Y: THE LAST MAN #20 REVIEW

[Scott Williams]

<a href=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0304/YtheLastManCVR20.jpg target=new><img src=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0304/YtheLastManCVR20t.jpg align=left></a>Reviewer: Scott Williams, yoda905@yahoo.com
Quick Rating: Great
Story Title: Safeword, Conclusion

711 continues to torture our protagonist.

Written by: Brian K. Vaughan
Pencils: Pia Guerra
Inks: Jose Marzan, Jr.
Letters: Clem Robins
Colors & Separation: Zylonol
Cover Artist: Aron Wisenfeld
Assistant Editor: Casey Seijas
Editor: Will Dennis

The bizarre character study “Safeword” comes crashing to its conclusion with this issue, and in doing so has impressed me only further. Brian K. Vaughan has more than a couple tricks up his sleeve for this issue, including some candid character flashbacks to the moments intermediate of issues #1 & 2, and allusions to several issues after that. Brian captures the essence of his lead character in words that are very poetic, clever, and touching. It explains the entire bizarre ordeal between Yorick and 711 but doesn’t make light of it, and doesn’t seem implausible.

The art is some of the best I’ve seen in the book. The coloring and ink is used to a highly effective degree here, setting the tone perfectly for evil dungeon pools, flashbacks bathed in melancholy blue, and a moment of epiphany glowing, radiating white/off-white light. A panel representing Yorick’s moment of self-doubt really captures the essence of a man who now realizes that he is alone and isolated from anyone else of his kind, and trying to make the right decision. It’s almost heartbreaking.

Probably the best character issue of the series thus far, we finally get the full story on what Yorick thinks of his situation, what makes him tick, and what some people think of him. We also get the resolution to a subplot crafted with such sinister intention, such underhanded secrecy, that no-one would ever know it had been developing were it not for this issue. Vaughan truly is a master storyteller, and he clearly only surrounds himself who are likewise good.

STORY:
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ART:
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OVERALL:
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<a href=http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=158&cat=Y+%2D+THE+LAST+MAN+>Buy this Issue Online from X-World and Save!</a>

[Kevin Sutton]

A good issue, but something about the resolution let me down. For such a messy situation and one so poor for Yorick, it ended a little too cut and dry. Emotionally anyway.

[DeadmanWade]

I thought this issue was amazing this book is awesome

[Cannonball1138]

This was a good issue, but far from what I expected to happen. Y is on thin ice with me. I like it, but I think it's a case of me getting in on the series too late(I started with Comedies and Tragedies) and I can't find the TPB's near me. Plus fianances have led to cutbacks already...I'm planning to give it one more storyline to amaze me, because I do genuinely like it.

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

anyone who reads this issue and continues to doubt that this is one of the best books the medium has ever produced either needs to make sure their soul is still intact or just go all out and get that frontal lobotomy...;)

[Gat0r-ManX]

this arc has been the most disturbing and thought provoking of the whole series, I think.

Awessooomee series. Can't wait til Vaughan takes over Ultimate.

Great review, Scott!

[Erika Santiago]

Originally posted by Cannonball1138
This was a good issue, but far from what I expected to happen. Y is on thin ice with me. I like it, but I think it's a case of me getting in on the series too late(I started with Comedies and Tragedies) and I can't find the TPB's near me. Plus fianances have led to cutbacks already...I'm planning to give it one more storyline to amaze me, because I do genuinely like it.

That's too bad. You really should try to get the earlier trades. I guarantee they'll blow you away. The stories read better in huge chunks, too.

Good review, Scott.

[GilSpiderig]

Wow...I mean wow this issue was great. I really do wonder what Yorick saw in his vision...maybe it was his dad? I wonder where the title will go from now on...any thoughts anyone? Good Review by the way

[Wheeze]

I was EXTREMELY pleased with this issue. The previous two were so out there that I was worried it was taking a very strange turn, one I wasn't sure was fitting to such an intelligent book. Then we get this issue and bam, it all fits like a glove.

[hero4loan]

I have the first two trades. I think I'm getting the third. Is it worth it?

[Gat0r-ManX]

Originally posted by hero4loan
I have the first two trades. I think I'm getting the third. Is it worth it?

yea.. the third was good. I think the whole series connects very well..... so well.. that if u miss an arc, you are missing something BIG.

[Suzene]

Hn. This is getting a lot of good word of mouth. I'll see if my store has the first trade or two tomorrow.

Suzene

[Legend]

So this book comes out monthly?

[Erika Santiago]

Yup.