For years, people have speculated about zombies and the Zombie Apocalypse. What would trigger it? Perhaps some sort of virus developed in a lab and accidentally let loose like in "28 Days Later," or perhaps radioactive contamination from a space probe exploding in the Earth's atmosphere? Other interpretations believe in a more religious cause, stating that "When there's no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the earth" (Dawn of the Dead).
A zombie as defined by the Meriam-Webster dictionary is "the supernatural power that according to voodoo belief may enter into and reanimate a dead body." In popular culture, the voodoo belief is removed, usually substituting some form of virus as the cause. The common factor is that zombies are the dead who have risen again with a taste for human flesh. Any living human bitten by a zombie will soon die and turn into a zombie. The only sure way to kill a zombie is to remove the head or destroy the brain.
Zombies are perhaps one of the most infamous horror/science fiction creatures. Entire books have been written solely for the purpose of informing the public on the anatomy of a zombie, real life accounts of "zombies," and the best way to survive a zombie outbreak under any circumstances. One of the most famous zombie books, Max Brooks's "World War Z," gives a detailed account of the "Zombie War" from the perspectives of multiple survivors. From the same author comes "The Zombie Survival Guide," which gives an incredible in-depth report on what to do before, during, and after the zombie outbreak.
Today, zombies have "infected" almost every aspect of entertainment. Many video games come standard with a zombie killing level or mode. Colleges across America have begun playing a week long zombie tag game called "Humans vs Zombies." Popular posters have depicted the signs of zombification and how to dispose of said foe. Friends get together and form impromptu think-tanks on what to do in case of a zombie outbreak.
Some reasons about zombies appear so connected to real science that many speculate that zombies are a possible outcome of the future. With modern technology, zombies could be a viable danger in the future. So ready your shotgun and baseball bat, fortify your bunker filled with non-perishable food and lots of ammo, and get ready for the most intense battle for survival of your unlife.
Dawn of the Dead. Dir. George Romero." Perf. Emge, David. United Film Distribution Company: 1978, Film.
Garland, Alex, Script. 28 Days Later. Dir. Danny Boyle." Perf. Murphy, Cillian. Fox Searchlight Pictures: 2002, Film.
Streiner, Russell, Perf. Night of the Living Dead. Dir. George A. Romero." Perf. Steiner, Russell. The Walter Reade Organization: 1968, Film.
