The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade

The novel is littered with pop cultural references, usually from Jack. He mentions things like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Marvel and DC comics, and NIMBUS: Call to Action 14, which is a reference to the real-world video game franchise, Call of Duty. Allusions to pop culture establish how Jack’s perspective on the world is completely shaped by the media he consumes—both for better and worse. Sometimes, media helps him act bravely or instinctively, like when he “[steps] toward the [Wormungulous] like some sort of samurai ninja jedi” to protect his friends (32). However, pop culture can also be a hinderance, especially when reality doesn’t match the expectations that Jack has drawn from the television and movies he watches. This is most evident during the groups’ attempted stakeout. While Jack is initially excited to go on a stakeout, he quickly gets bored when he realizes that it is not an action-packed activity like in the movies and television. Rather, it is full of tedium and waiting around while nothing happens.

Pop cultural references also provide insight into why Jack has trouble allowing his friends agency and constantly feels the need to protect them. Because he sees the world through the prism of action movies and video games, he has been conditioned to see himself as the protagonist. In his mind, he is the hero; the world and story revolve around him and reacts to his actions. At times, it is as if he sees his friends as side characters that exist to serve and complement him, rather than complete individuals with desires, needs, and ideas of their own. However, the novel suggests that Jack’s outlook is key to his survival. His way of viewing the world enables him to maintain his positive outlook despite the dire circumstances of the Monster Apocalypse. By viewing things as an action movie or video game, he turns the apocalypse into something fun and enjoyable, rather than traumatic and terrifying.