Book Review: Zombies of the World: A Field Guide to the Undead by Ross Payton

Zombies of the World: A Field Guide to the Undead by Ross Payton is a humorous reference book. Zombies have plagued humanity's nightmares for centuries, but fortunately, the scientific community has created this detailed and completely serious guide to the undead which reveals the undead to be a valuable part of our ecosystem and the key to new discoveries in medicine and technology. Zombies of the World uses captivating illustrations to document how evolution has led to a wide variety of species. Few outside the scientific community even realize that creatures like the Egyptian Mummy (Mortifera mumia aegyptus) are actually zombies. Some species are even harmless to humans. The Dancing Zombie (Mortifera immortalis choreographicus) only seeks to thrill humans with elaborate dance routines. Discover how our history has been affected by the undead and what we can learn from “scientific” research. 

Zombies of the World is an interesting take on zombie lore. Written as a non fiction book it is the story of zombie evolution, classification, and explanation. I think the illustrations were very well done, and a perfect pairing to the text. I like that the history and science possibilities are heavily featured. The approach is rather like the mermaid mockumentory from a few years back, that might have some readers wondering if there is truth in the book rather than fiction. I also enjoyed the dry humor that is inherent in this style of writing, but it might fall flat for those looking for a more obvious humor. The descriptions of the zombie varieties were my favorite part of the book, and the section I think are the most universally appealing. I rather liked the approach, but think that it is best suited to serious zombie fans.

Book Review: Scooby Apocalypse Vol. 1 by Keith Griffen, Jim Lee, Howard Potter

Scooby Apocalypse Vol. 1 collects issues 1-6 of a graphic novel by Keith Griffen, Jim Lee, and Howard Potter.  Fred. Daphne. Velma. Shaggy. Scooby-Doo. Roaming the globe in their lime-green Mystery Machine, they've solved countless crimes and debunked dozens of sketchy supernatural shenanigans. But what if the horror was real? Something terrible has transformed our world, turning millions of people into mindless zombie hordes. And only five people well, four people and one mangy mutt have the smarts, the skills and the sheer crazy courage to stare down doomsday.  Can these pesky kids and their canine companion using every incredible contraption in their arsenal defeat the evil that has overwhelmed planet Earth? 

Scooby Apocalypse is a complete new look and origin story for the Scooby gang. I have seen so many different takes, that I was fine with that. I liked that the story started completely fresh, and that it is much more complex than what most expect from Scooby and friends. I liked the use of Daphne's television show and connection with Fred, which has been a tool in previous incarnations- but not to this degree, and not without the rest of the crew already connecting. I liked the twists on Shaggy and Scooby as well, making them more than the comic relief that they often get used for. Shaggy is a much more complicated and compassionate character than I was used to, and not nearly as goofy. Velma is also much more defined in this story, I do not think I ever got more of a backstory for her than her being very smart and isolated- here readers get a multidimensional look at her. The action and story lines are unique and very well done. I will admit that it took me a bit to get used to the gangs new look, and I still wonder why Daphne and Fred still insist on wearing those scarves. I think that the harsh lines and dramatic look are very suited to the story, even if it is not my normal preference.

I will definitely be looking for the second volume of Scooby Apocalypse. I am honestly intrigued and want to see where this is going. I have a feeling that I will be buying the full run and saving it for my son. He is a huge Scooby fan, but is not quite ready for this version. However, he is really close so I am pretty sure that when the run is complete he will be ready for dive on in.

Book Review: Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving UnDead by Steve Bryant, Mark Stegbauer, Jason MIllet

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a collection of the four issues of the graphic novel series by Steve Bryant, Mark Stegbauer, and Jason Millet. Something stranger than usual haunts Full Moon Hollow, Paranormal Capital of the World. Adults either can t see it, can t remember it, or go crazy from it. So when a zombie outbreak threatens the town, only a group of misfit scouts can save it!

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a well drawn and colored graphic novel that combines the classic zombie survival adventure with coming of age and leads into a larger supernatural story that I hope to see more of in the future. The teenagers that have to defend themselves, and save the town, are a nice blend of personalities. All of the teens, both girls and boys, are smart and capable while still having plenty of vulnerabilities and insecurities. I like that there were some emotionally charged moments in the story, right along side the fight for survival and mystery solving to stop the crisis. The elements of the story balanced nicely, with nothing feeling like it was tossed in there to appease editors or publishers. More importantly, the story left me wanting more while still offering enough of a conclusion that it left me satisfied.

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a fun romp through surviving a zombie invasion with a group of teenagers. the characters and the action were deeper than I expected and I plan on checking out what else Bryant has released. 

The Zombie Renaissance

Zombies have long been part of folklore and horror stories. There are a number of reasons that zombie lore can be found in every culture, but these days zombies have escaped the confines of the horror genre and B-Movies and can be found in just about every type of book, so regardless of your favorite genre, there is likely a zombie book out there for you. If you want to explore beyond Walking Dead and Warm Bodies and the cross media success they have had, here are some suggestions. 

Breathers: A Zombies Lament by S.G. Browne is not your typical zombie novel. This is a romantic comedy tale told from the zombie’s point of view. it shades light on the troubles faced by two zombies in love.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan is a young adult novel with romance, action, and a very quick pace. Mary's isolated village is governed by the Sisterhood. After they set a monster, one of the Unconsecrated, loose within the village, Mary and the few other survivors set off in the unknown.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith is one of the monster mash ups that flooded the market a few years ago. Combine Austin;'s idyllic English countryside with a zombie plague. Elizabeth Bennett must save herself and the alluring though infuriating Mr. Darcy.

Graveminder by Melissa Marr will appeal to those that love gothic fiction. Drawn back to the home of her youth, Rebekkah Barrow learns the secret of keeping the dead in their graves and the role she has inherited.

The Reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell was an 2011 Alex Award Winner and a Nutmeg Award Nominee. It follows the journey of a young woman who wanders a vast wasteland never knowing what life before the zombies was like. Savoring glimpses of beauty and kindness, Temple is torn between hope and despair and must face forces beyond her darkest nightmares.

Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez
The Duke of Werewolves and the Earl of Vampires stave off hordes of the undead at a roadside diner in this uproarious debut novel.

Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry
Fashionista zombie Amanda Feral investigates the disappearance of an undead friend in Seattle. Full of visceral action, this urban fantasy series has plenty to sink your teeth into.

Craving even more zombie goodness?

• Cell by Stephen King
  Filled with the gory details that made Stephen King’s name synonymous with horror, this faced-paced novel evokes a world where zombies are made not with a bite, but with a phone call.
• Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide by Glenn Kay
  Summarizing more than 250 films made between 1932 and 2008, this resource chronologically lists the outbreak of zombie films and their unyielding rise to popularity.
• Patient Zero: A Joe Ledger Novel by Jonathan Maberry
  Baltimore detective and Army veteran Joe Ledger puts all of his considerable talents to the test when he is recruited into a shadowy government agency responsible for keeping the zombie menace at bay.
• World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
  Set 10 years after a zombie war, the story is a collection of first-person accounts from survivors and covers all angles of the earth-shattering event.
• The Zen of Zombie: Better Living Through the Undead by Scott Kenemore
  Learn the secrets to true and sustained happiness by exploring the uncomplicated yet philosophical and insightful world of the zombie.
• Pay Me in Flesh by K. Bennett
  Lawyer Mallory Caine is a far cry from your stereotypical zombie, though she does eat brains. Sexy, smart and put together, this savvy lady fights for justice for all.
• Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum
  Chronicling one zombies slow but inevitable decomposition in the form of haiku, this ancient art form is elevated to hilarious new heights.
• Nekropolis: A Matt Richter Novel by Tim Waggoner
  Zombie private investigator Matt Richter walks the mean streets of Nekropolis trying to keep the peace, and himself from falling apart.
• Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead by David Murphy
  Becoming a zombie can be really demotivating. Full of tips and tricks on important topics like fashion, hygiene and nutrition, this guide is meant to usher you into your new “life” with ease.