"The Dead March," by Brian Rappatta

[Kenwood]

Anyone wishing to add some thoughts about this particular story and/or author, feel free to do so here. Praise and criticism is encouraged equally, but please keep the latter on the constructive side.

BEWARE OF SPOILERS!

[Mercedes]

Okay, the hugging? The falling into rotting and loving arms? I was so into that. It added a lot of depth and heart. I enjoyed this a lot, and I'm not into zombie tales.

And you were right! GI Joes! Rock on!!

[Shiney]

I liked this okay when we read it, and felt it was good enough to accept....But I like it more with each read. It really is a unique take on the niche of zombies...It's a good dysfunctional family in turmoil sort of tale.

[Kenwood]

What I found odd was Brian's note on the story; you know, it being a tale about a kid just wanting a few zombies in his life. What sold the story for me, really, was that it was about a kid who just wanted a little love from his father, a hug. But it works on both levels, what Brian saw and I saw.

I was a bit against this one at first, over-analyzing and stuff. After the end, I was like, "But...what now?" Then John yelled at me ("You seem to have issues, brother..."). I cried a bit, and saw the error of my ways. Haha.

I really dig this one now.

[kurtnewton]

Now, this is what I'm talking about! Really liked this one. Some great lines; creative scenes (I like the Dad's chainsaw approach, and Aaron's help from his "pet" dead animals). Also liked the whole G.I. Joe tie-in at the end. And, Ken, you're right -- I took it as a boy wanting a little love from his Dad. Makes me want to hunt down Rappatta's story "The Plunge" in Zencore!.

[Mercedes]

I just sent an email to his site, saying, "Come, join ussssssss."

[Shiney]

When I read this story...it plays out in my head in early 80's HEAVY METAL style cartoon animation...and it rocks!!!!

[scottmitchell74]

Now this one is fantastic!

Sick mo-fo, this Brian is.

Love the G.I. Joe usage.

This one reminded me somewhat of a King story. The flow, the feel, the atmosphere....all of it had a King feel to me.

Also a sad story. You know, as a father I now look at things SO differently. My heart breaks for kids who have no real love from their parents. Every kid deserves love and attention, and it's so, so simple as far as kids are concerned. It really isn't hard at all to be a good parent.

Kudos for using a sicko zombie story to make me want to be a better daddy all the time to my kiddos!!

[Kenwood]

Kudos for using a sicko zombie story to make me want to be a better daddy all the time to my kiddos!!

Can't imagine someone could give a better compliment than this.

[Guest]

Personally, I'm rather pleased to be called a sick mo-fo, as well. :-)

Thanks, everyone, for the nice words about "The Dead March."

[kurtnewton]

Brian, man, put down the chainsaw long enough to hang! What else have you got coming out?

[Guest]

Brian, man, put down the chainsaw long enough to hang! What else have you got coming out?

It's been a summer of zombies for me. Another story involving zombies (this one set in a steampunky Victorian world) called "The Reanimation Emporium" just came out in Steampunk Tales #1 (www.steampunktales.com), a platform for original fiction designed for the iphone, but available in plenty of other formats as well.

You?

[kurtnewton]

I just wanted everyone to know that Brian's tale in Steampunk Tales is worth the download! Nice job, Brian! I hope you intend to write more tales involving Edmund Willoughby and his Reanimation Emporium. I could definitely see this world developed into a novel-length fiction.

[Tall Tyrion]

Bought and downloaded.

[Guest]

Great offbeat zombie tale! Being a father myself, my emotional reaction to it was nearly identical to scottmitchell74's.

The final haunting lines of the story ("Dad," he said. "These are my men.") are ripe with pathos: despite being a monstrosity, Aaron is just a mistreated innocent kid who wants the love and acceptance of his father--and to play soldiers.

Very sad, very horrific, very good.