What’s more dangerous than the zombie apocalypse? How about entering the Friendzone? And that’s where Jack and Ginger, the heroes of Steve Urena’s Zombie Date Night find themselves in the sequel comic, Zombie Date Night 2.
“The second date features more humor, more gruesome zombie deaths and the progression of the relationship between main characters Jack and Ginger,” Urena teased to Comic Book Club over email. “Can they get out of the friend zone or is love dead?”
The project is currently live on Kickstarter until April 15. And not only can finds find out the answer to pressing zombie-romance questions, they can also snag Valentines, and much more. Read on for the inspiration behind the book, as well as whether the zombies will ever go to space.
Comic Book Club: Seems there were some burning questions left from the first Zombie Date Night… What can we expect from the sequel?
Steve Urena: Zombie Date Night 2 picks up where the first Zombie Date Night leaves off. It’s a few months later and the main characters have gotten even closer since they’re stuck living in the mall. They’re now part of a community and they must put aside their differences to reach the food source before they become a food source for the zombaes (zombies that rely on a mate to survive). The second date features more humor, more gruesome zombie deaths and the progression of the relationship between main characters Jack and Ginger. Can they get out of the friend zone or is love dead?
Since comics are always a learning process, what did you learn on the first one that you’re taking to the second one?
I definitely had a different mindset for this one than the first one. I feel more comfortable as a writer in my fifth year of doing these, so I had a blast bringing these characters back to life. The first one I had something to prove coming off my fast killer sloth horror comedy Slow Pokes, and I wanted to show that I am not just a one trick pony. Learned to let things breathe a bit more and less is always more to make certain moments more impactful and to have as much fun as possible. If you’re having fun then people reading are going to have fun too.
How important is the balance of horror, comedy, and romance in this book?
Ha. All are scary in their own ways. I think all three fit together and these elements can create something truly unique and fun within Zombie Date Night. It’s all about creating tension and giving readers a good payoff. Whether it’s a payoff for the horror, the comedy, or the romance, if you keep it fun and interesting all three will work in your favor.
Without naming any names: tell us about the worst date you’ve ever been on?
The date wasn’t the worst but the person I went out with believed mermaids were real and I really had to question what I was doing in that moment. Also went on a date with someone and accidentally elbowed them in the face leading to a very bad night for both of us.
Would you date a zombie? If not, what classic monster would you be okay with dating?
I’m about to get married, but if I was still in my dating days I am open to any and all monsters. Frankenstein monsters, zombies, vampires, I’m an equal opportunity dater.
What can folks expect if they pledge the Kickstarter?
This time around we have a lot of fun stuff for all the zombie lovers out there. We have amazing shirts and posters done by artist Vertebrae 33, issues of the first Zombie Date Night if you missed the first campaign, and for the first time ever I’m doing Zombie Date Night valentines created by artist Jason Thomas. Also if you are a backer who wants everything, I will draw you a handmade valentine as a thank you. Comics start at just $3 which is a lot cheaper than buying eggs.
If this is successful, are there plans to get all the way to Zombie Date Night 5: Dates In Space?
I don’t believe Zombie Date Night will go to space, but I do think a certain third issue of a title I have involving fast, killer creatures might be heading there sooner than you think 😉
Zombie Date Night 2 is on Kickstarter now.
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