Zombie Walking with Oshkosh’s Finest Horror Talent By Brian Kirst Photo by Kristin Pfeiffer
200 zombies invaded Oshkosh last Saturday evening and it was all thanks to WI director John Pata (Better Off Undead) and the other folks at Oshkosh Horror.
While the blood flowed down Main Street with spooky brides, flaying prom dates and undead kiddies, for an outsider it was also a chance to appreciate Oshkosh’s great horror talent. Besides Pata (who helped lead the proceedings with his website partner), Better Off Undead co-stars Drew Schuldt and Dale Devries and local comic book creator (the effective School) Brian Defferding were also in attendance.
Devries provided plenty of zany joy as an undead French man and Defferding’s quirky shambling newspaper reporter zombie was still trying (vainly) to get the scoop (where’s that bastard Clark Kent when ya’ truly need him?). Devries further stole the evening with his seemingly back breaking (ball slapping) splits during a Thriller dance-off later in the evening. (But – PLEASE – can that vicious and rather appropriate nut crunch be the final word on Michael Jackson – please!!)
As a special treat for Better Off Undead fans, zombie participants gathered behind House of Heroes comics (where much of Better Off Undead was filmed) before the walk. House of Heroes is a haven for fright loving geeks with monthly House of Horrors evenings and for the geekiest among us, it was also a thrill to see the spot where the main characters of Better Off Undead spent most of their time.
Pata and crew have plenty of talent and ambition and they resolve to bring the best that horror can offer to the WI area. So, check out their website regularly – or better yet, pay ’em a visit. A quaint college town with enough tattoo flair to titillate, Oshkosh just may be horror’s next great haven.
