The Unseen Threat: Unveiling the Unparalleled Powers of The Walking Dead's New Zombies

Summary

New zombie variants in

The Walking Dead

possess enhanced abilities, such as increased speed, intelligence, climbing skills, and super-strength.

The origin of these new variants can be traced to scientific experimentation, either in the pursuit of a remedy or for potential militarization, indicating a tougher adversary for the remaining survivors.

The incorporation of acidic variants, referred to as burners, introduces an increased level of complexity in overcoming the undead, as their corrosive properties have the ability to dissolve any object they come into contact with.

The Walking Dead franchise has featured a wide range of zombies, but the latest variants are much more formidable than what audiences initially saw in the main show. Over the course of numerous spin-offs and 11 seasons, The Walking Dead characters have encountered different types of zombies, including regular walkers and the grotesque "rat king-like" zombie in The Walking Dead: Dead City. Despite the survivors learning strategies like using walker guts to blend in, recent zombie types have completely changed the game.

Specifically, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon delves deeper into the walkers that were briefly introduced in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. In this series, it is revealed that these new zombie variants originate from France, suggesting that there was scientific experimentation conducted to study the virus and possibly find a cure. On the other hand, the Civic Republic Military (CRM), which is predominantly explored in World Beyond, could be manipulating the virus as a weapon through chemical engineering. As a result of these scientific interventions, the zombies in the Walking Dead universe possess enhanced abilities that make them even more dangerous threats.

5 Running

While faster zombies are not a new concept, the reason behind their speed has changed. In the first season of The Walking Dead, the walkers are faster because they have recently turned. Additionally, the Wildfire virus, which caused the zombie outbreak, is explained. This virus causes the host to lose all higher thinking abilities and intensifies their primal aggression and desire for human flesh. As a result, their speed is driven by instinct, disregarding qualities like stamina and fatigue that are more human in nature.

However, later on, it is discovered through experimentation in the finale of World Beyond and by Daryl Dixon that zombies can be faster for reasons beyond recent reanimation. Accidentally created by French scientists in World Beyond while attempting to develop a cure, these speedier variants pose a greater challenge for survivors as they no longer have the advantage of being faster. This engineered speed is also witnessed in World Beyond when a recently turned French scientist charges towards a metal door in an attempt to kill the gunman who shot her. This sets the stage for Daryl Dixon's cohort variants, as seen in episode 3 when a French doctor closely observes a test subject swiftly dashing forward.

4 Intelligence

According to Scott Gimple, co-creator of World Beyond, newer zombie variants may not be smart, but there is evidence suggesting some level of intelligence (via ComicBook). This intelligence can be attributed to the scientific intervention previously mentioned. Despite Gimple's statement, the zombies seen in the main show demonstrate intuitive thinking, such as the ability to retain memories. An example of this is seen when Morgan's wife lingers around their house, seemingly remembering her life before becoming a zombie.

In a particularly terrifying episode titled "Variant," Aaron, Jerry, Elijah, and Lydia encounter zombies that exhibit signs of intelligence. This intelligence gives them an advantage when hunting humans or engaging in confrontations with them. For instance, they attempt to disarm Lydia or divert from a herd upon sensing humans from a distance. This raises the threat level posed by these new zombies, as it demonstrates their ability to prioritize self-preservation and effectively counter attacks.

3 Climbing/Using Items

Alongside their increased intelligence, the newer variants demonstrate foresight by either avoiding obstacles or utilizing objects to enhance their skills. In season 1, episode 2 of the main show, a walker cleverly grabs a rock and smashes it against a department store window while Rick and Glenn remain hidden. More recently, the variants have shown a departure from mindlessly stumbling into danger, as seen multiple times. For instance, Rick and Michonne drive in parallel with a long wire between them, causing the walkers to be sliced instead of evaded.

In the "Variant" episode, a walker scales a fence to access the main structure of the Renaissance fair, showcasing remarkable dexterity and strategic thinking. Furthermore, echoing the events of the season 1 episode, a zombie attempts to strike Jerry with a rock but is prevented by Aaron. This type of thinking not only underscores the elevated threat posed by these new zombies, but also highlights the lack of preparedness among American survivors, as Aaron initially mistakes the attacking zombie for a member of the Whisperers. By comparing the variant abilities to those of humans, the narrative emphasizes the formidable power possessed by these fresh zombies.

2 Super-Strength

Zombies were once easily defeated if survivors acted quickly and used strategic maneuvers. However, this has changed, as demonstrated in the finale of World Beyond. The turning scientist showcases newfound strength by denting a metal door with her banging. Notably, recent examples highlight the increased power of the new zombies. In Season 1, Episode 3 of Daryl Dixon, scientists working for the villain Genet experiment and observe the changes that occur in a zombie subject due to biochemical testing. Despite being chained to the walls, the zombie easily breaks free. Additionally, in the "Variant" episode, when Aaron strikes a walker, it fights back, revealing a level of strength and self-defense previously unseen in the franchise. Daryl Dixon's Episode 3 also reveals the zombies' resilience, as burners, a new variant, survive a fall from a multi-story building and continue to attack.

1 Acidic Blood

The burners, a type of acid variant in the Daryl Dixon spin-off of The Walking Dead universe, present an even greater challenge than super-strength and intelligence for the heroes to overcome. These zombies possess acidic qualities that cause instant damage to anything they touch. In the pilot episode, Daryl experiences this firsthand when he attempts to block a burner with his arm, resulting in a painful burn. This unique trait is a result of scientific experiments conducted by Genet and her head doctor, who are also working to enhance walker speed and strength.

The introduction of these more formidable versions of zombies is not entirely unprecedented in The Walking Dead universe. In Fear: The Walking Dead, there are nuclear walkers that pose a threat of radioactive poisoning to humans who come into contact with them. With the amplification of powers and the removal of limitations for walkers, survivors in the spin-offs must now think more creatively in order to overcome these highly advanced zombie threats. Thankfully, Daryl has begun to adopt new strategies to navigate these more challenging adversaries in France, such as using a burner to clear obstacles blocking his escape route.

Source: ComicBook