Why Are Spears Not More Common in Zombie Fiction?

In the realm of zombie fiction, spears are often overlooked for a variety of reasons. While they might seem like a formidable weapon on the surface, the practicalities of using them in a zombie-infested world mean they are rarely the weapon of choice for protagonists. This article delves into the underlying reasons behind this trend, examining both the advantages and disadvantages of using spears in zombie narratives.

Cultural Perception and Action Pacing

One of the primary reasons for the absence of spears in zombie fiction is the cultural perception and action pacing demands of the genre. Zombies are frequently depicted in modern settings where firearms are considered more common and culturally relevant. Guns symbolize power and control, which can be more dramatic in scenarios. In contrast, a spear requires close combat, leading to a slower and potentially more suspenseful encounter. This slower pace may not fit the high-octane style that many zombie narratives aim for.

Accessibility and Symbolism

Another factor is accessibility. In many zombie scenarios, characters often find guns and ammunition more readily than they would find a spear. Spears may require more specialized skills to use effectively, making them less practical in the chaos and uncertainty of a post-apocalyptic world. Furthermore, the symbolism and themes of zombie fiction can influence weapon choice. Guns frequently represent desperation and survival, while spears might evoke a more primitive and tribal feeling. Writers may opt for weapons that align with their desired themes.

Visual Appeal and Historical Context

From a visual perspective, firearms often create more striking scenes, especially with the effects of gunfire. A spear may not have the same dramatic impact in visual media. Additionally, historical context plays a role. Many zombie stories draw on contemporary or near-future settings where traditional weapons like spears are not seen as practical or relevant compared to modern firearms.

Realistic Considerations and Advantages of Spears

Despite their limited use in zombie fiction, spears do have certain advantages, particularly in a more realistic setting. For instance, spears can be very easy to inflict a mortal wound at a distance and can also be used to keep a single opponent at bay. In massed formations, they can intimidate any animal from charging. Moreover, they require very little training to turn men into a porcupine, making them an effective defensive weapon.

However, the advantages of spears are often nullified in the context of a zombie scenario. Zombies are not typically deterred by mortal injuries and do not feel fear. They are primarily motivated by the desire to kill, regardless of the cost to themselves. Additionally, zombies tend to be found in swarms or in confined spaces, making the use of a spear difficult and often counterproductive.

Practical Scenarios and Challenges

Let's consider a typical "supply run" scenario to illustrate the challenges. You grab your gear and load into your car. How do you make your spear accessible in a reasonable way without putting yourself at risk? You'll likely need another weapon to tide you over, such as a sword, axe, or hammer. Even once you get to the store, a melee weapon won’t make much of a difference since the most important step is not getting stopped or grabbed. Now you carefully remove your hog spear, trying to avoid bashing the sides of the door or knocking anything on the shelves. As you enter the store, you encounter a single zombie. You run it through the middle, causing massive internal damage, but now your spear is stuck in the zombie. You can either use your other weapon to kill the zombie or try to remove the spear, both options being challenging and risky.

Encountering two zombies at once presents an even greater challenge. You shout and threaten them but to no avail. You must quickly decide whether to use your spear or run away, hoping you can outdistance them.

Credit where it's due, spears do have a solid niche in a post-apocalyptic setting. However, the fact that zombies are almost incidentally made to counter spears means that such a scenario may not be well-suited to showcasing their full potential.

In conclusion, while spears offer certain advantages, their limitations and the specific demands of the zombie genre make them a less frequent choice in zombie fiction. However, understanding both their strengths and weaknesses can provide deeper insights into the writing of these narratives.