Short for a stormtrooper or just what the Emperor ordered? Death Trooper statue FIRST LOOK!!

Since the 2009 release of Joe Schreiber's Death Troopers, the undead have found their way into the Star Wars universe.  What was a one-shot concept has grown into a massive infection with a sequel, fan art and now a statue of true gore and terror.  Check out Yodasnews.com's FIRST LOOK at a Death Trooper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZKSaoKsJw&noredirect=1

THHPPT Zombie Kitty Kawaii goes on an adventure..

Artist - Louise Kiner
Zombie Kitty Kawaii!
International Union Of Mail Artists

THHPPT!
From Austrailia to Paris – Greece & the US
This Zombie Kitty is on the move….
So i asked Louise Kiner some questions about her mail art project.

Ash:
I really dig your use of zombies in art.
Can you tell me a little more about:
Zombie Kitty Kawaii!

(Zombie Kitty Kawaii! Valentine 2012 ) 

“About Zombie Kitty Kawaii!:
I came up with her in 2009. I was teaching a "Manga" course for kids (ages 8 to 12 approx) at a studio of some friends of mine. “


“It was pretty hilarious as they were all really into the horror and monsters and vampires etc. 
My experience with Manga was reading a lot of Shojo Manga (girls manga) and Kawaii (cute) Manga; 
so after the first class I thought I'd better come up with a character 
one I could use for the different lessons I had prepared and that these kids would like. “


“I thought "Hello Kitty", but more gruesome, but with humor as well, 
 like the Black Night who has all his limbs cut off in Monty Python and the Holy Grail 
("It's only a scratch!"). 
So, after a bunch of sketches,
 Zombie Kitty Kawaii! came about.”

Zombie Kitty 2009

Ash:
So it seems that there are a whole bunch of people involved in the project.
How does that work?

Louise Kiner:
“The Zombie Kitty Kawaii! project: 
A little more then a year and a half ago, I had bought and read: 

Make Every Day a Good Mail Day

It was a bit of an epiphany
the idea of making art and sending it to someone was such a great idea 
the fact that you might get really good mail (and not bills) was really exciting to me. 


Back in the fall, 
I sat down that day and wrote out a basic outline for it. 
I actually also posted a question on how to get started on the IUOMA's Ask Anything Group. 
Ruud Janssen actually read my outline through and made some great suggestions to get it up and running. 


It's not the most original concept 
people have been stealing garden gnomes for years and photographing them on holiday.


Everyone who has been involved, has been having fun and are really inventive.
The Zombie Kitty Kawaii! Project/Group would be nothing without all the Artists who are and who will be involved. 
I think they all bring a certain charm and inventiveness to the project that I cannot take credit for. 


If they all lived closer by, I would have them over for drinks and a really nice dinner. I really can't thank them enough. 

Ash
Well I am certainly looking forward to having my time with ZKK and I would certainly come over for drinks

Cheers Louise

Recently seen in France

Zombies, RUN! - Android App Review

Ash "Ima Zombie" El-Masry

It is cold out....
A slight mist with heavy wet flakes of snow are falling in Seattle...
I must get to my local hardware store and get a new shovel, maybe an axe...

ZOMBIES, RUN! has a couple different options for game play, Multi-player Mode and a Solo mode.

The multiplayer mode opens up your phones browser & provides a link to begin a private game.
I am asked to sign into my Google account and grant permission
a notice that a GPS fix is attempting but nothing ever happens so i exited browser & tried again.
Still nothing, bummer....

The Solo mode has some options for game-play like what kind of outbreak is happening & how fast your zombies can move.

The easiest setting available is the "Controlled outbreak" @ 2mph.
A Google type map opens & I try to choose my location with an overly sensitive map.
The map sensitivity presents problems throughout the game play experience.
Once your destination is chosen - the game begins.
Zombies move toward me at a snails pace but, I must adjust my path to reach my final location.
The hardware store is relatively easy to reach

The next outbreak is an Early Local and i choose 5mph...
I bump up the speed because I probably could have stopped for a picnic and still not become lunch myself at 2mph
Choose a destination and twice as many zombies appear
I might need to do some joging in certain places to circumvent the zombies
I manage to make it back home with-out a scratch.

The third option for your outbreak is the Late Local and I think I will keep 5 mph.
Back to the hardware store for my destination & YIKES there are a lot of zombies & they are coming towards me, quickly
I certainly have to do much more maneuvering to get away and my phone begins to vibrate as the zombies get to close...
Whoops ... I just became lunch

The last outbreak available is the Total Pandemic & I turn the speed down to 2mph
Turning the speed down helps but I am still gonna have to run back home from the hardware store...
I am surprised at just how close to the zombies I can actually get. There are a few just across the street from me.
I can see the hardware store....
no...NOOOOO - OPEN THE DOOR.....
AAAHHHhhhhhh .....

Turn the speed up past 5mph & you might as well just cover yourself in mayo & lay down because you are lunch!

Overall, the game was fun and I could see how it may be good for a runner BUT, I wouldn't suggest trying to run & watch your phone for zombies at the same time.
In fact, just walking & watching zombies, I realized I was paying no attention to the street in which I was walking.

This is a battery heavy game which can be glitchy at times, causing the phone to periodically lock-up and requiring a total phone shut down.

The app did get 4 of 5 stars on the android market but i think I personally would only give it 3 due to some usability issues & the boredom factor, I am not personally inclined to play it again.

Get ZOMBIES, RUN! free from the Android Market...

Reviewed on my T-Mobile Sidekick 4g - Unmodified android

Strike it Rich and Dead? Z&T Interview - Zombie Tycoon

Chad Hunter



When we hear the word "tycoon" we tend to think of oil barons and corner offices. Now, imagine striking it rich...and dead. Z & T go together with Annie Begin, Communications Director for Frima Studio, the makers behind the game Zombie Tycoon.

Zombies & Toys (ZT:) Hi Annie and welcome. Can you give us a basic description of Zombie Tycoon?

Annie Begin (Begin:) While usually, players have to face and stop an undead menace, as human, Zombie Tycoon lets you maneuver your very own ravenous zombie horde through towns and buildings. This unique tale of intrigue and betrayal spans over 10 challenging levels, animated cut-scenes and in-game dialogues, and lots of humorous references. The combat system allows players to burn cities to the ground as they attack humans and the places they call home. As players alternate fast-paced action and strategic execution, they can choose from over 100 quirky items to arm their zombies and attempt to spread the undead across the globe!

(ZT): Sounds very interesting. What was the inspiration for Zombie Tycoon

(Begin:) The idea of the brand was originally hatched in 2007. The popularity of both Tycoon and Zombie genre games gave us the idea to merge them into one title. With some ideas to develop a mobile game, our team started sketching an impressive collection of 2D zombies. Like most of Frima’s games, we made the visual style of Zombie Tycoon strongly satirical and cartoony.

(ZT:) What is the future of Zombie Tycoon? Will there be multiple console releases, sequels, etc?

(Begin:) Our team is planning a sequel of Zombie Tycoon scheduled to launch in late 2012. We are also using the Zombie Tycoon artwork and style to develop an animated 3D series on TV that will hopefully be further in development soon.

(ZT:) Can you tell us details on Frima Studio?

(Begin): Frima Studio is among Canada’s top game developers. Since 2003, the studio has provided clients around the world its multiplatform expertise by producing games on the web (MMO, Facebook, Flash), smartphones (iOS, Android), handheld consoles and next-gen consoles. Frima’s focus to continuously be at the leading edge of technology has helped the studio build strong partnerships with major players like Adobe, and be one of the few companies eligible to participate in the pre-release program of Molehill, Adobe’s new 3D Flash technology. Thanks to its talented team of 265 artists and programmers, Frima has emerged as a leader in the gaming industry. This was made possible by the groundbreaking visuals and technological achievements showcased in every one of the 300+ games that Frima produced. Frima has earned the trust of an impressive list of clients, including Sony, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros., Build-A-Bear Workshop and Nickelodeon.

(ZT:) Thank you Annie and Frima Studio for your time. Everyone make sure to check out Zombie Tycoon, unearthing itself near you! Check out the trailer for Zombie Tycoon here!

Zombie Music Video

Zombies inspire yet again. This time we have a video by Reality Slap for their song "Breaking Out". The video is actually really good and so is the music so make sure to give it a watch. Thanks to Luis from Portugal for sending this in.

If you're looking for more zombie-inspired tunes, check out these previous posts:

* Jonathan Coulton: Your Brains
* ZOMBIE!
* Roky Erickson: I Walked With A Zombie

REALITY SLAP - Breaking Out from Realityslap on Vimeo.

Zombie-inpired Jokes and Music? Zombie!

One of the things I've been wanting to do but haven't gotten around to is post about other zombie sites. There isn't a better one to start off with than to talk about ZOMBIE!, a one-man horror rock band. Formed on Halloween of 2008, ZOMBIE! has sounds in the vain of the Misfits and topics from out of your favorite horror movies. Don't just take my word for it, head over to the ZOMBIE! MySpace page and listen for yourself.

The music is not availble for purchase, but you can show support by heading over to the Zombie Rocks site and picking up some merchandise. I'm a sucker for a cool logo; So, of course, I couldn't run off without picking up a shirt. Don't worry, if you like a little more action in your clothing you're still covered. There's some great shirt designs including imagary from the original Night of the Living Dead and a really cool old school-ish design for the ladies.

Read through to see some pics of my son modeling the shirts I bought. Eric Weiss, the creative force behind ZOMBIE!, was also kind enough to answer a few questions regarding his music.

Eric's zombie outlet doesn't just stop with the band. Follow him on Twitter where he is ZombieRiot. This is essential. ZombieRiot has been entertaining me for a few months now with tweets throughout the day. These aren't jokes you want to tell to your mommy as the content ranges from zombies to necrophelia. Are some of them crude and tasteless? Absolutely. Are they still funny? Absolutely. Here are a few of my favorites to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

How do you make a little girl drink? ... Put her in a blender.
My girlfriend asked me to take out the trash ... So I killed my neighbors.
Why won't zombies attack a marathon?... To avoid the runs.
What's the difference between an onion and a corpse?...You don't cry when you chop up a corpse.
I got into a fight with my best friend because I had sex with his ex. I honestly thought he moved on by now. She's been dead for AT LEAST 3 years.
What did the zombie do after he dumped his girlfriend?...He wiped his ass.
A lot of people don't know this, but I have dozens of tattoos. They're in my freezer. I'll have enough to make a quilt very soon.
What's the worst part about having sex?... Paying off the mortician.
Why don't zombies eat vegetables?...They are confused by the wheelchair.

If you enjoyed those, click here and be entertained throughout the day!

Now, as promised, let's hear from Eric about ZOMBIE!

Here's an obvious one: How did ZOMBIE! get started?

I just really needed a creative outlet. I was having some anger issues and really dark thoughts that just demanded release. Horror has always been very therapeutic for me. Being able to scream out lines like “I’ll tear the flesh from your smashed face!” without receiving a restraining order is far more effective at relieving stress than any psychotherapy or prescription medication.

Was the name ZOMBIE! chosen due to your appreciation of everyone's favorite film creatures or is there another meaning behind it?

I just reached a point in my life where I literally felt like a zombie. I was working too hard and too long on things that were not stimulating or fulfilling. I became completely dead inside and constantly felt the urge to rampage through the streets hellbent on mutilation. I couldn’t imagine calling this project anything but ZOMBIE! Many of the songs reflect those feelings and use zombies as a metaphor for the true unfortunate aspects of daily life.

So we can assume you like zombie films. What else do you watch?I really enjoy ghost stories, slashers, and anything ghoulish or creepy that’s supposedly “based on true events.”
At one point in my life I lived directly next door to serial killer Robert Shulman and at another point just a few blocks from The Amityville Horror house. True evil isn’t found in fiction, it’s lurking right next door. So anything that allows us to escape that reality for a while is good. After all, we only know about the ones who get caught.

So what is your favorite zombie film?

Return of the Living Dead. Zombies, punk rock, and lots of twisted humor.

Where do you find most of the inspiration for your songs?

The true darkness inside of people, horror fiction, and my own issues. It’s all in fun, as “horror” should be. But the feelings are real and the music is from the heart.
Basically, the songs allow me to shout out the things that I would love to say, but wouldn’t exactly go over to well at places such as airports, the DMV, or supermarkets.
The fact there’s people out there who want to scream along with me is just awesome. The ZOMBIE! myspace page has grown by almost 1000 people a week since it started. There’s already 2 fan clubs and even other bands have been covering the songs… while I don’t even have a CD out yet! So, hopefully ZOMBIE! is helping those people vent, have fun and ultimately feel a little better too.

Are there any bands you would like to eventually tour with?

The Spice Girls or Meatloaf. They sound delicious. I never want to play with the Bad Brains.

Win A Free Download Of American Zombie!

As mentioned last week, Zombies and Toys is launching its first contest today! Jessica from New Video Digital was kind enough to email us with news that the mockumentary, American Zombie, is now available as a download on iTunes. Even better, she is offering a free download of American Zombie to one of our readers!

Entering to win is easy. All you need to do is email your name and address to zombiesandtoys@gmail.com with "American Zombie" in the subject line. One lucky reader will receive an email from Jessica with a link to your download! I will also be donating some pins, stickers, and key chains to some lucky runners-up! Entries are limited to one per person. However, you can earn an additional entry by telling us in your email: If you were a zombie, what job would you want and why.

American Zombie follows the ...er, lives of four zombies and their day-to-day activities. How do they cope with being dead? What do they do? What are their ambitions and problems now that they are zombies? What do the living think?

If you can't wait and need to watch it now, download the movie now by clicking the iTunes button!

So, thanks to Jessica and New Video Digital for bringing us this opportunity. The contest will run until Friday, April 10th and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 13th. So tell your friends to visit and enter!

Now for the CYA: Zombies and Toys is not liable for any headaches, stress, damages, loss of sleep, frustrations, complaints, annoyances, drama, weight gain, gas prices, or anything else you may want to try and hold us liable for as a result of entering, winning, or attempting to win this contest.

Toys! Toys! Toys!

Just like you, I enjoy zombies. But let's take that a step further... I like zombies, toys, art, and creativity. On a bit of a personal note, I also have a thing for pumpkins and things that glow in the dark. Must be the kid in me. If it lights up, makes noise, or glows in the dark; I'm entertained. So let's take all of this and bundle it together.

October Toys have been around since 2004 but I just managed to stumble into their world. And what an addicting world it is. I must admit that I am late to the party regarding vinyl collectibles which is probably for the best. My quest for all things zombie led me to October Toys' site to purchase some of their Z.O.M.B.I.E.S. They are available in four colors: blue, green, white, and glow-in-the-dark. This is the first series and each set is available for a very affordable $5. Yup, five chucks. As badly as you want to stop reading and click this link to buy some, humor me and finish reading first.

The pictures don't do these little guys justice. For such a small piece, the details are incredible. You can see flesh hanging from faces, exposed bones, soap-on-a-rope, and the best... the monkey is holding a cat.





While you are over there loading up on ZOMBIES, check out their GWINS. And that "I only like zombies" excuse won't work, either. You guessed it, there's a zombie GWIN appropriately called Night of the Living Gwin. And if you're wondering why the other two GWINS are in the photo below you obviously didn't read the first paragraph. Finish reading, then go join the GWIN army!







It may just be me, but I see these things and want them all. I have a handful of Dunnys, Fatcaps, and Smorkin' Labbits. I enjoy Kozik and Ledbetter. But these guys have some amazing designs. I must mention the Dragwin by Charlotte Link. Not my personal favorite, but probably one of the most creative GWINs available. The GWINs are a little pricier than some comparable vinyl collectibles available but, in my opinion, are worth the extra few bucks and a steal at $10. They are in window packaging which is a plus. I do appreciate the rush of blind box purchasing, but when you're talking $6 to $10 per piece, it's a gamble I don't want to take.

There's more I would like to mention like the ZOMBIE game, the friendly folks on the October Toys forums, the free stuff you can get if you save your Z Points (who doesn't want an "I Play With Zombies" sticker?), but go over to October Toys and find all this stuff out yourself.

Big thanks to George Gaspar and the rest of the team at October Toys for the great service!

Dead Rising 2?

I mentioned a few posts back about the greatness that is Left 4 Dead. Well, we can't forget about Dead Rising now, can we? Another great game that may have started out as a Dawn of the Dead video game. Those who are familiar will be excited to see this:




Stay tuned, I'll post more information as I find it!