The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension

Jack is the 13-year-old protagonist and point-of-view character of the novel, navigating life as one of the titular “last kids on Earth” after the zombie-monster apocalypse. Jack grew up in the foster care system, which has shaped his resilience and independence. Though he is typically bold and confident, in this novel, Jack finds himself grappling with The Destructive Power of Self-Doubt, questioning his ability to master his powers and defeat Ŗeżżőcħ, the malevolent force threatening the human world.

Compounding this doubt is the identity crisis that Jack faces as his epic struggle to defeat Ŗeżżőcħ seems to be drawing to a close. His friends have families to return to, and he fears that without a battle to fight or a monster to conquer, he may lack a clear place or purpose. For Jack, who has found meaning and identity in being a hero, the idea of peace represents not just relief but a looming sense of loneliness.

In battle, Jack wields a weapon called the Louisville Slicer, a splintered baseball bat that was struck by interdimensional lightning, giving it magical powers that allow him to control zombies. Jack also possesses the Cosmic Hand: In a previous novel, Jack sliced off a monster villain’s tentacle, which then transformed into a glove and wrapped around Jack’s hand.