Since when did Zombism beomce like Vamprism

[barnaclelapse]

If you think about it there are very few zombies in the whole history of zombie films who stand out as having unique personalities that take their character beyond the basic undead status. Whereas much of the horror involving werewolves, vampires and the like gets into the struggle between perceived sanity and perceived insanity. It's a battle of wants vs. needs, and the character's depth (or lack thereof) and personality will be reflected in that. I can only think of a couple examples of that in the zombie genre. The strong personalities come from those who are still living and still fighting.

I hadn't thought of it before, but this might be important, too. 'Transformative monster characters, for example, the ones who remain human but are in the process of becoming something else (human->vampire, human->werewolf, etc.) also have a theme of coming to terms with change. Adapting to a new way of being, and how change can either cause us to become nihiistic predatory monstrosities or something different, yet still human and good (as can be seen by 'heroic' vampires, werewolves, etc. in fiction). It shows that change need not necessarily be feared, but if you're strong enough, with the right will, personality and spirit, even a horrific transformation can't change who you are.

Zombies don't have that.

Think about it for a minute. The tranformation into a zombie is complete and total. It doesn't matter what you were in life, nothing survives. Your memories, your identity, any will or spirit that you had before--gone. Just a shambling lump of predatory intent with no redeeming value.

This makes it easy and morally unambiguous to kill them with impunity, but it's also informative of our attitude toward change and transformation, that it will inevitably destroy everything about what we are, and cause us to be debased creatures, sapped of our humanity... in the end, when you think about it, it's a very right-wing, conservative mythology, especially when you think about how this is probably the only genre where a gun-toting survivalist can actually be considered a 'hero'.

The only exception I can think of is Nick Frost at the end of Shaun of The Dead. He seemed to retain a good portion of his former self.

Heh.

More or less.

 

[lennier1]

Zombies don't have that.

Think about it for a minute. The tranformation into a zombie is complete and total. It doesn't matter what you were in life, nothing survives. Your memories, your identity, any will or spirit that you had before--gone. Just a shambling lump of predatory intent with no redeeming value.

Depends on where you're looking. There are always exceptions on the fringe, like the Ghouls in the Fallout games or some virus victims in the Resident Evil franchise.

 

[Trent Roman]

Fallout's Ghouls aren't zombies, however much Tenpenny might think so (though the feral ones may serve a similar purpose within the game). Their condition is caused by radiation; they are very much alive and can be killed (and not just by headshots, although headshots splatter so nicely); and 'smoothskins' can't become Ghouls via contact with people who are already Ghouls. (Indeed, in the latter respect, it's the Super Mutants who serve the zombie function of threatening to overrun civilization by turning regular people into more Super Mutants.)

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

 

[lennier1]

Fallout's Ghouls aren't zombies, however much Tenpenny might think so (though the feral ones may serve a similar purpose within the game). Their condition is caused by radiation; they are very much alive and can be killed (and not just by headshots, although headshots splatter so nicely); and 'smoothskins' can't become Ghouls via contact with people who are already Ghouls. (Indeed, in the latter respect, it's the Super Mutants who serve the zombie function of threatening to overrun civilization by turning regular people into more Super Mutants.)

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

Doesn't really matter. Nowadays it's all thrown in the same bucket, classic zombies, virus-based ones (28 Days Later, The Walking Dead, Resident Evil), radiation exposure (Fallout), Gates of Hell (Doom games) or alien body snatchers (various newer Doctor Who episodes). The abilities and vulnerabilities in each case just depend on what ideas the respective authors pull out of their collective asses.

 

[Reverend]

Probably doesn't count as it's a fantasy setting, but the Discworld books had a number of zombies that retain their personality. Mostly though it's about the body dying but the "soul" sticking around rather than the body dying and going on without a mind.

 

[Silvercrest]

In the D&D campaign I'm currently running, I've just introduced a zombie NPC. He's basically benevolent and doesn't attack anyone or try to eat their brains. He just wanders around and grunts a lot, so the group is putting up with him for now.

He was animated through an accident with a magical crystal rod, so I've named him...

... wait for it...

Rod Zombie.


Please, no applause.

 

[barnaclelapse]

(Slaps)

Bad! No biscuit!

 

[Silvercrest]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

 

[Australis]

Yes, it's only a matter of time before a mummy's bite will dry you out and turn you into one (you'll get the urge to wrap yourself in bandages), you'll be scared of crucifixes and garlic.

 

[Trent Roman]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

Ah, I remember Count Duckula...

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

 

[Trekker4747]

Yes, it's only a matter of time before a mummy's bite will dry you out and turn you into one (you'll get the urge to wrap yourself in bandages), you'll be scared of crucifixes and garlic.

Or under those bandages is a taut, eternally youthful, hot young zombie whose skin radiates a warming white light when he's exposed to moon light.

 

[Silvercrest]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

Ah, I remember Count Duckula...

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

I know, I know, there were plenty of precedents for Victor. But I bet none of them were as annoying to a group of adventurers as Victor was. Which means from the Dungeon Master's perspective, he was one of my best characters!

 

[barnaclelapse]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

Quit cryin', or I'll give you something to cry about!

And that just sounds awesome on so many levels.

 

[Artemis]

On an unrelated note...why are all vampires called Victor? O.O

 

[lennier1]

Easier to remember and it makes them sound kinda East European.

 

[Silvercrest]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

Quit cryin', or I'll give you something to cry about!

And that just sounds awesome on so many levels.

He was the dead body of an adventurer who was being stored in someone's Bag of Holding. When the group was accidentally bombarded with negative energy, it reanimated the body as Victor, and the bag served as his coffin. That meant he could travel around with the group (whether they wanted him to or not.)

 

[barnaclelapse]

That's just outstanding.

 

[saturn5]

Maybe I shouldn't tell you about the magical accident that created my other NPC: Victor, the Vegetarian Vampire.

Ah, I remember Count Duckula...

Fictitiously yours, Trent Roman

In the heart of Transylvania,
In the vampire house of famia,
There's no vampire zanier than ...
DUCKULA!
He won't bite beast or man,
Because he's vegetarian,
You'll never know what you get with
DUCKULA!

 

[Cutter John]

Yes, it's only a matter of time before a mummy's bite will dry you out and turn you into one (you'll get the urge to wrap yourself in bandages), you'll be scared of crucifixes and garlic.

Or under those bandages is a taut, eternally youthful, hot young zombie whose skin radiates a warming white light when he's exposed to moon light.

Been reading old Anne Rice novels again have we?