I Am Legend

Matheson's novel explicitly plays with and redefines the 'last man' trope, making Shelley's influence undeniable in its premise of a sole survivor in a plague-altered world.

Matheson's redefinition of humanity through a radical biological transformation (vampirism as disease) can be seen as an evolution of Wells's exploration of altering life forms and blurring species boundaries, focusing on the societal and existential consequences of such a shift.

Strong influence on the theme of the last human survivor facing extreme isolation and existential dread in a world devoid of others.

Matheson's redefinition of 'human' and 'monster' from different perspectives directly influenced Dick's exploration of blurring lines between human and non-human, and empathy as a defining characteristic.