seen the Plants vs Zombies video I posted earlier, you'll know why. It turns out, this video was the inspiration for the loveable zombies' dance moves!

So sit back and enjoy the funny! And don't forget, Zombies & Toys will be giving away 5 copies of the game thanks to PopCap Games! Expect details next week!

October Toys Update

Our friends over at October Toys sent out some info to those on their email list. If you haven't checked them out yet, I seriously suggest it. I talked about their Z.O.M.B.I.E. and Gwin toys in an earlier post.

My first experience with OT was as a customer. I was drawn to their site by the Z.O.M.B.I.E. toys and had been getting my feet wet with collectible vinyl toys. From the point of view of a customer, their service was top-notch! Fast, friendly emails. Quickly delivered products. What more could you ask for?

Well, George and the crew have stepped it up a notch for us over here at Zombies & Toys. They are sponsoring our July contest give-a-way! I'll provide more details as the sun-filled month approaches. But in the meantime, take in the updates and make sure to stop by and say "Hi" at their booth during the San Diego Comic Con!

First, they have made available a zombie horde to purchase. It's a package of 10 Z.O.M.B.I.E. all the same of different colors. Selling for $10 and arriving in some sweet packaging! Go buy some and get more details here.

From April 17th through the 19th, October Toys will be vending at the Los Angeles Fangoria convention at the Los Angeles Convention Cetner. Come by table #10 to check out the Z.O.M.B.I.E.s and Gwins! Click here for more info on how to view live streaming video of the show.

Some GWINS have been marked down. If you've been holding out, take advantage now. I know I will be!

More Things To Check Out

Why? Because I said so. Have I led you wrong yet? Actually, I can't take the credit for all of the goodies you're about to be linked to. Big thanks to Jeffrey for emailing me with some fun zombie readin'!

Cracked does it again. I posted yesterday their article telling us the scientific reasons the zombie apocalypse could happen. Well, I'm sending you over there again today to read about their various zombie contigency plans.



Next up is a list of 8 Games That Need a Zombie Mode over at PWN or DIE. 8? My opinion may be slightly biased, but I think it should be mandatory that EVERY game have a zombie mode. How freakin' cool would that be? Devil May Cry, with unlimited ammo and crazy swords? Ace Combat, where you attack zombies tied to hot air balloons? I've never played Animal Crossing but I guarantee if it had a zombie mode I'd be on it like white on rice!

Left 4 Dead is without a doubt the beez-neez of zombie games right now. I shelved the game for a while to play some other titles and post nonsense on the interwebs. So now I'm obviously rusty and just when I start to think it's time to dust it off and hop online, I see a video like this. Heck, I'm lucky to get a single kill as an infected and this guy seems to fly through the air like Superman!





Finally, if you live in or around Smyrna, Tennessee you may have the opportunity to be a zombie. There is a casting call for zombie extras to be featured in a new movie called Dead Start. The Tennessean reports that would-be zombies will start by attending a Zombie Class at 119 Front St. in Smyrna from 7-8 a.m. on April 26.

Just a reminder, if you have some zombie news you would like to share email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com. If your news is featured in an update, I'll send you some Zombies & Toys swag. So don't forget to include your address!

Zombie Massacre: New Wii Exclusive Slaughterfest!

It looks like the Wii is growing up. It seems more and more titles I need to exlude my kids from are getting released. Not that I'm complaining. I mean, who doesn't want a game where you and three of your friends can drive around hitting and shooting zombies with a nuclear bomb strapped to the back!

You read that last part right. It sounds like the game is basically one person driving and the other three shooting masses of zombies while trying to deliver a bomb to the center of town. Along the way, you can pick up upgrades to the car you are driving. And just to keep things interesting, one of the playable characters is rapper/actor DMX. It has also been said that Uwe Boll will not only be doing a movie adaptation but will also appear in the game as a zombie.

1988 Games may be onto something with this on. Crazy Taxi with zombies and three drunk friends? Where do I sign?

Zombie Apocalypse: New Dowloadable Game From Konami

Zombie Apocalypse is a download only shooter being brought to the XBox Live and Playstation Network this summer. A four player simultaneous slaughter fest, ZA will allow co-op play online as-well-as local play. From the videos I've seen, game play is reminiscent of Smash TV (for those of us old enough to remember). One stick will character movement while the other direction of fire.

The goal is to survive 55 days of zombie attacks. You will have an arsenal of ranged and melee weapons and, of course, the environment can be used to your advantage. There will also be a range of unlockable play modes. Attempts on my part to speak to someone at Konami were futile. You can't fault me for trying!

5 Scientific Reasons the Zombie Apocalypse Could Happen

Here's another great article I stumbled upon that I can take no credit for. I found this on Cracked.com and I ask that everyone click here to read the original version complete with illustrations. I always feel like I'm copping out when I post someone elses work but when it's good, it's good. So let's just consider this post another example of my doing your zombie homework for you. Enjoy:



#5 Brain Parasites
seen in Resident Evil

What? These are parasites that turn victims into mindless, zombie-like slaves are fairly common in nature. There's one called Toxoplasma gondii that seems to devote its entire existence to being terrifying.
This bug infects rats, but can only breed inside the intestines of a cat. The parasite knows it needs to get the rat inside the cat (yes, we realize this sounds like the beginning of the most fucked-up Dr. Seuss poem ever) so the parasite takes over the rat's freaking brain, and intentionally makes it scurry toward where the cats hang out. The rat is being programmed to get itself eaten, and it doesn't even know. There are similar parasites that infect ants, slugs, and even fish. All performing in the same mannor: infecting the host and causing it to act against its will.

How? Hey, did we mention that half the human population on Earth is infected with toxoplasmosa, and don't know it? Hey, maybe you're one of them. Flip a coin.
Oh, also, they've done studies and shown that the infected see a change in their personality and have a higher chance of going batshit insane.

Odds? Humans and rats aren't all that different; thats why they use them to test our drugs. All it takes is a more evolved version of toxoplasma, one that could to do us what it does to the rats.

If you're comforting yourself with the thought that it may take forever for such a parasite to evolve, you're forgetting about all the biological weapons programs around the world, intentionally weaponizing such bugs. You've got to wonder if the lab workers don't carry out their work under the unwitting command of the toxoplasma gondii already in their brains. If you don't want to sleep at night, that is.
You may be protesting that technically these people have never been dead and thus don't fit the dictionary definition of "zombies," but we can assure you that the distinction won't matter a whole lot once these groaning hordes are clawing their way through your windows.

#4 Neurotoxins

seen in The Serpent and the Rainbow

What? There are certain kinds of poisons that slow your bodily functions to the point that you'll be considered dead. The poison from fugu (Japanese blowfish) can do this.
The victims can then be brought back under the effects of a drug like datura stramonium (or other chemicals called alkaloids) that leave them in a trance-like state with no memory, but still able to perform simple tasks like eating, sleeping, moaning and shambling around with their arms outstretched.

How? This stuff has happened in Haiti; that's where the word "zombie" comes from. There are books about it, the most famous ones by Dr. Wade Davis (Passage of Darkness and The Serpent and the Rainbow). Yes, the movie The Serpent and the Rainbow was based on this guy's actual science stuff.
What is definitely true is the story of Clairvius Narcisse. He was a Haitian guy who was declared dead by two doctors and buried in 1962. They found him wandering around the village 18 years later. It turned out the local voodoo priests had been using naturally occurring chemicals to basically zombify people and putting them to work on the sugar plantations (no, really).

Odds? On the one hand, it's already happened! So that earns it some street cred right off the bat. But, even if some evil genius intentionally distributed alkaloid toxins to a population to turn them into a shambling, mindless horde, there is no way to make these zombies aggressive or cannabalistic.

#3 The Real Rage Virus

seen in 28 Days/Weeks Later

What? In the movie, it was a virus that turned human beings into mindless killing machines. In real life, we have a series of brain disorders that do the same thing. They were never contagious, of course. Then, Mad Cow Disease came along. It attacks the cow's spinal cord and brain, turning it into a stumbling, mindless attack cow.
And, when humans eat the meat ...

How? When Mad Cow gets in humans, they call it Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Check out the symptoms:

• Chainges in gait (walking)
• Hallucinations
• Lack of coordination (stumbling and falling)
• Muscle twitching
• Myoclonic jerks or seizures
• Rapidly developing delirium or dementia

Sure, the disease is rare (though maybe not as rare as we think) and the afflicted aren't known to chase after people in murderous mobs. Yet.
But, it proves widespread brain infections of the Rage variety are just a matter of waiting for the right disease to come along.

Odds? If the whole sudden, mindless violence idea seems far-fetched, remember that you are just one brain chemical (serotonin) away from turning into a mindless killing machine (they've tested it by putting rats in Deathmatch-style cages and watching them turn on each other). All it would take is a disease that destroys the brain's ability to absorb that one chemical and suddenly it's a real-world 28 Days Later. So, imagine such an evolved disease, which we'll call Super Mad Cow getting a foothold through the food supply. Say this disease spreads through blood-on-blood contact, or saliva-on-blood contact. Now you have a Rage-type virus that can be transmitted with a bite.

#2 Neurogenesis

seen in laboratories now

What? You know all that conversy out there about stem cell research? Well, the whole thing with stem cells is that they can basically be used to re-generate dead cells. Particularly of interest to zombologists like ourselves is neurogenesis, the method by which they can re-grow dead brain tissue. You can see where this is going.

How? Science can pretty much save you from anything but brain death; they can swap out organs but when the brain turns to mush, you're gone. Right? Well, not for long. They're already able to re-grow the brains of comatose head trauma patients until they wake up and walk around again. Couple that with the new ability to keep a dead body in a state of suspended animation so that it can be brought back to life later, and soon we'll be able to bring back the dead, as long as we get to them quickly enough. That sounds great, right? Well, this lab dedicated to "reanimation research" (yes, that's what they call it) explains how the process of "reanimating" a person creates a problem. It causes the brain to die off from the outside in. The outside being the cortex, the nice part of you that makes humans human. That just leaves the part that controls basic motor function and primitive instincts behind.

You don't need the cortex to survive; all you need is the stem and you'll still be able to mindlessly walk and eat. This is how chickens can keep walking around after they've been beheaded (including one case where the chicken lived for 18 months without a head). So, you take a brain dead patient, use these techniques to re-grow the brain stem, and you now have a mindless body shambling around, no thoughts and no personality, nothing but a cloud of base instincts and impulses.

Odds? Think about it. Under every legal system in the world, all rights and responsibilities are terminated at death. All it takes is someone with resources and a need for a mindless workforce of totally obedient slave labor. How long until somebody tries this?

#1 Nanobots

seen in Michael Crichton's novel Prey, The PS2 game Nano Breaker

What? Nanobots are microscopic, self-replicating robots that can invisbily build--or destroy--anything. Vast sums of money are being poured into nanotechnology.

How? Scientists have already created a nano-cyborg, by fusing a tiny silicone chip to a virus. The first thing they found out is these cyborgs can still operate for up to a month after the death of the host. According to studies, within a decade they'll have nanobots that can crawl inside your brain and set up neural connections to replace damaged ones. That's right; the nanobots will be able to rewire your thoughts. What could possibly go wrong?

Odds? Some day there will be nanobots in your brain. Those nanobots will be programmed to keep functioning after you die. They can form their own neural pathways, meaning they can use your brain to keep operating your limbs after you've deceased and, presumably, right up until you rot to pieces in mid-stride.

The nanobots will be programmed to self-replicate, and the death of the host will mean the end of the nanobots. To preserve themselves, they'd need to transfer to a new host. Therefore, the last act of the nanobot zombie would be to bite a hole in a healthy victim, letting the nanobots steam in and set up camp in the new host. Once in, they can shut down the part of the brain that resists (the cortex) and leave the brain stem intact. They will have added a new member to the unholy army of the undead.

Now, it should be more than clear by this point that our goal is to be responsible researchers. We don't want to create a panic here. All we're saying is that on an actual day on the actual calendar in the future, runaway microscopic nanobots will end civilization by flooding the planet with the cannabalistic undead. Science has proven it.

The Good Book, Now Even Better

I'll be honest, I have as much interest in reading the Bible as I do watching grass grow. But throw in some zombies? Chances are if you are reading this blog you, like me, are not sick of the zombification of all things. Heck, give me more! More movies! More books! More toys! More zombies!

It was only a matter of time. Stinque.com has started something that should have been thought of a long time ago. They have begun a Wiki-type zombification of the King James Bible. Yup. It's easy to navigate and create or edit your favorite Bible tale by adding some zombies.

Blasphemy be damned. Head over and help work on Stinque's Zombie Bible!

Exodus 1:9 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
He was a Zombie King, which was just about the coolest thing ever up to that
point. Seriously, how cool is that?

Plants vs Zombies: The Fun Continues

PopCap Games has more fun videos to promote their new game, Plants vs Zombies! I, for one, cannot get the song from the original video out of my head. It probably doesn't help that I play it once or twice a day. Regardless, enjoy some videos of Temp Worker Zombie:





Don't forget to check out Plants vs Zombies on FaceBook where you can adopt and name a zombie. The game releases on May 5th and we'll be having 5 copies of the game to give away to some lucky readers courtesy of PopCap Games! Not only are they giving away copies of the game, but two lucky readers will receive a Plants vs Zombies "goodie bag"!

Contest will launch next Friday the 24th and we'll post specific details on Monday.

Misc News and an Attack On A Zombie ...sorta

First up is some older news but entertaining none-the-less. I mentioned before the zombie comedy Zombieland due out this fall. Well, looks like one of the stars, Woody Harrelson, assaulted a real zombie at the airport. Oh, wait, it's a photographer. Honest mistake.

Woody's publicist released a statement from Woody stating, "I wrapped a movie called 'Zombieland,' in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character. With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo, who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie."

I was notified of a zombie walk this Saturday the 18th. It will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Participants are asked to be there by 9:30. For more information, please visit the SoCal Zombie Walk web page here. Sounds like a good time for a good cause. So head out, have fun, and be safe!

While not totally zombie related, I found news that purchasers of the deluxe edition of Resident Evil 5 in Asia will get a cool little treat. It's a RE5 chainsaw flash drive. Is there anything left that hasn't been made into a flash drive? I'm a sucker for those things!

An Easter Treat: Zombie Jesus

Well, it's Easter. And what better way for a zombie news site to celebrate than by posting some pics of the original zombie for all to enjoy. So as a sort of tie-in to the zombie demotivational posters and fun zombie signs that were posted earlier, here's a few pics of Jesus for you to enjoy.

Next week we'll have the results and highlights from our American Zombie contest. There were some unique, funny, and well-thought answers to the question about employment. We'll also have another review for you of some miniature zombie figures.