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Guts: The Anatomy of The Walking Dead – The First Guide to AMC's Cultural Phenomenon by a Wall Street Journal Columnist
In this first and only guide to AMC’s exceptional hit series The Walking Dead, the Wall Street Journal’s Walking Dead columnist celebrates the show, its storylines, characters, and development, and examines its popularity and cultural resonance.
From its first episode, The Walking Dead took fans in the United States and across the world by storm, becoming the highest-rated series in the history of cable television. After each episode airs, Paul Vigna writes a widely read column in which he breaks down the stories and considers what works and what doesn’t, and tries to discern the small details that will become larger plot points.
So how did a basic cable television show based on Robert Kirkman's graphic comic series, set in an apocalyptic dog-eat-dog world filled with flesh-eating zombies and even scarier human beings, become a ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon? Why is the show such a massive hit? In this playful yet comprehensive guide, Vigna dissect every aspect of The Walking Dead to assess its extraordinary success.
In the vein of Seinfeldia,Vigna digs into the show’s guts, exploring its roots, storyline, relevance for fans and the wider popular culture, and more. He explores how the changing nature of television and media have contributed to the show’s success, and goes deep into the zombie genre, delineating why it’s different from vampires, werewolves, and other monsters. He considers why people have found in zombies a mirror for their own fears, and explains how this connection is important to the show’s popularity. He interviews the cast and crew, who share behind-the-scenes tales, and introduces a cross-section of its diverse and rabid viewership, from fantasy nerds to NFL stars. Guts is a must have for every Walking Dead fan.
From its first episode, The Walking Dead took fans in the United States and across the world by storm, becoming the highest-rated series in the history of cable television. After each episode airs, Paul Vigna writes a widely read column in which he breaks down the stories and considers what works and what doesn’t, and tries to discern the small details that will become larger plot points.
So how did a basic cable television show based on Robert Kirkman's graphic comic series, set in an apocalyptic dog-eat-dog world filled with flesh-eating zombies and even scarier human beings, become a ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon? Why is the show such a massive hit? In this playful yet comprehensive guide, Vigna dissect every aspect of The Walking Dead to assess its extraordinary success.
In the vein of Seinfeldia,Vigna digs into the show’s guts, exploring its roots, storyline, relevance for fans and the wider popular culture, and more. He explores how the changing nature of television and media have contributed to the show’s success, and goes deep into the zombie genre, delineating why it’s different from vampires, werewolves, and other monsters. He considers why people have found in zombies a mirror for their own fears, and explains how this connection is important to the show’s popularity. He interviews the cast and crew, who share behind-the-scenes tales, and introduces a cross-section of its diverse and rabid viewership, from fantasy nerds to NFL stars. Guts is a must have for every Walking Dead fan.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
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574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 30, 2017
I am obsessed with The Walking Dead.
That's right. I said it. OBSESSED. I own the entire series, and I make it a point to buy it as soon as I see it hit the shelf. When the latest season isn't airing (IS IT OCTOBER YET?!), I binge watch the show from start to finish—once a month. (And no, I don't think that's excessive at all. My family on the other hand... well, that's a different story.) I've watched it so much, I've unintentionally memorized pretty much all of the dialogue. We have a TWD trivia game, but no one wants to play it with me because I always win. I like to point out little inconsistencies on episodes. (Example: "Chupacabra" [season two, episode five] After Daryl Dixon [Norman Reedus] is thrown from his horse, and hallucinates a conversation with his brother, Merle [Michael Rooker]? Pay attention to the dirt on Daryl's mouth. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not.)
Like I said... obsessed.
Needless to say, when the opportunity came along to read an review copy of GUTS, I was all over it like the walkers who took out the Anderson family in "No Way Out" [season six, episode nine]. I was thrilled to be approved, and promptly tore into it like... well, you know. (And I swear, that is the last time I do that in this review... no more walker jokes. Promise!)
Vigna has put together a comprehensive guide to everything The Walking Dead. From how both the comic and the show came about, to season recaps and the rundown on its phenomenal ratings, and even a bit of philosophy, this book has it all. There are several areas in the book where the author gives detailed thoughts on particular events that happened during the show—such as Glenn Rhee's (Steven Yeun) miraculous escape from certain death by conveniently hiding under the dumpster after Nicholas' (Michael Traynor) commits suicide and causes them both to fall off the top of the dumpster into a hungry herd of walkers gathered below. His stance on why it shouldn't have happened and how the show broke its own 'rules' in order to pull it off was one of my favorite parts of the book because the dumpster-death-that-wasn't annoys the hell out of me every time I see it.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is how a goodly portion of it discusses things of the show that my family and I often talk about. Whether it's nitpicking little things (like the length of the grass) or discussing mistakes made by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) in his role as leader, etc., it was nice to see many of those same topics in the book.
The chapter discussing a Walker Stalker convention in Charlotte, North Carolina was especially fun to read, because it gives the reader a peak into the sincere appreciation the cast members—such as Michael Cudlitz (Abraham Ford) and Josh McDermitt (Eugene Porter), who were there that day—have for fans of the show, and how much they enjoy the time they spend talking to them. (And, likewise, the regard the fans have for the cast members.) Reading about (or better still, experiencing for yourself, if you're fortunate enough to do so) such genuine warmth and appreciation just makes you feel good as a fan.
There is SO much more to the book than the few things I've touched on in this review. Suffice to say that in this reader's opinion, GUTS: THE ANATOMY OF THE WALKING DEAD would make for a fine addition to your TWD collection. It's a must have for fans!
So now there are two things to look forward to in October. This book, and the long-awaited start to season eight!
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Dey Street Books and Edelweiss.
That's right. I said it. OBSESSED. I own the entire series, and I make it a point to buy it as soon as I see it hit the shelf. When the latest season isn't airing (IS IT OCTOBER YET?!), I binge watch the show from start to finish—once a month. (And no, I don't think that's excessive at all. My family on the other hand... well, that's a different story.) I've watched it so much, I've unintentionally memorized pretty much all of the dialogue. We have a TWD trivia game, but no one wants to play it with me because I always win. I like to point out little inconsistencies on episodes. (Example: "Chupacabra" [season two, episode five] After Daryl Dixon [Norman Reedus] is thrown from his horse, and hallucinates a conversation with his brother, Merle [Michael Rooker]? Pay attention to the dirt on Daryl's mouth. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not.)
Like I said... obsessed.
Needless to say, when the opportunity came along to read an review copy of GUTS, I was all over it like the walkers who took out the Anderson family in "No Way Out" [season six, episode nine]. I was thrilled to be approved, and promptly tore into it like... well, you know. (And I swear, that is the last time I do that in this review... no more walker jokes. Promise!)
Vigna has put together a comprehensive guide to everything The Walking Dead. From how both the comic and the show came about, to season recaps and the rundown on its phenomenal ratings, and even a bit of philosophy, this book has it all. There are several areas in the book where the author gives detailed thoughts on particular events that happened during the show—such as Glenn Rhee's (Steven Yeun) miraculous escape from certain death by conveniently hiding under the dumpster after Nicholas' (Michael Traynor) commits suicide and causes them both to fall off the top of the dumpster into a hungry herd of walkers gathered below. His stance on why it shouldn't have happened and how the show broke its own 'rules' in order to pull it off was one of my favorite parts of the book because the dumpster-death-that-wasn't annoys the hell out of me every time I see it.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is how a goodly portion of it discusses things of the show that my family and I often talk about. Whether it's nitpicking little things (like the length of the grass) or discussing mistakes made by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) in his role as leader, etc., it was nice to see many of those same topics in the book.
The chapter discussing a Walker Stalker convention in Charlotte, North Carolina was especially fun to read, because it gives the reader a peak into the sincere appreciation the cast members—such as Michael Cudlitz (Abraham Ford) and Josh McDermitt (Eugene Porter), who were there that day—have for fans of the show, and how much they enjoy the time they spend talking to them. (And, likewise, the regard the fans have for the cast members.) Reading about (or better still, experiencing for yourself, if you're fortunate enough to do so) such genuine warmth and appreciation just makes you feel good as a fan.
There is SO much more to the book than the few things I've touched on in this review. Suffice to say that in this reader's opinion, GUTS: THE ANATOMY OF THE WALKING DEAD would make for a fine addition to your TWD collection. It's a must have for fans!
So now there are two things to look forward to in October. This book, and the long-awaited start to season eight!
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Dey Street Books and Edelweiss.
March 18, 2018
3.5 stars! I enjoyed all of the topics explored and brief season recaps. However I wanted less history of the zombie genre and more focus on the actual story lines and characters. An enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys TWD and the psychology of the horror genre.
September 30, 2017
If you LOVE The WALKING DEAD as much as I do then you need to snag a copy of this book immediately!
October 8, 2017
I didn't really know what I was getting into when I picked this book up since I only watched a few minutes of one of the episodes, but I sure am glad I did pick it up.Paul Vigna from the Wall Street Journal knows how to review and analyze a show so that you really get engrossed in what you are reading. Walkling Dead fans should really pick this book up.It makes me want to watch the show (past,present, and future).
November 7, 2017
Fun read despite some glaring mistakes (Tara was holed up with her sister, NIECE (not nephew) and father). Would have been nice to have had some photos but otherwise, interesting for fans like myself.
October 29, 2017
I read this before, while and after watching episode 100 of this popular television show, of which I have read some of the novels based on it, all of the compendiums that I know about and the after show The Talking Dead. Yeah, I’m a fan.
The zombie apocalypse is the setting of The Walking Dead story, rather than its antagonist. Mostly, zombies are avoidable, it’s other humans living in different sociological groups that are the antagonists. Also, there is a lot in here about religion, lack of religion and how Stoicism has a place in the world of The Walking Dead. I really enjoyed this. I borrowed this from my public library.
The zombie apocalypse is the setting of The Walking Dead story, rather than its antagonist. Mostly, zombies are avoidable, it’s other humans living in different sociological groups that are the antagonists. Also, there is a lot in here about religion, lack of religion and how Stoicism has a place in the world of The Walking Dead. I really enjoyed this. I borrowed this from my public library.
August 24, 2020
I am a little late in reviewing this book as the show has already moved on through a new season. Despite this, I give this book a 5 star rating due to it's thoughtfulness, perspective and enjoyable writing.
This is the second book I've read that has been from a newspaper columnist and I must say I will look for more of these types of books. The writing is fluid, well researched and able to give voice to differing opinions.
Being based on an adult themed show should give readers a clue as to how appropriate this is for younger readers. Language and content is more suitable for older teens and adults.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways *
This is the second book I've read that has been from a newspaper columnist and I must say I will look for more of these types of books. The writing is fluid, well researched and able to give voice to differing opinions.
Being based on an adult themed show should give readers a clue as to how appropriate this is for younger readers. Language and content is more suitable for older teens and adults.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways *
February 16, 2018
As a huge fan of the comics and the tv show, I loved this book. A great look at the making of the tv show, how it correlates with the comics, and break downs of episodes. Thank you so much for writing this book. Hope another one is in the works for future episodes.
October 17, 2017
I would like to first thank Dey Street Books and Goodreads for this free advanced reader copy of Guts to read and review.
This book is a must for any and all Walking Dead fans. This book takes you through all 7 seasons leading up to the premiere of season 8 (October 2017). Each section starts with a recap of 1 of the seasons followed by 2 chapters that dig deep into parts of the history and culture of the show. There are interviews and quotes from actors as well as behind the scenes people from the show. You learn a lot of great info about the way the show is made. The author actually gives us a great little history lesson in the whole zombie genre which was just as fascinating as all the other info. You also get chapters on things like the politics of the show, weapons, best minor characters, and top 10 episodes of the Walking Dead. You even learn about WalkerStalker Con and how the actors interact with fans. This book is an excellent break down of The Walking Dead.
This book is a must for any and all Walking Dead fans. This book takes you through all 7 seasons leading up to the premiere of season 8 (October 2017). Each section starts with a recap of 1 of the seasons followed by 2 chapters that dig deep into parts of the history and culture of the show. There are interviews and quotes from actors as well as behind the scenes people from the show. You learn a lot of great info about the way the show is made. The author actually gives us a great little history lesson in the whole zombie genre which was just as fascinating as all the other info. You also get chapters on things like the politics of the show, weapons, best minor characters, and top 10 episodes of the Walking Dead. You even learn about WalkerStalker Con and how the actors interact with fans. This book is an excellent break down of The Walking Dead.
April 23, 2024
Oof, I picked this up in a Little Free Library since I figured it would be a nice companion to the spinoff shows that have been coming out and I wish I could rate this more highly but... Nah, it sucks. I think it's really interesting that a finance reporter felt confident they could just crank out a book about television/pop culture easily.
But this is pretty incompetent. Obvious observations ("Isn't the Walking Dead apocalypse sort of like what Thomas Hobbes wrote about?" "Robert Kirkman was inspired by George Romero") stretched out with recaps of a show I've already seen. A chill read for while I finished up my grad degree, but honestly that's the only good thing I have to say about it.
But this is pretty incompetent. Obvious observations ("Isn't the Walking Dead apocalypse sort of like what Thomas Hobbes wrote about?" "Robert Kirkman was inspired by George Romero") stretched out with recaps of a show I've already seen. A chill read for while I finished up my grad degree, but honestly that's the only good thing I have to say about it.
June 10, 2018
I love the opinions of the author, and recaps of the whole series so far! There was explanations for behind the scenes stuff and how the author met some of the walking dead characters/actors at walking con! It was really awesome to see how much the Walking Dead related too real life and how many different ways it can be interpreted from scholars, to fans! Still love the Walking dead and this is a great book to read for any fan!! The author does warn of spoilers if you haven’t watched all the seasons, read all the comics or the books! He does talk about Fear of the Dead and also Talking Dead with Chris Hardwick!
March 8, 2018
While I appreciated the analytical thought process behind this book, I found that it had inaccurate information about TWD which was frustrating.
February 28, 2020
I'm just going to get it out of the way - I'm a huge fan of the television show The Walking Dead. It's gruesome, heartbreaking, shocking, engaging, and I bloody love it. I've been to Walker Stalker, seen the casts' panel twice at San Diego Comic Con, posed with cast members, and watched almost every episode. The other truth - I fell behind after mid-season 7 due to getting rid of cable. I'm re-watching the entire series and will eventually get caught up for sure. Really, my love for the show comes from watching the first seven seasons. It's a fantastic show and this is an informative and quick read into this world.
The author hits upon areas as wide ranging as the characters, the cast, the creation of the show, the make up, the weapons, the religious aspects of the show, it's politics if there really are any, the fandom, and so much more. He even dissects his disgust for the Glenn Rhee fake out death. That moment doesn't bother me as much as the author because it really was shocking when it looked like Glenn had been torn to bits by zombies and I was so, so happy when it was revealed Glenn had survived. The author also tackles the extreme brutal violence of Negan and how it soured viewers when he killed Abraham and Glenn. I, too, found that episode almost unbearable to watch.
If you are a fan of the show, you will highly enjoy this book. Just be warned that if you are new to this world, there are a lot of spoilers in the book.
The author hits upon areas as wide ranging as the characters, the cast, the creation of the show, the make up, the weapons, the religious aspects of the show, it's politics if there really are any, the fandom, and so much more. He even dissects his disgust for the Glenn Rhee fake out death. That moment doesn't bother me as much as the author because it really was shocking when it looked like Glenn had been torn to bits by zombies and I was so, so happy when it was revealed Glenn had survived. The author also tackles the extreme brutal violence of Negan and how it soured viewers when he killed Abraham and Glenn. I, too, found that episode almost unbearable to watch.
If you are a fan of the show, you will highly enjoy this book. Just be warned that if you are new to this world, there are a lot of spoilers in the book.
May 10, 2021
I love The Walking Dead. I really do and this book serves as fan service to a show filled with guts and glory. It talks about the history of walkers, how zombies became pop culture monsters. It also puts the The Walking Dead in a different light, as it presents the moral and ethical ambiguity that is a world where the dead roam freely and have become flesh eating killers.
The book takes a step back from all the guts, bullets and machetes and analyzes the moral code that these characters had and have to adapt to the new world. It puts a lot of the villains in a different light, shows how a world in chaos can change you, bringing you close to madness. It also asks the big question: would we still be sane in a world where our friends are eating each other? Could we mentally survive a world where people are eaten by the undead?
There are a few things that this book gets wrong and it is when recapping each season and that really bothered me. Like seriously, please watch the show and then make a recap. Thank you.
For me, this put my favorite characters in new light. I question the good ones and praise the villains. I look at Rick now in a totally different light and most of all, I will hope The Walking Dead gets the ending it deserves. It's really a good show.
The book takes a step back from all the guts, bullets and machetes and analyzes the moral code that these characters had and have to adapt to the new world. It puts a lot of the villains in a different light, shows how a world in chaos can change you, bringing you close to madness. It also asks the big question: would we still be sane in a world where our friends are eating each other? Could we mentally survive a world where people are eaten by the undead?
There are a few things that this book gets wrong and it is when recapping each season and that really bothered me. Like seriously, please watch the show and then make a recap. Thank you.
For me, this put my favorite characters in new light. I question the good ones and praise the villains. I look at Rick now in a totally different light and most of all, I will hope The Walking Dead gets the ending it deserves. It's really a good show.
March 21, 2018
Vigna provides an insightful analysis of The Walking Dead's enduring popularity, its resonance with viewers worldwide. He argues that The Walking Dead sets itself apart from its zombie film predecessors in its imagining of a post apocalyptic world where zombies have become the norm, survival taking precedence over all else.
In his analysis, he summarizes material from seasons 1 through 7. While these summaries can seem like padded material, they do provide context for his analysis. He breaks down the significance of how the characters develop from each season, tested by a world where the old rules are irrelevant, how the show's creators take great efforts to ensure that the world of the Walking Dead is believable, and how the show itself -- and its zombies -- becomes a versatile metaphor for the prevailing fears many people dread.
If you're a fan of the series, or just casually interested, consider picking this book up.
The Walking Dead, examined under Vigna's analytical lens, is revealed as a much more complex narrative that draws on philosophy and provides social commentary about man in a world bereft of the social institutions that reign people in.
In his analysis, he summarizes material from seasons 1 through 7. While these summaries can seem like padded material, they do provide context for his analysis. He breaks down the significance of how the characters develop from each season, tested by a world where the old rules are irrelevant, how the show's creators take great efforts to ensure that the world of the Walking Dead is believable, and how the show itself -- and its zombies -- becomes a versatile metaphor for the prevailing fears many people dread.
If you're a fan of the series, or just casually interested, consider picking this book up.
The Walking Dead, examined under Vigna's analytical lens, is revealed as a much more complex narrative that draws on philosophy and provides social commentary about man in a world bereft of the social institutions that reign people in.
March 25, 2018
I am a big fan of The Walking Dead. I think it achieves incredible storytelling and delivers amazingly, week after week, even when it slips up. So reading a book that celebrates the what and why and how of this show was AWESOME.
Is the book one sided? Absolutely. Vigna loooooves TWD, and even in his critiques, he obviously favors the show. But despite that, this book is a love letter to a show that continues to redefine television.
You get an in-depth look at zombie history in culture and in cinema. Not only do you get lengthy character analysis and philosophical breakdowns of major themes, you also find discussions about the actual feasibility of killing a zombie with a knife (hint: it’s not as easy as they make it seem).
Summed up: book is COOL. If you love the show, read this! You’ll have a multi-faceted, critical viewpoint of the show afterwards, and I guarantee you’ll have a deeper love for it as well.
Is the book one sided? Absolutely. Vigna loooooves TWD, and even in his critiques, he obviously favors the show. But despite that, this book is a love letter to a show that continues to redefine television.
You get an in-depth look at zombie history in culture and in cinema. Not only do you get lengthy character analysis and philosophical breakdowns of major themes, you also find discussions about the actual feasibility of killing a zombie with a knife (hint: it’s not as easy as they make it seem).
Summed up: book is COOL. If you love the show, read this! You’ll have a multi-faceted, critical viewpoint of the show afterwards, and I guarantee you’ll have a deeper love for it as well.
September 10, 2025
Guts is such a good read for fans of the television series The Walking Dead. It explores characters, story lines, themes, morality, special effects—really, every and all aspects of the 11-season show through Season 7. I enjoyed it so much I decided to start rewatching the show for the umpteenth time (confession: I can’t do the math, but before each new season I watched the previous season(s) and that adds up to a lot) just before I finished this book. My only complaint is that Vigna doesn’t seem to have plans to write about Seasons 8 through 11, or any of the spinoff shows. I would have gobbled those right up.
November 8, 2017
Pretty good quick read. Not too much I didn’t know about The Walking Dead but entertaining otherwise. I was at Walker Stalker Con in Charlotte but I would like to mention that the actors aren’t really there for fans....unless you want to shell out 40 bucks (the cheapest) for an autograph. If you want Jesus or Abraham then you are paying 60 to 80. I don’t want people to fall in the same trap I did. Pay 50 to get in and then have to shell out that much. Not a great experience.
November 26, 2017
Fans of the Walking Dead already know the show isn't really about the zombies. It's the characters, and the persistent question, what would you do if the world ended as we know it? I enjoyed this analysis of the cultural, psychological, religious, and philosophical messages and dilemmas of the show. The author, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, took this book seriously. I appreciated that, and I tore through it like a zombie through brains (haha, couldn't resist).
May 31, 2018
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I am a season or two behind with this show, but the book was a great way to refresh and while it did give away things that I know will happen in the show, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the different themes/topics that the author presented throughout the book. Very thought provoking on many levels. If you're a fan of the show, this book will have something you'll find interesting! Lots of interesting details.
I am a season or two behind with this show, but the book was a great way to refresh and while it did give away things that I know will happen in the show, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the different themes/topics that the author presented throughout the book. Very thought provoking on many levels. If you're a fan of the show, this book will have something you'll find interesting! Lots of interesting details.
July 28, 2018
I think that when critics of the Walking Dead look at the show the main question that they have about how it managed to amass such an incredible fanbase is "why"? Why do people love the show so much? This book does a good job of answering that question and many more while fleshing out (pun intended) the all the inner workings of the show and its incredible cast of characters. Super entertaining and surprisingly philosophical.
December 1, 2022
very entertaining and i liked the parts that talked about zombie history :) enjoyable and it was just like if you could read a youtube video essay. similar to how youtube video essays are like watching books :) thank u mr vigna cant wait for ur second book now that the show is over :) also i have never seen this show :)
October 19, 2017
An interesting read overall but could dig deeper into the analysis at times.
October 20, 2017
I won this from a contest on Goodreads. I enjoy the TV show so I knew I would like this book and I did.
November 2, 2017
Interesting concept, would make a good gift for a fan of the show.
December 7, 2017
Interesting read for fans of the TV series!
March 8, 2019
Rambling and repetitive but with enough curious moments to sustain your interest- just like the show 😊
September 1, 2021
This is a quick, fun read for anyone who is a fan of the show, even if the writing was repetitive in places.
May 26, 2024
A fun exploration of the show. I haven’t watched it in years (hadn’t even finished it) and reading this reminded me how much fun I had watching it and it got me to finally go back and finish it!
September 19, 2018
~Disclaimer: I received a free uncorrected proof of this book~
Warning this book contains SPOILERS for seasons 1 through 7. If you haven’t watched that far and care about spoilers this book is not for you.
Up front I’m just gonna say this book is for hardcore fans of the series only: the people who want to know all the little details about the series
In my view this book is out of touch and it is too busy fawning over a television show to look at the reality. The author crows about how well The Walking Dead handles race and gender without looking critically at the show. There are plenty of interesting articles critiquing how TWD actually fails regarding gender and race so I’m not gonna delve into that in this review (you have google use it). I’m not saying the show is a complete disaster, but it is not the triumph of gender and race equality that our author it trying to tout it as. Look I enjoy the show (I mean zombies are my jam), but one needs to be critical of the media they consume especially if they want to write a book about it.
Honestly, some comments this author makes made me want to slam my face against my desk. Things like:
“Think about the show beyond zombies: the collapse of society, a grim fight for survival, and a struggle to rebuild some semblance of that shattered world. Most zombie stories never explore those themes deeply, if at all, because they don’t last long enough to do so.” (p. 162)
Wait... Most zombie stories don’t address the grim fight for survival? The struggle to rebuild society? The collapse of society? I read tons of zombie fiction and these themes are not unique to TWD! The author throws forth 28 Days Later as an example of media that doesn’t address the post-zombie apocalypse, but ignores the sequel 28 weeks later and the comics from that universe (It's an odd comparison given how similar Jim and Ricks introduction to the aftermath of the zombie outbreak is). The As the World Dies book series goes from the point where the zombies first appear to the establishment and defense of their new society. World War Z is all about the aftermath of zombies and the worldwide long-term consequences of the appearance of zombies. While I find Resident Evil series full of flaws, it does address the aftermath of the zombie outbreak and the rebuilding of society. Romero's Living Dead series goes from the story of one night of the zombie outbreak to years after the outbreak and the aftermath of that. Again it is a matter of the author holding TWD up on a pedestal and making broad statements.
This book was not for me. The author had minimal criticism of the show and builds the show to be much more than it is. TWD did change things and brought us much more zombie media than we may have gotten otherwise and I did enjoy for a while. But for me TWD eventually degraded in quality and engaging plotlines. There were some great things about TWD, but there were definitely some things that didn’t work. If the author's analysis had been less glowing it would have made for a better book. You can love something and critique it. Nothing is perfect after all.
Warning this book contains SPOILERS for seasons 1 through 7. If you haven’t watched that far and care about spoilers this book is not for you.
Up front I’m just gonna say this book is for hardcore fans of the series only: the people who want to know all the little details about the series
In my view this book is out of touch and it is too busy fawning over a television show to look at the reality. The author crows about how well The Walking Dead handles race and gender without looking critically at the show. There are plenty of interesting articles critiquing how TWD actually fails regarding gender and race so I’m not gonna delve into that in this review (you have google use it). I’m not saying the show is a complete disaster, but it is not the triumph of gender and race equality that our author it trying to tout it as. Look I enjoy the show (I mean zombies are my jam), but one needs to be critical of the media they consume especially if they want to write a book about it.
Honestly, some comments this author makes made me want to slam my face against my desk. Things like:
“Think about the show beyond zombies: the collapse of society, a grim fight for survival, and a struggle to rebuild some semblance of that shattered world. Most zombie stories never explore those themes deeply, if at all, because they don’t last long enough to do so.” (p. 162)
Wait... Most zombie stories don’t address the grim fight for survival? The struggle to rebuild society? The collapse of society? I read tons of zombie fiction and these themes are not unique to TWD! The author throws forth 28 Days Later as an example of media that doesn’t address the post-zombie apocalypse, but ignores the sequel 28 weeks later and the comics from that universe (It's an odd comparison given how similar Jim and Ricks introduction to the aftermath of the zombie outbreak is). The As the World Dies book series goes from the point where the zombies first appear to the establishment and defense of their new society. World War Z is all about the aftermath of zombies and the worldwide long-term consequences of the appearance of zombies. While I find Resident Evil series full of flaws, it does address the aftermath of the zombie outbreak and the rebuilding of society. Romero's Living Dead series goes from the story of one night of the zombie outbreak to years after the outbreak and the aftermath of that. Again it is a matter of the author holding TWD up on a pedestal and making broad statements.
This book was not for me. The author had minimal criticism of the show and builds the show to be much more than it is. TWD did change things and brought us much more zombie media than we may have gotten otherwise and I did enjoy for a while. But for me TWD eventually degraded in quality and engaging plotlines. There were some great things about TWD, but there were definitely some things that didn’t work. If the author's analysis had been less glowing it would have made for a better book. You can love something and critique it. Nothing is perfect after all.
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