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.

Contest Updates

As I have mentioned in several posts already, Christmas has set me further behind than usual.  As a result, several contests I wanted to run through December never launched and others never concluded on time.  So, here are some winners, entry date extensions, and advance notice of next month's contests.

Zombie Ammo was gracious enough to give a set of zombie targets away including their new Santa design!  Congratulations to Phillip A. from Phoenixville, PA.

Custom dog tags are being given to 3 lucky winners thanks to Dog Tag Art.  While my pooch wears the "I Fight Zombies" one, the winners are welcome to choose from any of the designs they offer!  Or, if you're patient, you can wait until the upcoming Zombies & Toys tag becomes available!  I hope the winners enjoy their pet ID tags:

Frankie M. from Warren, NJ
Jenny B. from Fresno, CA
Kimberly R. from Phoenix, AZ

One of my favorite artist (and yours, too, judging by the contest entries), Billy Tackett, gave us some signed prints to give away!  The image?  The Zombies & Toys logo!  There were two winners of this awesome image and to make the winnings even better we are throwing in a set of our Billy Tackett artist series buttons!  These buttons are limited to 100 sets and there are only a few left. Watch for series 3 this spring!  Congratulations to:

Shelly L. from Lancaster, CA
Mat B. from Lapeer, MI
 

 
Congratulations to all of the winners!  Now for a sneak peak at what we'll be giving away in January...  Official announcements will be posted in the days ahead.  Remember, you can always enter more than one contest but if you enter the same contest more than once you will be disqualified.
 
Next month, we will be giving away a set of zombie miniatures thanks to Studio Miniatures.  This is one of the best prizes we have had the pleasure of giving away.  "Pleasure" may be a stretch as it pains me to let these guys go!  The winner will receive a total of 51 zombie miniatures valued around $200!

We made friends with Zombie Flesh Jerky!  Not only do they provide you with the obvious, they also have zombie tongues!  Be ready for a chance to win some of these grotesque, yet tasty, treats!  In the meantime, check them out at Zombie Flesh Jerky.

This is just the beginning, friends.  There will be plenty of contests, changes, and announcements throughout 2011 so make sure to stay tuned!

Win an Art Print from Billy Tackett

So, I'm only a month behind getting this contest started.  To help us celebrate our second year online, one of our favorite artists, Billy Tackett, is offering a signed print of his Zombies & Toys logo painting!  The lucky winner will also receive a set of our first artist series button packs featuring Billy's work.  These button sets are limited to 100 pieces and our third series will be out early 2011.

To win some zombie goodness courtesy of Billy Tackett, email your name and address to billytackett@zombiesandtoys.com.  We will announce the winner before Christmas.

Billy's art book/mini-biography, For the Love of Monsters, is also available for preorder through his website.  Ordery by Nov 30th and receive free shipping, a sketch inside, and it will arrive autographed!  The book is 120 pages of full color art.  It also contains concept sketches, photos, stories, and personal musings!

Zombies & Toys Presents: Billy Tackett

If the name Billy Tackett doesn't sound familiar, his paintings will certainly look familiar. He is most-known for his Zombie Sam painting but has illustrated book, magazine, and album covers. You can find Billy's images on shirts and look for them in an upcoming book. Most exciting for those reading (well, okay... me) is Billy applied his signature style and vision to bring us his interpretation of the Zombies & Toys logo!

So now you must be asking yourself, "How can I appreciate this magnificent work at home while supporting my favorite zombie news blog?" I'll tell you! Zombies & Toys is bringing you the first in an upcoming run of 'artist series' button sets. Our first guinea pig ...er ...talented artist friend is Billy Tackett.

The buttons are limited to a run of 100 sets. In addition to the ZT logo, these 1" round buttons also have Zombie Sam, Fannie the Flesh Eater, Vacation Zombie, and feature Billy's bio on the back. These were unveiled at Steel City Con and the remainder are available for $4.99 in the Zombie Toy Store. The first to order will also receive some bonus swag featuring Billy's painting.

Hang Some Zombie Balls From Your Xmas Tree

Billy Tackett is giving folks the opportunity to make Christmas a bit merrier this year. Billy has added Cannibal Claus to a Christmas ornament. What kind of zombie balls did you think I was talking about, Sicko?

They are available for $17.99 through World of Strange. I know these are limited and think the edition is only 75. I could be waaaay off but for some reason that number rings a bell. I also recall reading somewhere that the first few ordered will be signed by Billy himself. I'll get clarification on all of that and update later.

University of Florida Preparing for Zombie Apocalypse

You can sleep better at night if your children are attending the University of Florida in Gainsville. On the school's website, along with information on what to do during a hurricane or pandemic, is a plan for responding to the undead.

The plan explains how students should respond to attacks by "flesh-eating, apparently life impaired individuals." It also mentions that an outbreak of zombies may include "documentation of lots of strange moaning."

A University of Florida spokesman says the exercise was written to “add a little bit of levity” to disaster preparation discussions.

"Vacation Zombie" image courtesy of Billy Tackett.

"Zombie Sam" Print Winner!

A winner has been selected for the first of two contests held this month.

Congratulations to Malissa from St. Louis, MO! Malissa will be receiving a print of "Zombie Sam" autographed by artist, Billy Tackett!

Thank you to everyone who entered and especially Billy for taking the time and donating the print. Check Billy's site to find out where he'll be next and for upcoming news in general. I highly doubt this will be the last we'll hear of Billy on Zombies & Toys. I happen to know there are some fun and exciting things in the works that will be of interest so stay tuned...

Contest Reminders - enter now!

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

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

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

Featured Artist: Jaden Nagy

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

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

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

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

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

Would you like to be a zombie? Maybe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Zombies"

"Zombie With One Arm and One Ear"

Horror Realm Report

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, when the apocalypse happens…

The Zombpocalypse, yeah.

When it happens, where do you want to be?

Anywhere. I’m prepared at all times.

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


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

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

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

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

Horror Realm This Weekend!

If you're in the Pittsburgh area, the Horror Realm convention is this weekend. Horror Realm (previously Zombie Fest) is a three-day convention geared toward fans of zombies and the horror genre.

This looks to be a lot of fun with dealer tables, movie screenings, artists, authors, and celebrities. I'll be making the rounds on Sunday and will update everyone here with some pics and a report. Among the guests attending this year are two familiar name here on Zombies & Toys.

One of this month's featured artists, Billy Tackett, will be there. Dress as one of Billy's Dead, White, and Blue characters for your chance to win one of his prints.

Also in attendance will be S.G. Browne, author of Breahters: A Zombie's Lament. Mr. Browne was kind enough to donate an autographed copy of his book for us to give away to a lucky reader a few months ago. If you haven't read it yet, it's a must. A great book with a very unique and entertaining look at our favorite subject.

Other guests include Ken "When There's No More Room In Hell..." Foree, Bill Moseley, Leslie Easterbrook, J.L. Bourne, Kim Paffenroth, and many, many others.

Click here for more information!

September Contest Reminder

Zombie For Zombies: Advice and Etiquette For the Living Dead, by David P. Murphy, is an essential book for anyone recently infected with a zombie virus. For your chance to win a free copy courtesy of Source Books, send an email to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "book" as the subject. Include your name and address as well as your answer to this question: ""What do you think would be most difficult to cope with during or after your transition to becoming a zombie?"

Contest ends Friday, October 9th.

The second contest this month is for a "Zombie Sam" print autographed by artist, Billy Tackett. For your chance to own this print, email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "Art" as the subject. Include your name and address as well as the name of the classic movie Billy recently gave the zombie treatment. (hint: it can be found in the "color" gallery on BillyTackett.com)

When your through perusing Billy's creations, check out what he has to say about zombies.

Featured Artist: Billy Tackett

September will be the month of several firsts at Zombies & Toys! The first first is we are having a theme this month. The focus throughout the month will be art featuring and inspired by zombies. We will have features and interviews with different artists sharing with us their thoughts on zombies and, of course, some images of their work. We will also be offering for the first time two separate contests supporting our theme. Don't forget, we are giving away a copy of Zombies For Zombies thanks to Source Books and author, David P Murphy.

Our second contest brings me to the introduction of our first featured artist this month, Billy Tackett. Thanks to Billy, we will be giving one lucky reader an autographed print of his Zombie Sam painting! This is without a doubt one of the most unique items we have had the pleasure of offering readers. For your chance to own this wonderful print, email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "Art" as the subject. Include your name and address as well as the name of the classic movie Billy recently gave the zombie treatment. (hint: it can be found in his "color" gallery)

Hailing from rural Kentucky, artist Billy Tackett freelanced for twelve years before earning international recognition as an accomplished artist. His work has graced the covers of over 200 published book covers and his signature piece, Zombie Sam, has given birth to the Dead White & Blue series whose fan base is growing daily. Billy keeps busy by attending over twenty events each year in addition to launching a clothing line featuring his work. We can also expect to see a book later this year, For the Love of Monsters, followed by his first graphic novel. Did I mention that he doesn’t sleep?

Since we are all mostly familiar with Zombie Sam, I’ll start there. Billy created the image for the now defunct comic book, Fleshrot, and had no idea at the time Sam would become so popular. “A couple years later when I picked up oil painting, I thought it would make a cool color piece. He’s one of my first paintings.” Zombie Sam was created for Billy’s first convention show where he was also asked if his image was available on a shirt. “That got me into the graphic tee business and now I offer seven different designs.”

“The positive response from Sam prompted me to paint Fannie the Flesheater (Rosie the Riveter) as a companion piece. She begat Sgt. Rot and he in turn begat the main characters in a graphic novel I am writing, Dead White & Blue Comics. My career owes a lot to Zombie Sam who was one of those ideas that just sort of popped into my head one day.” Sam wasn’t Billy’s first zombie creation. Growing up “as an artist and metalhead” in the 80s, Billy was influenced in part by Eddie, Iron Maiden’s zombie mascot.

That first trio of zombie images were all based off of old war posters and moving towards other American icons “was the next logical step” for Billy leading to the zombification of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. “Most of my recent Dead White & Blue pieces have been media related, movies, and music. So I think I’m going to do some historic pieces in the near future. I have a long list on my refrigerator of candidates for the Zombificator. As ideas come to me I’ll write them down and then mark them off once they’re complete.”

Zombificator? “The Zombificator will be a part of my site where I offer zombie portraits at a very reasonable price. I began holding costume contests at some of the conventions I attend where if you come dressed as Sam, Fannie, or Sgt. Rot you could win a portrait of you as a zombie. The response has been so good that I figured I would offer the portraits to everyone. There’s a few other zombie portrait artists out there so I want to make sure I am offering something no one else is. Unfortunately, I maintain my site myself so this part is still under construction until I get some of these commission pieces completed.”

Billy’s first introduction to zombies was from the old movie magazines of the early 70s. “The one I read most often was Monsters of the Movies. Seeing the old stills of movies like I Walked With A Zombie, White Zombie, King of the Zombies, etc. Of course, these were the old-school voodoo zombies.” But it was one movie in particular that clicked with Billy. “The one production that got me into [zombies] was Return of the Living Dead. Until that time the vampire had been my monster of choice. I guess ROTLD showed me zombies as outcasts or misfits which was how I felt during my teenage years, whereas vampires were more suave and sophisticated which I was not.”

But what if you were bitten by a zombie? Kill you or walk away? “Shoot me. All zombie lore points to the fact that zombies are instinctual. The loss of humanity would be a great loss. I think that’s why vampires still hold a place in my heart. Even though they are monsters preying on the human race they are still conscious and retain the ability to create if they choose. Unless vampires turn out to be rotting ghouls like the old-world legends. In that case, count me out!”

Do yourselves a favor and check out BillyTackett.com. It’s well-organized and provides plenty of links and information. You can order prints and shirts as well as link to Billy’s MySpace and Facebook pages. Also keep an eye on t-shirt printer, World of Strange, as they will be offering some of Billy’s images that will not be available anywhere else.

Billy’s art book, For the Love of Monsters, is also getting ready for publication. It will feature much of his art, some well-known and some not so much, in addition to concept sketches and photos. “It will be a mini biography and will include some stories behind the art as well as goofy stuff like my thoughts on giant eyeballs as movie monsters and album covers that had an impact on me.”