In the latest installment of The Walking Dead franchise, titled “The Ones Who Live,” Rick and Michonne encounter a new type of zombie that poses a unique challenge for survivors. These “stone zombies,” as they’re dubbed, deviate from the standard formula of walkers, presenting a formidable obstacle for the show’s protagonists.
Creation of the Stone Zombies
The setting of “The Ones Who Live” plays a crucial role in the creation of these stone walkers. Set in a United States national park, the episode reveals that the zombies were affected by the park’s steam vents. Survivor accounts describe the walkers as having a “crusty” outer layer, akin to stone, due to their exposure to the steam vents. This explains why conventional methods of killing walkers, such as puncturing the brain, prove to be significantly more challenging with these stone zombies.
Nature’s Influence
Unlike previous variants seen in The Walking Dead universe, such as the smart zombies and the genetically enhanced zombies encountered by Daryl Dixon, the stone zombies are not a result of human experimentation. Instead, their unique properties are attributed to natural phenomena, specifically the steam vents in the national park. This distinction sets them apart from traditional variants and underscores the unpredictability of the post-apocalyptic world.
Classification and Definition
The introduction of the stone zombies raises questions about the classification of zombie variants within The Walking Dead universe. While previous variants have been explicitly linked to human intervention, the origins of the stone zombies highlight the role of nature in shaping the post-apocalyptic landscape. This distinction prompts a reexamination of what constitutes a true variant within the franchise.
Clarifying Variant Concept
The ambiguity surrounding the classification of zombie variants underscores the need for clarity within The Walking Dead universe. As the franchise continues to explore new threats and challenges for its characters, defining what constitutes a variant and elucidating the rules governing zombie behavior becomes essential. By revisiting the concept introduced in The Walking Dead: World Beyond and addressing its connection to other zombie types, the franchise can provide much-needed answers and expand its lore.
“The Ones Who Live” introduces a captivating new element to The Walking Dead universe with the introduction of stone zombies. As the franchise navigates the complexities of post-apocalyptic survival, clarifying the concept of variants and exploring the diverse threats posed by the undead remains paramount.
FAQ
What are stone zombies in The Walking Dead?
Stone zombies are a new type of undead encountered in The Walking Dead franchise. These walkers have a rock-like outer layer, making them significantly harder to kill than traditional zombies.
How were stone zombies created?
Stone zombies were formed due to their exposure to steam vents in a United States national park, as depicted in “The Ones Who Live” episode. The steam vents caused a “crusty” calcification of their bodies, rendering them resistant to conventional methods of dispatching walkers.
Are stone zombies considered variants?
Unlike previous variants seen in The Walking Dead universe, such as smart zombies or genetically enhanced zombies, stone zombies are not a result of human experimentation. Their unique properties stem from natural phenomena, distinguishing them from traditional variants.
What is the significance of the stone zombies’ creation?
The creation of stone zombies highlights the unpredictable nature of the post-apocalyptic world in The Walking Dead. It underscores the role of nature in shaping the threats faced by survivors and prompts a reexamination of what constitutes a true variant within the franchise.
Will the concept of variants be further explored in The Walking Dead franchise?
The ambiguity surrounding the classification of zombie variants underscores the need for clarity within The Walking Dead universe. As the franchise continues to evolve, it may revisit the concept of variants introduced in The Walking Dead: World Beyond and provide further insights into zombie behavior and classification.