This issue is the first real indication we've had of where the story might be going after Vaughan spent the first two really setting up the lead characters and the setting, and I'm still really impressed. Vaughan is doing a terrific job of depicting a world that is changed and horrible, but still recognizable (which actually makes it more horrible to contemplate), and Guerra maintains the same balance. The world of Y: The Last Man is frightening for how plausible it is, and it's clear that Vaughan has put in the time and research necessarily to make it feel real, an effect that pays off in how compelling the book is.
There's so many potential stories in this book that it boggles the mind, but Vaughan is aiming at some of the more interesting areas. The shift in politics would be truly world-altering, and any time there's such a monumental shift in politics, there's bound to be bloodshed and anger. The showdown with the wives of Congress members was a brutal and effective scene, one which will no doubt get Vaughan some hate mail like he got in the first issue complaining about actually commenting on real world politics in comics. But seeing women who are scared and angry pushed into a violent situation made for some fascinating interplay, and the sudden eruption of violence fits right in with the idea that things are teetering on the brink of absolute chaos.
At the same time, Vaughan is using the exploration of the plot to further character development. The new President gets plenty of room to shine and show the leadership potential that Agent 355 talked about in the previous issue, and we're learning plenty about Yorick's mom as well. There's also a very effective scene re-introducing Israeli military officer Alter Tse'elon as one of those truly frightening people who is better in an "end of the world" type setting, and who has used the changes to her advantage.
Guerra's work on the book is as crucial as Vaughan's, as she has to convey the empty and dangerous world that the characters have found themselves in without the crutch of leather, mohawks and other Road Warrior-esque post-apocalyptic trappings. While the characters are still dressed in suits and normal clothes, they all look a bit rumpled, and the characters themselves have a world weary look to them. Little details like Yorick's growth of beard or the somewhat unkempt hair or clothes of the women in the United States make for an interesting contrast with the almost perfect and controlled appearance of Colonel Tse'elon and Sadie.
Y: The Last Man began with a strong concept, and has since introduced strong characters, a solid plot and plenty of mysteries, along with enough humor to keep it from being relentlessly dark. It has a pretty decent shot at being my favorite new book of the year.
