Y: The Last Man #5

Y: The Last Man #5, titled 'The Goddess, Part 1,' was published by Vertigo in 2002 as the first chapter of the series' second story arc. Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Pia Guerra, the series originated during a period of creative experimentation for DC's mature-readers imprint, focusing on a post-apocalyptic world where every mammal with a Y chromosome suddenly dies, save for one man and his monkey. This specific issue introduces the character of Agent 355 and establishes the global geopolitical fallout of the event, grounding the high-concept premise in the character-driven narrative that became the series' hallmark.

The visual identity of the series, defined by Guerra's clean lines and Jose Marzan Jr.'s inks, was designed to emphasize a grounded, realistic aesthetic rather than traditional superhero stylization. The cover art, famously featuring striking, minimalist graphic design, helped differentiate the title on crowded newsstands. Upon its release, the series was received with widespread critical acclaim, eventually becoming a seminal work in the graphic novel medium for its nuanced exploration of gender, politics, and survival.