"Cycles" (Conclusion)
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artists: Pia Guerra(p), Jose Marzan, Jr.(i)
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Synopsis:
Last month Hero and Yorick were reunited. Alas, there were no hugs and kisses. Hero took Yorick hostage with a bow and arrow, Lydia killed Victoria with an ax, Hero killed Lydia with an arrow, and Yorick was about to kill Hero with a handgun. Ah, family.
Comments:
The events in this issue seem more like the beginning of the next act, rather than the conclusion to the current one. Does Yorick kill Hero? C'mon, I can't give that away. Suffice to say that Yorick, Dr. Mann and Agent 355 are again taking their show on the road. Marrisville, Ohio was ultimately a set piece to resolve the Amazon's pursuit of Yorick and shake out a few prevailing plot points. Or was it? Writer Brian Vaughn has proven that nothing is what it seems and in this chapter he plants the seeds for a number of major, upcoming conflicts.
"Cycles" was a departure in some ways from the primary focus of "Y The Last Man". The emphasis these last five chapters has been on the relationships between characters rather than solving the mystery of why Yorick and his monkey are the last surviving members of their gender. Vaughn presented a bunch of convincing interpersonal conflicts and resolved most of them dramatically. It was exciting and well done, but honestly, I'm ready to get back to the main plot.
The art by Pia Guerra and Jose Marzan, Jr. is solid and consistent with past efforts. Which is to say that if you like their simple, naturalistic style then you will be pleased. There is greater emphasis on dramatic lighting, but otherwise the art this issue in unchanged from issue number one. A minor critique is that Guerra's facial construction and body types, while very effective, can sometimes be too similar; it can be difficult to distinguish one actress from another at times. However, the art serves the story very well, it doesn't get in the way or make itself too noticeable. Subtlety in comic book art? How novel.
Final Word:
I dare say that the final page conveys the biggest and most interesting cliffhanger yet. The next arc should be explosive. While the events in "Cycles" served primarily to emphasize character over story, the next arc is clearly fashioned to advance the central plot. I am looking forward to being shocked and surprised next month, as I am every month by this fantastic comic.
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