Y: The Last Man #38

Published in 2006 by Vertigo, a division of DC Comics, Y: The Last Man #38 serves as the midpoint of the 'Motherland' story arc. Written by Brian K. Vaughan with pencils by Pia Guerra and inks by José Marzán Jr., the series explores a post-apocalyptic world where every mammal with a Y chromosome has died, save for Yorick Brown and his monkey, Ampersand. This specific issue follows the protagonists as they navigate the complexities of gender dynamics and political instability in a world reshaped by sudden, global loss.

The visual identity of the issue adheres to the established grounded realism of the series, moving away from traditional superhero aesthetics in favor of a gritty, character-focused tone. Pia Guerra’s character designs were central to the series' success, aiming to depict a weary, broken world with nuance. Upon release, the issue was well-received by readers and critics for its steady pacing and the deepening of Yorick's internal conflict, continuing the series' reputation for blending science fiction with poignant human drama.