Nightmare Magazine Kickstarter Update

by Dorothy Emry

Only 12 days to go to help John Joseph Adams get his new horror magazine off the ground. The good news: less than $300 to go to get it started. The better news: pledge just $3 and get an ebook copy of the first issue or just $25 and get a 1-year subscription. The best news: Adams promises “all kinds of horror fiction, from zombie stories and haunted house tales, to visceral psychological horror.” And he’ll be sure to deliver. Issue #1 is already slated to have stories from Laird Barron ( a guy who writes some of the creepiest horror I’ve ever read) and Jonathan Maberry (Flesh & Bone, Rot & Ruin, Dust & Decay among other books).

Last chance to help out, Z&T fans!

ROOM: Horror short stories by Joe Knetter

Matt Boiselle

    Vile, fetid, squalid, unapologetic......these are just a few things I look for when I want to delve into a good horror-themed book. Don't candy coat anything for me - I don't need a 200 page lead-in about one or two characters before the story picks up. Just waffle me in the face with the most heinous and abhorrent situations one can be placed in.....and let the good times roll !!

    I have become quite familiar with Horror Author Joe Knetter's work simply due to the fact that he is one of the few remaining writers left in the industry that will literally punch you in the face with written words, and wait for you to spit teeth and ask "may I have another ?" Mr. Knetter has penned some great books in the past such as Vile Beauty, Zombie Bukkake, and Twisted Loneliness, and on July 2nd, will unleash his newest creation of 8 horror short stories in one book titled: ROOM. I was honored to receive a preview copy of this and I honestly have to say I freaking loved it !! As soon as you are finished with one of Knetter's stories and cant wait for your pulse to slow up just a little bit, he throws you face-first into the fire of his next ungodly work.

    He opens the book with the first story: HELLHOLE - about a couple of scumbag bar-workers whose clientele definitely don't reside past the pearly gates (if you dig what I mean.) The 2nd short is called: ROOM 17 - Centering around a group of friends that want to do a little ghost-hunting in a reportedly haunted hotel. We then venture into story 3: FRIEND - About a law-office worker that comes across a case involving a woman that is accused of murdering her husband. Story 4 is titled: STIFF - You will read a final letter from a madman that described his visit to his local E.R to receive treatment for a vicious migraine. Story 5 is called: REDEMPTION -  the heartbreaking tale of a mother's loss of her child and the hope that some measure of revenge will be exacted upon the individual responsible for that loss. Story 6, titled: LUCKY NIGHT: focuses on a lonely gas-station attendant, the two men who come to rob him, and 3 curvy hostages (believe me, this one will mess you up !!) Story 7 is called PERISH WOODS: A good old-fashioned happy couple in the woods going camping, and being stalked by a legendary serial killer.

     Is your heart racing yet ? (If not, better check for a pulse) Then get ready for what I feel is the BEST story in the entire book, our last venture into depravity, called: CEMETERY RHODES - where a girl with a very unordinary name finds herself buried alive in a wooden box, and the ensuing hope that she can escape from her new-found predicament. If you are claustrophobic, or have a generally uneasy stomach......then I implore you to read this last page-turner.

    Overall, this book is NOT for the little kids...I mean you could read it to them at bedtime......NO NO forget what I said. Seriously, Joe Knetter has once again proven that he has the seriously depraved mind, and creative brainpan to sustain in this genre for years to come. I have not yet been disappointed by a book he has written, and this one surely reinforces my opinion. If you want slow, plodding, stuck-in-a mudpit- kinds of books, feel free - but if it's the kind of book you would want to make your local parents' group get that "I need an antacid" look on their faces, then this is the one.
 Click on the pick to be taken to Joe's website or just head on over to www.joeknetter.com, where you can order his previous books, or read samples from them if you like. In closing, on July 2nd, when you plan on reading this beauty, I'd recommend eating before you read this, because you won't want to eat afterwards !! Happy reading !!

Dead Island Gets a GOTY Edition June 26

David Brown



Last year the world took a trip to Dead Island. While many reviews were mixed, including those of our writers, nobody can deny that it was a great concept. Many of you have probably had the chance to play through the game and experience the things it had to offer.

For those of you that did not, there is hope.  According to our friends over at Joystiq, Deep Silver will be releasing a Game of the Year Edition on June 26.  The edition will include the Dead Island game as well as all 3 DLC packs whcih include "The Ryder White Episode" "Bloodbath Arena" and "The Ripper Weapon". 

So far over three million copies of the game have sold worldwide and it doesn't look to end there.  You can pick up the GOTY Edition for $29.99 on PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

How to Zombie-Proof Your Home : An Illustrated Guide

Matt Boiselle

   There very well could be a valid argument made for the point that if you plan on surviving any type of apocalypse, let alone a zombie one, that one of the MOST essential staples in your (or your family's) gameplan is having a fully functional arsenal-infused stronghold at your disposal. (I mean you don't really think your going to live the rest of your life on the run, do you........well do you?)

   The first step in your zombie-Armageddon gameplan should be to head on over to http://www.geektyrant.com/
and download this infographic guide and stick this sucker to your fridge, bathroom wall or war room (wherever you get your best thinking done.) This little beauty will list all needs as far as the best land mines to install at the furthest distance from your home, right down to sticking some titanium choppers in your favorite dog's mouth so he can chow down on some of those unlucky undead that MAY happen to sneak past your several lines of defense. The guide also list numerous items that are have-to haves in your possession such as the most effective weaponry best suited for all types of long or close-range fighting, which medicines to stock up on, and how to rig your house with explosives should your fortress of solitude become overrun.

    This guide (while created to entertain rather than educate.....or is it ?) is quite the comprehensive tool to be used in the effective outfitting of one's home. So feel free to head on over to the website, or click on the pic to be transported there.....while I try to figure out how to install some titanium teeth in my Pug's mouth.

Zombie Mario and Princess by Amanda Dockery

Philip Hynes

We know that even Superheroes are vulnerable to a Zombie virus but I never imagined for a moment that Nintendo’s Mario and Princess would fall to the Zombie curse! Well artist Amanda Dockery has given us a horrifying glimpse of how this much loved duo will appear after joining the ranks of the undead. By their expressions I’m guessing that Princess has infected her love Mario, who doesn’t appear to be overly keen on his current predicament, but that’s just my interpretation.

I’m sure you’ll agree that the pictures are brilliantly done and you can see how they were developed over at her site - The Art of Amanda Dockery, from concept sketch to the masterpieces shown here, as well as lots of other crazily good portraits of well-known stars in her own unique style.

The one thing that I find most striking about these pictures is how Zombification can make already cool and much admired people/products so much cooler.  Look at all the things that have had Zombies added to the equation and suddenly you’ve got yourself something very groovy indeed – T-Shirts, walks,  first person shooters, dolls, superheroes, wedding cakes, movies etc. Even dead people were never so popular until somebody thought of Zombies. I’m predicting that this fact won’t be lost on marketing gurus and we'll soon see yesterdays has been products re-launched with a Zombie twist…..anyone for a Zombie Rubik’s Cube? Damn right!

Zombies – makes stuff cool again.

Stag Night of the Dead - The Movie

A British Bachelor party?
A new game for the living?
A secret military base?

A stripper?

All this still could not save the film.
A classic, low budget, B roll zombie flick.

We join a group of guys & a stripper who go to a private military base to play a game of zomball.
A game in which the living zap zombies with electrical guns & does not include any type of ball.
Maybe it is a ball to play?
Maybe an homage to the Production company?

After a series of ridiculous events and even more ridiculous plot twists which include forbidden zombie love, 

we come to the final 30 minutes.

The same last 30 minutes of every zombie movie on the planet that has survivors......
RUN!!!!

As a former entertainment industry professional,

i have to state that the over dubbed lines sometimes remind me of a bad kung fu movie & the post production can sometimes make you sick because of quick cut edits & choppy scene changes.

Having said that - i was impressed by the quality of the low budget SFX and the shear amount of variety in zombies

You should give this movie a try because it could be amusing to a hardcore zombie film enthusiast, but if you are a once in a while zombie flick watcher, you might want to pick something else..

Decide for yourself.

Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection Going International

Todd Jepperson

Following up on our post from last July, we’re hearing, through Dread Central, that the all horror UK remake of Romero’s classic: Night of the Living Dead has been picked up by 4Digital Media for distribution in the UK while Grindstone Entertainment Group will be in charge of distribution here in North America. Grindstone will, most likely, be releasing the film through Lionsgate Home Entertainment (hopefully) some time later this year. 

From the Press Release:

4Digital Media has acquired the UK distribution rights to Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection. Based on the 1968 horror classic, the story focuses on four generations of a family trapped in a farmhouse in Wales during a zombie apocalypse.

 James Plumb directed from a script he co-wrote with producer Andrew Jones. Independent Moving Pictures' Rob Graham and Manish Patel executive produced. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: RESURRECTION will receive a limited theatrical release in select UK cinemas followed by a DVD and VOD release.

North Bank Entertainment's Andrew Jones and 4Digital Media's Tony Taglienti made the deal.

Andrew Jones: "We are delighted to be teaming up with 4Digital Media to bring NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: RESURRECTION to UK audiences. This film is a completely different take on the classic concept so audiences going into this movie expecting a retread of the original film will be surprised by the new twists and turns our story takes. Zombies have penetrated popular culture, and in recent years they have often been used in humorous ways. But we are aiming purely for scares with this film while adding a new level of threat to our main protagonists in order to really ramp up the tension."

The Walking Dead obstacle course: could you survive ?

Matt Boiselle

  At this year's San Diego Comic-Con 2012, fans of The Walking Dead will have the unique chance to participate in one of the coolest and most innovative marketing ideas to come down the pipe in a very long time.

      It's called The Walking Dead Escape, and it will coincide with the release of Issue # 100 of the insanely popular comic-book series, and will give zombie lovers the chance to head through the course in 1 of 3 different scenarios  -  Scenario #1: Players can run through as a survivor attempting to escape through a zombie-infested evacuation area. - Scenario #2: Play as one of the "walkers" and attempt to attack other survivors. - Scenario #3 - If your not too proud of your running skills, you could be one of the survivors that has made it to the escape party and is watching the apocalypse from the sidelines.

   There is no actual "time limit" in the course, but all participants must remember that this is the apocalypse !! There isn't time to stand around and admire the scenery......zombies are chasing you for cryin out loud !!! Tickets are $ 70 per person and more info can be found on the website when you click on the link in the pic of Petco Park: the scene where this year at Comic-Con, you can opt to
either survive, or become one of the undead masses that make up The Walking Dead !!

Dead Things

Nick Teeters

This is the most intelligent Zombie book I have ever read. It took me into depths of terror that I had no idea existed. The thought process behind the structure of the book is astounding and it takes many angles and successfully draws you into the story; which will constantly keep you guessing. I found myself always trying to think of what could happen next... and in the end I was shocked to say the least.

For his first book, Matt Darst has taken a common tale of survival and twisted it into something that the mind can't wrap its ideals around. This is not a Zombie book like you have ever seen before; this is something new, this is something scary.

I loved this book! Right now you can find it on Amazon and it's also available on Kindle. Great buy, going to have to re-read it with a Dictionary next time.  Also check out his website, www.deadthingsthenovel.com and stay tuned for an exclusive interview to be posted in the next few weeks!

Meet the ZombieZoo!

Sara Ross 

There is a group of animals living in what seems to be an ordinary zoo. Each one has his or her own personality, and enjoys the company of the others (with no humans to interfere). They look “normal” but if you take a second look, you will notice scars, stitches, and that each creature is missing an eye! Something is going on here...

The animals in the ZombieZoo are undead, but still kind and cuddly. In this group of friends, you will find five unique characters: Boo, the black cat, leads the group and is always seeking knowledge either through exploring or reading; Stich is a neat-freak pig, who can’t spend enough time washing and scrubbing; Rob the rabbit is multifaceted--his likes range from poetry to heavy metal; Muck is a popcorn and party loving monkey; Toxic the snake is always trying to win at everything, and thinks she is the coolest. All of these animals are friendly, but edgy at the same time.

You can find these great creatures in the Zombie Zoo. In addition to getting to know them better, you can watch a short movie that features them all. You can find out more about the zookeeper, Neecy Twinem, who dreamed up these animals; or, pick up a pal or two of your own--the zootique features full-size plush, clip on minis, and artwork featuring the zoo crew. I had the chance to ask a few questions of Neecy, in order to find out a bit more about her artwork and inspiration for the ZombieZoo.

First of all, tell me a bit about your own Boo. Do you really have a black cat, and how is s/he like the ZombieZoo Boo?

I do have a cat named Boo. Boo is a big inspiration in my artwork both my fine art and my illustration. He is my muse and continually giving me ideas. I am pretty sure he is the one that whispered the words... "zombiezoo" in my ear.

I see that you have may other accomplishments, including children's books, art, and as a speaker. What are some of your favorite subjects in your books and other artwork?

My favorite subjects are animals. Animals play a big role in my life and they are so wonderful to create. I like to bring humor and whimsy into my artwork and my kids books.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

My ZombieZoo characters bear inspiration from the celebration of Dia de los Murtos, Mexican and American Folk Art as well as artists such as Tim Burton and Jim Henson. With making them animals, I got to roll all my favorite things into one!

What was the process like to go from illustrations to plush? 

There was only a slight difference, as both take sketching and planning. Character sketches came first, which is the same for illustration. For the patterns, I had to draw upon my previous skills in sewing. I have sewn forever and created simple patterns as well. Then it was trial and error from there. A very fun experience to see my characters form in plush!

What made you want to create zombie animals? 

Zombie animals are fun! I knew I did not want my zombies to be bloody or gory but I did want them fun and edgy and a bit dark. Kids love monsters and I wanted to create lovable monsters and animals convey that.

Do you have a favorite zombie book? Movie? 

I like the comic by Roman Dirge, Lenore (not your typical zombie book). I love ZombieLand and of course I am a Walking Dead fan.

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, if you were bitten, should we shoot you or let you turn, and why? 

Shoot me. I don't want any to see me eat flesh or anything like that. Although I am sure I would not remember, but I would still want someone to have the guts to "put me down"

Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with us? 

Behind the meaning of ZombieZoo, my zombies are not the result of a virus, which is just a modern trend, really. My zombies are more the traditional voodoo zombies. There is lots of blood and gore out there for kids, I wanted to provide some lovable zombies and ZombieZoo was it. There are more characters to come and I am working with a licensing agent on the development for a compelling consumer product range to launch soon.

If you are interested in finding out more about these cute ZombieZoo creatures, make sure you stop on over to www.zombie-zoo.com. You can also check out their Facebook Page, or Twitter to keep up with Neecy and her gang.

Courtesy of Neecy, we have a set of all five ZombieZoo Minis to give away! Entering is easy, just send us your name and address to: zombiezoo@zombiesandtoys.com. One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, June 4th.

If you can’t wait to make one of these zombies your friend, Neecy has a special code just for Zombies & Toys readers! Enter the code ZZ15-12 at checkout at the Zootique to save 15% off your order. This code is only valid through June 12, 2012, so don't wait.

Area 407: Review

 Matt Boiselle

In the age of found-footage movies that seem to be surrounding us like a pack of wolves circling for the kill, all that can be asked is " please don't let me get motion sickness watching this" - as for this film....REQUEST DENIED.

AREA 407 - the newest film from IFC Midnight, drops us directly into a passenger plane ( with some extremely annoying passengers) making a short flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on New Years' Eve, when a sudden burst of violent turbulence takes the plane down ( and surprisingly enough, leaving ALL of the annoying ones left alive !). Our found-footage shakefest extravaganza begins with the video camera of our 13-year old main character ( who possesses a voice so shrill, that I had to keep checking to see if my glasses were cracking.)

The survivors are left near the plane wreckage with little hope of survival, and when all seems to be lost, it gets considerably worse. Someone or something is picking off the flight passengers one by one in very gory fashion. When it is finally revealed as to what is doing all the killing, your head will feel as if you've been trying to shake out cobwebs for a good 30 minutes. Also, I do know that a lot of people in horror movies have some level of stupidity as far as their survival choices go, but this particular group of people in this movie wouldn't seem fit to last 10 minutes out in the real world. Add to that some of the shakiest, out of focus, stomach turning  first-person camera work you have ever seen, and you will wish you had stocked up on the Dramamine for motion sickness.

The one redeeming piece of this film is the ending ( no, I'm not being sarcastic !) - there is a reason for why all the killings have been taking place, and the shock ending will appease some fans. In closing, if you are looking for some cheap thrills ( and camera work), take the leap into AREA 407 - Now in limited theatrical release and available on Video-On-Demand.

Asylum Blackout : Review

 Matt Boiselle

Do asylums give you the creeps ? How about the fear of being stuck in the dark ? If you can imagine the two of these phobic instances meshed together, then IFC Midnight's: Asylum Blackout is the film for you. The movie itself revolves around three aspiring band members ( George, Max & Ricky) who, while struggling to make it big in the rock business, are working in the kitchen of a high security asylum for the criminally insane. Their jobs are relatively safe - they prepare food for the inmates and serve it behind a thick glass wall.

You honestly didn't think things were going to go smoothly did you ? In the midst of a severe thunderstorm, power to the facility is severed, including all security systems, thus releasing all prisoners from their cells, and basically allowing all hell to break loose. The scenic views inside the prison rate fairly high on the creep factor, but the acting leaves quite a bit to be desired. There however is one standout: Richard Brake, who plays Harry, one of the asylum's scariest inhabitants - the man NEVER utters a word during the film, but gives off a 1000 yard stare that would make even the most hardcore tough-guy feel the back of his pants start to fill up. ( The horror aficionado will remember Mr. Brake as one of the paramedics that gets decapitated by Michael Myers in Rob Zombie's Halloween II)

All in all this is a fairly creepy movie, and should be enjoyed with the light preferably in the OFF position. Don't look for a deep storyline here, although you will find an ending that will leave you scratching your skull. The movie is in limited theatrical release as of May 4th, but is available on IFC Midnight Cable VOD, and selected digital outlets ( SundanceNOW, iTunes, Amazon Streaming, XBOX Zune & Playstation Unlimited).

Kickstart a New Horror Magazine: John Joseph Adams' Nightmare Magazine

by Dorothy Emry

 

Get in on the start of something good...

John Joseph Adams, editor of The Living Dead and The Living Dead 2 anthologies, is starting up a new monthly horror magazine called Nightmare Magazine. Help him get it off the ground by pledging to the kickstarter project. He’s trying to raise $7500 by Friday June 8^th and already has $1,998. Not bad with 31 days to go. You can pledge any amount but for a pledge of just $3 you’ll get an ebook copy of the first issue. If you can pop for $25, you’ll get a whole year subscription. Of course, the more you pledge the cooler the reward, but just pledge what you can afford and then help by spreading the word.

He promises “all kinds of horror fiction, from zombie stories and haunted house tales, to visceral psychological horror. No subject is off-limits...” Sound like our kind of fun, doesn’t it?

(Rec) 3: Genesis - Coming Soon

                                               Matt Boiselle

              Were you one of the masses that enjoyed the Spanish infection films (Rec) and (Rec) 2 ? If so, then hold onto your haz-mat suits because hitting U.S. theaters this September 7th will be the newest entry into the series, entitled (Rec) 3: Genesis.

             The plot of the third film runs parallel to the first two, and follows a group of wedding guests on their way to a reception following the marriage of the two main characters. As the party gets underway, one of the relatives of the groom is trying to get through what he feels is just a bout of "sickness" after being bit by a dog. ( If you watched the first film intently, you will pick up the root cause of the virus.) Before long, the rabies virus is unleashed upon the party guests and the battle to contain and destroy the infected commences.

        Hopefully this film will find some domestic theaters, although it can be tough to find said films in smaller towns, but if you keep your eyes peeled, this film is also slated to arrive on Video-On-Demand on August 3rd of this year, so you gore-hounds can enjoy this slaughter-fest in the privacy of your own tombs. So be sure to stick with us here at Zombies & Toys, because when this beast runs into either a TV or movie screen, we will be on it for a full review.

The Walking Dead Episode 1 Review

David Brown

Many of us have had our ups and downs with The Walking Dead.  We have marveled at the greatness that is the graphic novels.  We have been there through the ups and downs of the television series, now going into it's third season.  We have even listen with intrigue to the long tale of the governor.  Well TellTale games has done us the honor of releasing a video game to flesh out even more of a story in The Walking Dead universe. 

The Walking Dead: Episode 1 "A New Day" is available now via Xbox Live, Playstation Network and also via Steam on PC and MAC.   The game will set you back $24.99 via Steam for a season pass, 400 points on XBox Live for the First Episode and $5.00 on Playstation Network for each episode or $20 for the whole season.  As I said this is just the first episode of the game, so we can expect to see 4 more to come out in the next few months.

TellTale is following in the tradition of their previous games including Sam & Max and Jurrasic Park by presenting The Walking Dead: Episode 1 as a point and click adventure game.  At first I have to admit that I was a little nervous to see how this would play out, but I can assure you first and foremost that this is the ultimate control style for this type of game.  The game starts out with the player taking the role of Lee a man who is being taken to prison for reasons unknown to us at first.  He is talking with the deputy and this is where you start to see the way that the gameplay takes place.  At many points during conversation you will be able to choose conversation paths.  Each path will affect the outcome for the rest of the game. 

There are many times during the game where you have the option to say a certain thing or side with a certain character and each option certainly holds weight.  For the first time in a long time I feel that all of my choices will actually affect the story as a whole. Back to the story though, we see the conversation between Lee and the Sheriff cut short as they swerve to avoid a walker and Lee is knocked unconcious.  I will leave the rest of the story for you to explore yourselves. I would now like to look at the gameplay and the overall fun factor.

I am not understating when I say that this game makes you feel like you are in The Walking Dead universe. The art style mimics the graphic novels perfectly so you feel like you are playing through another issue.  With the player taking the role of Lee we see a different spin on the Walking Dead universe. No longer are we following the cop who has the training. We are following a very ragtag group of people who are thrown into a walking nightmare. You will battle zombies, you will forge relationships and people will die.  I won't say who but just know that there is everything to lose in this game. 

One of the best things I found was that everything moves at a brisk pace. Episode 1 clocks in at around 4 hours but you feel like you are enjoying every minute. Being an adventure game there are a few puzzles scattered throughout, but you definitely can solve everything with a little common sense.  If I had to have one criticism it is that my setup made my cursor a little hard to see in some situations, but I still was able to play without issue.  The characters are voiced perfectly and everything just feels like The Walking Dead.

If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, you owe it to yourself to play this game.  You will learn more about the universe of the series and maybe even see a few familiar faces. As I said earlier, this isa avalable now via XBox Live, Playstation Network and Steam.  Shamble on out and pick this game up as I am giving The Walking Dead: Episode 1 a must play 10 out of 10.