Yup, exactly... Think for people like us its natural to see these things within the story itself,regardless of whether they were intended or not. As a creative thinker in general, I find it quite easy to find small items with the content of things I've created that I consciously never intended, but subconsciously made their way into the work. I'm not saying that's whats happening here, but it's entirely possible.

if I had to put a "tag" on the story so far,including the chapter artwork of course....and I was to take a spiritual slant...I'd say, "eastern -vs- western philosophy...with zombies".. You have the very Christian tower group,the somewhat pagan mallers, and the strange mystical zombies...looking back though history...how did early Christians view natives when they visited a new land?

But I so hope none of this is involved in this story, save from a sub-level...an undefined level. Without getting into any spoilers...thus makes me think of daybyday Armageddon...the end of the 2nd book made a defined statement of dander raising...and I would hate to see that happen here..all that does is alienate your audience into groups....better to leave it subtle