Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad by Mark Zirbel (The Expanded Edition) is a dystopian fairytale set in the twisted future of the United States if we refuse to get our shit together. Although this book consists of several interwoven tales, it reads like a blockbuster movie. Or at least a YA dystopian movie… Don’t cast someone pretty as the lead. That’s all I ask when they make this into a film.
I should mention upfront that I first reviewed the original Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad a few years ago, but now that he’s released the expanded edition, I decided to reread it, see how it’s held up, and give it a new review. So, I’ll keep parts of my old review in the following paragraphs, with a few added in between.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad. Although I was pressed for time, I managed to read between my travels while I updated my travel blog and in between airports. I was concerned enough to hide the cover since it had the word Jihad in it. I don’t need the TSA stopping me yet again.
The First Chapter
I have to say, at first, I was taken aback by its immediate use of cyberpunk, gothic, and punk style. It just came off as old to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m into all that stuff, but it reminded me of high school when we tried to out-goth each other. Now that I’m older, I’m more concerned that the goth and punk scene never evolved into something better. It’s like a step back in time.
Enough about that, because after I got over that, I learned that the book is pretty amazing. The ideas run deep. The concepts are far-fetched enough, but we can see America doing something ridiculously stupid, like nuking Mexico in the name of border protection.
If you’re into the goth scene and into dystopian novels, you’ll love this one. In fact, I need to read more.
The Worst in Humanity
Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad is one of those books that I didn’t seek out. In fact, I firmly believe Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad found me. I say this because I am the perfect reader. I loved all the topics covered. Most, if not all, the stories were pretty incredible. It’s also offensive in all the right ways. In other words, it was far from politically correct. Therefore, if you’re the type who gets easily offended, this book is not for you.
Zirbel did many things right in this book. He took many of today’s topics and pushed them off the edge. He didn’t just take you to the edge. He showed us no trust in our fellow humans. He went there and spat in your face.
He showed us a maniacal government that nukes Mexico, then leaves the mutations we created to rot and pick up after themselves. Zirbel called us fags without a flinch. He rapes the slut and gives you the dirty hypodermic needle. He pushes you far to prove a point. Will we end up like this?
Although it is all really far-fetched, violent, and offensive, I enjoyed it very much.
The Religious Zealots
As an individual who is not into organized religion, I love how Zirbel tackled the church of “God.” He calls them the Ministry of Fear. Even though on the outside, things might look like they’re doing God’s work. In reality, they’re using extreme fear-based tactics to control you.
How far will a powerful branch of the lord go to control humanity? Will they create mutant beings spliced with bird DNA to give them wings? Will they use Alien technology to make them telepathic to fool you into thinking angels have descended from the heavens? More importantly, are we stupid enough to believe that? I now believe the answer is “yes.”
My Favorite Story
Many of these stories were bizarre in such a beautiful way. And after reading Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad again, I loved them all even more this time, including the half-man, half-shark steroid freak story. Originally, I felt like this story didn’t fit within the book, but there was something I missed the first time around. It has the grit and the subtle insults that the entire book has.
However, my favorite story is Anarcho-Erotic. This story had it all. It had riots, flashbacks, violence, gay sex, straight sex, chlamydia, miscarriages, and a lady who could only get off by killing herself.
As a gay male myself, it was fascinating to read about the male character in this story. He hides behind Christianity and pretends to be heterosexual since the US has outlawed any homosexual thoughts and actions. Although this wasn’t the main point of the story, it was interesting to read because this kind of denial still happens today.
Zirbel created a twisted, dystopian world that I visualized so well. I could see the riots unfolding right before my eyes. It was like a well-made movie in my head.
The flashback sequences rang deeper the second time around. It was a fantasy at the end of the world, where mutated individuals and undead spirits rebound due to nuclear radioactivity. The wild story of time-looping drugs and memory loss was so well put together, albeit complex, that I’m surprised I was able to follow it all.
I feel like the first time I read the book, I missed a couple of things, which I loved a whole lot more this time around. In Svoboda Ploti, there’s a therapist who’s working with an extremely sexually traumatized individual, and that’s not even the half of it. Now, if there’s any story that deserves to become a full feature (novel or movie), I would say this one.
Corporate Rat Bastards reminded me of the utter hatred I have for corporate culture. It’s childish and sometimes ridiculous, and Zirbel kicks them in the ass so hard it makes me proud.
A Few Dislikes
Now, I understand that nothing is perfect. But if there are a few things I didn’t like, it’s not Zibel’s fault. It’s more of a “me” thing.
I realize that some of the stories were inspired by The Misfits. But the Devil Lock haircut takes me back to a time when I thought that was the coolest haircut around. It reminds me how young and dumb I used to be, and well, let’s face it, we never like being reminded of that.
Also, the front cover reminds me of Jay Gordon, the lead singer of Orgy. And I used to be so in love with Jay and Orgy. But like all teen memories, you look back and wonder what the hell you were thinking.
These are superficial things that you can look past because the material itself is fantastic.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad took me to a world where mutilation and sex come hand-in-hand. It was twisted and dark. Even though I go to a dark place myself, this dystopic society we created ourselves is a dark fantasy come true. Use this book as a warning because if we’re not careful, you, too, can become the next victim of a legal organ harvest.
Originally, I gave Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad 4 out of 5 bloody hatchets, but after rereading it with the additional material, I’m giving it 5 bloody hatchets. I loved every bit of it. It’s twisted, wild, and highly visual, and it does a good job of insulting the people that need to hear their own bullshit. Cyberpunk Zombie Jihad, The Expanded Edition, is a book I will read over and over.
