Pardon the pun, but zombies are currently killing it in the pop culture landscape. Zombies have always intrigued fans of the horror genre and to some extent comic book lovers. But lately, zombie related television shows, books, and movies are quickly gaining new fans within the general public.
Take for example the critically acclaimed television show The Walking Dead. Based upon the widely popular comic book The Walking Dead, the series takes place during a zombie apocalypse. Although the show is set in an extremely gruesome and dark place, the story is based around an extraordinary cast of characters. The story is truly captivating because of the group’s dynamic and how they relate to the harsh world around them. There’s no better way to see the extremes of the human condition than trying to cling to humanity at the end of the world.
As much as it pains me to say this, Twilight did open doors for science fiction/fantasy genres to be accepted in today’s literary scene. There are now numerous book series based upon vampires, werewolves and even angels (who hunt demons). Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion is nothing like Twilight but this doesn’t stop people from comparing the two. R, the main character and narrator of the story is a zombie and has been since he can remember, which isn’t often. R believes that he is destined to live a life of emptiness, and solitude until he meets Julie in the most unlikely of circumstances. Their relationship begins to transform not only themselves but also the apocalyptic world around them. Although romance is a predominant theme throughout the book, it is R’s incredible personal journey and self-discovery that makes this story special. I’m interested to see how the novel is translated for the big screen. The movie is scheduled to hit cinemas this winter and the trailer already makes it look funnier than the book.
And what is a post about zombies without mentioning World War Z? The widely acclaimed book has recently been adapted for the big screen with Brad Pitt in the lead role. There has been a lot of buzz around this film as the screenplay is a huge departure from the novel’s actual storyline. I’ve watched the trailer and without even seeing the film I’m not sure it will measure up to the story. If anything it will certainly provide entertainment but I do recommend reading the book. It is a uniquely written series of first person accounts of life in a post-apocalyptic zombie world.
Image via AMC