Y The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
Adult Graphic Novels - Main Level - Y
The thought of being the last male on the planet is probably one almost every guy has dreamt about during the course of his life. However, for Yorick Brown this dream has become a nightmare reality. Following an unexplained plague that has left the world devoid of any males, Yorick and his pet monkey (who is also male) must help save what is left of humanity. The world is of course in chaos considering there is a large political and military vacuum left in the wake of the plague. Dispelling any sexist notions that males are solely responsible for violence and power plays, the women of the world are soon at each other’s throats in search of Yorick. To some he represents the last remnants of a patriarchy that must be cleansed, to others he is the key to unraveling the mysterious plague, and to a few he might just be a fun play toy.
At turns horrifying, hysterical, and action packed Brian K. Vaughn is able to create a fantastic world that could very well be our own. Armed with an arsenal of pop culture references, strong female characters, and surprising plot twists it’s no wonder Vaughn is also writing for Joss Whedon’s “Buffy Season 8 comic.” If that’s not enough of a recommendation Vaughn has also written some of the best episodes of the labyrinthine mosaic “Lost.” The artist Pia Guerra is able to visualize the characters and story in perfect sync with Vaughn’s writing creating yet another example of why graphic novels should be taken more seriously as a literary medium.