Zombie Cities

Welcome back Zombiologists,

I’m continuing to enjoy my summer break and having a lovely rest from Bunsen burners and overly emotional Janitors (sorry Davey). So with science firmly on the back Bunsen burner, today I’ll be reviewing the new Zombie graphic novel from Silver Fox Comics & Sorab Del Rio, Zombie Cities.   

Zombie Cities is a compilation of seven unique zombie tales set in cities across the world. It was written, directed and created by Sorab and visually brought to life by a small team of highly talented artists. The stories are excellent and regularly hilarious. For example, an Aussie Dad rescues his daughter from a Zombie horde, and then proceeds to endanger her by insisting she film him in action for the ‘You Tube’, a news reporter tries to be the first to interview a Zombie live on air, and the frequent use (or perhaps abuse) of George Clooney, all amused me greatly.

Zombie Cities makes clever use of world locations, and world figures. They have certainly taken advantage of their freedom from costly sets, and digital effects, that are obstacles for equivalent movies. Events are set against landmarks from Sydney to London, and all are very well drawn. I was most impressed with downtown London, where Big Ben stands behind a burning red bus and zombies are lumbering forward.

Many of the stories are self-contained, whilst others leave you wanting to know what happens next;

President Obama features in Yes We Can Kill Zombies struggling to come to terms with leading a Zombie infested nation. Here Mr. President is outclassed at shooting by his First Lady, a very nice touch. I won’t spoil it by revealing the end, but the title does say it all. If I Can Kill Em’ Here, I Can Kill Em’ Anywhere is a feel good story (something that in the Zombie genre is rather unique in itself) about Ronald Crump, a homeless man who makes good during the Zombie outbreak thanks to a very unusual law that’s put in place in New York City. In Horror at Harajuku we get a fascinating insight into Japanese teen culture as a group of girls head to fashion capital Harajuku for a day out. Only of course to encounter Zombies, and naturally, George Clooney.

My personal favourite has to be God Save the Queen. I must admit my bias here. As Zombiologist Royal to the Her Majesty the Queen I do have a love for all things Elizabeth II. It opens with a brilliant reference to Earl Grey Tea, one of my Top Ten Teas. I showed it to my friends at Tea Club last week and my how we all laughed. I realise the tea based reference isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, (ha!) but to tea lovers such as myself it was a nice addition. It truly is a great zombie tale. Prince’s Harry and William make a great shadowy duo as they command a ruthless Queen’s Guard. We’re left on a cliff-hanger, so here’s hoping we see more of the Queen and her Corgi’s in future editions. 

Overall Zombie Cities is an excellent series of contemporary zombie stories. It strikes a good balance between humour, emotion and horror, with enough new twists on the zombie genre to make it stand out against the horde. Zombie Fans should absolutely purchase this fine novel. My Tea Club gave it five biscuits out of five, but I didn’t think that measurement system was appropriate in this instance.

Please do visit the Zombie Cities Website and Book of Faces Site.

Remember, if any of you out there want to know anything about the real science behind zombies, do send your questions in to info@zombiescience.co.uk or post them on our Book of Faces (www.facebook.com/zombiescience). My wee break is almost up, so I’ll be back next time with a spectacularly scientific Zombie Science Blog.

Stay fresh and loose,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.  

For even more Zombie Science pick up the official Zombie Science book on Amazon now. 

Remaining Days

Greetings Zombiologists,

It’s that marvellous time of year when our current students have all graduated and our new students are still to arrive. This allows me the benefit of ‘chillax-ing’ as they call it (I think) and take a break from my academic & scientific duties. So for the next two ZomBlogs’ I’ll be having a look at some of the more creative contributions to the Zombie World.  

Today I’ve been listening to the wonderful new album Remaining Days, from the immensely talented Aaron Stoquert. Aaron is a New York folk artist who specialises in his own unique brand of eerie melodies. All of which are based on the undead and the emotions they might feel. It is this inimitable quality that I believe makes Aaron’s contribution to the Zombie genre truly distinctive.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Aaron’s work. Some time ago I discussed his EP, Run for your Life, in this very blog. And fans will be pleased to hear that Aaron’s new album doesn’t disappoint.

We open with The Guests, a haunting piano melody crackling out amongst a blanket of gritty distortion. Whilst there are no vocal lyrics, it speaks volumes, setting an emotional scene that one can visualise playing out across a Zombie apocalyptic landscape.

But this unnerving peace is quickly shattered by Flesh and Bone, an almost threatening ballad where one feels overtly intimidated by an oncoming Zombie horde, “we're coming for you, say goodbye or hope to god, that days are spared you.”

Only one track, Last Day, returns from the original EP. But it does so in splendid form, sounding bigger and fuller than its predecessor.

A particular favourite song of mine is The Front Lines, a track that is the official theme of War Against the Walking Dead, a book by Sean T. Page. Sean is well known to us here in his role as Minister for Zombies (UK), and this track truly captures his writing. From the military beat of the drums, to the enduring melody, by listening you enter the mind of someone trapped and fighting for their life against the undead.

I’ll admit that I am by no means a musical connoisseur, nor expert, but I know what I like, and Remaining Days is one album I truly love. Aaron has really stepped up from his EP, bringing a bigger, more developed, sound and range to his new work, whilst not losing the individuality that I feel makes him a unique voice.

Be sure to check out Aaron’s work on his website.

And do join me next time when I’ll be reviewing Zombie Cities, a new graphic novel from Sorab Del Rio and Silver Fox Comics.                 

Remember, if any of you out there want to know anything about the real science behind zombies, do send your questions in to info@zombiescience.co.uk or post them on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/zombiescience). I might be relaxing for a little bit, but I’ll be back into science mode soon.

Best wishes,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.  

For even more Zombie Science pick up the official Zombie Science book on Amazon now.