By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-14 16:40:12 | Updated at 2025-03-14 21:44:41
5 hours ago
A violent children's book based on an R-rated horror film is sparking outrage among some parents.
The book, titled Z is for Zombie, is written by musician and director Rob Zombie, and is based on his 2003 cult horror film, House Of 1000 Corpses.
It teaches children and toddlers to spell using the murderous and terrifying characters from the film.
In the film, two couples on a road trip encounter a bizarre, sadistic family of serial killers in the backwoods of Texas, who torture and maim them throughout the night.
The characters include a killer clown, a psychotic prostitute, and a sickening surgeon named Dr. Satan.
While horror fans have thrown their support behind the publication, others have been shocked at the prospect of it being read by children.
'This is an honest question, is it problematic to expose children and glorify characters who are depicted committing murder, torture, sexual assault, body mutilation, necrophilia etc?' one commented.
Another wrote, 'I'm not giving that to my kid!'
A violent children's book based on an R-rated horror film is sparking outrage among some parents
The book teaches children and toddlers to spell using the murderous and terrifying characters from the film House Of 1000 Corpses
A third added, 'If this is ACTUALLY for kids, the author can f**k himself. If it's for adults, and just a little parody, then kudos.'
Many others pointed out that the book is most likely satirical and aimed at adults, not children.
'The amount of people that think this book is actually for kids,' one fan laughed.
Another wrote, 'Personally I don't think people are going to actually show it to kids. Us nerd adults will collect it.'
On Amazon, Z is for Zombie is currently ranked No. 1 on the best-selling horror movie books list.
It's also ranked No. 1 in Performing Arts and No. 40 in Humor, and has entered the top 800 in overall book sales.
The book's back blurb reads, 'House of 1000 Corpses friends are ones to grow with. They entertain, they inform, they stretch the boundaries of the imagination.
'Their wide variety of enriching stories and subjects and their colorful, inviting illustrations have made them favorites with children and parents for more than twenty years. Because children love them, House Of 1000 Corpses books are an ideal introduction to the world of reading,' it continues.
The book, titled Z is for Zombie, is written by musician and director Rob Zombie
Originally released in 2003, House Of 1000 Corpses marked the directorial debut for shock rocker Zombie
In the film, two couples on a road trip encounter a bizarre, sadistic family of serial killers in the backwoods of Texas , who torture and maim them throughout the night
'Written and illustrated by some of the best children's book authors and artists, House Of 1000 Corpses books are known by their fun friends - and by the pleasure they bring to children.'
Originally released in 2003, House Of 1000 Corpses marked the directorial debut for shock rocker Zombie.
Despite a mixed response from critics, it eventually grossed more than double its budget and went on to become a cult classic.
Despite its success, Zombie would go on to call the film 'a calamitous mess'.
'Well, when it came out, it seemed like everyone hated it. Now, everyone acts like it's beloved in some way. All I see is flaw, upon flaw, upon flaw… upon flaw,' he told Screen Rant.
It spawned the 2006 sequel The Devil's Rejects and a third instalment, 3 from Hell, in 2019.
Zombie also directed 2007's Halloween remake and its 2009 sequel.
In 2002, Zombie directed The Munsters remake for Netflix.
