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

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