Why Are Zombies Taking Over Pop Culture?

There was a story in today's Star-Ledger that Monmouth University offers a course in zombies. A three-credit course in zombies.

Millions were glued to their televisions last night to watch 'The Walking Dead' on AMC. Asbury Park set a record last month with the turnout for their Zombie Walk. Zombies have never been bigger and I feel like I'm missing the party. I don't love zombies. I don't hate them but if they all vanished from our screens and our lives, I wouldn't miss them. I've seen 'Shaun of The Dead' and the original 'Night of The Living Dead', so I'm not anti-zombie. I'm hoping someone will be able to explain to me their allure, because right now, I'm just not getting it.