Y: The Last Man

[BatmanSmells]

Where the H-E-Double Hockey sticks is the Y: The Last Man thread??!?
I guess I'll start. I'm sure everyone probably only reads Y in trades, but I for one would prefer some up to date discussion of the Y book. Then again, the trades do come out pretty quickly after the storylines finish. But seriously people! Y is written in a serialized fashion; ripe with cliffhangers. However, everyone I talk to, and most of the people on some of the other Internet sites only read Y in trade. I can understand buying a few trades to complete your collection; that's what I had to do. I only started reading during the astronaut storyline and had to pick up the first two trades so I could pretend I started reading from the beginning.

I know there more BKV obsessed fans out there besides me. Right?

[AmazingMattMan]

haha im one. i read everything he is currently writing. i also get y in the mail through a sub service at dc. but that really means i have to call in everytime and ask them if they sent it. but im up to date, just read 36 the other day. good stuff

[Andrea Speed]

Well, I'm not an obsessed BKV fan - I find his Ultimate X-Men really dull. (Don't throw things!) But I do love Y-The Last Man, and every month I pre-order my copies faithfully. I do get single issues, not trades, which is especially dangerous with DC, because they have a very erratic trade release schedule. (Unlike Marvel, which seems to spit out trades the moment an arc is done, and seems to be basically asking people to buy trades instead of issues.)

[AmazingMattMan]

::throws things at andy....things that smell::::

well with y the last man they are usually pretty good. they all ready have the trade out for that last 5 parter with them on the boat. come to think of it dcs pretty good with all their vertigo stuff.

[PinchyWearO]

I read it monthly. Love it monthly.

[ForeverZeroV1]

trade for me just looks soooooo nice on the shelf love the book. i seem to buy my better reads in trade...

[roman]

I jumped on trade right before the release of the 3rd trade and I jumped on the monthly when they go to san fran. Its such a good read and now that I got the 4th trade i am all caught up and I will continue to get the monthly and the trades cause I'm a trade ****.

[Scott A. Williams]

AT LAST, this book is once again covered in the reviews, courtesy of me.

Me, and my insane quest to get blurbed on the cover. Never gonna happen, but I'll keep tossin out those soundbytes. :smirk: (Find them if you can.)

Go, discuss!

[BatmanSmells]

This month's Y: The Last Man was great as usual! It was cool to see a little bit of Agent 355's backstory. The Odd Couple dynamic of 355 and Yorick was in full form, that's always nice to see. One of the things I was disappointed in was the relationship between Dr. Mann and the pirate lady. It just seemed to be kind of flat. I also wish we could see more of Beth. I'm sure that's still to come. The best part for me was that final page. The cliffhanger page is usually my favorite. Last issue's shot of Yorick's manhood was classic, and this month was a total jawdropper. I won't spoil it, because I always seem to do that, but I'm really anxious to see what happens next. It could change the title forever!

[COR]

I pick up Y monthly. How could you wait months at a time for your Yorrick-fix?

The lastest issue remains true to form. I nearly choked when I saw the last page! Bloody Hell!

I read that he intends to finish Y at issue 50 or 60. NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scott A. Williams]

Sad as this is to hear, I say if it completes the story, let it. I'm really excited to find how it all turns out.

[Blake Petit]

Indeed. I don't so much mind when a comic book ends because the writer is finished with his story. Better to end at issue 50 than pass it off to somebody else after Vaughan's tale is done.

[BatmanSmells]

This comic is the reason why I still read comics. This week's issue sums up entirely why the series is so great!

First off, the twists and turns come totally out of left field. I just kept saying "Holy S***!" the whole way through the issue. The revelations are not only for shock value, but truly complicate the lives of the core characters and the rest of the world as well.

Secondly, it's a book where the title character is in many ways a secondary character. He's just there as a literary device really. He only actually appears on the final two pages. However, the evolution of Yorick's sister Hero's character has been a crucial part of the whole ordeal. She could have easily not been an important character. She kind of floats around in between issues and tends to pop up when least expected. However, when she does make an appearance, you can be sure that something monumental will probably happen.

One of the first reasons I'm sure everyone fell in love with this book is Vaughn's way of looking at gender ideas in a new way in order to reflect the radically different world without men. Take this issue's introduction of several female characters from the Catholic Church. The nun's mission is inherently contraditiary due to its basis in religious dogma supporting male supremacy. The response by one of our heroine characters.. "That's retarded!" The fact that even several years after the gendercide the world is still dependent on gender roles and stereotypes really shows how much society is formed by ideas of gender.

Last but certainly not least, there's Yorick. Everyone has varying impressions of him. Sometimes he comes off like a little annoying kid, other times he's a total a*hole. Then he can do something very heroic and even surprise himself. This issue however, shows the very warm and caring Yorick. Most of the time he's giving off an impression that doesn't really reflect what he's thinking and feeling. Take his relationship with his sister. He loves her dearly, he idolized her as a kid. Then she betrays him and he wants to kill her. However, this issue reveals that he still loves her and wants to help her even if he hides his feelings from everyone else, including her. He is, in many ways, the "sterotypical male". Especially in relationships with women, which he obviosly has many.

This issue marks the introduction of another major female character (the most important one yet!), and I cannot wait to see where this all goes!

[Craig Reade]

I am loving this book, but there has to be an end at some point. That end will either be when men can be born again and live, or Yorick dies.

If he isn't constantly working towards that, the story will fall flat. But if he does work towards that, the story will come to a logical end.

I believe to have a truly great story, there has to be an end. The same holds true for comics. That is one of the reasons I don't mind it so much when they end (get "cancelled") when that moment has arrived naturally.

[tgregory123]

Y is the comic that got me back into comics. I started at issue 11 and havn't stopped since. I picked up the trades the day after I read issue 11.

Best book out right now imo.

I will bet all the money in the world (seriously, Ill bet you all of it) that this comic becomes either a movie, tv show, or mini series on tv.

Where is Ampersand? I miss that little guy

[BatmanSmells]

With the success of a quasi-science fiction television series in the form of Lost being so popular right now, I think that Y would make an awesome series. I think that a movie would totally miss the mark, though. There's not enough time in the 2-3 hour timespan of a movie to tell the tale of Yorick's adventures. Plus the cliffhangers would become totally irrelevant. I propose an HBO limited series at least.

[nightwing1982]

can you believe that the series is almost over?

I can't :~(

[rollinpark]

Just got the trade number 6. It is a thin one compared to trade number 5.

[the rainking]

can you believe that the series is almost over?

I can't :~(

Still 18 issues to go....... enjoy it while it lasts!!

This is my favourite comic series with a monkey ever!:)

[Worldwide]

They have copies of the first 2 trade paper backs at my local library. :D I read the first one in one sitting. Cool story! Lucky guy... I wouldn't mind being the last man on earth!!! There was a 'Sliders' episode along the same line years ago. The few remaining men were all forced to be studs (literally). Not a bad fate if you ask me! :cool: Doin' it with 8-10 babes a day while women take care of everything. :superhero:

[thetrooper516]

Y is the comic that got me back into comics. I started at issue 11 and havn't stopped since. I picked up the trades the day after I read issue 11.

Best book out right now imo.

I will bet all the money in the world (seriously, Ill bet you all of it) that this comic becomes either a movie, tv show, or mini series on tv.

Where is Ampersand? I miss that little guy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y:_The_Last_Man

According New Line Cinemna has bought the right to make this into a movie

[DocOrlando]

I'm playing catch up, I admit, but I'm now obsessed.

Can anyone else explain, though, why/how it was that Dr. Matsumori conspired to get Ampersand into Yorick's hands pre-plague?

I was not particularly surprised at the events of #50; given Dr. Mann's obsession to create a clone before her father, it only made sense that it would play out this way. Now I'm only concerned with the HOW. I'm not crucially concerned with Beth (though I am curious to know if she's had the vision the abo woman was waiting for) as I'd rather see Yorick end up with Beth & Beth Jr.

But what I'm really holding out for is Alter's end.

[DocOrlando]

There's still no one else reading this, is there?

[Navin Schaduangrat]

I played catch up too, but now I've read every single issue. I love this!

[DocOrlando]

Only five more issues to go, and I still am not convinced that any of the explanations we've heard for the Deaths is the legit one. In a way, it's odd, because things are almost...settled. But I know they're building to the conclusion...and it won't be a reset button...so...what will possibly happen? I love having a book that actually keeps me guessing.

[Navin Schaduangrat]

Only five more issues to go, and I still am not convinced that any of the explanations we've heard for the Deaths is the legit one. In a way, it's odd, because things are almost...settled. But I know they're building to the conclusion...and it won't be a reset button...so...what will possibly happen? I love having a book that actually keeps me guessing.

Yeah, I love that aspect about it too. Same with Girls.

[Andrea Speed]

I'm still reading it! And I'm dreading the end, because ... what will I do then? :(

[DocOrlando]

You'll survive. Because, y'know...you're a GIRL.

[Andrea Speed]

Ha ha!

....

Keep your day job. No, seriously, do.

:LOL:

:kiss:

[AmazingMattMan]

Only five more issues to go, and I still am not convinced that any of the explanations we've heard for the Deaths is the legit one. In a way, it's odd, because things are almost...settled. But I know they're building to the conclusion...and it won't be a reset button...so...what will possibly happen? I love having a book that actually keeps me guessing.

i hate the explantion they have going right now. in fact since im back posting, i wasnt about to head to bkv.tv just to ask if that was actually the answer. as i read the issue it didnt even click with me that they explained why all the males died. i thought it was all bs. but man....my favorite comic ending soon. plus bkv isnt even on runaways anymore!!!!! an ex machina takes to long to come out! whats a guy to do? :(

[Arsenal7]

i hate the explantion they have going right now. in fact since im back posting, i wasnt about to head to bkv.tv just to ask if that was actually the answer. as i read the issue it didnt even click with me that they explained why all the males died. i thought it was all bs. but man....my favorite comic ending soon. plus bkv isnt even on runaways anymore!!!!! an ex machina takes to long to come out! whats a guy to do? :(

I almost wondered if the explanation wasn't crappy on purpose. I mean, Y isn't really about what caused the plague, is it? Maybe BKV figured no explanation worked that well, so why not do some mumbo-jumbo science.

[DocOrlando]

After the first 1/3 of #58, I was prepared to comment on what a letdown this issue was, but now I find myself frustrated that CX will not allow me to use the expletives necessary to relate what a total kick in the chest this issue became.

WHAT NOW, VAUGHAN!?

[PinchyWearO]

After the first 1/3 of #58, I was prepared to comment on what a letdown this issue was, but now I find myself frustrated that CX will not allow me to use the expletives necessary to relate what a total kick in the chest this issue became.

WHAT NOW, VAUGHAN!?

Seriously, I'd be banned to post my reaction to the issue. I loved it, though!

As for what now:

I think we get to see Yorick man-up and start taking names!

[menasyng]

I have been smitten with this series since the first issue. It is honestly one of the best comics out there and has helped me get through some of the worst Marvel/DC stories during its run.

Sadly, 3 days before my birthday, this series will come to an end. It is trully a sad day for comics.

I find it really weird that the most shocking moments in the past 16 issues have been in the last 4. It all seems a bit rushed.

[DocOrlando]

I agree with you there, menasyng, but honestly, I don't know if there could ever be a wholly satisfying conclusion to this. There's only so much constantly-running-around-the-world that Yorick's gonna want to do (or that he'd be able to convince his allies to come along for).

It's been too long a wait for this last issue. I have no idea what BKV's going to do. Nothing pops out as the viable conclusion, though I do have ONE theory: Yorick will die, leaving Ciba's son as "the last man."

Who knows?

[menasyng]

I agree with you there, menasyng, but honestly, I don't know if there could ever be a wholly satisfying conclusion to this. There's only so much constantly-running-around-the-world that Yorick's gonna want to do (or that he'd be able to convince his allies to come along for).

It's been too long a wait for this last issue. I have no idea what BKV's going to do. Nothing pops out as the viable conclusion, though I do have ONE theory: Yorick will die, leaving Ciba's son as "the last man."

Who knows?

I completely agree. Either that or they go live on a farm in some random place and live happily ever after.

[Arsenal7]

Well, neither of you were right. The last issue was truly a heartbreaking work of staggering genius and I'm sad to see Y go.

The last five issues felt a little rushed overall; tying up storylines left and right and not always in a satisfactory manner. Still, the overall sweep and story were magnificient.

As for the cause of the plague-I'll reiterate what I posted above-it doesn't really matter. Y is many things- a love story, a post-apocalyptic story, etc-but it was never really a mystery and I think you can choose whatever cause you want.

[DocOrlando]

I'm not sure that I can call the final issue "satisfying," but on the other hand, I don't know if there's a way to wrap up everything that's happened that WOULD be satisfying. I suppose there's enough "happily ever after" to take care of those who sought it, but it seems to me that Yorick's life in the years between last issue and this were forlorn.

There are still myriad sociological questions that could be asked, but I guess that's one of the strongpoints of BKV's writing: he leaves so much open for the reader to fill in the blanks. Humanity continues, and that's all we really need to know.

And yes, I'm going to miss this terribly. There's a new indie book out this week, called "Dark 48" that riffs on a not-entirely-dissimilar theme, though because it follows an all-female combat team, I suppose it's more like hanging out with Alter the whole time. I thought it was appalling, meaningless tripe. When you've gotten used to "Y" for all these years, nothing else measures up.

[Arsenal7]

I guess "satisfying" depends on what you're looking for; I think throughout Y BKV created a simply massive world of infinite possibility and promise. It was simply impossible to wrap that up in a single issue (or even five issues). So, he gave us glimpses of what was to come but really left our own imagination to fill in the details. Anyone who has followed and fallen in love with these characters is given more than enough room to envision whatever future they want for Yorick. You say forlorn, but, given the travels they show him on (Africa and Europe at least), perhaps he had an immensely filling life. The fact that we can reach totally different conclusions, and find a basis in the text for both, leaves me more than content.

[DocOrlando]

Well stated.

[Arsenal7]

I wonder why no one has posted a review of this remarkable issue yet. I mean, how often does an Eisner-winning series end!