Reviewer: Tim Sheridan
Story Title: Girl on Girl: Part 1
Written by: Brian K. Vaughan
Penciled by: Goran Sudzuka
Inked by: Jose Marzan Jr.
Colored by: Zylonol
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Cover Artist: Massimo Carnevale
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
Hey everyone, sorry for that subject line.
It’s a good book. It’s always been a good book. Unless something drastic happens, it’ll probably always be a good book. That’s pretty much how I can summarize Y: The Last Man. I’ve been a fan since the beginning, and after 32 issues, it’s consistently entertaining. Every issue is a joy, and this is more of the same.
It’s also the start of a new story arc, and if new readers were to start with this issue, they’d be alright. It seems like this is Vaughan’s take on a pirate tale, and it’s very funny. We start with Yorick (the last man) as a stowaway on a ship, and that’s all the set up we’re given. From the first page, we are right into the story, with no time wasted. He is captured by the owners of the ship, and sent to the captain, but instead of him being killed or put in the brig (as he would be if it were a traditional pirate story), they play a board game. Silly, I know, but such is the fun of this comic.
Elsewhere on the ship, Dr Mann and Agent 355 give into some of their urges. It’s a move that earlier in the run would have seemed bizarre, but after so much time has been given to their characters, it seems like the natural course of action.
Vaughan is a master of the cliffhanger, and that’s something he has always shined on in this title. While this issue’s ending isn’t too shocking, it’s satisfying nonetheless. (it also made me want to see Crimson Tide, but that’s just because I love submarines.)
Anyways, the art was great, as it usually is, but it wasn’t until halfway through the issue did I realize it was done by someone different. So hey, way to go editors for choosing consistency!
Look, for almost 3 years, we’ve been following Yorick and his plight. It’s been a great ride so far. And I really like the pace that it’s going. I never feel like an issue is padded, but I also don’t feel that the story is being rushed. It’s a testament to Vaughan’s storytelling ability that he can balance it so well, and keep readers interested for so long. Unlike some other comics, every month he gives away just enough of the big picture to keep us wanting. From what I’ve heard, we’re about halfway through the series, and I can’t wait for the rest.
