Breathers: A Zombie's Lament to Star Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

Breathers: A Zombie's Lament is a zombie love story written by S.G. Browne.  It tells the story of Andy, who tragically dies and is reanimated as a living corpse.  In a world where who will be a zombie and who will not cannot be predicted, zombies have no rights, still have feelings and memories, and must attend Undead Anonymous meetings.  Before the book was even published, Diablo Cody jumped on board to produce the film adaptation.  And this was after the book was turned down by dozens of publishers!

Well, the rumour-mill is buzzing with the latest news that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will star as Andy.  After seeing him in Inception, I must admit that I'm excited at this news.  What about Andy's love interest, Rita?  Can anyone other than Scarlett Johansson make a zombie look hot?

Nothing is official and several sources of Hollywood news are simply saying that the two are "loosely" attached to the film.

For anyone not familiar with Breathers or S.G. Browne, check out Zombies & Toys' interview with Browne.  Also, revisit our guest review of the book.  Breathers is unique zombie novel that I originally had no intention of reading.  But am I happy to admit that it was one of the best books I read last year.  It was funny, warm, entertaining, and thought-provoking.  I encourage everyone to pick it up and give it a read.

Breathers: A Zombie's Lament - guest review

I'm excited to announce that Zombies & Toys has its first guest review! Introducing Jason Stein of Jason Takes Portland. Jason was kind enough to offer his time to bring us a review of what I feel is one of the best books I have read this year.

Those who have been around for awhile are familiar with my praise of the book. So now you get to hear it from someone else.

In order to keep established mythologies fresh, story tellers will change around the particulars to give their version of how it "really" is. Author S. G. Brown’s book, Breathers: A Zombie's Lament, creates an entirely new zombie mythology. In Brown's world, zombies are people who randomly reanimate after death and still possess the ability to think and talk (if their death left the required organs intact). Since they are undead, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" does not apply to them. This means that they are not permitted in public without a "breathing" escort, have a job, must abide by curfews, and are frequently ridiculed (or worse) by the public. Fraternity pledges are particularly threatening to a zombie’s well-being. Violating these laws usually results in getting rounded up by animal control. If impounded and not claimed, the captured are sent to a zombie zoo or turned into a crash test dummy.

The focus of Breathers is on Andy, a thirty-something who is re-animated after a car accident that leaves only his young daughter alive. Now Andy lives in his parent's wine cellar, takes Pine Sol baths to mask the odor of decay, writes protest signs, and attends the weekly support group, Zombies Anonymous. Since Andy's vocal cords were damaged in the crash, we follow his internal thoughts and dialogue as he struggles to cope with his new existence and attempts for legitimacy. We also follow his courtship of a fellow zombie in his support group; Ready for some zombie loving? The numerous scenes in the self-help group combined with Brown’s writing style are reminiscent of Chuck Palahniuk’s novels, Fight Club and Choke.

Brown takes the story in some interesting directions that make a lot of sense. These directions and details left me wondering why no one had ever thought of them before. Explaining the various developments would ruin the fun and discovery for the reader so you’ll have to learn about them yourself. Unfortunately, I felt that the story fell apart in the last 30 pages. Brown seemed to be pressed for a conclusion and wrote an end scenario that was rushed and unsatisfying. Regardless, the rest of the book is so good that it is a must read for zombie fans.

S.G. Browne Interview

Just wanted to mention that MercuryNews.com featured some words with S.G. Browne, author of Breathers: A Zombie's Lament. In addition to some words from Browne, the article also tells a bit about Breathers and the upcoming movie by Diablo Cody.

For those that don't remember, Browne was kind enough to answer a few questions here on Zombies & Toys. On a personal note, if you haven't read Breathers yet, shame on you. You're missing out on a great book with a fresh look at our favorite subject.

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!

Update on Diablo Cody and Breathers Movie

SciFiWire.com scored some new information from Diablo Cody regarding the movie adaptation of S.G. Browne's book, Breathers: A Zombie's Lament.

According to Cody, the script is finished and in the hands of directors. Cody has read and approves of Geoff LaTulippe's adaptation and says it captures the essence of the novel. "Yeah, we have a script now," said Cody. "Woo-hoo! It's actually an incredibly awesome tight script, so we're going to move forward, attach a director next and the whole lovely development process. ...if you're a fan of the book, I think people are going to be pleased."

I 'gotta tell 'ya, read the book. I was doubtful at first but after reading a great review decided to give it a whirl. It is a wonderfully unique version of a zombie tale. It is unkown why people reanimate and not everyone does. But those that do still retain their memories and personalities only know they have the effects of being dead to contend with. The only reason I can give to not read the book is it will only make the wait until the movie seem longer.

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!

Contest Reminder: Win An Autographed Copy Of Breathers!

Just a reminder that this month's contest ends next Friday. One lucky winner will win a copy of Breathers: A Zombie's Lament autographed by its author, S.G. Browne.

Entering couldn't be easier... email me at zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "Breathers" as the subject. Don't forget to include your name and address in the subject. Full details can be found here.

Breathers is one of the most unique books I have read and is a fresh take on the zombie genre. For details about the book please head over to Undead Anonymous. Info about S.G. Browne including his previous and upcoming books, signings, and contact info can be found by visisting his website here. Browne was also kind enough to answer a few questions for our readers so don't miss the opportunity to see what he had to say by clicking here.

Every zombie book I have read is pretty much more of the same. That's not to say any of them are bad. I haven't read a bad zombie novel yet. Each has its own unique events and twists but the core to each is similiar. I can honestly say that Breathers breaks that mold and does so quite well. Head over to Undead Anonymous and read the first chapter for free. Trust me...

S.G. Browne, An Interview With The Author Of Breathers

S.G. Browne is the author of several books but is most recognized right now (and especially to Zombies & Toys' readers) for his recent accomplishment, Breathers: A Zombie's Lament. Not only was Mr. Browne kind enough to send us an autographed copy for this month's contest, he also took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for us.

Browne started writing screenplays and short stories in the early 1990’s while working in Hollywood doing post-production work for the Disney Studios. After three years in the business, he abandoned Hollywood and fled to Santa Cruz, where he proceeded to write the bulk of his four dozen short stories and first three novels.

After more than 10 years of writing horror, Browne took a break. A little more than a year later, he was inspired to turn his 2000 word short story, “A Zombie’s Lament”, into what would eventually become his fourth novel — an 82,000 word dark comedy titled Breathers.

You can read more about Browne at SGBrowne.com and read about and order Breathers at Undead Anonymous.com.

What was the first zombie movie you saw and what about it still sticks with you?

Romero’s original Night of the Living Dead, which I saw for the first time in 1977. The stark, terrifying reality of it and the death of the hero at the end are what stick with me the most. It’s still the scariest movie I’ve ever seen. And I have the line “They’re coming to get you, Barbara” on my iTunes.

If you had to pick a single, favorite zombie film what would it be and why? I’ll even cheat and allow you to name your other favorites too. So what are they?

Night of the Living Dead, because it’s the benchmark of zombie horror and the archetype for the modern conception of zombies. Other favorites? Lucio Fulci’s Zombie, Dawn of the Dead (the remake by Zack Snyder), and Shaun of the Dead.

What zombie books are you most fond of?

To be honest, I haven’t read a lot of zombie fiction, though I have World War Z by Max Brooks and The Living Dead (a collection edited by John Joseph Adams) on my To Be Read list. Oh, and Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum was a kick in the pants.

Most readers don’t know that Breathers actually began as a short story. How much time lapsed between the completion of the short story and the beginning of Breathers as we know it?

I completed “A Zombie’s Lament” in 2001. I wrote the first scene for Breathers two years later in a hotel room in Ventura, CA, but I didn’t really start writing the novel until early 2004. So three years. Or maybe technically two. Is that a vague enough answer?

What was it about this particular story that brought you back to it?

The dark comedy. I’d written three novels that were straight supernatural horror a la Stephen King, but I’d never attempted a full-length novel in this style. And at the time, I’d never seen or read anything from the zombie’s POV. I thought that would be fun to explore.

How long did it take you to write Breathers?

Two years, though I didn’t work at it every day. I sort of binge wrote it. And I went through a divorce halfway through, which sort of puts the kibosh on having much of a sense of humor.

I have read that over 80 agents actually passed on Breathers before it was finally published. What types of rejections did you get and how did you stay motivated in the face of so much rejection?

Most of the rejections I received were positive. My favorite rejection showed up two months after I’d signed the publishing contract. I framed that one. As for staying motivated, it’s called masochism.

Breathers takes a bold and entertaining stance by giving “life” to zombies. What defining moment is behind this vision of yours to explain their consciousness through their eyes?

I don’t know if I’d call it a vision. Thomas Edison had vision. I just wanted to tell the story of an ordinary zombie and create enough sympathy for him so that when he started eating human flesh, the reader would be right there with him, cheering him on.

Any plans for more zombie novella? If so, do you intend on using the same formula that made Breathers such a success or will you visit a different angle to the zombie persona?

If I can come up with something fresh, then I’d definitely revisit the zombie mythology. But at the moment, I’ve already written my next book (also a dark comedy, this one about fate) and am working on another, as well as a screenplay with a sci-fi edge.

I’m sorry, Scott, you’ve just been bitten by a zombie. As your friend do you ask me to cap you in the brain or leave you to wander with the rest of your ilk?

I never liked the word “ilk.” It feels incomplete. Like it’s missing its soul. Like zombies. Plus I don’t eat a lot of read meat. So cap me in the brain.

You’ve mentioned looking for the humanity in zombies and question their life prior to becoming undead. What zombies in film have you particularly wondered about or drawn to and were any of them the inspiration behind Andy?

While I can’t say I consciously drew on any zombies for inspiration for Andy, the first one who comes to mind is Bub, from Romero’s Day of the Dead. I think he was probably the first heroic or sympathetic zombie.

What information are you able to share about the upcoming Breathers movie (timeline, cast, etc)? Many of us are dying to know more information (pun intended).

Timeline? Sometime between now and the zombie apocalypse. Cast? So long as Christopher Walken and Bruce Campbell want in, I’m happy. I should know more once the script is finished, hopefully sometime this summer.

Did plans for the movie begin prior to the official release of the book? It seems news of the movie hit immediately after the book was released.

Although the deal for the film rights was announced the week before the book release, the wheels had been in motion for nearly a year. I’ve learned to be patient. Sort of.

What’s your plan when the zombie apocalypse inevitably happens?

I plan on screaming a lot. And maybe filling up a bunch of water balloons with guacamole and dropping them on the zombies from the roof of my apartment. I’m not much of a survivalist.

Being a long-time zombie fan yourself, what are your thoughts regarding the increase in popularity of zombies lately?

You could make the argument that zombies are an allegory for the end of the world as we know it. That the popularity of zombies is a direct reflection of global fears regarding the economy and terrorism, much the same way aliens were popular in the 1950s during the Cold War. I don’t know if I believe that, but zombies are a great vehicle for making commentary on society. After all, they used to be us, which is ultimately why I think we find them so compelling.

Do you feel that being saturated with too many new zombie books and movies will reduce the quality or prohibit studios and publishers from moving forward with new projects?

I think as long as zombies remain popular, studios and publishers will pursue any zombie project that has something to offer. But I think eventually it’s going to get harder to sell something that doesn’t offer a fresh or original take on the mythology.

Are there any zombie toys or memorabilia that you collect? Tell us about your inner geek.

I used to have a collection of gargoyles, skulls, monster action figures, and wind up robots. But after I got divorced, I realized having them out on display might have an adverse impact on my ability to date a woman more than once. So I ended up giving most of my collection away to my nephews. But I still have some of my favorite pieces, along with movie posters from the original Frankenstein, The Mummy, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Alien, and Night of the Living Dead.

Scott, thank you so much for making yourself available. If any readers want to thank you in person, where can you be found over the coming months?

You can find me at a number of events and book signings, which I keep updated on my web site: http://www.undeadanonymous.com/breathers
Just look for the Next Scheduled Resurrection…

New Contest! Win An Autographed Copy Of Breathers!

Here it is, June's contest! The prizes just get better and better. This month's give-away will be for a copy of Breathers: A Zombie's Lament autograhed by its author, S.G. Browne.

Breathers takes place at a time when zombies are, er.... alive ... and are trying to cope with being dead. New medications, support groups, and rules are all a part of a zombie's new routine. An extremely original and enjoyable read. Here's the actual synopsis:

Meet Andy Warner, a recently deceased everyman and newly minted zombie. Resented by his parents, abandoned by his friends, and reviled by a society that no longer considers him human, Andy is having a bit of trouble adjusting to his new existence. But all that changes when he goes to an Undead Anonymous meeting and finds kindred souls in Rita, an impossibly sexy recent suicide with a taste for the formaldehyde in cosmetic products, and Jerry, a twenty-one-year-old car-crash victim with an exposed brain and a penchant for Renaissance pornography.

When the group meets a rogue zombie who teaches them the joys of human flesh, things start to get messy, and Andy embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will take him from his casket to the SPCA to a media-driven class-action lawsuit on behalf of the rights of zombies everywhere.

Darkly funny, surprisingly touching, and gory enough to satisfy even the most discerning reader, Breathers is a romantic zombie comedy (rom-zom-com, for short) that will leave you laughing, squirming, and clamoring for more.

To enter: Please send an email with your name and address to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com and please put "Breathers" in the subject. One lucky winner will receive a copy of the book that Mr. Browne was kind enough to provide and autograph. He was also kind enough to dedicate some time to answer a few questions for Zombies & Toys. Click here to read the interview. Entries must be received by Friday, June 19th.

A HUGE "Thank You" to Scott Browne for sponsoring this month's contest and for all of his time.