Abomination Nursery Contest Winner

The first contest presented by The Undead Bazaar has come to an end. The grand prize winner will be receiving a zombie doll from Abomination Nursery. Several runners-up will receive some other great items also provided by Abomination Nursery.

Congratulations to the winners and don't forget to enter all of the other great contests being presented by The Undead Bazaar!

Grand Prize Winner: Kyra T. of Ontario, Canada

Runners-Up:

Matthew W. from Denver, NC

Nathan H. from Loganville, GA

Gloria S. from Sacramento, CA

Show Some Love

Yeah, I know it's pretty-much pointless but humor me anyway and vote for Zombies & Toys. It takes less than 30 seconds and, like, two clicks. Let's see if we can at least make it up to page one. Thanks, everyone!

Philip Hynes - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Our next featured artist for The Undead Bazaar is no stranger to Zombies & Toys. Philip Hynes was first featured here as the sculpture for Dead Ringers. A joint project with Martin Whitmore, Dead Ringers gives you the opportunity to have a custom sculpture of yourself as a zombie made. More recently, Philip has begun to produce more solo works many of which have been announced on his blog. He does plenty of commission work including wedding cake toppers and several items for Zombies & Toys. “I make caricatures for friends and work colleagues,” Phil explains. “I made one for a friend who was leaving work and then everyone else wanted one when they left. I do enjoy that they get something personal that they genuinely like; It’s better than a clock. Making zombies is lots more fun, though.”

When did you first start sculpting and when did you begin to sculpt zombies?
“I'm serving in the Royal Air Force. Six years ago I was stationed in Scotland and 350 miles from home, I couldn't go to the Pub every night and I needed something to fill my spare time, so after seeing some Superhero sculpts in a Comic book store I had a cunning idea. I made my first Zombie several years ago, the first look alike Zed was for Martin Whitmore, after I saw he was as passionate about Zombies than I was.”

Have you done any professional sculpting work or has it always been a hobby?
“It's always been a hobby and I'm still learning a little from every project I make. Sometimes I have fluffy ideas about one day being able to make a living from my artwork. I really enjoy what I do and if it grows into something bigger then all the better, but I won't hold my breath. I did get a 28mm Zombie Surfer picked up by Hassle free miniatures, which was very encouraging.”

Phil’s amazing pieces have included the now sold-out Zombies & Toys exclusive “Half-Dead Fred” bust, the Dead Ringer me that was reviewed, and a custom head I commissioned to place atop one of my Clone Trooper busts. Up next for Phil will be a Zombie Santa for sale exclusively on Zombies & Toys. These will be cast in resin and hand-painted. While there will only be 3 of these guys up for sale, the original sculpted piece is being given away right here as part of The Undead Bazaar!

Phil is also producing a small number of zombie head magnets to be sold in the Zombie Toy Store. To make things fun for our readers, Phil is graciously accepting submissions to have your image chosen as one of the zombies to be made! Details on how you can have this opportunity can be found here.

Those who shed a tear at the knowledge of missing your opportunity to pick up a Half-Dead Fred bust will be happy to know that there is one left being given away by Toy Break! Phil’s Custom Sculpts along with Zombies & Toys has donated one of only 6 pieces produced to be given away. Details on how you can easily take home this piece can be found by viewing the Toy Break episode announcing the contest (which you should watch anyway) or by heading over to the Toy Break Forums. Details will be announced on Toy Break episode 122.

What and when was your first exposure to zombies?
“Night of the Living Dead started it all for me...... or was it the Thriller video? Whichever, I've been a fan ever since.”

If you were being made into a toy, would you be a zombie or a survivor? What accessories would you come with?
“I would have to be a survivor. As I live in the UK we don't have any access to firearms, so my accessories will have to be a frying pan, dustbin lid and a crowbar (which I bought under the pretence of ripping out an old bathroom, but secretly it's in case of Zombies).”

If you were bitten, would you want to change or be shot?
“I would want to change, if only for the irony of having made Zombies and then finally becoming one myself. I would also have to be outside and free, not stuck in a cellar or a cupboard.”

Zombie Santa contest - presented by The Undead Bazaar

It pains me to put this guy in the mail but one lucky (very, very lucky) reader will be giving this hand-sculpted and hand-painted Zombie Santa a new home. From the creative mind and hands of Phil from Philip Hynes Custom Sculptures comes this magnificently detailed Zombie Santa.

Keeee-ripes is this guy full of detail! Everything from paint applications to textures look amazing. The blood-stained bag, drops of blood on the ground, painted shades of the suit...

For your chance to win this amazing collectible, email your name and address to santa@zombiesandtoys.com. I would also like to hear what zombie image you would like to see Phil sculpt next. Elvis? Popeye? Bugs Bunny? George Romero? We'll post some of your ideas when the contest concludes on June 20th.

Handling the Undead

Author John Ajvide Lindqvist, who wrote the vampire novel Let the Right One In will have a zombie novel available this September. While I have not read the book, the movie Let the Right One In is a dark and different take on the vampire genre. I'm not the only one who thinks so as there is a US remake releasing soon.

The upcoming zombie novel, Handling the Undead, sounds to be a unique take on our favorite subject. Even though I'm already five or six books behind, this one sounds like a thought-provoking vision and a read that should not be missed.

Book synopsis:

Across Stockholm the power grid has gone crazy. Electrical appliances turn themselves up higher and higher and cannot be disconnected. As a sense of foreboding builds, people everywhere are struck down by headaches that reach an intolerable pitch. Then it's over.

Soon after, in morgues and cemeteries throughout the city, the dead start to wake. But they are not as they were in life. With wry humour and compassion, Lindqvist illuminates what the return of the dead might really mean to those who loved them.

Mahler is alight with hope that his little grandson has been returned. David and his son Marcus are devastated by the loss of their adored Eva and aghast and bewildered at what she has become. Elvy is convinced this mass resurrection heralds the End of Days; and is desperately hoping her late husband isn't back to stay. And the government can't work out what to do with its newly restored citizens - or even whether, having died, they are still citizens at all.

Equal parts family drama, social satire, piercing tragedy and disquisition on mortality, Handling the Undead is possibly the most original and compelling book you will read this year.

Handling the Undead is a beautifully-written, sad, and occasionally quite
creepy novel about loss and the very human inability to deal with it, which
utilises the zombie trope in new and fascinating ways. The walking dead of
Sweden are not the ravenous flesh-eaters of Romero's creation (at least, not
exactly), but ordinary dead folk who rise, and walk, and attempt to return to
those they left behind (thereby having more in common with the zombies from the
2004 French movie, Les Revenants). But not everything is as it seems. It soon
becomes apparent that the ‘Reliving' are not entirely whole, and that something
other than memory or even humanity now drives them. It's difficult to say more
without giving away too much, but I will hint that much of the plot hinges not
upon how the zombies affect the living – an issue nonetheless well-addressed –
but upon how the living affect the dead.

Zombie Shirts

Some new zombie shirts are popping up that may be of interest. First, our friends at FearWerx have a some new designs to add in addition to the classic ones they have been offering. They also have some Winchester Tavern attire that does not appear with a normal "zombie" search. Their new shirts include a "No Running Zombies" design and, my favorite, the glow-in-the-dark "Zombie Evolution" shirt.

Threadless T's have also unearthed some previously sold out designs including "The Horde" and "In Case of Zombies".

Sourpuss Clothing also has a ton... and I mean a TON of various zombie accessories. One thing I found interesting and just in time for summer is the zombie bikini.

Update

Just another "update" post to let everyone know what's in store in the coming months here at Zombies & Toys...

As I have said in the past, my lack of updates definitely does not translate to a lack of work. The Undead Bazaar has been taking up the majority of my time this month. I have been slightly overwhelmed and have some new participants. Therefore, The Undead Bazaar is going to extend into June. We still have plenty of artists to cover and great items to give away! Speaking of, our first contest will have a winner chosen this weekend so don't forget to enter now!

We have been steadily stocking new items in the Zombie Toy Store. We have added several new art collectible toys, movie figures, and some vintage zombie toys. We do not ask for donations to keep the blog running and never will. But we will soon have "swag bag" items in the toy store. These swag bags will vary in content and price containing stickers, buttons, key chains, shirts, mouse pads, and other items to show your support for Zombies & Toys.

Speaking of showing your support, we are "toying" with the idea of recruiting for a street team. Specifics have not been worked out, but if you would like to help our community grow by displaying postcard fliers, stickers, buttons, and other items please contact Jason at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with your suggestions of how you can help.

There will be plenty of great contests throughout the summer and beyond! Sourpuss Clothing will be back with some zombie accessories. Fright Rags has some great shirts to give away. Zombie Ammo has sent us some zombie target sets to help you prepare for the apocalypse. FearWerx will be back with some more of their great zombie items. Horror Signs has more sweet signs, stickers, and magnets to give away. Zombie Blood will be awarding 3 lucky readers 4-packs of their Zombie Blood energy drink (exclusive contest for facebook fans).

Zombies & Toys will also be sponsoring a contest with our good friends over at Toy Break. For those not in the know, Toy Break is a weekly show about... well... toys. It's a show I look forward to every week. We have sent them an exclusive Zombies & Toys zombie bust hand sculpted and painted by Philip Hynes!

Don't forget to join the discussions on the Zombies & Toys facebook page and be updated with news posts by following us on Twitter. There are often exclusive contests and bonus entries to those who take part. Finally, if you have zombie news you would like to announce or have any comments, contact me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com.

Some George Romero Contests

Just a heads-up to you, the dear readers, of Zombies & Toys. There are a few contests going on right now where you can win some George Romero swag.

Monstersandcritics.com is giving away a Survival of the Dead poster autographed by George A. Romero and a copy of “The Walking Dead” autographed by Romero and illustrator Charlie Adler. The contest is open to US residents only and concludes on June 24.

I do find it odd that they had Romero autograph a copy of a comic created by Robert Kirkman. Not that I wouldn't want an issue of The Walking Dead autographed by Romero.

The other contest is being offered by DreadCentral.com and is for a slim Playstation 3 autographed by George Romero. Again, I'd like Romero's autograph. And I'd like a slim Playstation 3. I don't, however, think I'd want them mixed together. But did I enter anyway? Heck yeah!

Have Your Revenge and Eat Zombies

We recently brought you news of the new Zombie Blood energy drink (which we will soon have in stock in the Zombie Toy Store). But drinking zombie blood may not be enough for some folks. That's why there is Zombie Jerky!

No, I'm not kidding. The blueish gray "meat" is the latest product currently being offered in Japan. The zombie jerky will cost you 399 yen or about $4.50. Is it sad that if I saw this I would actually buy it? Is it sadder still that I would even try it?

“Zombie Meat,” an exquisite new Japanese snack for the horror
enthusiast, consists of bite-sized chunks of tender blue flesh that,
according to the package, has been aged to deadly perfection at the
graveyard.

Static White's Stitchery - presented by The Undead Bazaar

With a name like Static White's Stitchery, it should be pretty obvious what types of crafts to expect. "Static White's Stitchery is where you'll find some of what my stitching obsessed fingers create," explains shop owner, Maya. "Everything from clothing to critters to all sorts of curios. Sometimes hand stitched, like my ornaments and pins. Sometimes machine stitched, like my capelets and bloomers! I'm no factory so I don't make many of any one thing, besides I get distracted by the ideas that pile up in my brain... ooh, shiny... Hmm? Oh yes, I also put a lot of time and detail into my work because everything has to be just right. I also think my shop reflects how flighty my imagination can be sometimes flitting from one subject to the next, but that's me!"

Maya's Etsy shop opened in 2006 with zombie influences from favorites such as Fido and World War Z. Her defining zombie moment, however, goes back a little further than that. "The first time I saw the undead ask the people on the other end of the radio to 'send more cops' I knew that zombies could have a lot more personality and entertainment value than just the original shambling sort. From then on it's just been messy, cadaverous fun." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Besides online, the creations of Static White's Stitchery have been seen at GenCon. They were also featured at the Geneseo Music & Arts Festival as a Guest Artist at the Connie Faye Illustrations tables. Custom pieces are available (as you will see), and Maya has even created a Funny Bunny mascot doll for a great UK comic artist, GothyBeans. Static White's Stitchery is also a member of Etsy's Dark Team.

If we were going to make an action figure of you, would you be a zombie or survivor? What accessories would you come with?

"A survivor! I'd come with a chainsaw, shotgun and armored bus (sold separately, of course).If you were bitten by a zombie, would you want me to shoot you or let you change?Let me change, that way you can keep me around with a Zomcon collar. It's the only way you'll get me to cook!"

Maya was kind enough to stitch a custom zombie for The Undead Bazaar. The stitched zombie me was quite a surprise on several levels. First, while I knew Maya was sending an item to be featured, I had no idea it was going to be me. I was instantly impressed with the likeness and and care to detail. Zombie Jason was complete with missing arm and exposed brain.

As if the tiny stitching on the brain were not enough, there's even tiny, button eyes. Maya enjoys custom projects so if you're eager to have your own stitched, zombified self make sure to send her an email.

I would also like to sincerely thank Maya for all of her help organizing The Undead Bazaar. If it were not for her help, the bazaar would only be half of what it is.

Lego Zombies

It has been awhile since we mentioned our friend, Brian Colin. While I, personally, keep up-to-date with Brian through his website, he was last featured here with his zombie Lego paintings. As if zombie Lego paintings were not enough awesome to digest, he's bringing us more!

First, Brian has released some quality zombie Lego stickers. The stickers come in two sizes and are available from $1.50. Snap a picture of your stickers in action and you could win a custom Lego zombie canvas or a 7" custom zombie Lego toy! For more details on this contest, head over to Brian's site. The stickers are well-made and I plan on slapping mine on my car this weekend (pics to follow).
The big news, however, is this: Launching tomorrow at 3:00 PM (EST) in Brian's store will be a limited number of zombie Lego wall plaques! The Lego Zombie plaques are cast out of plastic and intended for wall or desk display. Each piece is hand poured and painted measuring 3.75" wide x 3.75" tall x 1.5" deep and has a picture hanger attached to the back.

I will post pics of mine once it arrives but if you are debating a purchase, I can assure you they will be sold out by the time mine arrives on my doorstep. These incredibly awesome hand-made and hand-painted pieces of art will be available for $25. Don't forget to grab some stickers while you're there!

My Pretty Zombie - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Does it get any better than zombifying a Barbie doll? We're not the only ones who think so. Andrea of My Pretty Zombie has been crafting zombies from Barbies since 2008. While the pretty zombies are the show stealer, you can also find jewelry, accessories, and cross stitching. Yes... cross stitching. And, yes... there is zombie cross stitching!

My Pretty Zombie is offering Zombies & Toys readers 15% off on any purchases through June! Just enter the code "zombiestoys" at the checkout. Head over to the My Pretty Zombie store to take advantage. You can also like MPZ on facebook, follow MPZ on Twitter, and check out the MPZ blog.


I get the impression that there is an underlying meaning to the zombification of the Barbie dolls; Is it just me?
"I get that question a lot. Some people think of it as a statement against Barbie and the unattainable female form that she represents. It's simply not true. I grew up with suitcases full of Barbies and loved them to death. I never felt that I had to be thin and blonde with huge boobs to be pretty.
I guess I chose Barbie to Zombify for the same reason I played with them as a kid. She's like a blank canvas you can do anything with. That and she's got great outfits and tons of accessories."

Is there more to your creations than simply making zombies?
"I’m a huge fan of all thing horror related. When I’m not crafting, I’m watching horror movies. I’m really influenced by the slasher movies of the eighties. I think that’s why all my dioramas end up having zombies in their underwear. I love taxidermy and animals in general and that’s where my “Broken Animals”
Cross Stitch patterns come from. I also make evil hair accessories which came from not being able to find enough weird and creepy hair clips to suit me.
As for the zombie dolls, I get super attached to them. I spend a lot of time staring at them and talking to them. They’re almost like family!"

What do you prefer more: making zombie dolls or making zombie cross stitches?
"Cross stitch was my first crafting love. I learned when I was six. That was pretty much my main art form until I started getting recurring bouts of tendinitis from my day job. It really hindered my ability to sew anything without a great deal of pain. I needed to find a new outlet. I woke up one morning and thought "I wonder if I could paint a Barbie to look like a zombie?" I went out and bought one the next day. I hadn't done any painting at all since high school, but I just jumped right in!
Cross Stitch is very soothing but also very time consuming. With the dolls I can have a new one done in a day, so that’s more like instant gratification."


What is your attraction to zombies?
"What’s not to love about zombies? They're us, yet not us. I love the shambling slow zombies. That's what I grew up on. The campier the better! The first zombie movie that I remember as having a huge impact on me was Return of the Living Dead part 2. I'll watch any movie that’s even slightly zombie- esque."

Have you done any custom requests and if so what was the story behind them?
"I love doing custom work! My two favorite requests have been from my good friend Jenny of agonysdecay.etsy.com.
I made her a custom Carrie at the Prom doll and a Regan from the Exorcist doll.
I really agonize over the custom work because I want it to be so perfect! Its very rewarding though when I can recreate such classic scenes and people are happy with the end result."

What is a defining or memorable zombie moment in your life?
"The one that sticks out the most in my mind was seeing 28 Days Later in the movie theater. I was so scared when we left even though it was broad daylight. My heart was totally pounding and I complained to my husband that I was going to die of a heart attack on the spot. Fast zombies...holy crap! It added a whole new dimension of zombie terror for me!"

If we were to make a toy of you, would you be a zombie or a survivor?
"Oh, I would be a zombie for sure!"

What accessories would you come with?
"Well, the most important thing would be detachable arm devices.
1. A wheel (I've always wanted one. A wheel for an arm that is, so I could roll it around on things)
2. Some kind of weapon...a chainsaw, an AK-47, or a drill...

I would need a lab coat (I work in a lab in real life)
Also some hot secretary glasses and fabulous shoes."

If you were to become bitten by a zombie, would you want to change or would you rather be shot?
"I asked my husband what he thought and he totally scoffed at me... "Are you kidding me?! Like you would pass up the chance to be a zombie even for a little while!"
It's true...I like to think that in case of a zombie uprising that I would be the chick that was holding it all together until the very end when I got bit through some avoidable circumstance. And then I would get my arm chopped off to avoid the infection spreading. THEN I would get my wheel/chainsaw/drill arm attachment. But it would be no use.
Is it weird that I have this all planned out?"

...And for the record... it's not weird at all!

My Pretty Zombie contest - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Andrea wants you to be a pretty zombie, too! That is... if you consider wearing an amputated zombie hand pretty. And who wouldn't?

For your chance to win this pretty accessory, send an email with your name and address to prettyzombie@zombiesandtoys.com. If this particular pendant doesn't strike your undead fancy, My Pretty Zombie is offering a 15% discount to Zombies & Toys readers through the month of June! Simply use code "zombiestoys" at the checkout.

You can stay in the know by visiting the My Pretty Zombie store, liking the facebook page, following on Twitter, and checking out Andrea's blog.