Comic Book Review: Y: The Last Man

Y: The Last Man
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Pia Guerra
Number of Issues: 60
Published by DC Comics (under their Vertigo imprint)

Ok friends this is my first comic book review so please bear with me if you find something stupid on my entry. (*geez im nervous*)

Heard of this book from a couple of people on the web and ive been intrigued by it since day one because of the rave reviews and its interesting plot: A mysterious plague hits the world and every single mammal with a Y-chromosome (yes.. every male) dies - except for some guy named Yorick and his pet monkey Ampersand.  Yes. No males, just females everywhere.. and a mammal.

Anyway, based on the plot description, it poses that "what if" question. What if you're the last man on earth and you got chicks everywhere you go? Sounds nice, right? You are the last dick on the face of the planet and maybe you're thinking you can fuck around and get laid with any woman you want non-stop.  (and when i come to think of it, that's exactly what i thought before reading the book! *haha*) That happened a couple of times in the novel, but that's not entirely the whole point of it. Y: The Last Man is something more than just your average comic book.

The story spans years and showcases copious amounts of comedy, violence, drama, horror and every thing in between as Yorick goes through a long journey of trying to save humanity and at the same time, finding his lost girlfriend - all the while learning life lessons as he crosses borders.  But the real beauty of the book in my opinion lies in its aggressive commentary on matters such as gender issues, human behavior, politics, and even complicated relationships that human beings fall into. This book has it all. It will talk to you, and make you reflect on your own beliefs and thoughts on society and the people around you as well. 

It was was nice all through out. The plot: outstanding. The art: nothing but amazing. I has hooked the first time I read it, and it just keeps on getting better and better as you journey with our characters. Its one of those books that will make you want more and more and more... thanks to those ridiculously good cliffhanger endings in-between chapters and all the heartwarming and "oh shit" moments. And though the reason for the plague was somewhat bleak for me, it was still near perfect for me in terms of how all of it ended.  Great job by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra (Damn you guys, you made me cry. Very few books had that kind of effect on me.) on creating a one-of-a-kind classic that should stand the test of time.

Overall, Y The Last Man  is rare series that is unique, daring, sexy, thought-provoking and a critique that offers an entire different perspective on society. A definite must read and undoubtedly one of the best graphic novels of this century. You gotta read it, to believe it.

Y: The Last Man is created by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra and published by Vertigo comics. Suggested for Mature Readers.