Have you ever wondered what the zombie outbreak might look like at a trailer park? Or a news station? U.S. aircraft carrier? Or even a morgue? Enthusiasts of the zombie genre will get all of these scenarios and more in The Living Dead – the collaboration between George A. Romero’s estate and accomplished author Daniel Kraus. Having read various literature pieces set in this post-apocalyptic scenario, I enjoyed finding something new in this novel, aside from the typical “the zombies aren’t the real monsters” theme. 

Most (if not all) zombie fanatics consider Romero to be the “O.G.” of the undead genre. His films date back to the 60’s and consist of cult classics and fan favorites (in fact, Kraus outlines his recommended watch list, in order, in the author’s note at the end of the novel). Kraus was a huge fan of Romero’s work and did his due diligence when finishing the novel – and it shows. 

I will warn readers that The Living Dead is a long read (700+ pages) – but for good reason. A few time-jumps throughout makes it worth the length, as the story spans about 15 years post-outbreak. The novel starts with the points of view of multiple characters, backstories and all. Kraus did a great job of fleshing out the backstories and scenarios that Romero developed, which defined the characters over their storylines – on top of being action-packed and of course, at times, incredibly heart-breaking. Humanity shows it’s true colors, and the truth hurts. 

A medical examiner Luis Acocella and his assistant Charlene Rutkowski are in the middle of performing a post-mortem exam when the dead subject rises and reaches for Charlee (while she’s holding his heart in her hand). Consequently, not only do they have more questions than answers, but they must fight for their lives as they seek guidance on how to handle the situation. Eventually they make their way out, only to learn the world is literally falling apart and they have no idea how far the bizarre disease reaches. 

On the other side of the country, we have street-smart teenager Greer Morgan, who lives in a trailer park with her father and brother and somehow escapes her undead neighbors – senior citizens, children, etc. – on bike with a Muslim immigrant and a stash of her father’s weapons. Having to continue her journey alone, she crosses paths with a handsome blues guitarist named Muse King. The pair develop a haunting reputation and become widely known as “The Lion and the Dove” (your initial guess of who is who might be wrong) with their own unapologetic yet significant parts to play in later events.

Karl Nishimura and Jenny Pagan are stuck on the U.S.S. Olympia, stalled at sea and swarmed with undead sailors. On top of that, a pastor loses his mind and gives himself fully to the dead, forming a new religion and gaining followers after they see him walk among the swarms without being touched. These chapters of The Living Dead were probably the most frightening of all – the only way for Karl and Jenny to escape is to somehow reach the available jets aboard the craft, but they have to get past the dead (and the living) to do so. 

Chuck Corso, also known as “The Face” for his surgically-manufactured good looks, is a news anchor at WWN and watches as most of his fellow crew members turn into the undead, while the remaining living members desperately barricade themselves inside the news studio to survive. Described as the least-capable news anchor at the station, Corso steps up to the plate and continues to report the story on live television, taking calls from terrified residents and providing comfort to anyone who tunes in. His storyline takes a disturbing turn that I didn’t see coming, with the help of deranged employees whose actions serve as a catalyst for the fall of the station. 

Etta Hoffman is an autistic woman working at the Census Bureau when all of this goes down. After her coworkers leave to try to join their loved ones during the apocalypse, Etta decides to stay behind to continue recording data (i.e. cries for help) coming in. She eventually posts a message and a phone number on all government websites, inviting people to call and describe their stories. She creates a collection of archives of “Personal Histories” and continues to add to it throughout the story, rendering the growing catalog quite sacred by the end of The Living Dead. 

Romero and Kraus reward readers towards the end of the novel, as our beloved characters find their ways to the same sanctuary. As we see in many entertainment mediums in the zombie genre, members of society attempt to create something that resembles the way of life they once knew. Only the world is vastly different 15 years after the initial outbreak – and consequently, so are the characters we’ve followed to this point. Zombies secure their own parts of the world, with wildlife and foliage reclaiming their own as well. And these variables only cover what conflicts arise outside of the walls of their haven. As we’ve seen before, it takes only one or two strong voices to stir the masses. 

One aspect that makes The Living Dead incredibly unique is that we get the zombies’ personalized account of the events – that is, we get to see the point of view of members of the undead. Moreover, these parts are presented in second-person i.e. “you” and eventually “we.” I appreciated this choice in storytelling, and we get insight as to how Romero imagined what living as the undead might be like. After all, zombies cannot be reasoned with – the only motivation is the basic need to feed. Readers will enjoy following their journeys as well. 

I highly encourage readers to read the author’s note at the end. Kraus details his process of researching Romero’s work and what it was like to complete an unfinished project by one of his idols. Followers of The Nerd Cantina podcast and reviews will remember that Kraus was a guest on a previous episode – and we are excited to have him return to talk about The Living Dead to further discuss his experience about this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Interested readers and fans can listen to the Cantina Conversation with Daniel Kraus on Episode 93 of The Nerd Cantina podcast. The Living Dead is now available for purchase.