Romero's Empire Of The Dead (comic)

[capncnut]

New fifteen issue Marvel comic series set in Romero's 'Dead' universe, written by George himself, called Empire of the Dead will drop episodically in January. Click (http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/176471-george-romeros-empire-of-the-dead-coming-from-marvel-comics-in-january) for article.

[MinionZombie]

Oh aye, I was reading about this a while back on Daily Dead - hopefully they'll release a trade paperback of this and I can dig into it. It'll be interesting to see what he does within this medium.


"These zombies are starting to show sparks of real care and concern for each other," Romero said. "I'm not going to go all the way to Omega Man where they take over the world, but I'm having a lot of fun with it. We've got some new rules and new characters, and we're taking it in a completely different direction."

I'm all at once intrigued, and a little bit worried ... the above could so easily just come off as silly, or unbelievable, or whatever, but at the same time it's good he's not just doing Dawn of the Dead v2.0 or something lazy.

http://cdn1.shocktillyoudrop.com/images/stories/2013/October/empire_of_the_dead.jpg?1380823649

Is it just me, or does this festering zombie chap look a little bit like Michael Rooker?

[MoonSylver]

It's not just you. ;)

As for the aforementioned comic...sorry, but that sounds horrible. :(

[Mr.G]

It can't be worse than Toe Tags. I bought that series out of sheer obligation to GAR.

[zombieparanoia]

"These zombies are starting to show sparks of real care and concern for each other"????


God damn you Romero. You have to go full Lucas on the genre you basically invented don't you?

This sounds like it could be worse than twilight.

[Neil]

^^ Hmmmm!

[Trencher]

Did he not already write a comic series where one woman were riding an elephant and killing zombies?

[MinionZombie]

Preview pages (no text):

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Empire-of-the-Dead-02.jpg

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Empire-of-the-Dead-03.jpg

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Empire-of-the-Dead-04.jpg

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Empire-of-the-Dead-05.jpg

Thoughts?

[JohnoftheDead19]

Who can honestly tell how its going to be

[shootemindehead]

What's with the flippin vampire at the end?

[AcesandEights]

What's with the flippin vampire at the end?

It's a metaphor for sucking the genre dry :skull:

[MagicMoonMonkey]

Oh I do hope these vampires sparkle in the sunshine...

Vampires in Romero's dead universe... I think George has been pilfering ideas from the fiction section - namely the short story titled, Preservation of the Species.
I was ok with what I was seeing in those panels, that was until the guy from The Crystal Maze turns up at the end. George has been making me a bit more sad for a while now.

[Neil]

Jump to 47m40s - http://www.jaydotdee.com/poptards/PopTards206.mp3

They seem fairly positive about it...


http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2013/10/Empire_of_the_Dead_Maleev_Cover-610x926.jpg

[MinionZombie]

More preview pages here:

http://dailydead.com/preview-pages-george-romeros-empire-dead-2/

Bit of cover art here:

http://dailydead.com/cover-art-george-romeros-empire-dead-2-3/

And some more preview pages here (with text):

http://dailydead.com/new-preview-pages-george-romeros-empire-dead-1/

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Empire-of-the-Dead-06.jpg

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Empire-of-the-Dead-07.jpg

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Empire-of-the-Dead-08.jpg

Notice the dialogue reference to Dawn?

http://c534909.r9.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Empire-of-the-Dead-09.jpg

[wayzim]

Oh I do hope these vampires sparkle in the sunshine...

Vampires in Romero's dead universe... I think George has been pilfering ideas from the fiction section - namely the short story titled, Preservation of the Species.
I was ok with what I was seeing in those panels, that was until the guy from The Crystal Maze turns up at the end. George has been making me a bit more sad for a while now.

There have been a few recent fan e-mails that commented on similarities between characters from my stories, and those in George's newer films. One kid thought it was funny that Big Daddy from Land was a pump jockey, the same as my zombie in Dead Fall: the novel ( who I splatted before he could get smart :D ). And I winced slightly as Cholo took out the garbage to a landfill that reminded us of the one in Tuesday Morning Pickup.
And I did get fan mail for Preservation from a guy named George (GRMonLI@aol.com ), back in October of 2000, who stated that Zombies and Vampires were his two favorites and it was great to see them mixed. Still, fourteen years later, and what's going with Empire that made you think of Preservation? Details, Man! I need details! :D

[sirjacktorrance]

I already read the first issue.


It’s like an extension of land of the dead in it’s setting. Uses the “zombie circus” temes and there’s a similar class system, with a “Kauffman type” of villain in the top. That’s exciting for me, because it extends the concept of land in wich other characters refers to other settings and the refences about that “every place it’s the same”, that enchances well with land mitologies so it’s settled in the very same universe. The principal character it’s Barbara from night sister as well. I don’t like the idea of vampires , but it’s a comic book, so it’s nice to see a crossover like that, for fun.

the art it's amazing and the anrrative of mr Romero it's top noch,

[Neil]

^^ Interesting!

[EvilNed]

I actually got a little excited now.

But yeah, them vampires...

[shootemindehead]

Yeh, I'm the same way.

It just shatters the "realism", if you know what I mean.

[AcesandEights]

The vampires thing is a bit of a shocker. :rockbrow:

That's true, eh?

[wayzim]

So there's nothing really to Empire which mirrors Preservation of A Species to any degree.

http://marvel.com/news/comics/2013/12/5/21598/enjoy_your_first_look_at_george_romeros_empire_of_ the_dead

An earlier post http://forum.homepageofthedead.com/showthread.php?t=22076&p=302834&viewfull=1#post302834 had me worried there for a sec. :eek: but so far my short story and novel (in progress) is still unique among the handful of zomb/vamp stories already out there. It just means I'd better get the larger work out there all the sooner, before it isn't. Still, I wish George well with Empire, though the plot doesn't necessarily peak my interest right now.

Wayne Z

[zombieparanoia]

I already read the first issue.


It’s like an extension of land of the dead in it’s setting. Uses the “zombie circus” temes and there’s a similar class system, with a “Kauffman type” of villain in the top. That’s exciting for me, because it extends the concept of land in wich other characters refers to other settings and the refences about that “every place it’s the same”, that enchances well with land mitologies so it’s settled in the very same universe. The principal character it’s Barbara from night sister as well. I don’t like the idea of vampires , but it’s a comic book, so it’s nice to see a crossover like that, for fun.

the art it's amazing and the anrrative of mr Romero it's top noch,

You just nailed everything I hated about Land. Ok, so this comic will suck balls hard, and not in a good way. For me.

I'm not saying your opinion is wrong, or bad or anything. It just saved me a bunch of time. It's like someone described a comic as "Like an extension of the first three episodes of star wars, but with a stronger emphasis on the jar jar storyline, a lot more detail on the specifics of the trade federations political dealings at the senate and a really extensive explanation of the science behind midichlorians."

[MagicMoonMonkey]

There have been a few recent fan e-mails that commented on similarities between characters from my stories, and those in George's newer films. One kid thought it was funny that Big Daddy from Land was a pump jockey, the same as my zombie in Dead Fall: the novel ( who I splatted before he could get smart :D ). And I winced slightly as Cholo took out the garbage to a landfill that reminded us of the one in Tuesday Morning Pickup.
And I did get fan mail for Preservation from a guy named George (GRMonLI@aol.com ), back in October of 2000, who stated that Zombies and Vampires were his two favorites and it was great to see them mixed. Still, fourteen years later, and what's going with Empire that made you think of Preservation? Details, Man! I need details! :D


I think I may have emailed you after reading Preservation (on the old HPotD) to say you should develop a screenplay and put the idea out there. I used to read a lot of the contributions in the fiction section, all were entertaining but some a bit more special than others. I just thought the idea of surviving the apocalypse through the eyes of the vampire was a clever little twist to the genre. I personally don't like crossovers and do not wish to see vampires and zombies on screen on a regular basis. I just thought your story was a clever idea for a one-off.

I am still awaiting my EotD because I got some heartbreak story from my seller on eBay about the courier damaging a box, so I haven't read it yet nor do I know what part the vampires play in this part of the GAR universe. I just instantly thought of your story when I saw the vampire placed in the GAR universe.
I am sure I read that the vampires may not be vampires as such, but a different kind of zombie. There was mention of another zombie type that retained a fair bit of its more human abilities. I am sure that sounds a bit like the story in the fiction section (by Neil?) from a free-thinking zombie's perspective. I am sure the zombie's in the story wielded weapons and farmed humans. I may have two stories mixed up here.
Are you expanding on the Preservation idea?

[wayzim]

I think I may have emailed you after reading Preservation (on the old HPotD) to say you should develop a screenplay and put the idea out there. I used to read a lot of the contributions in the fiction section, all were entertaining but some a bit more special than others. I just thought the idea of surviving the apocalypse through the eyes of the vampire was a clever little twist to the genre. I personally don't like crossovers and do not wish to see vampires and zombies on screen on a regular basis. I just thought your story was a clever idea for a one-off.

I am still awaiting my EotD because I got some heartbreak story from my seller on eBay about the courier damaging a box, so I haven't read it yet nor do I know what part the vampires play in this part of the GAR universe. I just instantly thought of your story when I saw the vampire placed in the GAR universe.
I am sure I read that the vampires may not be vampires as such, but a different kind of zombie. There was mention of another zombie type that retained a fair bit of its more human abilities. I am sure that sounds a bit like the story in the fiction section (by Neil?) from a free-thinking zombie's perspective. I am sure the zombie's in the story wielded weapons and farmed humans. I may have two stories mixed up here.
Are you expanding on the Preservation idea?

Yes to the last question. I actually have several rough drafts for a novel, which spins the conceit of the short story even further off center. Of course in mine, Vampires are the main characters; carrying a genetic twist within them that links all three groups ( Human, Vampire, and Zombie ). They are also presented as more believable creatures, Super Nature, not Supernatural. Haven't quite found the right payoff to wrap all these good ideas around though. :(

I've been looking through my saved correspondences, fan e-mail from way back, but I might be missing your stuff, especially if you had a different handle attached to it. Still, thanks for the thumbs up.

Wayne Z

[MagicMoonMonkey]

Yes to the last question. I actually have several rough drafts for a novel, which spins the conceit of the short story even further off center. Of course in mine, Vampires are the main characters; carrying a genetic twist within them that links all three groups ( Human, Vampire, and Zombie ). They are also presented as more believable creatures, Super Nature, not Supernatural. Haven't quite found the right payoff to wrap all these good ideas around though. :(

I've been looking through my saved correspondences, fan e-mail from way back, but I might be missing your stuff, especially if you had a different handle attached to it. Still, thanks for the thumbs up.

Wayne Z

Are you going to incorporate the original short story in to the larger work, or is it all new? I was known as Wildee on the original HPotD.

[wayzim]

Are you going to incorporate the original short story in to the larger work, or is it all new? I was known as Wildee on the original HPotD.

So I missed your e-mail, or it got mislaid :confused: over all these years. But to answer your question; the original story is the ending to the book, I just have to get there. It's also a history spanning some sixty to one hundred thousand years, where the rise of a hybrid species is almost derailed by an unfortumate mutation. Genetics is a bitch after all. :D
Still, since this is a thread about Empire, we can probably take further discussion to PM ( which I read, thanks for the offer. ) or something.

Wayne Z

[sirjacktorrance]

You just nailed everything I hated about Land. Ok, so this comic will suck balls hard, and not in a good way. For me.

I'm not saying your opinion is wrong, or bad or anything. It just saved me a bunch of time. It's like someone described a comic as "Like an extension of the first three episodes of star wars, but with a stronger emphasis on the jar jar storyline, a lot more detail on the specifics of the trade federations political dealings at the senate and a really extensive explanation of the science behind midichlorians."


Yes, i still smell the land hate in this forum. the thing is that dead series Are not star wars. And i’m not a “deadfan” like starfans are. I love movies, and I love the genre. I love GAR movies because are different to the others. If you don’t like land it’s ok for me, but I still find it the last great theatrical zombie movie done in 9 years. I love the Universe and land expand it. Empire it’s more of that for ones who like hawksian dialogues, GAR shades of grey treatment to their characters and the things that do his movies the work of an author.

[Thorn]

I am all for the Romero universe expanding, I didn't hate Land as much as some but it clearly had it's issues. The thing is, we all have to accept that George has always intended for his zombies to become more intelligent and more self aware. This is just George doing his thing, we do not have to like it.

As to the comic, I am not okay with Vampires. Not in the GAR Universe, it does not work for me and it turns me off to this project.

In terms of the comic as a stand alone offering, as a former comic book colorist I can say that I like the art style a lot it is clean without lacking soul. Line work is tight but not cookie cutter, and the inks and colors are decent. Writing is what it is, and I see we are still giving all of our characters superhero style code names. Way to go George.

/slow clap

[MoonSylver]

It's like someone described a comic as "Like an extension of the first three episodes of star wars, but with a stronger emphasis on the jar jar storyline, a lot more detail on the specifics of the trade federations political dealings at the senate and a really extensive explanation of the science behind midichlorians."

:lol:


As to the comic, I am not okay with Vampires. Not in the GAR Universe, it does not work for me and it turns me off to this project.

:thumbsup:

[Skold]

i just read it. A bit of background: i *love* comics that are well done. Watchmen and Dark Knight of course, but The Manhattan Projects and Trillium are great examples of comics that are done right and being published right now.

i love GAR.

So, i have no idea what to think of this. The art is downright amazing. i'll be buying anything Alex Maleev does from now on. As for the story...


i absolutely *loved* the call-back to Day. "Scary, isn't it?". Awesome. The Night call-back, not-so-much. He dragged her back? Instead of biting her? Ugh.

Loved the Land set-up again (yes, i like Land). But the zombies actually fighting each other? They should just go for the meat. Ugh.

People calling them "zombies"? Holy fuck George what!?! Yes i know Ken Foree accidentally says it it in Dawn and it's the punchline for Hopper in Land, but come-the-fuck-on.

And fucking vampires. Holy shit. What.

If there is any proof for an "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" invasion, this is it. They got GAR.

That said, i'm buying the whole series. i loved the "Day" thing!

[Mr.G]

Not a bad first issue but like many others...I can do without the vampires. But I'll keep reading it.

[kidgloves]

This is being adapted for TV

http://comicbook.com/2015/05/21/george-romeros-empire-of-the-dead-being-adapted-for-television/

[Neil]

This is being adapted for TV

http://comicbook.com/2015/05/21/george-romeros-empire-of-the-dead-being-adapted-for-television/

Adapted as a comic animation? Or live action?

[kidgloves]

Not sure yet. Can't find much info

[krisvds]

Apparently it was announced at Cannes last thursday according to : http://www.aintitcool.com/node/71602

Not sure what to think of this. Haven't read the comic. On the one hand there's the simple fact romero hasn't done anything remotely on par with his output in the seventies and eighties in recent years (I still like Land though), on the other hand Miller just proved there may be life in old genre tropes with his Fury Road.

[Mr.G]

I'm still reading. I would have dropped it if it was an ongoing but I can buy 15 issues. I so want to feel the magic of the original 3 movies again!

[snowwarrior]

I'm still reading. I would have dropped it if it was an ongoing but I can buy 15 issues. I so want to feel the magic of the original 3 movies again!
I sat in on a celebrit Q and A with GAR at Fanexpo on Friday. He confirmed that he was involved in the development of the Empire series. No further info from him.

[Neil]

I sat in on a celebrit Q and A with GAR at Fanexpo on Friday. He confirmed that he was involved in the development of the Empire series. No further info from him.

And what format is the series to be in ? Animated?

[snowwarrior]

Adapted as a comic animation? Or live action?

Unfortunately he wouldn't elaborate. Said he couldn't discuss it yet.

[capncnut]

Some more news: http://comicbook.com/2015/11/08/george-romeros-empire-of-the-dead-heading-to-amc-according-to-ar/

[shootemindehead]

GTFO.

This could be brilliant.

[ProfessorChaos]

AMC needs to just change their station's name to AMZ.....Always Milking Zombies.


i think it's getting to the point of over-saturation. anyone else feel this way?

[JDP]

AMC needs to just change their station's name to AMZ.....Always Milking Zombies.


i think it's getting to the point of over-saturation. anyone else feel this way?

From a neutral point of view, I felt like it when they announced Fear the Walking Dead. One zombie show at a time is great, but much more than that and people are going to start to get desensitized and bored with zombies. The Walking Dead is a huge success partly because it was the first, and for some time also the only, of its kind. Even many people who have never seen a zombie movie and have no friggin' clue who Romero or Fulci are watch it. The rest of the zombie shows are very likely not going to be nearly as successful, though. The novelty element that caught the attention of so many people is no longer possible after TWD.

But from the point of view of someone who has been watching zombie movies, even quite bad ones, since long before there was anything such as a TV show about zombies, it actually does not bother me. As far as I am concerned, let every channel have their own zombie show. I'll probably watch many of them if I have the chance.

[MinionZombie]

I do share the concern of "too much zombie stuff" on AMC (and in general) ... but at the same time I'm also very intrigued and would absolutely watch it. I've not read the comic series (is there a trade paperback edition out yet?), and of course you always want Uncle George to get projects going in a big way.