Trapped Dead Review

David Brown



Have you ever questioned what it would be like to play a zombie survival game with Tactical elements? How about the question of what a game like Commandos would be like if you controlled regular people trying to survive the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse? How about the question of whether a colt or automatic pistol would be the better weapon to take down the ever advancing hoards of the undead? If you answered yes to any of these questions, than look no further than Trapped Dead. It is a real time strategy game developed by Crenetic and published by Headup Games. The official press release for the game highlights some of its features including:

• Terrifying, cinematic game atmosphere
• Appealing tactical game play with numerous shock- and surprise elements
• Highly detailed locations such as mall, jail, scrap yard & many more
• 7 playable different characters
• Thrilling on- and offline multi player co-op mode
• Interactive and dynamic game environment including various traps
• Manifold weapons, gadgets and other items

In Trapped dead you control 7 characters as they are trying to survive an outbreak in the 1980s in a small town near Kansas City named Hedge Hill. You encounter the zombies created from a virus that mutated through the natural food chain in the area. The first encounter with the virus takes place at a gas station during what was meant to be an enjoyable road trip for two buddies. Taking control of our main character you look for gas only to encounter the first inklings of a zombie hoard.



The game itself plays out like games such as Commandos from a top down 3rd person Isometric perspective. You primary means of targeting and movement are your mouse buttons and keyboard. The controls are easy to pick up and master, which brings the difficulty in the game down to the large numbers of zombies and dwindling ammo. The game does a good job of making you feel weak, powerless and confused at the onslaught while making you feel that you are growing better with your experiences and your increasingly skilled team members.

You have a number of different weapons to help along the way including tasers, shotguns, sniper rifles, automatic pistols, and even baseball bats and kitanas. Along with the weapons there are also many ways in which you can utilize environmental traps to help you take out the advancing hoards. Game play always feels very fluid and the game does a great job at keeping you on track during your missions. The only issue that I had during initial game play was that the game glitched and wouldn’t allow me to go any further. I cannot hold this against the game though as a simple restart fixed the error and allowed me to continue on. This game is very well designed and makes you feel like if you have ever played a real time strategy game before that you will be right at home. So if you are a fan of zombies, guns, and great action/humor look no further than Trapped Dead. This is a great game that will give you many hours of online and offline fun.

Philip Hynes - presented by The Undead Bazaar

It is my pleasure to introduce our next featured artist of the Undead Bazaar, Philip Hynes. Phil should be familiar to many of our readers. We featured Phil in last year's bazaar, he is an active member of our facebook community, and has provided many of us with amazing sculptures of zombies. As many know, Phil is the talent behind the custom busts and magnets that we offer in our zombie toy store. For those asking "what customs", allow me to elaborate. You provide a few pictures of yourself along with a description of how you would like your zombified form to look. Within a few weeks, you will be the lucky owner of an undead version of yourself! If this sounds sounds too good to be true for a zombie fan, read a bit further and I'll tell you how you can win one for free!

Phil has been drawing since he was a child. "I've always liked to draw. As far back as I can remember, drawing was an activity I would do in my free time. The sculpting wasn't something I tried until I was in my thirties. I was inspired by the superhero sculpts you see in comic book stores. I made a Spiderman sculpt for my son, Finlay, which really sucked - but I kept at it and I'm still learning and refining the process with each sculpt I make."

Phil realized he could make money from his talents from the feedback he would receive from work colleagues. After making some caricatures for friends, he offered a custom wedding cake topper on Ebay. "I don't make a great deal of money, but it pays for the materials which is great. The best part by far is meeting new people and maybe my work making someone's day. That's the biggest motivating factor."

So, what are Phil's favorite things to sculpt? "Zombies, of course! They're brill, lots of fun to be had making them, and a broader colour palette. What's not to like? I'm a geek at heart and anything Sci-fi or Horror related will get my juices flowing. I don't mind making straight forward busts and Wedding Cake Toppers, but mix in a Zombie theme and you've got yourself a new best friend. Beyond what I've said above, it's thrilling when you see the likeness of a subject emerge from the blob of clay."

The first zombie sculpture to spawn from Phil's hands was a 30mm Zombie Surfer made for Hasslefree Miniatures. Still available on their website, the surfer is a figure he would like to do again. "He's a figure I would like to revisit and make into a larger scale statue type, but that'll have to wait." Future zombie sculpts came about with a collaboration with fellow artist, Martin Whitmore. Together, they created the Dead Ringers.

 
Phil is also a contributing artist for Zombies & Toys. You guessed it; The custom zombie busts and zombie magnets we offer are all hand-made by Phil. I asked Phil to explain his process from start to finish.


“Once I get photographs and a brief from the customer, which hopefully includes as much detail as possible to prevent any ambiguity, I'll plan the sculpt on graph paper to help keep the figure to scale. I then make a wire armature and bulk it up with clay to get the basic form, then it's baked hard.


Adding more clay, I then start to sculpt the detail, head first then clothes and arms. This is where good, clear photographs are essential. Once I've finished I seek the approval of the client, then bake.  Once baked, I prime and paint with good quality acrylic paint, then varnish and move onto the next project.”

Are any particular materials your favorite or do you have any brand loyalty?

“I've tried lots of products and I guess they all have their various strengths. Just now I mix two parts Sculpey with one part Sculpey Firm. I like to call this Sculpey Just Right, not too soft and and a good colour to see the detail clearly. Citadel Colour acrylic paints work well, but I am coming over to Vallejo Game Colour, which has a longer working time, so it's easier to blend colours.”
What was your first introduction to zombies?

“My initial thoughts was the Thriller video, but on reflection it was probably An American Werewolf in London and the dead friend who keeps turning up in different states of decomposition, not a classic Zombie, but a classic Horror movie character.”

Do you have a favorite zombie?

"I guess the bicycle girl from the Walking Dead. I don't think the bicycle was in the TV series, but she's the first Zombie Rick meets. Amazing effects and she conveyed the horror as well as the tragedy perfectly."  (editor's note:  The "Bicycle Zombie", played by Melissa Cowan, was kind enough to give us some signed photos that we will be giving away soon!)


If bitten, would you want left alone to change or would you rather be shot?

"Left to change I guess. I'd like to think I would also have the presence of mind and opportunity to get into a giant Chicken costume or something, to provide some comic relief during the Zombie Apocalypse."

How can readers find you and keep up to date?

"I have a blog, which I keep up to date with my work, Facebook and of course Zombies and Toys. I also have an Etsy page that I hope to fill with some cool stuff, I'm planning to have it stocked for Christmas."

Are zombies your favorite monster? Why or why not?

"Zombies are just terrifying. Not only are they relentless, decomposing and practically very hard to kill. They stir up primal fears of disease, cannibalism and simply being outnumbered. Their is no reasoning with them and they're all united with only one objective - eating your brains! One aspect of the Zombie theme is everyone must have considered what they would do to survive, where to go etc, which is an element you don't get with other horror villains."
 
Now for the essentials.  You can find Phil and see progress of his latest works (which could be your's) by visiting his blog.  You can email Phil with any questions or just to tell him what a kick-ass job he does at phil@zombiesandtoys.com.  You can purchase your likeness as a zombie head magnet for a mere $25 by visiting this link at our Zombie Toy Store.  You can also purchase your likeness as a zombie bust for $80 by visiting this link at our Zombie Toy Store.  You can here what Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes (yes, Jay and Silent Bob) have to say about our custom-sculpting service by visiting our Sound Cloud page.  And, finally, Phil is giving you the chance to win a free custom zombie magnet to help us celebrate our second annual Undead Bazaar by emailing your name and address to philrules@zombiesandtoys.com.

Zombie Invasion in Canada!

I don't care how many times I see it or how potentially dangerous it is... I loves me a good zombie warning sign hack.  Apparently, some residents near St. John's, Newfoundland feel the same way.  Head over to CBC News Canada to read the story.  Thanks and some ZT swag to Leah from Zombies Wearing Helmets for updating us with this story!

Monday Zombie Madness

Todd Jepperson


When a guy becomes a Zombie, he really just becomes the perfect man.

via Shoeboxblog.

The Zombie Nation: Presented by the Undead Bazaar

Todd Jepperson


Back in March, we introduced to you the blog and comic of Mr. Carter Reid. He's the creator, illustrator, and lunatic behind The Zombie Nation. Well, we've become 'friends' since then. At least I think we're friends; albeit the really awkward 'I don't wear clothes while I stalk you' kind.

Alot of things have happend over there during these past few months, and we're proud to have him onboard this years UNDEAD BAZAAR! Since last time, Carter has opened a store and stocked it with all kinds of smart and sophisticated pieces of technology to help you get through any apocalypse.



While you're there, don't forget to check out his 'Build a Zombie' flash thing-er ma-jig (yes, that's the technical term) his 'Build Your Own Necronomicon' tutorial and his free to use Zombie Paper Doll.

Let’s not keep them waiting. Carter, Would you mind introducing yourself to the people?

Sure, My name’s Carter Reid and I’m the madman behind the webcomic and blog “Thezombienation.com.”

What's your story, or I guess, how did you get your start with The Zombie Nation?

I just got very frustrated one day that so many people were making awesome artwork and I was just sitting around playing Xbox all day and picking my nose. Now it’s great having an incredibly clean nose, but it doesn’t satisfy the urge to create…. Unless I suppose you create art with the stuff from your nose, you know what? I don’t want to think about that.

How long has the site been in business?

About two years or so, but it’s only been this year that I decided to take it more seriously and try to make a business at it. A profitable business is a great way to justify to the wife all the time spent on a hobby you would otherwise do for free.

Are there any artists in particular that have twisted your mind into the frightening place it is today?

Brom, Micheal Whelan, Keith Parkenson, and all the illustrators behind the old “EC” comics… Now that was some crazy stuff.

EC? I'll have to ask my friend Google about that one. Speaking of, tell us your favorites: Movie(s) Book(s) Game(s)?

I love almost every Romero movie made, with the notable exception of “Survival” I also love the zombie comedies. “Shaun of the Dead” and “Fido” being my favorites.

I don’t really read a lot of Zombie books. For some reason I like my zombies in about two hour increments which is great for movies, not so much for books. Maybe I’ll get over that some day. I consume (Pun intended) all forms of zombie games. I loves them.

Most of us have a trauma story (mine is the movie IT when I was about five), what's yours? What was your first exposure to Zombies or Horror in general?

Oh yes I snuck down to the living room to watch “Night of the Living Dead” as a kid. And it was terror/love at first site. I was completely obsessed from that point on. The ultimate fear I think we have as humans is of death, and here was death itself trying to claim the survivors in that farm house.

To say it left an impression on my feeble little child’s brain is an understatement.

Obviously, your comic and posters have everything to do with the creeping dead, but we each have our own brand. How are the monsters in your work the same/different than others we've come to know and love?

My zombies break all the rules and I love it. They are smart, run, never seem to rot past a certain point, magically heal themselves, the works. They basically are a bunch of smart ass zombie slackers and the fact that they are now undead living in the zombie apocalypse they haven’t changed much from when they were alive… maybe they are a bit smellier… Oh and also the cannibalism, but that’s it.

Tell us about your characters. What are their stories? Do you base them off from anyone you know, or secretly wish you knew?

For legal purposes the characters are in no way, shape, or form based on anyone who could sue me. They are all your average slacker pervy friends from college, with the notable difference that they are dead.

I suppose it’s inevitable that since I’m writing them that aspects of my own personality will become theirs. Unless what they do is exceptionally offensive then I swear I’ll deny having anything to do with it.

If our readers ever wanted a custom print, do you take commissions? How would one go about making the request?

Sure I do commissions. It’s about sixty buck a person and just e-mail me from the contact page of my site if you’re interested. I’ll be adding that as an option in my store as soon as I can as well.

How big do you plan to let this thing grow before it starts to concern you?

Of course I hope it grows to monstrous proportions dwarfing all other comics who have gone before it. I pray each day that I may one day use this comic to smite my enemies and steal their women.

Seriously though I just want to do more cons, get more product, and keep trying to improve the comic day by day. If it ever becomes my full time job that would be awesome too, but I’m realistic about it. I know it will be incredibly hard, but what else am I going to do with my time?

We already know who's responsible for influencing your style, but who is/are your favorite artist? What about their work makes them stand out to you?

I’m a big fan of Skott Kurts from PVP, Mike and Jerry from Penny Arcade and Dave Kellit from Sheldon Comics. Their artistic style, writing, and sense of timing is something I admire a great deal.

So, we've been camped out in your grandma's basement playing Xbox since the world ended. You go out to the out to the walk-in for some caffiene and take a chomp on the arm. Do you want to be put down like the dog you are, or is there hope for you? Should we hold out for a cure?

Hell no I don’t want to be shot! First off I’m so manly there is a high likelihood I’m just going to shrug the effects off (What? It could happen) Second, what if being a zombie is pure awesome. Like the ultimate beer buzz that never ends. I don’t want to miss out on that. Besides being human is waaaay over rated. Zombiism is where it’s at, all the cool kids are doing it.

Alright, I’ve gotta be honest. I was gonna shoot you anyway, but hey, it could be worse. We know people in the biz who have agreed to immortalize you as a kick-ass Carter Reid action figure; would you prefer to be a zombie or one of the survivors? Probably more importantly, what accessories would you like to come with?

You were going to shoot me? But…. But…. I’m so adorable! How could you? Fine, I’ll just practice ducking.

I want to be immortalized as a zombie. Nobody gives a crap, about the survivors in a zombie movie. Let’s be honest we’re all starting to get annoyed with the survivors poor decision making abilities by the end of the movie and you’re praying they get eaten.

That’s why I want to be a zombie action figure, as for an accessory give me the “Kung Foo Grip” so that no one can get away from me. Also a bullet proof helmet would be nice.

It’s been fun man, thanks for bringing us your unique brand of Zombie humor and being such a good sport for Zombies and Toys. Before we sign off, though, we’ve gotta let the people know where to go for all things The Zombie Nation. What’s your preferred outlet for the things you do? How do you peddle your wares?

Just head on over to my site “Thezombienation.com” for the comic and blog, and if you find yourself with an excessive amount of cash and wish to support my madness there’s a link to the store on my site’s menu bar.

I swear on a stack of Necronomicons that every purchase from my store will make you a sexier human being and may even contribute to world peace… or something.

(All Sexiness and world peace to be hand delivered by Carter Reid of The Zombie Nation)

So in review, The Zombie Nation has done some growing. Check out the comics, swing by the extras, stop in and see the new store, spend loads of cash, become better looking, and contribute to world peace.

Carter has also agreed to send not one, but three lucky readers home with their very own 12X18 Necronomicon poster. Between you and us, these things are not your typical posters. They're printed on shiny 20mil poly which makes them almost bomb proof.

To enter, send your name and address to necronomicon@zombiesandtoys.com. Again, we'll draw winners sometime around the end of June. Thanks, Carter. Here's to the lesser men about to be crushed under your booted heels and the women around the world preparing to swoon over you. Best of luck.

There's more to come in this year's UNDEAD BAZAAR. You might as well add us to your favorites by pressing ctrl+d now, just to make things easier on yourself on Wednesday, when we present another feature and artist right here on Z&T!

A First Look at Season 2 of The Walking Dead

David Brown

We have all been waiting for it and AMC has provided it. Here is your early look at the first day of shooting season 2 of The Walking Dead. Stay tuned to Zombies and Toys for updates on the progress of shooting and more.

Kristy Kizzee: Presented by the Undead Bazaar

Sara Ross



If you are a needlecrafter who is looking for some non-traditional patterns to stitch, Kristy Kizzee is just the designer you are after. Kristy features her unique cross stitch patterns in her etsy store, and also has a book and kit called Zombie Cross-Stitch: 12 Patterns to Raise the Dead published by Sterling. Kristy has been sharing her amazing designs with the world for almost 4 years now. Much of her inspiration comes from her husband, Donnie Kizzee, who is a tattoo artist. Kristy is also inspired by movies, music, and other things she loves when creating her patterns.

Kristy’s interest in zombies began in 1985, after a trip to the drive in to see The Return of the Living Dead. Her favorite zombie movies are Night of the Living Dead (1965) and Shaun of the Dead. In case of a zombie attack, Kristy would rely on her husband (“He’s tougher than Bear Grylls”) to prevent from being bitten, and would be a survivor with a machete that could cut zombie heads off with one swing.

Having had the opportunity to receive and stitch Kristy’s designs from Zombie Cross-Stitch: 12 Patterns to Raise the Dead, I can say that it is a great place to begin even if you have not cross-stitched before. The book is well-written, with clear instructions on how to cross stitch. The kit is complete with pretty much everything you need to get going immediately, save for a pair of scissors. None of the patterns are so difficult that a beginner could not follow them, but most are also interesting enough that an experienced stitcher would be able to enjoy them as well.

If you are not a stitcher, or if you are and don’t have the time to complete everything you would like, I am sharing one of Kristy’s stitched, (unprofessionally) framed designs that I completed. The simple but true statement that “Zombies only want you for your brains” stitched in two-tone reds can be yours by sending your name and address to crossstitch@zombiesandtoys.com. One entry per person, and we will draw a winner in four weeks.

Pseudooctopus: Presented by the Undead Bazaar

Sara Ross (Todd Jepperson)

You may be wondering why Saturday’s post is going up on Monday. Well, to make a long story short, I [Todd] work too much and I’m in the middle of trying to survive college. When I get a chance to unwind with my wife and my kids, I may get slightly over-excited about it and let myself get a little carried away. You’d be surprised how ragged two tiny kids can run you in one day. Trust me, though, this feature is worth the wait.

Please welcome watercolor magician and fine artist extraordinaire Georgia Dunn; the heart and mind behind Pseudooctopus. Georgia grew up “weird and loud; the hyperactive child of a politician and an artist,” bringing the fantastic worlds and creatures from her mind into our world, through her art. She spent a lot of time telling Crayola stories across the paper battlefields of her childhood in the back of the rooms where her mother worked her political magic in council meetings. She eventually attended the University of Rhode Island where she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and now works as a full time freelance illustrator out of Seattle, WA.

Up until recently, Georgia spent about half her time creating children’s art and the other half creating grizzly masterpieces. Now, she spends the majority of her creative energy toward the cute and cuddly, but she still has a good following for horror. Every now and again, she breaks out the red paint and practices her splatter.

Science fiction, fantasy, and nature around her come to life in her careful watercolor representations of the way she views the world through her mind’s eye. Like we said before, she’s more than an artist; she’s a storyteller. Sometimes she allows her audience to climb aboard and experience the journey with her. I definitely recommend reading about her paintings Escape from the Factory, Gnome Home, and Monster Parade; however, more along the lines of Z&T Georgia has created these uniquely creative Paper Dolls.

As each one of our participants is interesting and unique, we really are fortunate that they’re good sports as well. It was our pleasure to have a conversation with Georgia about her art and how it came to be:

How long have you been in business?
I have been selling my artwork in one way or another since my teens, however this past January I really buckled down and made selling prints and paper dolls online and in small, independent shops my full time job.

How did you get started?
Scribbling the adventures of an extraordinary house cat named Marmalade when I was six. Marmalade faced dinosaurs, helped cowboys, sailed with pirates, and battled robots from Saturn. I used to share these stories weekly with my first grade class during Show and Tell and it got me hooked on 'illustration' before I even really knew what it was. Drawing became my main focus the summer between 6th and 7th grade, when I spent most days in my bedroom copying over the pictures from a tarot deck. My father encouraged me to learn watercolors when I was in college and they quickly became my favorite medium. I graduated with a bachelor's in Fine Art in 2004 and have been taking on freelance projects and painting various illustrations since.

What is the inspiration for your art?
It's hard to say exactly. I love nature, adorable creatures, mythology, adventure stories, monsters, and fairy tales. I prefer to paint things the way I wish reality was (like an octopus drinking from a tea cup).

Who/what are some of your favorite artists or art styles, or your biggest inspirations?
I absolutely love Tony DiTerlizzi, Jim Henson, Yoshitaka Amano, Sam Kieth, Bill Watterson, and Ashley Wood. Anything whimsical or with a lot of splashes and movement on the page catches my eye.

What is your favorite subject/image to craft/paint/draw, and why?
Anything make believe and rooted in the fantastic, I think. I don't really like drawing serious still lifes or portraits. I figure there are enough bowls of fruit, what the world needs now is bears riding bicycles. Not to say bowls of fruit can't be beautiful, they certainly can be and it takes a patient and very skilled eye to lend beauty to the every day. I just prefer astronaut penguins.

What is your favorite zombie movie/book/game?
My fiancee and I have a game when we're standing in line somewhere--the bank, waiting on the bus, etc--where we gage from 1 to 10 the potential for "zombie movie greatness" based on the setting and possible 'characters' found in the people around us. It's free and always hilarious! ("Ooh, the biker, the biker! He gets bit. The little old lady at the counter will take him out with her purse. She's much stronger than she looks. I'd give the DMV a 7 today!")

What was your first exposure to zombies?
Ha! Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. I was about 5 at the time, and the song absolutely fascinated me. My parents, two horror movie/science fiction buffs, explained the concept to me from the lyrics. I can remember listening to it in the car and asking my Dad to rewind the Vincent Price part about 30 times.

How do zombies play a role in your art?
Liking watercolors as I do, I really delight in painting three things: rust, blood, and mold. Zombies are perfect for me, an endless canvas of rotting yuck, each one its own unique and gross rotting snowflake.

If bitten by a zombie, should we leave you to change or shoot you?
Oh no, you must shoot me. I know it's nothing personal, it's just what needs to be done to ensure the survival of the others.

If made into a toy, would you be a zombie or survivor? What accessories would you come with?
I'd prefer to be a zombie, so I could be missing parts and look gruesome! I'd come with a sketchpad filled with scrawled brains, a bloody tray with partial cooked brain cookies, a rolling pin covered in guts, and a zombie Siamese cat.

Up for grabs, we have a set of the aforementioned Zombie Paper Dolls, What can you tell us about them?
I had a wonderful time creating these dolls. I imagined as I painted them that the father was a 1920's prize fighter, and the mother was a 1960s beauty queen. While the little girl is my favorite, I had the most fun making the baby and the pets. I have a few new outfit sets planned for them later this year including 'Zombie Family Vacation' with Hawaiian shirts and Mickey Mouse ears and 'Zombie Family Bring Your Zombie to Work Day' with a police uniform for Dad, a nurse uniform for Mom, and scouts/school uniforms for the twins.

Thanks, again, to Georgia Dunn and Pseudooctopus for the fun interview, the hard work and especially the contest. Please do us all a favor and stop by her website, http://www.pseudooctopus.com/, as well as her Etsy Store, and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter. For your chance to win a set of the Zombie Paper dolls, send an email with your name and address to paperdolls@zombiesandtoys.com. We’ll draw winners sometime around the end of June.

Stay tuned, as there’s a whole lot more to feature (almost) every Wednesday and Saturday in the UNDEAD BAZAAR right here on Zombies and Toys!

What's Faster than Fast Zombies?

Todd Jepperson


Parkour Zombies.



Thanks to Stephen from UT for the submission, there's a bag of Z&T goods coming your way!

Freak on a Leash - New 3DS Game gives you a zombie to pet

We've all heard of exotic pets - iguanas, fighting fish, zombies...

"Zombies?" Yes, due out in 2011 is a Nintendo 3DS title that will allow gamers to pick, play and make a pet out of the living dead. Pet Zombies will allow players to either nurture and take good care of their rotting companion or torture it with fire and shock collars. The walking dead can consist of anyone from resurrected waitresses to undead frat boys and more. The zombies can even be fed brains and toxic waste and will react to how they are treated over time.

Pet Zombies is expected out around Halloween 2011.

For more information, please go to http://www.gamesradar.com/3ds/pet-zombies/preview/e3-2011-pet-zombies-hands-on-preview-undead-nintendogs-anyone/a-2011061510365771074/g-2011061510332579042

Catch part two of "The Portray Protocols: Dead Man's Party"

http://zombiesandtoys.blogspot.com/p/portray-protocols-dead-mans-party.html

World War Z Cast Expands

David Brown

It has been a while since we have heard any major news concerning World War Z. Last we new Brad Pitt was attached, but things have changed now and more details are being revealed as far as casting is confirmed.  It seems the latest name to become attached to the movie is Matthew Fox, best known for his role on the TV show Lost.  Fox is apparently signed on to play a character currently known only as "Parajumper".  Besides Fox there are other big names attached to the movie including aforementioned Brad Pitt, James Badge Dale, Mireille Enos and Ed Harris.  Marc Foster of Quantum of Solace and Finding Neverland movie fame is set to direct, while J. Michael Stracynski a writer of many Twilight Zone episodes is set to write the script.

The plot, for those of you not familiar with the novel is such:  It’s 10 years after a zombie apocalypse has hit the world and left it in a bit of a shambles. Brad Pitt is a researcher for the U.N. Postwar Commission and James Badge Dale is a solder named Captain Speke, who tries to warn the military about the oncoming zombie threat and as a result is locked up in a detention centre when the war begins. The storyline is patched together from testimonials of different people all around the world, giving their perspective on the zombie outbreak.

Also a further bit of new to pass along.  The movie is scheduled to begin shooting next month and has been announced to be filmed in Malta, London, Glasgow and Elstree Studios.  We will definitely keep you updated as we receive more details, but one thing is for sure, this movie is looking like it will help slingshot zombies back to their rightful place at the top of the horror ladder.

Punk Rock White Trash and Gnat's Knits: Presented by the Undead Bazaar

Todd Jepperson


Today, what we’ve got comes the wonderful world of crochet. Tell grandma to tune out, because you won’t find any afghans blankets or fuzzy pjs here. Since December of last year, Punk Rock White Trash has been bringing horror to handmade goods and feeding brains to her crochet Zombies. Stick around for your chance to win one of these and any other of her fine knit hats.

Give me a few sentences to a short paragraph telling about who you are. Kinda like a mini bio.
PRWT all stemmed from this random insult that I decided to make into something positive. I have been an "artist" all my life I used to sketch and draw all the time as a kid. [However,] in my adulthood, I don't sketch much. I had been searching for some creative outlet for some time and [that led to] hand embroidering onesies for my youngest son which we decided to try and sell. I [also] designed a logo with a punk rock black sheep and we dug it, so I decided to put it on some t-shirts to sell. That never really got off the ground; and in the meantime, we had the site URL just sitting there. A friend of mine posted some of her crochet stuff on Facebook and I was like... I could probably do that. So, I went and got a ‘teach yourself’ to crochet kit and between that, a bit of practice, and some youtube, I learned how to do some stitches. Now, here I am making zombies (and other assorted monster hats) for those who are cool enough to see how cool they are! :) [It] took about 5 months to get good at making stuff, but I like it. Currently I am holding down two jobs and crocheting to make ends meet for my two kids. Gotta love this economy right?! :)

Where can people buy your stuff?
Well, currently you can place orders through Punkrockwhitetrash.com, or link through Zombiehats.com. We also had a review written about our hats here. For those who don't necessarily want a zombie or macabre style item, you can go to Gnatsknits.com where I do hats for children and babies. I have a Facebook for both the PRWT and Gnat's Knits. I am in discussions with other possible vendors who may carry some of our items, such as: Angry, Young, and Poor, some local vendors, and you guessed it, Zombies and Toys. We will see...

Do you have any plans or pipe dreams for your store?
Oh yeah! Who doesn't? I really want this to be something that I can do on a full time basis and stop working (externally) all together. That way I can stay home with my kids. It would be nice to be able to transition to position where I design the hats and then employ more people to continue to make them (by hand, of course). That would enable me to have the time to design and expand the product line. As far as definite plans, I am just creating more items for people to buy. In the works are a Dracula plush, a mummy, and some nerdy gamer stuff (as I am a gamer nerd at heart).

Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?
That is kinda unsure and hazy at the moment. I definitely hope to be a bit more successful with the PRWT site, adding new items to the store, and possibly getting picked up by some other alternative clothing sites. If i don't get picked up by anyone I would love to make the site like the "Etsy" for the macabre. I think that would be super fun and interesting.

How big do you plan to grow this thing?
As big as I can... go big or go home!

Do you create custom knits for your customers; or, are you trying to stick to the goods found in your online store?
Oh I totally love doing custom orders. It challenges me and makes me work. I really love it when I make something for someone and they tell me its exactly what they pictured and what they wanted. That makes me feel great about it. I love customs and have said if you can think of it I can probably make it.

How much time goes into each one of the hats/things you make?
Depends on what it is... I have gotten the hats down to an art so it takes a few hours to make it all and sew it all on. The hobo bags take a really long time sometimes a whole day possibly a day and a half. The hair bows and small things take like half an hour if I am left alone to just crochet. If it's a custom, and I have no clue what I am doing, things take longer as well... also having to stop working to tend to the kids hinders progress.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Oh, I am not sure really where it comes from. Some ideas are suggestions from other people and some are just things that I see. I have always loved zombies and one night I was sitting in my living room, with Z and T stuff everywhere, and I was like, “Hmmm. I bet I could make a zombie hat.” So I did! Same with the monster hats. I have movie monster posters everywhere, and again, I was like, “A Frankenstein hat would be awesome. Why not do that?!” So there you have it; my living room is my inspiration.

Here’s the obligatory favorite movie/book/game question.
That is a hard one... favorite movie would have to be Fido. I love the different take on the whole zombies genre and the 50's look and feel about it. If not that, then the original Night of the Living Dead. My favorite zombie book would have to be The Stupidest Angel: A tale of Christmas Horror by Christopher Moore. It is HYSTERICAL! My favorite game is probably Plants vs Zombies. I still haven't gotten all my achievements!

Man, I loved FIDO. It’s too bad it got such little exposure. I loved how when FIDO would just snap and eat someone at the park, Timmy was pissed. Not that his neighbor was dead, mind you; but, that he might get busted hanging out with his parents’ Zombie when he shouldn’t be and it could get him in trouble. Neighbors, who needs ‘em?

Good ol’ FIDO. That makes me wonder. What was your first exposure to Zombies?
I don't really recall. I have always loved horror films. As I recall, the first one I saw was the exorcist (I was 8 and NOT supposed to see it). I have always loved zombies and Night of the Living dead was a film I could watch again and again. When I didn't have cable I watched it all the time. Zombies are the party monsters and as Romero has said, “You can't die in the zombie apocalypse unless you just don't pay attention.” (which is comforting to me in some twisted way.)

So, what is it about Zombies that drives you to create?
I love zombies and how each one is so different you can't ever do anything wrong with them. The hats and dolls that I make can be twisted any which way and look ragged, yet still really cool. Sometimes the flaws add character, so I like the no-pressure aspect of creating zombie stuff.

Do you have any favorite artists or styles of art?
I love pretty much all art. I really love anything vintage looking or knitted/crocheted. I have always liked hand made big comfy sweaters and hats scarves things like that. I am a fan of just about any kind of interesting self-expressive art. There is a girl, her name is Rachel Betty Case, who makes things out of what she calls 'human ivory' (aka fingernail and toe nail clippings) and I find that fascinating. I have also seen chandeliers made from real animal skulls which I would totally have in my house. I am into anything obscure and kinda macabre.

Alright, Gnat, when things get really bad and you get bitten, do we take care of you the old fashioned way; or, leave the disease to run its course?
I won't get bitten because I pay attention, but if by chance I did let me change... I think it would be cool to be a part of the horde.

If someone was gonna make a toy out of you... well, a toy with your likeness (toys made out of real people would be gross), would you be a zombie or survivor? What accessories would you come with?
Survivor and if you could call them accessories I would have my 2 kids, a machete and a med kit. The smaller of the 2 kids would have a papoose that you could strap him to my back to allow free swinging zombie chopping action.

Alright, now for the freebies! Up for grabs is a one-of-a-kind light green Zombie hat which may or may not resemble the mascot for a certain site we all know and love. Also, the artist has been kind enough to offer a second prize: Your choice of any hat (and only hats) from the Punk Rock White Trash or Gnat’s Knits line of crochet. To enter to win the Zombie hat, send your name and address to hats@zombiesandtoys.com. If you’d like to have your chance at the hat of your choice, include a photo (taken from PRWT or Gnat’s Knits website) and put "contest 2" in the subject line. You can enter both contests, but can only win one of them.



Thanks, Gnat, for taking the time to be a part of this year’s UNDEAD BAZAAR. It’s always fun to find out how and why people pick Zombies. Your hats are awesome, and that’s not to mention the ‘Alien Dog’ you made for my son. I’m sure there are a few 90’s Nicktoons fans out there that would appreciate it as well. For everyone else, check out Punk Rock White Trash and Gnat’s Knits for all of your hand made soft and fuzzy needs and stay tuned for Saturday’s artist feature right here on Zombies and Toys.

CONduit 21

Todd Jepperson


As you may have heard, we recently had the opportunity to cover CONduit, the largest and longest running science fiction and fantasy convention in Utah. The guest list included names such as artist/writer Brian C. Hales (website), critically acclaimed author of over 50 published novels Carole Nelson-Douglas (website), scientist couple Dan and Laura Lind (I couldn't find a website for them), and co-author of the first [and some of the greatest books I’ve ever read] Tracy Hickman (again, website).

The first thing you may say is that nobody on the list above is a notable face among the Zombie community. Take a seat, and allow me to entertain you while I tie our presence in with the masters above.

This was my very first convention . . . ever. No lie. So, I was completely lost. I got checked in at the desk and started down the long list of events searching for the top places I might find other re-animate enthusiasts. It just so happened that I had noticed a book cover with the title Silver Zombie, and the author was presenting about five minutes from the time I checked in. I thought that was as good a place as any to get my start, so I made my toward the presentation room. I discovered that the above mentioned book was actually named after a mixed drink, and was a Sherlock-Holmes type of mystery novel which had nothing at all to do with the legions of undead I was hoping for. However, I was entreated to a highly intelligent discussion about entering the world of publishing and how to create longevity in your writing. Ms. Douglas was very entertaining and was even kind enough to pose for a quick photo. She asked me why I had attended her presentation, and we had a quick laugh over my mistake. She thanked me, and I was off to, once again, find a place for us where we fit in.

The next panel I saw that interested me was on Romanticizing the Monster with the above mentioned Linds and Tracy Hickman as a special guest. Luckily, it was about a half-hour away, and I had time to do some networking. I found myself in Artist Alley standing in front of a display for the art of Billy Tackett (you may have heard of him). I was able to shake a few hands, and give away some of the exclusive artist series four buttons had done for us, before moving on to the panel.



At the panel, they focused mostly on the pro-misogynistic vampires in the world today, but also mentioned how Zombies were the only monsters who still have their pride intact; and still commit regular destruction of humanity. It was said that it is impossible to have a functional romance with a Zombie, and the book Warm Bodies was brought up. The panel and audience decided for the world that the type of corpse that could engage in a full-fledged romance was merely a parody of the monster it resembled, and therefore just plain didn’t count anymore. It was also on this panel that I got to know Mr. Dan Lind, who had me laughing my ass off the whole time.

Again, I was entertained, and actually found myself having a great time. I had dragged my brother along with me promising him that he’d have a chance to meet Tracy Hickman; that promise was fulfilled after the panel. Tracy happily autographed my brother’s book and also took time to let us know about an online writer’s workshop he was putting together. He also gave us some free bookmarks, and signed those as well.

After that, I had the chance to talk to people from Wasatch Paranormal Investigators, Dungeon Crawlers Radio, and Artist Extraordinaire Carter Reid from The Zombie Nation. We were invited to do a radio spot and podcast for Dungeon Crawlers and also to attend Conclave of Horror in August, where we could have a partner in crime tag-teaming with The Zombie Nation’s booth.

Sadly, the end came and I was forced to turn in my press pass. Before I could go, however, the head of registration wanted to talk to me about my experience. As it turns out, the convention had attracted so many people they ran out of registration forms, and the hotel was concerned with maximum occupancies and fire code. Next year, there’s a high likelihood that the convention will need to be moved from the Radisson Downtown hotel to a larger convention center. I was told that they enjoyed having Zombies and Toys there to cover the event, and invited us back any time we wanted. I left a business card and some free goods with them on my way out the door, hoping for a happy reunion next year.

Just Another Manic Monday

Todd Jepperson

Razor Decals Eats Your Family

On occassion, chance, coincidence, and timing align and good things just happen.  No, I'm not talking about the creation of Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby.  Without boring you with details, let's just say that Razor Decals would like to give Zombies & Toys readers the opportunity to decorate your vehicle with zombie love.

If you're looking for the perfect solution to the "stick family" stickers we see everyday, you may want your very own "zombie family".  Available in black or white, email your name and address to razor@zombiesandtoys.com for your chance to win a set!  And to not exclude our non-domesticated readers, you can have your choice of any of the many stickers Razor Decals offers!  All entries must be received by June 30th.

Win a Copy of Memento Mori

Sometimes, I simply just drop the ball.  A few months back, we ran a contest to give away some signed copies of "Memento Mori" signed by author/artist, William Lebeda.  I neglected to post a banner for the contest in the margin and it fell off of my radar.  Because of this, I am extending the contest until the end of June.

Take advantage of my mistake and email an image of a skull, any skull, to skull@zombiesandtoys.com.  Don't forget to include your name and address.  For more information about this book that consists of nothing but sketches of skulls, check out our original post.

Beat-up Creations: Presented by the Undead Bazaar

Sara Ross


We present to you Sculptor, Artist, and Dark Artisan of Fine Dinner Ware, Angela Rossi of BeatBlack and Beat up creations. Since 2009, Ms. Rossi has been taking unwanted, abused, and forgotten pieces of forlorn playthings and transforming them into darkly unique pieces of “raw, outsider art”. These one-of-a-kind talents have also brought fine pieces china back from the dead with a new, darker attitude.

Raised by a Father with a passion for fine art and an antique dealing Mother, Angela fell into her style almost by accident. She masterfully combined the seemingly dissimilar arenas into a field all her own. Beat Black is definitely a unique example of modern macabre. Visit the main site at www.beatupcreations.com and the store at beatupcreations.etsy.com.

What is the inspiration for your art?
I am totally inspired by pop culture. My father was a fine artist and my mother was an antique dealer so I have a bit of that mixed with my art. I love taxidermy as well.

What was your first exposure to zombies?
I was first bitten on the eve of my 8th birthday and have been a walking zombie since.I really don’t know – I use to watch Day of the Living Dead over and over and over in the 80s – I must have been like 8 when we got a VHS copy of it.

How do zombies play a role in your art?
I love the juxtapose of the fine antique plate with zombie portrait. For me, it is like the perfect mix of traditional, pop, dark with a bit of humor.

Who/what are some of your favorite artists or art styles, or your biggest inspirations?
I’m totally in love with Sean Cheetham. I love the traditional fine art with the modern.

If bitten by a zombie, should we leave you to change or shoot you?
Shoot me, obviously

If made into a toy, would you be a zombie or survivor? Whataccessories would you come with?
Definitely a Zombie. My accessory would be my detachable leg that has been ripped off but I still want to keep it.

What is your favorite subject/image to craft/paint/draw, and why?
I love mixing the traditional with the dark side it gives such a juxtapose feel but seems to stay classy.

For the taking, Angela has offered this symbol of undying love. When Zombies take their vows, death never does them part.



For your chance to win, send an email with your name and address to: zombieplate@zombiesandtoys.com. Again, a special thanks to Angela Rossi and Beat Up Creations for their participation in this year’s UNDEAD BAZAAR!

Addy Miller Interview from Mayhem

Gnat

I knew when I walked in to the Wyndham, to meet Addy and her mom, we were instantly going to be friends. It was the Thursday before Mayhem and we had been in the hot sun at Gatorland all day. I did not look like a person coming to interview them but they didn’t seem to mind at all. When we walked in, Addy and her Mom were relaxing in the lobby and were immediately inviting. It was like we had been friends for a while and were just getting to see each other on vacation. We talked about what we wanted to do and then headed to Addy’s room (where I proceeded to give her a doll I had made and some great Zombies and Toys swag. In return, she gave us some signed pictures for our personal collections).

We decided to go and get something to eat, because we were all starving. We ended up at a pizza place and I was amazed at how humble both Addy and her mom were about her status as a celebrity. At the pizza place, they were wearing Spooky Empire shirts and neither of them wanted to let anyone know who Addy was. The basic philosophy they carry is, “Addy is fortunate to be able to do something most kids will not get to do. She is not a celebrity nor famous just a kid who got to do something really cool.” I appreciate that outlook and it was nice to see that even though Addy is a celebrity, she is also a normal kid. She loves to do normal kid things like soccer. The last night of the event, she showed us some of her skills when she, and the other kids from The Walking Dead, invented a game called “Awesome Ball” (Steven Yeun was also in on this game). That evening Addy and my niece played as I spoke with her mom (we talked just like two moms hanging out). Eventually, we had to say goodbye and promised to see them the next day at Mayhem.

The next day when we walked into the celebrity room, we headed to Addy’s table and were received with hugs and hellos. Addy put out some of our Zombies and Toys cards on her table and was wearing her swag that we had given her the night before. She was so sweet and laid back. She and my niece became fast friends and played the entire weekend. We were all sad, on the last day, when we had to see them go. We vowed to stay in touch, and so far have kept that promise.



I also had the distinct pleasure of asking Addy a few questions, the interview went as follows:


What is your most memorable moment from your experience on The Walking Dead?
The stunts for sure! I loved doing the stunts. I also liked seeing Frank Darabont's reaction and being so happy from my scene! He would actually jump up and yell and I could tell he liked what I was doing. Everyone on set laughed. If I didn't have on all the makeup, everyone would have seen me smiling too!

How long did the makeup application take and what was that experience like?
Well, I had two people working on me in the makeup trailer (Garrett Immel and Andy Schoneburg), and that took about 2 1/2 hours. Then once I got to set, Greg (Nicotero) worked on me for another half an hour. It is actually more relaxing than you think. I just sit there and close my eyes and try not to fall asleep. As for wearing it? Well I think I had it on for about 7 hours that day, and it made it very hard to talk and eat. It was a bit uncomfortable, and I drooled all day long, which was definitely the worst part! (let me add here that Greg Nicotero and Addy's mom told me about this makeup, and it was no easy thing to wear. She was a super trooper!)


How did you come to be cast as the "zombie girl"? What did the audition consist of?
Actually I was contacted by casting to come in and audition. I think someone had seen me in another project I had done or had been submitted for, I'm not really sure. The casting people wouldn't tell us what it was for, they just gave a description of how to tape my audition. So my mom taped me and sent it in, and about a week later I learned they had cast me. I had to look "hungry" in my eyes and walk toward the camera - but with no makeup on - that was it!

Have you read TWD comics? What books or magazines do you enjoy?
Yes. Once I was cast, I went out and got the first volume and my mom and I read them (her reading it first, then me in case there is something I shouldn't see). Now we own all 13 volumes! I also like the Ramona book series and Monster High books.

Do you have any other exposure to zombies such as movies, books, or games?
If so, what are your favorites?
I had actually been a zombie before in another movie, an indie called One Last Sunset. Other than that, no, I have not seen other zombie films or books other than The Walking Dead. But now I love zombies. I have a zombie calendar that I can make zombie puppets from, I have the zombie Monster High doll, and the DS game called Plants vs. Zombies . I also play Zombie Farm on my mom's iPhone.

Do you find zombies scary or do you think being a part of "movie magic" just makes them another day at work?
It is just another day at work. I don't see it as scary at all, probably because I was one of them first. Just people in makeup.

Do you go to a public school? What do your friends and classmates think of your career or your zombie appearance?
No, I'm home schooled now, but I used to go to a private school. My close friends have seen a picture from The Walking Dead and are like "Is that you?" (laughing). They think it is very creepy, but they are very supportive of me and my career. To be honest, we don't really talk about it very much, since they have been my friends longer than I have been an actress.

Is there a chance we may see you in the series again? Maybe as a survivor?
I would love that! I really do not know what the show has planned for the future, we will have to wait and see.

Let's say that you are in the show again only this time as a survivor. If you were given a choice as to which toy they could make, zombie or survivor, which would you choose? What accessories would you come with?
Wow! Ok. Well, couldn't they do both? (smiling). It is hard to choose when I have only been one character. If they made my Little Girl Walker into a doll, she would definitely need to come with the bunny slippers and teddy bear!

Speaking of toys, what are some of your current and past favorites and why?
Well right now I really like Monster High Dolls and LIV dolls. I used to collect My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, and Webkinz when I was younger. I LOVE horses and have a ton of horse figurines and stuffed animals. To me they are just so beautiful and graceful.


The Millers are a joy to meet, and if you get the chance you should do so. They will be making appearances at Wizard World Philadelphia on June 17-19, Fright Night Film Fest on July 22-24, Wizard World Chicago on August 11-14, DragonCon in Atlanta September 2-5 and the Nashville Comic and Horror Convention October 1-2. I highly suggest you get out to see her and get something signed!

Addy will also has 2 feature films coming out soon the first is titled “Remnants” and will be out in fall of this year. Check out their Facebook page to keep up with the latest news on this film. She is also working on another film called “Plan 9” (It’s an Ed Wood remake so I am sure it will be a classic!). Addy can also be seen on the tv show “Ghost Trek” and you can check out their Facebook page here. If you want to check out Addy’s acting chops from the past check out her IMDB page.

Addy is an amazing and talented young lady. She needs our support to become the big star I know she is. Go see her; whether it be on film or in person. To keep up with everything coming up for her go and “like” her Facebook fan page You will be sorry if you don’t!

Third Annual Zombie Walk Salem Announced

David Brown

Original image of zombie removed because photograph owner was rude and abrasive.  Instead, we bring you a cute bunny picture from cutepics.com

 

Salem, MA has long been celebrated for its storied history with witchcraft and the occult. This year, the undead will once again have their chance to shine, when the third annual Zombie Walk Salem 2011 takes place on October 8. The details at this point are still being finalized, but the date above has been confirmed and plans are underway for all events.

More details for the event as well as a form to register can be found by visiting CrawloftheDead.com. If you know of any other upcoming zombie walks feel free to email david@zombiesandtoys.com with any information and we will cover it on our site.