Writer Tim Hall and Cartoonist/Illustrator Dean Haspiel have collaborated on an intriguing short story — told in the form of a graphic novel — entitled The Last Mortician, which has been published at literary website Tor. The dystopian vision of this brief but powerful tale focuses on a time in the future when mankind has opted to trade the ability to procreate for the questionable “gift” of eternal life. I loved the story and the illustrations, and just wish it had been longer. Maybe Tim and Dean will turn it into a movie script?!

Both Tim and Dean have strong ties to The Worley Gig: Tim having originally named The ‘Gig way back when it was just a syndicated print column in a little NYC free alternatively monthly called The NY Hangover. Dean, whose work has earned him an Emmy, designed (in my likeness) the Worley Gig avatar you see on the website’s header! Do visit The Last Mortician, when you have a few minutes to spare. It is a fairly quick read and very much worth the click!