Oh god, I 'm theorzing... Why is this happening?

[Zombiehead]

So I was staring at some old posts and watching the chat trickle by and I just thought of something that could explain how this WHOLE thing started.

I don't know if it's been mentioned already but maybe radiation is the cause? I always suspected something was wrong because the flesh eaters are never described as decayed corpses, only depicted as mutations. Perhaps it's due to some byproduct from a bomb dropped in major cities around the world? Terrorists? A secret war between governments?

Maybe some worldwide doomsday cult planted a chemical bomb that mutated and changed anyone nearby? We did hear a HUGE explosion in the beginning when it all started. Then suddenly all hell broke loose.

Michael says the ones on the freeway were covered with scars, maybe they were actually blistering sores caused by the chemical? The big one Kalani and Angel saw was covered in zits, we know some are blind and some smell good whereas others can't. Perhaps the mutations are still changing the creatures.

We know that going too far north into "ground zero" makes people sick. High concentration of this stuff (where the explosion went off) could be the answer as to why this is. It could have all been experimental or a secret weapon that hadn't been tested yet that was stolen. The possibilities are endless.

[TCM Revolver]

How did this not get started sooner?? :p

It has to be man-made. Like you stated, they aren't the dead rising, these are mutants. Raydon labs could have had a military contract to develop a new chemical weapon designed to cause people to "become zombies". Tested this weapon on a human and he escaped.

[MrScott101]

So originally I had this long response but for some reason I was logged out so I'll do my best to remember what I had typed before.

This is a fantastic idea and would explain why and how there are so many different ones. It would explain why this isn't reanimation of the dead and is very fast at spreading. I agree with Rev that I think it would have had to be a combo radiation/nuclear chemical, or better yet radiated bio weapon..!! According to the tivo this was very world wide and not just the bigger cities so it had to have something very coordinated on a huge scale.

Given that it had to have been a huge cult or organized group also says that the American Government would have been aware of this group and would have stopped most if not all cells of this group before it had the chance. Unless it was the US government that did it and organized with world leaders as a way of population control?

[Eviebae]

Perhaps it's due to some byproduct from a bomb dropped in major cities around the world? Terrorists?...Maybe some worldwide doomsday cult planted a chemical bomb that mutated and changed anyone nearby?

Michael says the ones on the freeway were covered with scars, maybe they were actually blistering sores caused by the chemical? The big one Kalani and Angel saw was covered in zits,
We know that going too far north into "ground zero" makes people sick. High concentration of this stuff (where the explosion went off) could be the answer as to why this is. It could have all been experimental or a secret weapon that hadn't been tested yet that was stolen. The possibilities are endless.

It's such fun making up new ways it could have happened. Today's epiphany in the dog park involved alternate dimensions or histories--the whole multiverse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse) theory. That got started by me thinking about why KC chose to set it in the past instead of the present. It didn't happen in our universe/history so no matter how you slice it, it's an alternate time line. Unless of course they are all just brains in a vat somewhere.

Radiation by itself is just so random in its effects. It causes tumors and immune system problems mostly. Plus, it doesn't stay in one place and no one has come down with radiation sickness...unless that's what Lizzy has. :( This seems very targeted. I've said from the beginning I hope it turns out to be some complicated interaction between events.

[Zombiehead]

As for it spreading, perhaps getting mutated cells/spores into your blood stream via direct fluid transfer causes you to change? (if you live that is) Maybe the mutated cells die when you die. Without a living host and a warm blood stream to travel with they no longer become infectious? The only thing I can think of at the moment which forms a link to alcohol is that it thins out your blood, screws with your wiring(nervous system), and motor functions. I guess that would be considered undesirable conditions to an organism that wants to take control of it's host. The alcohol may even be deadly to the mutated cells.

[shananala8]

That got started by me thinking about why KC chose to set it in the past instead of the present.



It should be noted that the first episode came out on May 4, 2009 and that episode took place on May 8, 2009. So while our timelines are no longer in sync, at one time they were. As for how much of a time delay the journals we hear from are on, we can only speculate.

[nikvoodoo]

So I was staring at some old posts and watching the chat trickle by and I just thought of something that could explain how this WHOLE thing started.

I don't know if it's been mentioned already but maybe radiation is the cause? I always suspected something was wrong because the flesh eaters are never described as decayed corpses, only depicted as mutations. Perhaps it's due to some byproduct from a bomb dropped in major cities around the world? Terrorists? A secret war between governments?

Maybe some worldwide doomsday cult planted a chemical bomb that mutated and changed anyone nearby? We did hear a HUGE explosion in the beginning when it all started. Then suddenly all hell broke loose.

Michael says the ones on the freeway were covered with scars, maybe they were actually blistering sores caused by the chemical? The big one Kalani and Angel saw was covered in zits, we know some are blind and some smell good whereas others can't. Perhaps the mutations are still changing the creatures.

We know that going too far north into "ground zero" makes people sick. High concentration of this stuff (where the explosion went off) could be the answer as to why this is. It could have all been experimental or a secret weapon that hadn't been tested yet that was stolen. The possibilities are endless.

I believe it has to be genetic mutations of some variety. How this is possible? I don't know. I also don't know how it would receive a worldwide simultaneous release. But despite the latest rumblings on the forum, I think Raydon labs has everything to do with it. Without knowing the exact location of Raydon labs (Though I'm going to guess it's around the Pico Rivera area on the map (between The base and Locked and Loaded)), it's hard to say this to be fact, but here's one reason the first ones we encountered were scarred: They were some of the initial infected by an explosion at Raydon labs.

Also, citing the majority opinion of Kalani on this forum, be careful saying we know about people getting sick at ground zero as fact. If you believe Kalani is an untrustworthy person, every statement that he makes (that can't be corroborated) is put into question and under a shadow of speculation.


It should be noted that the first episode came out on May 4, 2009 and that episode took place on May 8, 2009. So while our timelines are no longer in sync, at one time they were. As for how much of a time delay the journals we hear from are on, we can only speculate.
This isn't necessarily the case. The first chapter is told as a flashback. The journals aren't brought up until chapter 4 I believe so Michael wouldn't even be writing in a journal until at least part of what went down had gone down. So there's a good possibility that despite all the "present" storytelling we hear in the show, that could be just a device to tell the story which is being told entirely as a flashback. I've made a statement that will be on the next WND podcast about the journals, so I'll leave that for now.

I don't know if we've reached the crossover point where the flashbacks and the present cross, but I personally don't think we have yet.

[Luna Guardian]

If it's a military test thing, I'd like to know how it broke out across the world so soon? Certainly it could be one, I'm not saying it couldn't, but I'd rather lean towards a global conspiracy to bring about some sort of New World Order. Mark my words, we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the origins of the zombies.

This could also explain why some zombies are smarter than others. If this is a conspiracy by a group of humans, they'd need someone to communicate and bargain with. It's impossible to do with mindless berserkers, but if these berserkers follow someone capable of intelligent though and even speech...

Of course, this doesn't mean that the conspiracy worked out as the conspirators thought. They may have been the first consumed. Heck, they may even have had a way to control the zombies, but that way was lost when the fleshbiting hordes turned on their would-be masters...

Just saying

[shananala8]

This isn't necessarily the case. The first chapter is told as a flashback. The journals aren't brought up until chapter 4 I believe so Michael wouldn't even be writing in a journal until at least part of what went down had gone down. So there's a good possibility that despite all the "present" storytelling we hear in the show, that could be just a device to tell the story which is being told entirely as a flashback. I've made a statement that will be on the next WND podcast about the journals, so I'll leave that for now.

I don't know if we've reached the crossover point where the flashbacks and the present cross, but I personally don't think we have yet.

Right, I wasn't saying that we're getting the story in real time, and I don't know if we ever will (maybe in the last few episodes of the story?). Personally, I see the relationship between the journal entries and the narrative to be analogous to the rabbit and the dogs in dog racing: always just a ways ahead. The point I was making is that while we (in the "real" world) are a couple of years ahead, it didn't start that way.

[Adventureless_Hero]

I know the idea that aliens are behind this seems like such a bizarre answer because it just seems silly, but if you think about the evidence, aliens would be a logical answer. Think of the fact that this appears to have been an outbreak that occured simultaneously around the world. Just like in Independance Day, the aliens first lined up thier pieces on strategic points around the world, and struck all at once. It is my belief that aliens were living on the planet at the time and slowly introducing a virus that would have a trigger of some sort. Perhaps that "radiation sickness" that some people are experiencing when they come near ground zero is the trigger?

This theory could also explain why some of the turned appeared to have scars or mutations that don't look as though they could have been the result of the zombie virus; such drastically altered zombies could have been the result of goverment/alien testing. The behemoths may be a failed goverment experiment to create a supersoldier through the help of an alien introduced gene.

Now if you look at the different types of zombies you see that there appears to be a great number of generic ones, which I believe are simply humans infected with this alien virus, and then there are some special ones, like the one with markings. It is my belief the one with markings is not the same as the tattooed one. The one with markings is a special leader that controls all other types in the area, a true blooded alien creature put in command of the "troops" for this area. There is likely one in every major city controlling the generic and hybrid creatures. The tattooed one, or "Ink" is probably that mental patient murderer infected with the virus and turned rogue. His brain condition makes him immune to the colored one's control, but because they share a common interest, killing humans, "Ink" will sometimes work to infiltrate a human stronghold. Because he's batshit crazy.

I stick to this theory because I haven't really had any reasons to not believe it. If anyone has any evidence against it, I will be happy to consider it. I'm just looking for an explanation like everyone else. The truth...is out there. ^o^

[HaveCrowBarWillTravel]

How did this not get started sooner?? :p

It has to be man-made. Like you stated, they aren't the dead rising, these are mutants. Raydon labs could have had a military contract to develop a new chemical weapon designed to cause people to "become zombies". Tested this weapon on a human and he escaped.

Revolver,

We do have a thread in there somewhere about it's origins because it happend trans nationally at the same time. We talked about patients being used for experiments by the Biotech firm, Radiation, Airborne Bio agent.. we even dropped the link to the Zombie Ant Fungus in there.

[Eviebae]

I stick to this theory because I haven't really had any reasons to not believe it. If anyone has any evidence against it, I will be happy to consider it. I'm just looking for an explanation like everyone else. The truth...is out there. ^o^

I say stick to your guns. Did you ever read posts about Lost where the poster refused to believe that they weren't in purgatory--no matter what the creators said? Well, granted, I stopped viewing after the second season, but I believe they turned out to be right.

[Zombiehead]

I'm not going to use the words "zombie" anymore since the last chapter confirmed all my suspicions. Crowbar is correct. Radiation was briefly suggested but mostly theories leaned towards virus. So this isn't an original idea, it's just the first time I put pieces together during a fit of boredom and wanted to share!

@Nik
Yep, mutations caused by something that leaked (and went boom) or was blown up on purpose. We need our heroes to come in contact with a stronger military force that can give us some info. At the moment we don't know jack about Raydon Labs. It was mentioned once in the story and never again. It's possible it could have connections to the source. It could either be be the Umbrella Corporation of the We're Alive universe or the colgomerate superpower that we know as Wal-mart today. We don't know. I'm not dismissing the idea that R Labs is linked to the apocalypse but we currently have no evidence to make a connection.

@ Adventureless_Hero
Why are they still hiding?


It is my belief that aliens were living on the planet at the time and slowly introducing a virus that would have a trigger of some sort. Perhaps that "radiation sickness" that some people are experiencing when they come near ground zero (http://zombiepodcast.com/forum/showwiki.php?title=Ground+Zero) is the trigger?

If they were slowly introducing the virus then that would mean all humans have a dormant strain just chilling their body. That means our characters would have had a reaction to it when they went near the Arena or (if you follow the heat map) headed south toward the Colony. They all would have changed by now.

Alien beings or not, there was something else I noticed. There are some insects that feed their leaders a special diet. Others give off a scent or use signals and vibrations. I'm using insects because the creatures have already been compared to ant colonies. Perhaps the one with markings managed to get the "special" jelly. Burt's theory was that the smarter you were in life, you are smart as a creature. Well, Ink was a pyscho serial killer, and now he's playing Team Captain. Perhaps whatever made people change considered him as being "fit" to lead. On what basis, I cannot be certain.

[nikvoodoo]

At the moment we don't know jack about Raydon Labs. It was mentioned once in the story and never again. It's possible it could have connections to the source. It could either be be the Umbrella Corporation of the We're Alive universe or the colgomerate superpower that we know as Wal-mart today. We don't know. I'm not dismissing the idea that R Labs is linked to the apocalypse but we currently have no evidence to make a connection.


Agreed 110%. There's no evidence in the story that Raydon is important. The only "evidence" that exists is the knowledge that Kc frequently has brought up information as a side comment, and then it has come back full force to mean something (ie. Saul's Mother, and Hope). These things were brought up in Chapter 1/5, and 10 respectively and weren't mentioned again or resolved until Chapter 19 and 20. That's why I cling to Raydon because it's probably completely central to the main plot line so it'll be an excellent call back when it is discovered to hold a secret to the outbreak.

[Ra1th]

Agreed 110%. There's no evidence in the story that Raydon is important. The only "evidence" that exists is the knowledge that Kc frequently has brought up information as a side comment, and then it has come back full force to mean something (ie. Saul's Mother, and Hope). These things were brought up in Chapter 1/5, and 10 respectively and weren't mentioned again or resolved until Chapter 19 and 20. That's why I cling to Raydon because it's probably completely central to the main plot line so it'll be an excellent call back when it is discovered to hold a secret to the outbreak.

or you'll crash and burn and i'll join Kc in laughing at you guys

[nikvoodoo]

or you'll crash and burn and i'll join Kc in laughing at you guys

much like we'll all laugh heartily if Angel never takes control of the Tower. ;)

[Ra1th]

much like we'll all laugh heartily if Angel never takes control of the Tower. ;)

oooooghhh that hit home zom:(

[kafu288]

There is no reason why Angel would take control of the tower. Saul, Tanya, Kelly and Riley have all moved past his incompetent ass in the leadership congo line.

[Luna Guardian]

I disagree. Saul is a good enough soldier, but he's no leader. Same goes for Kelly. Tanya is a doctor and doctors rarely make for good leaders in situations where you have to make decisions that some...

[yarri]

As for it spreading, perhaps getting mutated cells/spores into your blood stream via direct fluid transfer causes you to change? (if you live that is) Maybe the mutated cells die when you die. Without a living host and a warm blood stream to travel with they no longer become infectious? The only thing I can think of at the moment which forms a link to alcohol is that it thins out your blood, screws with your wiring(nervous system), and motor functions. I guess that would be considered undesirable conditions to an organism that wants to take control of it's host. The alcohol may even be deadly to the mutated cells.

I think it attacks the portion of the brain the animal brain (the medulla & cerebellum) causing them to hunt in packs and attack so violently. My money is on some government funded chemical weapon that got tried out on some "human test subjects from the state run mental illness facility" who then escaped.

[yarri]

There is no reason why Angel would take control of the tower. Saul, Tanya, Kelly and Riley have all moved past his incompetent ass in the leadership congo line.

Now I love Saul.. I am his fan girl but I have to say.. He should not lead.. *waits for lighting to strike her dead*.. Also, Angel is not incompetent only inexperienced. Further more I wouldn't follow Kelly if my life depended on it. Love her as a character and she is alot nicer now.. but ..... her history.. She has to come a little bit further for me to say to my self were I a character.. "Sure I'll follow you."

[Ra1th]

There is no reason why Angel would take control of the tower. Saul, Tanya, Kelly and Riley have all moved past his incompetent ass in the leadership congo line.

That's a very serious statement to be making. If you think you can back it up in the slightest then I suggest you go to the "Will Angel ever Take Leadership of the Tower" thread...

[Eviebae]

I'm not going to use the words "zombie" anymore since the last chapter confirmed all my suspicions.

I prefer pseudozomboidesque...or zomboid :p