The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 569 ratings · 44 reviews

During a zombie outbreak, 98% of individuals will have to destroy their undead opponent without the aid of a firearm. Will you be ready?
"The Zombie Combat Manual" is a comprehensive guide that demonstrates how anyone, from seasoned fighter to average citizen, can become an effective warrior in the inevitable battle against the undead.
With detailed illustrations and first...more

ebook, 320 pages

Published April 6th 2010 by Berkley

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,911)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 15, 2012 Riku Sayuj rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: screened

If the primary goal of a fictional work is to transport you into its alternate reality, Roger Ma does this astonishingly well, considering his chosen method of transport. Ma uses a survival/combat manual to paint the picture of a world not only overrun but perennially and hopelessly infested by the scourge. It is a world where the people have got used to this reality and is adapting to and surviving in pockets of ‘secured areas’. The short combat reports which pepper the manual is effectively us...more

20 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2010 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It’s safe to say that I love zombie books. Movies, I’m not always a fan of, because I prefer my horror to be suspenseful instead of gory, and most zombie flicks seem to think they can cover gaping plot holes with a pile of torn off limbs. Books, on the other hand, don’t usually have the option of typing [INSERT FLESH RENDING HERE] over and over again. There has to be plot, description, and character development, even if it isn’t very good. Zombies as a genre has become mainstream enough to inclu...more It’s safe to say that I love zombie books. Movies, I’m not always a fan of, because I prefer my horror to be suspenseful instead of gory, and most zombie flicks seem to think they can cover gaping plot holes with a pile of torn off limbs. Books, on the other hand, don’t usually have the option of typing [INSERT FLESH RENDING HERE] over and over again. There has to be plot, description, and character development, even if it isn’t very good. Zombies as a genre has become mainstream enough to include things like zombie poetry, graphic novels, adaptations from historical literature, religious thought, and cook books.

So I was pleased to see a book which promised to be both zombie-related and actually useful. Roger Ma foresaw the comparisons to Max Brook’s Zombie Survival Guide and swerved around them by focusing on the human body itself. It doesn’t assume that you have access to a variety of guns, swords, or other military weapons – in fact, among those it does list are notes as to how realistic it would be to assume that you could find one. It also handily points out the destructive power and flaws of the everyday items you might have at hand, saving you from making a risky attempt to get past a shambling horde for something like a chef’s knife, which would actually require a “very high” amount of skill to use. Make sure to take note of the lifespan of the items as well – it doesn’t do you any good to rely on something sharp and dangerous which will certainly break after the second time you use it to bash in a head.

If the undead apocalypse does come, there will probably be more than two zombies in it.

One of my favorite sections was Ma’s discussion on combatant body types. He gives the pros and cons for three kinds of zombie fighters (based on the tradition of diagnosing people as eco, edo, or mesomorphs), and follows it up with workout routines which can get you into fighting shape. His “Zombie Basic Fitness Circuit” can be done in a small room with nothing but your own body required. His “Combat Exercises” only require an old tire and a tree (to swing a small axe against). Even better, Ma gives you a reason for each of the exercises he recommends, showing how jumping jacks can save you from a broken ankle, and your deltoids are necessary for thrusting swords or spears.

I would recommend this to any serious zombie fan looking to expand their book collection, writers who want to add an authentic voice to their tales of the undead, or people hoping to spice up their workouts by envisioning themselves preparing for the next zombie war

* originally posted on my book review site http://cuinnreviews.wordpress.com/(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Shiv rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Zombie Combat Manual (TZCM) is exactly what it says on the cover, a guide to fighting the undead. However it is also a little more than that, with "Combat Reports" interspersed through the book Roger Ma gives glimpses into a post-outbreak world and some of the inhabitants that are adjusting to life within it, including a long distance runner, a child psychologist, and a green beret. These stories break up the instructional material and provide examples of both good and bad applications of zo...more The Zombie Combat Manual (TZCM) is exactly what it says on the cover, a guide to fighting the undead. However it is also a little more than that, with "Combat Reports" interspersed through the book Roger Ma gives glimpses into a post-outbreak world and some of the inhabitants that are adjusting to life within it, including a long distance runner, a child psychologist, and a green beret. These stories break up the instructional material and provide examples of both good and bad applications of zombie combat.
The meat of the book is made up of the instructional material, which is well thought out, thorough, and well presented with excellent illustrations. Starting by laying out exactly what a zombie is (we're talking Walking Dead zombies here, not 28 Days Later infected), Roger Ma then lays the foundation for the rest of the book by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of zombies and the main areas you should target in your attacks. Unlike many other books TZCM focuses on melee combat and does not delve into ranged combat such as firearms, and it benefits greatly from the space and focus this allows it. There are already plenty of books that cover ranged weapons both zombie related and otherwise and the availability of firearms is not as ubiquitous in all countries as many would seem to think (I can't think how many times a friend of mine has said "My zombie weapon would be a Glock" only to look at me dumbly when I asked where they would actually obtain one).
TZCT then covers physical training and conditioning, weapon choice and handling, protective clothing, and finally some actual combat moves appropriate for fighting the undead. There are even two areas covered in TZCM which are often left out of other books - mental health, and protecting children. Roger Ma even coins the acronym PUCT (Post Undead Combat Trauma) to describe the mental damage caused by fighting the undead.
There are only two criticisms I can raise against TZCM. The first is the assumption Roger Ma makes that *any* damage to the white matter of the brain is enough to take out a zombie. Given that humans have survived damage to the white matter it seems unlikely that this would be enough to kill a zombie. A little more detail to the anatomy of a zombie would have helped significantly. The second criticism is possibly more damaging - almost the entire book focuses on combat against a single zombie opponent, with only a small section at the end discussing multiple opponents. Considering the main threat of zombies is how they attack as a horde I had hoped for more on this area.
Those criticisms aside, TZCM is an excellent zombie survival guide that belongs in the bug-out bag of any zombie survivalist. Even if you have memorised everything that is important in the book, you never know when you may encounter another survivor and you'll both stand a much better chance if they are as clued in as you are!
(less)

like · see review

Jul 11, 2011 Jeff Carter rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked up THE ZOMBIE COMBAT MANUAL by Roger Ma because it overlaps with a project I am currently working on. It was mixed in with a pile of similiar books that I passed over as unimpressive. A quick glance inside this one, however, had me hooked.

Not only is the book very well written, illustrated, and organized but it also delves deeply into its subject matter. You'll never look at baby strollers the same way after reading the chapter on Child Protection. My favorite part of the book is the co...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2011 Daniel Osborn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So i like horror and paranormal and zombies as much as the other person does. I got this book because I thought that this was going to be an interesting read and a fun one at that. Let me say that it was okay. I do like the artwork in the book and that's what made it for me. Yes really it's not about what to do and don't do but Roger Ma, details all of the weaponry that would work when fighting off zombies as well as the physical anatomy of zombies. Some of the review stories at the end were pre...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 11, 2010 Dana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For those who say this is a retread of Max Brooks' Zombie Survival Guide, I say 'nuh uh!' Sure, there are similar elements and themes, but Ma expands in areas Brooks glossed over and goes over some completely different aspects of survival in a Zombacalypse. Yes, he has narratives from survivors of the undead plague, as does Brooks, but so what? Isn't that what we love about our zombie books and movies? The tales of survival and destruction? Ma is an excellent writer and has obviously put a lot o...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 07, 2010 Thom rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book has given me sooooo much pleasure. First was the sweet little old lady on the plane next to me who would be willing to swear to her friends that she was sitting to the spawn of satan himself. Next was the eyes of our desk clerk as I checked in to my hotel. His eyes got big I thought he might of escaped from a Tex Avery cartoon. As for the book itself it has some quite funny moments on of the best is the sad tail of a group of fantasy role players who think they are the Queen's Royal Gu...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Edward Pissmeoff rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zombies, self-help, horror, sci-fi

This is a great guide for close quarters combat against the undead. Pair this book with Max Brook's Zombie Survival Guide and you have the perfect handbook for zombie self defense.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right hand to hand weapon, to defensive and offensive maneuvers. From zombies myths and facts to recorded zombie encounters and survivor's tales of death and destruction and how they managed to fight back using only their skills and the weapons on hand.
This guide shows you...more

like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 James rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-adult, 2012

I just completed the section on weapon selection and was rather disappointed. This books chooses to focus purely on the combat aspects leaving other details of zombie survival (transportation, fortification, etc) to other texts. As such, it would be expected that the weapon section would be rather expansive. The author states upfront that he is going to avoid range weapons such as firearms and bows, which is fine, but he still does a mediocre job covering weapons. He breaks the weapons down into...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 13, 2012 Larry McCloskey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"In times of peace, prepare for war"

Remarkable book that takes itself completely seriously and somehow makes it work. This is not your average zombie read. Inside are complete and detailed tips on how to prepare yourself, both mentally and physically, for the zombie apocalypse.

Weapons, tactics, and maneuvers are all carefully broken down. Zombie anatomy, tactics (or lack thereof), strengths and vulnerabilities are all examined, as are the strengths and weaknesses of the typical human combatant i...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 03, 2010 MG rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book for my Kindle when one of the people I work with talked endlessly about it.

Not only does it add to the Zombie mythology, but it does so in an informative and witty way. This book reads like a Army training manual, with illustrations, and the added bonus of "testimonials" from "first-hand" accounts from several key individuals.

I was able to read this book in one evening, and am now prepped and ready to deliver a second death to scores of the undead (should the need ever arise...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 30, 2012 Adriane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very informative guide for getting prepared for combat with Zombies. Topics covered include physical conditioning, weapon selection and combat strategies. Following the instructions in this book will allow you to be in shape and trained BEFORE the Zombies arrive; unlike many of our fellow citizens who will perish because they simply won't be ready. Remember, when the desire to forego your regular training regime arises, let this be your motivation: Every session you skip makes you that much more...more

like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this book, even though it really isn't a front-to-back cover read. I read it in sections or breezed through it. I mostly bought it because I was going through physical therapy for a broken arm and I just needed something easy to focus on. It has illustrations of excercises (which are strangely close to some of the therapy I was doing) and this actually made me happy. If I didn't need that boost, I would probably rate it lower.

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Calvinw10201 is currently reading it · review of another edition

I've read up to the end of the physical preparation segment. Upon reading how to do jumping jacks, I put the book down and "facepalmed". I think I'm done with this. The author spent a twenty page segment describing basic body types, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, then spent a few pages with a basic disclaimer stating that most people don't fall into any of those categories. I expected this book to be time well spent, not a pitiful attempt to entertain the reader.

Pages 34-59

1 like · like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Rhockman rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: postapocalipsis, ciencia-ficción

No pude leerlo muy en serio por obvias razones, pero está muy bien, es mucho más llevadero que "Guía de Supervivencia Zombie".
Los relatos de supervivientes son de personajes más verosimiles, son el fuerte del libro aunque solo sean un 20% de él.

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

the zombie combat manual is a book on combat techniques agenst zombies. i own it and feel that it is a well writen book and gives good advice.

i would personaly give it 5 stars and sugggest you read it. you also should read other books on this subject, you never know.

like · see review

Jun 27, 2011 Chris Cagle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This just seemed to be a blatant rip-off of Max Brooks' book. Although the content was geared toward killing zombies, it was too cut and dry. There was no filler, or interesting stories, just "here's what to do in this scenario."

Pass on this one.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I gave this book to my dad to read he read it in 4 days. So if it got him reading more I knew I was going to have to read it. So funny but I couldn't help thinking if we do have some zombie attack I'm going to be a bit prepared. LOL

like · see review

Jul 16, 2010 Kurt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Pretty thorough coverage of the topic of battling the undead. I love that the only background of the zombie apocalypse is in the context of the field reports. Clever, subtle, and refreshing for the genre.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 14, 2010 Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Max Brooks and Mira Grant

Shelves: science-fiction, zombies

Ma is no Max Brooks, but really, who else is? This has its moments. At times the "combat manual" material on handling zombies is really good. The interviews are not as awesome, for the most part.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 22, 2013 Robert rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fun read!!! Wether you are an out of shape desk jocky, a mother with childern, or a fashion designer, this book is eveything you need to know to survive the zombie apocalypse.

like · see review

Dec 16, 2012 Nikki Rae rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Awesome, funny, and there are a lot of real-life techniques you can use for self-defense. Also, the author, Roger Ma, came to my college and he was just as awesome and funny.

like · see review

Oct 25, 2011 J.D. Holman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zombies

This is a must-read for any zombie-apocalypse fan, unless he or she wants to be one of the undead. Review available at http://moonlit-librarian.blogspot.com...

1 like · like · see review

Oct 30, 2011 Jacquelyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Zombie Combat Manual is just that: a book dedicated to instructing its readers in hand-to-hand combat with the undead. Nothing about transportation, finding supplies, fortifying your dwelling, or the origins of the epidemic. There are several interviews that highlight what some survivors have done, and they're invariably thinly-masked social commentary, but well done. I felt like I picked up a military manual with real-life examples of the strategies, but for zombies. It was well thought out...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 14, 2010 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was bored. I skipped the interviews. The combat stuff was great. I think I shall be properly prepared in case of a Zombie attack. :)

1 like · like · see review

May 11, 2013 Ratforce added it · review of another edition

Shelves: teen, zombies, humor

You might like to read the Zombie Combat Manual –a nonfiction book for teens full of zombie apocalypse preparation humor.

like · see review

May 02, 2012 Bvzm rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: check, paper

Discreto, ma davvero troppo debitore ai bellissimi libri di Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide e World War Z)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 08, 2011 Deborah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, this book was gory :/
It was still an interesting read, although I wouldn't recommend it to kids under 13 years old...

1 like · like · see review

Jul 24, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Possible my favorite Zombie manual/ guide. It gets into detail and also offers some short stories about zombie attacks and other related things.

like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Rick rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

I was glad that this had some fluff to it instead of just being straight up combat techniques and physical training. The interviews were very reminiscent of the World War Z type of fiction which is not a bad thing. Fun, quick little read.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 63 64 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
zombie survival	1	4	Mar 22, 2012 09:03am

combine
Other Editions (7)

More editions...

Genres

Horror > Zombies

59 users

Horror

21 users

Humor

14 users

Science Fiction

3 users

Adventure > Survival

3 users

Science Fiction > Apocalyptic

3 users

Reference

3 users

Self Help

2 users

War

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Roger Ma

Roger Ma is a writer and the founder of the Zombie Combat Club, a civilian organization dedicated to providing accurate training and information to fight the living dead without a firearm, and survive. He is also a Team Chief for one of New York City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which assists first responders in the event of a city emergency - including zombie attack. He lives in Br...more

More about Roger Ma...

Books by Roger Ma

The Vampire Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Bloodthirsty Undead

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Zombie Combat...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead
avg rating	preview: The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead Goodreads rating: 3.82 (569 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8041631-the-zombie-combat-manual?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355095636l/8041631.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8041631-the-zombie-combat-manual?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead by Roger Ma[/url]

The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website