Mallusk's Monstrous Return

Jack Sullivan and his friends, June, Quint, and Dirk, are on a road trip when they encounter the Mallusk, a massive centipede-like creature carrying a mall on its back. The Mallusk is barreling toward them, and Jack is distracted by the changes in his Cosmic Hand, a powerful tentacle glove. The group narrowly escapes the Mallusk's path, but Jack is left pondering the new powers of his Cosmic Hand, which he used to control zombies without his usual weapon, the Louisville Slicer.

Cosmic Hand's Awakening

Jack discovers that his Cosmic Hand has changed, allowing him to control zombies with his mind. This revelation comes as they face the Mallusk, which is under the control of Evie Snark and the rat-like Cosmic General, Ghazt. Jack's newfound abilities are both a blessing and a curse, as they attract the attention of Thrull, a powerful enemy who seeks to harness the same powers.

Evie's Deceptive Reign

Evie Snark and Ghazt have taken control of the Mallusk, using it as a mobile fortress. They distribute loot to the monsters aboard, maintaining control through fear and manipulation. Jack and his friends challenge their authority, proposing an election to replace Ghazt as the leader. The monsters aboard the Mallusk are caught between the promise of safety and the truth about Thrull's impending threat.

The Election Challenge

Jack decides to run for mayor of the Mallusk to free Drooler, a creature crucial to defeating Thrull. With June as his campaign manager, they face off against Evie and Ghazt in a heated election. Despite setbacks, including a smear campaign, Jack's team rallies the monsters to consider a new leadership that promises truth and safety from Thrull's forces.

Thrull's Looming Threat

As the election unfolds, Thrull's army, including the terrifying Bone Howler, approaches the Mallusk. Thrull offers the monsters a choice: join him or face destruction. Jack reveals his role in attracting Thrull's attention, urging the monsters to fight back. The election results in Johnny Steve becoming mayor, but the victory is short-lived as Thrull's forces attack.

The Howler's Secret

Jack learns that the Howler, a creature thought dead, has been controlling the Mallusk, steering it toward Thrull's Tower. With the help of Yursl, a conjurer, the Howler is expelled, but the threat remains. Jack's Cosmic Hand reveals the truth: Thrull knows their location, and a confrontation is inevitable.

Battle for the Mallusk

Jack and his friends prepare to defend the Mallusk from Thrull's army. Using Drooler's Ultra-Slime, they fight off skeleton soldiers and the Bone Howler. Despite their efforts, Thrull's power is overwhelming. Jack's Cosmic Hand becomes a crucial tool in the battle, but its use comes with unforeseen consequences.

A New Alliance Forms

As the battle rages, the monsters aboard the Mallusk rally behind Jack and his friends. They use their combined strength and resources to fight back against Thrull's forces. The alliance is a turning point, but the cost is high, and the threat of Thrull's return looms large.

The Final Confrontation

In a climactic showdown, Jack confronts Thrull, who seeks to reclaim the power Jack unknowingly took. The battle is fierce, with Jack using every resource at his disposal. Despite their efforts, Thrull escapes with Ghazt, leaving Jack and his friends to regroup and prepare for the next inevitable encounter.

A Bitter Victory

The battle ends with the Mallusk's monsters safe, but at a great cost. Quint and Dirk are missing, and the threat of Thrull remains. Jack and June are left to ponder their next move, knowing that the fight against Thrull is far from over. The victory is bittersweet, as the reality of their situation sets in.

Characters

Jack Sullivan

Jack is the protagonist, a brave yet uncertain leader who discovers new powers within his Cosmic Hand. His journey is marked by growth and self-discovery as he grapples with the responsibilities of his newfound abilities and the consequences of his actions.

June Del Toro

June is Jack's close friend and campaign manager. Her strategic mind and unwavering determination make her a key player in the fight against Thrull. She supports Jack through his challenges, providing guidance and encouragement.

Quint Baker

Quint is the group's scientist, always eager to learn and experiment. His curiosity leads him to become a conjurer's apprentice, blending science and magic to aid in their battles. Quint's ingenuity is crucial in devising strategies against Thrull's forces.

Dirk Savage

Dirk is the group's muscle, fiercely protective of his friends and Drooler. His bond with Drooler is a driving force in his actions, and his strength is vital in their battles. Dirk's loyalty and courage are unwavering, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Evie Snark

Evie is a former ally turned antagonist, seeking power and control. Her alliance with Ghazt and manipulation of the Mallusk's monsters make her a formidable foe. Evie's actions are driven by a desire for dominance, but her motivations are complex and layered.

Ghazt

Ghazt is a rat-like creature and former Cosmic General. He seeks to reclaim the power Jack unknowingly took, aligning with Evie to maintain control over the Mallusk. Ghazt's motivations are rooted in a desire for power and revenge against Thrull.

Thrull

Thrull is a powerful enemy, commanding an army of skeletons and seeking to bring the cosmic entity Ŗeżżőcħ to Earth. His pursuit of Jack and Drooler is relentless, and his presence looms over the narrative as a constant threat.

Drooler

Drooler is a small creature with the ability to produce Ultra-Slime, a substance crucial in the fight against Thrull. His bond with Dirk is strong, and his role in the story is pivotal, as his abilities are a key weapon against Thrull's forces.

Johnny Steve

Johnny Steve is a quirky monster who becomes the mayor of the Mallusk. His leadership is unexpected but effective, as he rallies the monsters to fight against Thrull. Johnny Steve's resourcefulness and bravery make him a valuable ally.

Yursl

Yursl is a conjurer who aids Jack and his friends in their battle against Thrull. Her abilities are mysterious and powerful, providing crucial support in their fight. Yursl's knowledge and skills are a vital asset to the group.

Plot Devices

Cosmic Hand

The Cosmic Hand is a tentacle-like glove that grants Jack the ability to control zombies. Its powers evolve throughout the story, becoming a central plot device as Jack learns to harness its potential. The Cosmic Hand's connection to Thrull and its role in the narrative are pivotal.

Ultra-Slime

Ultra-Slime is a substance produced by Drooler, capable of neutralizing Thrull's forces. It becomes a crucial weapon in the battle for the Mallusk, used to defeat skeleton soldiers and protect the monsters aboard. The Ultra-Slime's effectiveness is a major plot point in the story.

Election

The election aboard the Mallusk serves as a plot device to challenge Evie and Ghazt's control. It represents the struggle for truth and leadership, as Jack and his friends seek to rally the monsters against Thrull's threat. The election's outcome is a turning point in the narrative.

Thrull's Army

Thrull's army, including the Bone Howler and skeleton soldiers, serves as a constant threat to Jack and his friends. Their presence drives the narrative forward, forcing the characters to confront their fears and unite against a common enemy.

The Mallusk

The Mallusk is a massive creature carrying a mall on its back, serving as both a setting and a plot device. Its journey and the battles that take place aboard it are central to the story, providing a unique backdrop for the characters' struggles.

Analysis

"The Last Kids on Earth and the Doomsday Race" explores themes of power and responsibility as Jack grapples with his evolving abilities and the consequences of his actions. The narrative emphasizes the importance of unity and truth in the face of overwhelming odds, as the characters must come together to confront Thrull's threat. The story also delves into the complexities of leadership and the challenges of making difficult decisions for the greater good. Through its engaging plot and dynamic characters, the book offers a thrilling adventure with valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of working together to overcome adversity.

Last updated: March 6, 2025