Holiday Gift Guide For Zombie Fans - part three

Welcome to the third installment of Zombies and Toys' Holiday Gift Guide for Zombie Fans. This week, we’ll take a look at some toys. First, let’s recap what was covered in the previous weeks for those who have not been following along at home.

We looked at some ways to wear your zombies by featuring products by Sourpuss, Zombie Liquorice, Zombie Head, and Kiddo47. For a thorough look and ways to get a discount on purchases, click here. Zombie Liquorice is offering readers 10% off by using discount code "ZTOYS" and Sourpuss is offering 15% off by using discount code "DISCOUNT15" (don’t forget to mention Zombies & Toys).

The following week, we took a look at some various forms of zombie media. Books, games, and movies were the focus. For a complete roundup, head over and read part two.

This week... this week we cover one of my favorite subjects. Toys. Where do I start? Call me selfish, childish, or materialistic, but Christmas is about the toys! Some toys can be the focus and core gift, while others can play the role of supporting cast. This week, we'll get a few major players out of the way first. So get ready for some suggestions for the lucky people on your list who have been especially good this year.

Sideshow Collectibles… nuff said. With prices ranging from $50 to $300 for zombie goods, pretty much anything with the Sideshow name is bound to put a smile on someone’s face. Their in-house line of collectibles appropriately called The Dead should put a smile on any zombie lover’s face.

If you feel like really putting a dent in your Christmas gift budget, you can spring for their Premium Format Patient Zero (review) or their latest, The Specimens (review). Patient Zero is sold out from Sideshow directly but if found will set you back about $300. The Specimens, however, were in-stock last I checked. At $225, they are not exactly cheap but do make an amazing zombie collectible. Not reviewed but equally as cool is Sideshow’s first Vinyl collectible from The Dead, Mort. Mort is available in a classic black & white color scheme or in full color. Both are available directly from Sideshow for around $70. Finally, don’t forget about the root of Sideshow’s The Dead, their line of 12” figures. There’s a small horde available to choose from with prices around $50 if the collector is just starting out. Or, you could help fill in a gap or two. Don’t forget, several were available with different color schemes or accessories as exclusives. And if you really want treat that special someone on your “good” list, you can pick up the long sold out flagship character, Patient Zero on the secondary market.










Sideshow is great, but what if you don't want to frighten every child and the majority of adults that walk into your home? We should see in time for Christmas a new line of collectibles called Pocket Zombies. Details are slim about these little guys. The owner of Atomfreak Studios, Alex Rodrigue, shared some information with us a while back and not much new has been uncovered. I do know, however, that they will be sold individually and the price of each may be between $40 and $50. I also know that these will be available to purchase through Zombies & Toys Zombie Toy Store.






Also available in the Zombie Toy Store is a trio of family-friendly Skateboard Zombies. These guys stand around 8" to 10" tall and come in window packaging so display well in or out of the box. Of course, I know you'll be shocked when I tell you that they each come with a skateboard. They are from P Creations LTD from Japan and designed by Tsuchiya Shobu.


Finally, Dead Ringers may be one of the most unique gifts you could give. I doubt there's a zombie fan who would not love a hand-sculpted and painted statue or bust of themselves as a zombie. Head over to Martin Whitmore's site for fulll details. The full sculptured "Shamblers" are available for around $175 and busts for around $100.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Television

I keep hearing mixed reviews about Seth Graham-Smith's redux of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. Personally, I've been holding off. BUT... turn it into a six-part television mini-series and you have my attention.

It has been reported by @PrideandZombies that Deadline Productions is turning the novel into a six-part television series. They have also included the below picture to go along with the news. Am I going to rush out and read the book? Probably not. Am I excited about the idea of watching a six part series on television about it? Absolutely.

More news as I come across it!

Zombie Outbreak Simulator

So what do you get when you take the zombie outbreak simulator I posted earlier and mix it with Google Maps? A freaking good time!

Tina was kind enough to inform me of a new zombie outbreak simulator that's available. It's a Google Maps view of Washington DC that allows you to make a few adjustments. You determine the speed of the zombies, how many armed civilians there are, how many police are in the area, and even the accuracy of everyone. Then, you sit back and let the carnage begin. The downside? It has been proven yet again that when the dead rise, we don't stand a chance.

A Zombieland Sequel

You can't possibly be surprised to read that title. It's old-ish news, really, and I apologize for being too busy to post about it. But in case you haven't heard, Sony is looking to release a Zombieland sequel featuring the stars from the original. The catch? It may be made in digital 3D. What is digital 3D anyway? Personally, I hate 3D movies.

If you recall an earlier post, Zombieland was originally written as a television series and there is potentially enough material for 11 more full-lenght feature films! Would I watch 11 more Zombieland movies? Yes I would. Even if they were in 3D.

A Zombie Magazine?

Yes! One of the greatest ideas ever has come to be! Introducing Revenant, the only magazine (that I know of) dedicated soley to zombies. Just a quick heads-up that the previously sold out issue #0 is back in stock and issue #1 will be available soon. My copy is ordered and I'll make sure to give you more details about contents once it arrives.

If you don't want to risk missing out, head over to Revenant and order your copies now.

Gladiator Meets the Zombie Apocalypse

Well... sort of. But if you think that sounds interesting, you may like to know more about a new book I caught wind of. Thomas Brookside was kind enough to give me a yell regarding his new novel, De Bello Lemures, or the Roman War Against the Zombies of Armorica. Yeah, the title may be a bit long but reading about fighting hordes of the undead withough guns sounds pretty darn interesting to me. Here's the synopsis:

A recovered Latin text tells the story of a struggle between Roman legionaries and the undead in 185 AD. Lucius Artorius Castus leads an expedition to Gaul to defeat a rebellion against the rule of the Emperor Commodus - and gets more than he bargained for when his enemies rise from the dead to fight again. The power of the zombie horde is amplified by the chaos of Ancient Rome's competing religions and superstitions, and the terror the undead bring in their wake foreshadows the incipient medieval darkness already creeping into the world at the end of Rome's Antonine age. Richly annotated, this mashup of survival horror and alternate history takes the reader on a bracing journey into one of ancient Rome's dark corners.

Need more info? You can check out Thomas Brookside's blog or head straight over to Amazon to buy the book (where there's already a great review). I'd love to have a review for you guys but don't wait on that before purchasing as it may be awhile.

Contest Reminder

Just a reminder that only a few days remain to enter November's contests. Some quick rules with ZT contests to remind you of:

Previous contest winners are still eligible to enter.

You may enter each contest running in a given month if there is more than one.

Entries are limited to one per person unless instructions are given for bonus entries via

Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks to Emily at Eejits Toys, we are giving away four quality Eejits. There is only one "zombie" Eejit but the other three are cool, too. I'm particularly fond of the Skelly Kitty. To enter, email me at eejits@zombiesandtoys.com with your name, address, and Eejit you would like to win. Full details to win can be found here.

Vindrewski's Button Emporium also stepped up to by offering several sets of great buttons for this month. So if you did not win a set last month, now is your chance! You have the chance to win one of three sets and your choices are The Evil Dead, The Walking Dead, and Left 4 Dead. Entering is as simple as before, just email me at buttons@zombiesandtoys.com with your name, address, and the button set you would like to win. Full details can be found here.

If you have an iPod Touch or iPhone, enter to win a copy of Attack of the Zombie Bikini Babes from Outer Space. Why? Because you shoot bikini clad zombie babes with dual slingshots. Oh, and they are from outer space. I'm not making this up. I have two codes to give away allowing you to unlock the game for free. If you've read this post up to this point, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to enter. Email your name to iphone@zombiesandtoys.com for your chance to win. Full details here.

Thanks to everyone above for sponsoring and thanks to everyone reading for entering. All of these contests end at midnight on the 30th. However, I will probably not choose a winner until Saturday so if you are reading this late enter anyway. You never know.

I also have several contests lined-up for December. I will try my best to have those active by the first but those may not be posted until the weekend, also. Sorry... I have my nine to five as well.

Update

Ugh! So I jost awoke from my turkey induced coma. Sorry for the lack of updates but family and out-of-town friends rank high on my list. Allow me to update you on things to come...

Because of the news I have neglected to post, I will more than likely fire out a bunch of quick "here's something you may want to know" updates. I have news on a unique zombie book recently published, zombie toy news, part three of the Zombies and Toys Holiday Shopping Guide for Zombie Fans, a current contest update, future contest updates, and a few other things I'm sure I forgot.

Thank you to everyone who has still been stopping by to check in and thanks, also, to those of you to write in with news and holiday wishes. I have coffee and energy drinks standing by so expect some good stuff to read tomorrow while you enjoy your Sunday morning coffee!

How To Survive A Zombie Attack Using Only Consumer Electronics

CNet UK has a small feature explaining how one could use various electronics to survive against attacking zombies. Now I have another reason to buy a Palm Pre! Other items on the list include a Yamaha sound bar, a refrigerator, and a plasma television.

Plants vs Zombie vs Your Five Bucks

Plants vs Zombies was one of the most fun and addicting games I played this year. Now Steam is offering this jem for a mere $4.99! I'm not sure how long this deal will last so snag it now. For deatails, head over here.

Free Copy of Stubbs the Zombie

Remember that game, Stubbs the Zombie, for the original Xbox? Well, here's your chance to download a copy for free. Sorry, it's for your PC only. In Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel Without A Pulse, you play as Stubbs. So the game turns into a match of the dead versus the living.

All you need to do is download and run the game by clicking here. When taken to the checkout page, enter the discount code ASPYRTHANKS which will give you the game for free.

Chemical 12-D

So my list of excellent zombie short films is quickly going to become longer than my list of excellent full feature zombie films. My first taste was I Love Sarah Jane. My second was Alice Jacobs is Dead. These films, 15 and 20 minutes respectively, were both absolutely amazing. Now, I have also had the pleasure of watching Chemical 12-D.

Chemical 12-D is short. We're talking about 8 minutes short. But this also means that each second is vital. There is no down time, the film is deep, and it is shocking. First of all, everything about this film is top-notch. The effects, sound, picture quality, and acting are all first-rate. Watching this made me that much more disappointed in Romero when thinking back to when I watched Diary.

Water Cooler Productions brings us this film written and directed by Mac Eldridge. Chemical 12-D is making the rounds at various film festivals and is starting to build quite a reputation amongst critics online. If you're in an area (like mine) that doesn't exactly get an abundance, if any, film festivals hope is not lost. For a limited time, Water Cooler Productions is giving you the opportunity to pick up this film on DVD for $8. Taxes? Shipping? Bonus features? All included! But I digress...

Chemical 12-D tells us the story of Michael Frank and his mission to find a cure. Reminiscent of I Am Legend in this regard, Frank is a scientist performing tests on whatever infected subjects he can get his hands on. Streets are vacant except for the occasional wandering zombie. But the true story is why he is performing tests. Whom is he performing tests on. What is the cause of the infection. Is anyone else alive? Tension and curiosity build minute after minute until the shocking final scene. I know I couldn't predict it.

For your chance to watch this amazing film and be the envy of all your friends, visit this link to purchase Chemical 12-D for a flat $8. Like supporting local music or independent artists, you are not only getting a direct benefit, but also contributing to a great cause ensuring we'll get to see more films. The DVD is loaded with extra goodies as well!

2 Documentaries:

The Making of Chemical 12-D

The Making of Water Cooler Productions

4 Commentaries with Mac Eldridge, David Wagenaar, Rob Davis, and Matt Nikilla.

The Deleted scene of Chemical 12-D

The Past Work of Water Cooler Productions:

Timmothy O'Toole's Commercial

In A State Of (Water Cooler Productions first zombie movie!)

Knife

A plot synopsis of the upcoming Water Cooler Productions film, The Old Man and His Dog.

Zombie Gift Guide - part 2

With Black Friday looming around the corner, I am sure many of you have began to think a little more seriously about the stresses of gift buying. Well, you're in luck. Welcome to part two of Zombies & Toys' Holiday Gift Guide for Zombie Fans. In part one, we took a look at how you can wear your zombies by telling you about Sourpuss Clothing, Zombie Liquorice, Zombie Head, and Kiddo47. Don't forget that Sourpuss is offering ZT readers 15% off and Zombie Liquorice is offering ZT readers 10% off! For details, click here. This week I would like to take a look at zombie media.

Let's get the obvious out of the way... Left 4 Dead 2 was just released this past week. Having played it, let's end the controversy now by my saying that it would have been impossible to make the updates downloadable content for the first one. At $59.99, L4D2 brings fans more of what made its predecessor so addicting and kicks it up a few notches. New characters, levels, and weapons are just the beginning. Flesh and limbs can now be blown off of the zombies. There are several new modes of gameplay. Oh, yeah... it's chock full-o-zombies!

If the price is a little too steep for you or if, like me, your significant other could not wait to buy it there are always XBox Live cards. It's inevitable that the gamer in your life will need to re-up their Live subscription. Help them to stay in the game by giving them a 1, 3, or 12 month card. This can also be backed-up by Live Points cards. There will be downloadable content for L4D2 and even L4D so make sure your gamer is ready by having some points ready to spend.

While we're on the subject of games, I was recently introduced to an amazing zombie board game. "Zombies!!!" from Twilight Creations is to a zombie fan what Monopoly is to a slum lord. The first edition is long sold out but the second edition is ready for you to grab for $27.99. With numerous expansions and accessories, you will not grow out of this game. Beverages, snacks, and friends are not provided, but have your friends play it once and they'll be beating down your door to play again. Oh, and make them bring the snacks and beverages!

Zombies!!! is never the same game twice as the "board" consists of tiles that are shuffled before each game begins and a new tile is placed before each turn. You play as one of the survivors and the game comes with 100 zombie miniatures. Additional bags of zombies are available including female zombies and even zombie dogs. A great gift idea if the person on your list has several friends who are also into zombies or games. And if you're into playing board games and slaying zombies, this is a prime opportunity to benefit from a gift you are giving.

Movies are another gift that the giver can benefit from. Is there a new movie you've been wanting to see? Give it as a gift! The only bad news? Zombieland won't be released before Christmas. But this could be the perfect opportunity to help that lucky person on your list replace their zombie movie catalogue with the new and improved Blu Ray version. We have the Romero classics Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead as well as Diary of the Dead and Land of the Dead. The Dawn of the Dead remake by Zach Snyder is a personal favorite and so are 28 Days and 28 Weeks Later. Evil Dead II, I Am Legend, and Resident Evil while not typical zombie films have also been given the high-def treatment. What? No Blu Ray player? Make your gift really special and buy a new player to go along with the stack of zombie blu rays.

If you want to stick to standard definition and fill in some missing gaps in a collection, your choices are virtually limitless. But think about some of the less obvious films unless you know that the person on your list would like a particular title. Savini's Night of the Living Dead remake, Fulci's Zombie, Dead Alive, Dead Girl, [REC] and Re-Animator are all great examples. Another option could be a DVD that isn't necessarily a zombie film but strikes those same chords. A few personal suggestions would be Right At Your Door, The Signal, and The Descent.

Finally, let's talk about books. If it has Max Brooks' name on the cover it needs read. The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and the recently released Recorded Attacks. Any zombie fan needs to read those books. Some other personal favorites are: Day By Day Armageddon (JL Bourne), Dying to Live (Kim Paffenroth), Twilight of the Dead (Travis Adkins), and Breathers (SG Browne). The comic book series, The Walking Dead, is also available in trade book form and required reading for zombie fans.

The Dead: Specimens

Sideshow Collectibles brings us yet another addition to their in-house zombie line, The Dead. For better pics and to see the specs, check out the product listing at Sideshow Collectibles (The Dead: Specimens Legendary Scale Bust Set). This collection of zombie busts is sold as a set and their details are amazing. Don't forget to check out my review of their Premium Format Patient Zero as well!

The origin of the virus is yet unknown as humanity struggles to contain the Dead. Without answers, the hordes multiply rapidly. Few attempts to kill them have succeeded, but scientists have gathered a small number of specimens for testing and training. The answer seems to lay with the head, the brain of the once reanimated corpse. These specimens seem to offer a cure, and when they find one, you must Be Ready.

The first specimen to discuss is #090 “Probe”. This subject is helping science by allowing us to stick probes through his skull and into his brain. These probes are remove-able allowing you to play “mad scientist” and conduct your own experiments. There is a stream of blood that runs down his head from each puncture. You can almost imagine that something has been accomplished through this experimentation by the look on the subject’s face. He is almost in a hypnotic state and his eyes are extremely bloodshot as if one of our probes did a bit too much damage.

Common yet still appreciated painting details are apparent such as the gloss vs. matte paint applications. His eyes have a glossy sheen making them appear very lifelike. Open wounds and blood also have a glossy, wet appearance. Again, while this is a common technique used by most companies, it is still effective and makes a difference. My favorite detail with this particular piece is the pale, almost translucent skin. You can faintly see blue veins running throughout his head. It is not necessarily just the fact they are there, but also where they are and how many are visible. Combine this with the other exquisite and life-like features of the skin and you are left with a truly creepy collectible. The wrinkles, pores, and general facial structure are frighteningly realistic.

Our next specimen is #419 “Lobotomy”. The same exquisite detail is present with Lobotomy as well. Again, the facial expression is perfect for the experimentation being done. With his brain exposed, the crooked-mouthed lobotomy looks somewhat complacent. In fact, I feel that this specimen is very reminiscent of “Bub” from Romero’s Day of the Dead. While our first specimen to me looked more ominous and scary, this guy seems a bit more sad and playful. Pores, wrinkles, and effective use of facial muscles and structure make this guy every bit as realistic as probe.

Looking to play more “mad scientist” games? Fear not as Lobotomy has a removable scalp. The top of his head detaches to reveal the infected brain underneath. Sideshow, sparing no attention to detail, even has the inside of the removed cranium sculpted and painted to look like the inside of a skull. If you decide to display your zombie head whole, this top section is held into place with hidden magnets. Yes, the brain is coated with the same shimmering gloss as the blood, eyes, and other exposed wounds.

Finally, we have specimen #187 "Bullet". It doesn't take a genius to figure out how this specimen received his nickname. Apparently, experimentation with over for this particular subject. I would have to say this specimen is the least lifelike of the trio. That's not to say it isn't an astounding piece. Every gruesome, gory detail is to par with his two friends'. I think, maybe, it is the hair. While not horrible looking, I find it distracting when compared with the other two. In Sideshow's defense, the hair is textured and is painted with various shades. The wounds, wrinkles, skin textures, and paint applications combine to make yet another amazing bust. I particularly like his glazed over eye. I dare you to buy this and not stick your finger in his eye socket.

These guys are available as a set for $224.99 and the edition size is a very limited 200 pieces. While not exactly kid-friendly, they will turn some heads this holiday season.