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Over at Discovery News, they’re making sure we “get to know" our zombies. Not only do they break down the types of zombies but there’s a great video citing a recent study that looks to analyze what our fascination is with the creatures.
The article opens with “Why All the Zombie Love?” I’ve pondered this quite a bit and I’ve seen many inquiries on social media from non-horror fans asking the same thing. The study mentioned a lot of interesting points: the economy; fear of losing of control; mindless wandering. I also think the zombpoc brings up the “How would I handle this awful situation” and “Would I survive and would I even want to?”
For such an ugly monster, it sure brings up a lot of deep, personal questions and issues. Click on the link to watch the short video and then check out the variety of zombies they've categorized. You can read the full article on Discovery News, but here’s an overview:
“The Walking Dead” Walkers
These are clearly the “traditional” zombies and often what come to mind when we think of zombies. They eat flesh, walk slowly, and look like they smell like death. The mysterious cause of the virus that causes this transformation and the fact that it lies dormant in our bodies, makes this even scarier. Reminds me of those Shingles vaccine commercials!
Fast Zombies (Corpsicus speedius)
These highly contagious and somewhat controversial zombies were introduced to us in Danny Boyle’s 2002 film “28 Days Later.” They’re also present in 2004’s “Dawn of the Dead” and most recently in “World War Z.” Do you like them fast or slow? Fast ones don’t give you much of a chance to get away, do they?
Lovable Zombies (Festerus adorablii)
Apparently, the undead need love and sympathy too. Examples include “R” from “Warm Bodies” and even “Shaun of the Dead,” “Colin” and “ParaNorman.” Hey, even that zombie in the new Sprint Commercial looks like her could use a hug!
Animal Zombies (Deadcritterus rex)
Obviously “Church” from 1989’s “Pet Semetary” is the obvious example here. But fans of those Syfy movies might recall a terrifying zombie tiger at the end of 2011’s “Zombie Apocalypse.”
Fungal Zombies (Mycozomba sporius)
This breed refers to the mushroom/human hybrid from the video game “The Last of Us.” Apparently this fungal virus is based on some real science so that makes it extra terrifying!
Allegorical Zombies (Metazombus romero)
The “Romero Zombie” is obviously referring to the 1968 classic, “Night of the Living Dead” and has paved the way for how we think of modern zombies. Automatons just looking to eat brains!
Hybrid Zombies (Doublus troublus)
Vampire zombies (“I Am Legend”), demon zombies (“The Evil Dead”), alien zombies (“Dead Space”) and the worst of all ... Nazi zombies (“Dead Snow”)! Crossing zombies with another terrifying monster (Nazis are the worst) is just cruel and unusually awesome punishment.
Real Zombies (Zombus forrealsies)
Wes Craven’s 1988 film “The Serpent and the Rainbow” introduced us to the fact that in some parts of our world, zombies exist. Of course they do!
Did they miss any examples? What are your thoughts on society’s zeal for zombies? Let us know and don’t forget to watch “The Walking Dead’ this Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC.
-Larissa Mrykalo