Badass Women and Hashtagged Zombies

In its evolution from graphic novels to a sprawling multimedia universe, the impact of The Walking Dead cannot be understated. Beyond its narrative roots, a passionate community of viewers use social media to delve deeper into the anxieties and social issues portrayed within the narrative universe. This book uses fan discussions on social media platforms to analyze the series’ appeal and its ability to provoke discussions about survival, societal norms, and gender roles, leading to a significant online presence and discussions about the characters’ actions and societal issues portrayed. Viewers perceive and champion unconventional actions, especially as the leading female characters defy traditional gender roles. With the introduction of more diversity, the progression of characters within The Walking Dead and its spinoffs continues to disrupt stereotypes. Focusing on analyzing audience engagement with AMC’s The Walking Dead and its spinoffs through social media, this book highlights how fan-based interactions in creating a participatory culture around the series highlight societal issues presented, offering interpretations, theories and personal connections. By integrating fan commentary into the analysis, fans act as active collaborators in understanding the impact of The Walking Dead universe as a meaningful popular culture artifact.

Allison Christina Budaj is a department chair at Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences and teaches interdisciplinary studies courses at Southern New Hampshire University.

Allison Christina Budaj. Series Editor Kyle William Bishop
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 246
Bibliographic Info: bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2024
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9157-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5467-6
Imprint: McFarland
Series: Contributions to Zombie Studies

Acknowledgments v

Preface 1

Introduction 5

1. Speaking of Zombies… 23

2. Badass Apocalyptic Leaders: The Queen, the Widow, and the First Lady 47

3. Sexual Identity, Body Autonomy, and Glass Ceilings: Tara, Rosita, and Enid 88

4. Overlooked Identities in The Walking Dead 118

5. Facing the Inescapable Presence of Death 142

6. Resurrecting Fears Through Spinoffs 163

7. Undead Narrative Body 178

Conclusion 191

Works Cited 199

Index 229