Who Wants Free Max Brooks 'Recorded Attacks' Downloads?

As reported earlier, October 6th will bring us Max Brooks' latest, The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks. If you're eager to sport some free screen savers, desktop wallpapers, and even read a chapter, click here. ...Then start counting down the days!

While you're at it, check out Max Brooks on Countdown With Keith Olbermann by visiting MSNBC.com.

More Scientifically-Proven, Live-Saving Advice For Surviving Attacks From The Undead

The science of zombies and zombie survival is one of my favorite topics to read about. Unfortunately, it'll probably take you longer to read the title of this post than the post itself...

The Escapist posted an article centered around the thoughts of physicist Davide Cassi from the Università di Parma in Italy. Cassi asked himself, "If I were being chased by predatory 'random walkers,' what would be the best hiding place to maximize my chances of survival?" Of course, we both know that "random walkers" are zombies.

Cassi used a physics model he calls the random walking model to predict the zombies' movement. This simple movement does not take into consideration a zombie's ability to "hunt" nor your ability to defend yourself. The model did prove that your best chances of survival are higher if you remain motionless in a complex structure. Hospitals, schools, malls, or any place with a vast amount of rooms, stairs, floors, and hallways will be your key to survival.

To (kinda) see this model in action, check out the previous post about the Zombie Attack Simulator.

Click here to read more posts about the science of zombies.

"Zomb" from threeA Toys

I gathered some information about a new-ish zombie figure from ToysREvil. Brought to us by threeA Toys, the Zomb figures stand 12" and are fully articulated. The details on these guys are amazing. Have a look...

BOILER ZOMB, the first figure in the ADVENTURE KARTEL line from threeA toys. Ol' Boiler is 1/6th 12" in size and is fully articulated, his best friend BOTHEAD is also included ! Boiler will set you back 87 bucks USD and that price includes shipping. If you feel inclined to dip a fetid toe in the Zomb pool, head over to BAMBALAND!

Left 4 Dead Crash Course DLC Available Today

Just a quick reminder that the downloadable mission, Crash Course, is available today. Look for me online tomorrow night poppin' some caps. Give me a yell, "xnoybis zombie"!

"Left 4 Dead's Crash Course starts with our Survivors right after their rescue helicopter from the No Mercy campaign crash lands on the outskirts of town. This two chapter campaign includes Co-op, Survival and Versus action, and ten new achievements."

Contest Reminders - enter now!

Wednesday the 30th is the last day to enter for your chance to win an print of Zombie Sam autographed by artist, Billy Tackett. Full details on how to win can be found here.

And while you're at it... don't forget to enter this month's second contest. Deadline is Friday, September 4th for you chance to win a copy of Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Ettiquette for the Living Dead. A humorous take on how to cope both with and as one of the living dead. Full details can be found here.

Thank you to Billy Tackett and Source Books for both sponsoring this month. Good luck to everyone who has entered! Look for October's contest to launch Monday the 5th.

Horror Realm - Part Two

So I'm back to wrap up my report on Horror Realm. Read the first part to hear about Frank Serrao, Robert Cordray, S.G. Browne, and Billy Tackett.

During my visit, I had the honor of meeting Kim Paffenroth. Kim is the author of several zombie novels including one of my personal favorites, Dying to Live. He has also written Gospel of the Living Dead: George Romero's Visions of Hell on Earth, The World Is Dead, History Is Dead: A Zombie Anthology, Dying to Live: Life Sentence, as well as many others. Kim's Amazon page can be found here and you can check out Kim's blog here. Kim not only took the time to the book I brought and ones I purchased, he was also kind enough to offer a book for one of our contests and answer some fun zombie questions! Here's what Kim had to say:

If we were in the midst of a zombie fight and you were bitten, would you want me shoot you or leave you be? I don’t think being a zombie is going to be that bad so I’m going to say I’ll go sit under a tree.

If you were a zombie and had the opportunity to eat anyone's brain in the world, who's brain would you eat? That’s a tough one. On one end you should say a smart person, but on the other it would be nice to get someone who’s really bad. So you know, I think the world would be better off without Dick Cheney’s brain functioning. Its not doing us any good at the moment. I don’t know if I want that on the internet. I’ll have the secret service after me. (note to secret service reading: we were both laughing over this answer so please don't bust down Kim's door)

If we were going to make a Kim Paffenroth toy, would you be a zombie or a hero? I don’t know about hero... Okay, zombie slayer... I'd be the guy behind the scenes trying to organize the community.

What accessories would you come with? A Book and Binoculars.

Thanks to Kim Paffenroth for his time and kindness. I will probably be offering up all of the books and swag I obtained early next year. So don't wait around to check out some of his books!

I also had the opportunity to speak to Travis Adkins. Travis is responsible for several zombie novels including another one of my favorites, Twilight of the Dead. Travis was kind enough to offer his follow-up to Twilight, After Twilight: Walking with the Dead, for review. So (hopefully) I'll have that posted soon!

Also in attendance at Horror Realm was Ken Foree from Romero's Dawn of the Dead. Meeting Ken was really the only thing I found disappointing at Horror Realm. He declined to offer any comments to the few brief questions I had and didn't seem too thrilled to even sign a photo. I was able to catch him early on for a photo, though.

There were a hand full of vendors available in addition to all of the great guests in attendance. My personal favorite was the display provided by Sourpuss clothing and accessories. There was a large selection of genre shirts and even a large selection of children's sizes and onesies for the baby. Here are some pics of my son modeling his new zombie shirt. Actually, it's a young Frankenstein-type but I'm not going to tell him that. He's been wanting a zombie shirt for awhile.

Here are some pics of the other displays at the show:

Oh! I almost forgot... Here are the answers to the questions I asked of Frank Serrao.

If we were together when you were bitten by a zombie, would you want me to shoot you? Yes, blow my head off my shoulders!

If you were a zombie and could eat anyone's brain in the world, who would it be? Osama Bin Laden's to make sure he is payed back for all the destruction he caused.

If we were making you into a toy, would you be a zombie or a hero? A Zombie with sharp teeth.

When the zombie apocalypse happens, where do you want to be? Anywhere in a large military tank with plenty of food and fuel.

Frank was also kind enough to share the latest painting of The Grey Suit Zombie!

Dead Rising 2 News ...LOTS of Dead Rising 2 News

So I hear the folks over at Capcom were becoming jealous of all the attention Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 has been getting on Zombies & Toys. As a result, they have dropped a ton of Dead Rising 2 news to report on. Okay, so maybe Capcom doesn't know ZT even exists. But, hey, I still have a ton of Dead Rising 2 news to report!

First, is the official announcement that DR2 will have multiplayer. So, once zombies invade the entertainment hub of Fortune City (think, Las Vegas) what else is there to do but capitalize on it? Bring in the television show, "Terror is Reality". This show allows you and three friends to compete in a series of zombie killing challenges. Sounds like fun but a multiplayer story mode would be nice, too.

The goal of the challenges is to slay more zombies than your opponents. Winning will give you a large paycheck and allow you to come back for more prizes. The challenges are over the top and consist as fun romps like running over zombies in giant hampster balls, riding through hordes of undead on a motorcycle with chainsaws on the handlebars, and putting buckets on the zombies' heads. You'll even have the opportunity to see slow motion replays on the jumbotron screen!

Check out the new screen shots below and check out the additional news that follows.

This next bit of news comes from GamePro and I must admit, I thought it was a hoax. It looks like Frank West from from the original Dead Rising will be featured in a Wii exclusive fighting game, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom.

It looks like Frank will use basic fighting moves. What's really exciting are his special moves. He has a baseball bat Grand Slam, golf club Giant Swing, and (of course) some zombie moves. He can summon zombies to throw, one that will grab an opponent from the opposite side of the screen, and even a zombie horde.

Featured Artist: Jaden Nagy

This is our last featured artist this month. I'd like to thank Billy Tackett, Drew Falchetta, and Colby Blair for taking the time and participating. Special thanks to Billy for donating this month's prize of an autographed Zombie Sam print. Special thanks also to Drew for using his talents to paint the Zombies & Toys logo (more on that later). And, finally, congratulations to Colby for tying the knot this month.

I had intended to feature more zombie Etsy shops and the talents of other zombie fans this month but my ambitions are greater then my free time, I'm afraid. I haven't abandoned those ideas, though. So expect to see some home-grown zombie goodies in the future.

Anyway, on to this weeks featured artist. Jaden Nagy is a 4 1/2 year-old zombie fan. He's been drawing zombies for about a year and enjoys playing with zombie toys. So, yeah, Jaden is my son if you haven't figured that out yet. I asked Jaden some zombie related questions, mostly softened up a bit. I'll write his responses as a simple Q & A as even that way some of his answers a bit difficult to understand. I had fun all month with those who have participated but especially with this one. I hope you get a chuckle reading!

Why do you like zombies? Because I watch zombie movies. (he doesn't; I won't let him... yet)

Whats your favorite zombie movie? The Halo one. (he doesn't play Halo, either)

Would you like to be a zombie? Maybe.

Do you think it would be fun? No no, I’m going to be a space guy astronaut for Halloween.

What would you eat if you were a zombie? Zombies like pink goo. (he's not too far off with that one)

Why do you like to draw zombies? Because I draw each picture of zombies because I color them and put them on the xbox and take pictures. (no clue? but he does play some games on the 360)

Whats your favorite zombie? I like the blue, purple, red, with black eyes. (I think he's referring to October Toys' Z.O.M.B.I.E. toys)

Do you like to play with zombie toys? Yeah, cause I buy them in the store.

What store? At the clear man store. You have to take an airplane and turn there, and turn there, and turn there. That’s how you get there.

What’s your favorite zombie game? First Zombie, like, because you blast them. That’s how you blast the zombie. Lookie how I blast the zombie (flings rubber band). That’s how you shoot the zombies.

What’s the name of that game? Third Zombies.

Is there anything else you would like to tell me about zombies? Zombie come out in the dark and in the day and they are silly and they are crazy.

There you have it, folks. The thoughts of a four-year-old whose father is a zombie nut and shares his passion with his son. Below are some of Jaden's zombie works with titles when available.

"Zombies"

"Zombie With One Arm and One Ear"

Live-Action Xombie Movie On Horizon

Several sites are reporting that Disney's Dreamworks is in negotiations to purchase the movie rights to Xombie. I'll admit, I've never heard of Xombie until now. Apperantly, it began as an animated online series, moved on to a comic, and is now being turned into an illustrated film.

Xombie is the story of a zombie cop named Dirge who is trying to save humanity from evil zombies. Check out the official site here. Xombie was created by James Farr.

Left 4 Dead Downloadable Content and L4D2 Demo

Now, don't get me wrong, I likes me some Left 4 Dead. But I'm tired of reporting on Left 4 Dead news so I'm keeping this on brief.

The new downloadable mission, Crash Course, will be available on Tuesday, Sept 29th. I should be up late gaming on Wed the 30th, so if anyone wants to join me look for "xnoybis zombie". Make sure to mention Zombies & Toys if sending a friend request. This new mission will also bring us a total of 60 achievements.

Also announced is the Left 4 Dead 2 demo will be available on October 27th. I was hoping to have it sooner but, hey, I'll still check it out!

Speaking of Left 4 Dead 2, don't forget to vote on our first poll in the margin.

Horror Realm Report

As many of you know, I had the opportunity to attend Horror Realm this past weekend in Pittsburgh, PA. It was the first horror specific convention I have attended. I know, I know… I hope you don’t think less of me. I do attend regular geek …er, comic and toy conventions on a regular basis.

Overall I had a great time. I was able to put faces to some familiar names, have some conversations with interesting people, and bring back some swag for the fine readers of Zombies & Toys! You can expect a “part 2” to my Horror Realm report as I have more pics, notes, and information to go through yet.

The first person I had the pleasure of meeting was Frank Serrao who is better known as The Gray Suit Zombie from George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Frank was one of the genuinely nicest people I have met. If you ever have the opportunity to meet him, make sure to stop by and say “Hi”. Besides, it’ll give you the opportunity to see first hand the Gray Suit Zombie sculpture that has been featured on Zombies & Toys. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, please check out this month’s feature on Colby Blair.


Frank introduced me to an author I was unfamiliar with and whose books I purchased, Robert Cordray. His books, Memoirs of a Haunted Man: A Zombie Trilogy and Zombies 101: Knowledge Is Survival are in my possession and on my very long list of books to read. Even better is Robert took the time to answer some fun questions I had prepared in addition to donating an autographed copy of one of his books to be given away to one of you! Here’s what Robert had to say and I’ll apologize if my transcribing is not 100% correct; it was extremely noisy at the con:

Okay, Robert, so we’re fighting off some zombies and you’re bitten. Should I shoot you and put you out of your misery or just walk away? No, let me walk around because I’m still valuable for a short while. Anywhere between (pauses) you know 10 and 12 hrs before I start getting really sick. Then it’s seizure, coma, death, and reanimation..

But what about once you reanimate? Put me out of my misery. Three in the head and I’ll stay dead.

Alright. So we’re going to make a toy of you. Would you be a zombie or a hero? Oh, I’d be the hero.

What accessories would you come with? I’d bring 2 pistols. One’s called a ZKA . It’s an 8mm ultra round. About 32 caliber about 1650 ft per second has a 22 round magazine capacity plus one in the pipe. Then I’d bring the Jury. It’s a 12 round magazine plus one in the pipe. That means it’s your judge, your jury, and the person who’s wielding the gun is your executioner.

You know a bit too much about those guns. Actually, that’s the book. Those are the weapons that our hero uses in the book.

Finally, when the apocalypse happens…

The Zombpocalypse, yeah.

When it happens, where do you want to be?

Anywhere. I’m prepared at all times.

Thanks to Robert for taking the time and sponsoring an upcoming contest. A super-friendly guy who takes his zombies seriously, make sure to spend some time with him if you have the opportunity.


I was also able to meet Travis Adkins whose book, Twilight of the Dead, is another one of my favorites. It’s one of those books that I read a while ago and have been meaning to post a review of. I’ll try to get that posted more sooner than later as I obtained his follow-up book, After Twilight: Walking with the Dead and plan on reading that one ASAP.

S.G. Browne was also present at Horror Realm. I didn’t bother him with my questions since he was kind enough to take the time a few months ago. Instead, I learned that the ending we are familiar with in his book, Breathers, is not the original. I also discovered that it took over 80 agents before someone finally decided to move forward with his book. For those who didn’t already know, it was this agent who had ties with Diablo Cody and is the reason we can now look forward to a Breathers movie! Browne was also kind enough to give me some pins and stickers that I will be giving to a few lucky readers.

Across from S.G. Browne was another featured artist this month, Billy Tackett. Again, I didn’t bother Billy with any printable questions since he we already have him featured. Instead, I learned more about some of his upcoming projects. Sorry, folks, top secret stuff but rest assured Zombies & Toys will have more news as I’m able to report it. I also picked up the amazing Zombie Sam print Billy was kind enough to sign and donate for this month’s contest.

Check back later for part two of my report where I’ll share my experience with Kim Paffenroth, Ken Foree, some of the artists and vendors present, as well as report on more goodies guests donated to give to you!

Win a copy of Z.E.O.: A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business

Send More Cops is offering readers a chance to take home a copy of Scott Kenemore's new book, Z.E.O.: A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business. Kenemore's last zombie book, "The Zen of Zombie" was another entertaining classic.

I have a copy of this at home that I'm currently reading (actually, I have two - more about that later) and so far it's a good time. Z.E.O. is full of those motivational-type posters and other tidbits to help you drudge forward in corporate America.

Entering is easy: click here and post a comment. That's it. But hurry as the contest concludes on the 27th. After you enter, hang around for a bit. If you enjoy the content of Zombies & Toys, you'll have a good time.

Tom Savini Bringing Us More Zombies

Fangoria reports that horror legend, Tom Savini, will be directing his first zombie film since his remake of Night of the Living Dead. Enigma Film's Rick Danford offered a few details:

“DEATH ISLAND is a film that will bring a fresh take to the undead genre,” Danford explained. “After his remake of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, Savini said he didn’t want to direct another zombie film unless he thought he could make them scary again. Well, with DEATH ISLAND, he intends to do just that. Greg Nicotero of KNB EFX said that this was one of the most gruesome zombie scripts he’s ever read.”

Danford also offered Fangoria a brief synopsis:

“A B-movie director sets off with his cast and crew for some location shooting on a small island just off the coast of Haiti. The locals call it Il Du Mort—Death Island. The place provides the perfect scenery for the shots they need. But when some of the cast begin to go missing, those remaining find themselves in a battle for their very lives against an island of the undead."

Jon Heder's Woke Up Dead

Just a reminder that Crackle.com will be airing the 23 episode zombie series, Woke Up Dead beginning October 3rd. I first mentioned this in July as a series about a young man (Heder) who wakes up without a pulse. Woke Up Dead is said to be more comedy than horror.

Update on Diablo Cody and Breathers Movie

SciFiWire.com scored some new information from Diablo Cody regarding the movie adaptation of S.G. Browne's book, Breathers: A Zombie's Lament.

According to Cody, the script is finished and in the hands of directors. Cody has read and approves of Geoff LaTulippe's adaptation and says it captures the essence of the novel. "Yeah, we have a script now," said Cody. "Woo-hoo! It's actually an incredibly awesome tight script, so we're going to move forward, attach a director next and the whole lovely development process. ...if you're a fan of the book, I think people are going to be pleased."

I 'gotta tell 'ya, read the book. I was doubtful at first but after reading a great review decided to give it a whirl. It is a wonderfully unique version of a zombie tale. It is unkown why people reanimate and not everyone does. But those that do still retain their memories and personalities only know they have the effects of being dead to contend with. The only reason I can give to not read the book is it will only make the wait until the movie seem longer.

Ebay Saturday

Are you ready for Halloween?

Michael Jackson Zombie Mask

Zombie Mask

Fulci Zombi Mask

Dr. Tongue Mask

Essential Zombie Apolcalypse Surviving Items

Switched.com recently posted an article titled, 12 Gadgets to Survive the Apocalypse. Now, their article is not zombie specific and covers several types of post-apocalyptic scenarios. But you and I both know that the real apocalypse will involve zombies.

Their list of essential items includes water purifiers, solar-powered tents, high-tech vehicles, night vision goggles, and even a water and freeze-proof LCD television. Head over there to read the full article and start writing those Xmas lists for Santa! Tell him to send me a TV while you're at it.

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One Of The Coolest Things Ever... EVER!

Alright, so I'm a geek. I wear that badge like a medal of honor. I like science fiction, Star Wars, toys, and (of course) zombies. Something I've been wanting to do but have yet to get around to is having a family portrait zombified. I mean, what can be better than having a photograph of you and the ones you love turned into zombies?

Any lover of zombies and toys (the things, not the website) should be able to appreciate this one... Who reading this would like to have a sculpture of themselves looking like a zombie? Okay, okay, put your hands down. Well, I'm here to tell you that this dream can now become a reality. Bring in Dead Ringers. Heck, even the name is catchy. So keeping with this month's "zombie art" theme, let's talk about Dead Ringers.

So what is Dead Ringers? It's a joint effort of Martin Whitmore and Phil Hynes. It's a simple concept with great execution. You email Phil some photographs of yourself. You tell him what kind of zombie damage you would like to have. Missing an eye? Bite marks on your face? Blue skin? Green skin? Phil will sculpt you in all of your undead glory. Shortly after, your zombified self will end up in the hands of Martin where you will be painted.

For complete details and ordering information click here. You can turn your image or the image of someone you love into a zombified bust for around $100 or made into a statue called a "shambler" for around $175. Not exactly cheap, but look at what you're getting for your money. A personal hand sculpted and hand painted zombified version of yourself that could last a lifetime. I'll admit that my opinion and excitement is somewhat biased. I personally have a collection of busts and statues and the idea of having myself immortalized as a zombie is thrilling.

So here's what I'm doing... I am currently in the process of having a zombified version of myself made. Once this process is complete, I will post a review of the finished product as well as pictures of both myself and the sculpture in addition to some words from the creators. The reason behind my mentioning this prior to the finished product is two-fold. First, it keeps with this month theme of zombies in art. Second, it's news and I wanted to give everyone reading heads-up. We're approaching the end of September and it's prime time to get prepared for Halloween or start some holiday shopping. As a fan of zombies and toys, I would go absolutely nuts if someone were to give me a zombified sculpture of myself for Christmas.

So, you can wait for my review before ordering your own or make your decision sooner by checking out the links above. I expect Phil and Marty to be busy closer to the holidays so don't waste too much time. Expect some hands-on opinions very soon...

More pics can be found here.