The Running Dead

The release of the 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead" sparked a popular debate that still rages on today.  On one side you have zombie purists who adamantly believe that zombies should never run.  On the other side you have new age zombie fans who prefer their undead to be high speed killing machines.  

First of all, it's not entirely true that the 2004 "Dawn of the Dead" invented the idea of the running zombie.  That's a concept that's been around since "Return of the Living Dead."  A much beloved zombie film from the 80s that utilizes both the staggering undead and running zombies.  It could even be argued that the European film "Nightmare City" by Umberto Lenzi had the first use of running zombies.  However, I wont try to make that point since the creatures in that film are so far removed from the traditional zombie.

Which brings us to the question of what is a traditional zombie?  In earlier times the concept of zombies belonged to the world of voodoo and black magic.  These zombies were simply humans that were put into a death-like state and stripped of all will power and cognitive reasoning.  Usually forced to serve some voodoo master.  The movie "White Zombie" was one of the first to popularize this version of the zombie.

Like all things though, concepts evolve and change to fit a new era.  With "The Night of the Living Dead" zombies developed new defining traits.  They kept the idea of being undead, but stripped them of a human master and instead made them a slave to their craving for living flesh.  These zombies also developed the ability to create other zombies through either infection or killing. From this evolution we have our basic frame for what defines a traditional zombie.  

As time went on, people added their own personal touches to the mythos of the zombie.  "Return of the Living Dead" popularized the idea of zombies eating brains, rather than just flesh.  George Romero even changed his creation by having zombies that could think and perform basic tasks.  So with change being a part of the zombie history, why is it so hard for some to accept a running zombie?  

Some would argue that a running zombie goes against the original interpretation of what a zombie should be. However, what makes a zombie isn't regulated to it's mobility, but rather it's mannerisms.  If we are to be so strict as to dismiss any zombie that runs, than we must reject zombies that exclusively crave brains.  Yet, brain eating zombies is a popular staple in the horror community.  To argue that brain eating is an extension of flesh eating and thus permissible, I would say that running is simply an extension of walking as well.  

Another argument that many use to oppose running is that rigor mortis would prevent such movement.  The fact is, rigor mortis should prevent any zombie from moving.  The limbs of a corpse should be very stiff and rigid for at least up to 48 hours.  Once this time has passed the limbs start to relax, thus allowing the zombie free range of mobility again.    However, the state of the body must be accounted for as well.  If a healthy human being is infected with a zombie virus and reanimated, then it would be a non-issue for them to be a fast moving zombie.  However, if we're talking about a corpse risen from the grave, then a great deal of decomposition has taken place and it must be assumed that this type of zombie would be severely restricted in its movement. 

It seems like I'm arguing strictly for the running zombie, but the truth of the matter is that I enjoy both aspects.  I think things have changed though.  Walking zombies just don't create the same dramatic tension that they used too unless someone is confined in a small space.  With running zombies, the dramatic potential is unrestrained.  And this is what I want from my zombies, I want the most scare that I can get out of them.   I just don't feel like walkers give me that same thrill anymore.  I can still enjoy them though in the same way that I can enjoy my Super Nintendo.  There's an undeniable charm in the use of antique walking zombies that stumble and drag their feet.   Like the evolution from voodoo slave to undead cannibal, the running zombie is the next logical step in keeping the creature "fresh" for a modern era. 

Enjoy your zombie walk and be sure to visit these other fine pages!

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