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aljackson's review
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
pib003's review
3.0
The premise and plot were very interesting! The writing style wasn't my favorite, though I know it was meant to emulate a time far in the past. While I enjoyed this first issue, I don't think I'll continue with the series. There weren't enough appealing elements to pull me into the story.
misssusan's review
5.0
guys do you know what this is?
this is y: the last man written with more intelligence, social nuance, and ace characterization
the only thing it has less of is the sexist undertones that plagued y which like. hell yeah yeah yeah, yoshinaga knows what i like
no joke, i fistpumped at the end of mizuno's story. yoshimune is my favourite, give me all your frugal pragmatic kind lady emperors, every single one
i can't wait to reread volume 2
5 stars
this is y: the last man written with more intelligence, social nuance, and ace characterization
the only thing it has less of is the sexist undertones that plagued y which like. hell yeah yeah yeah, yoshinaga knows what i like
no joke, i fistpumped at the end of mizuno's story. yoshimune is my favourite, give me all your frugal pragmatic kind lady emperors, every single one
i can't wait to reread volume 2
5 stars
sortabadass's review
4.0
This re-imagining of the Edo period's rigid formalism is brutal and haunting. Yoshinaga evokes a Japan that never was, but somehow still feels like one of the country's hushed secrets. There's a reason this was a James Tiptree Jr. award winner.
KC: "Do you think I can call the Edo period rigidly formalistic?"
Will: "I think you can call all Japan ever rigidly formalistic."
KC: "Point."
Spoiler
KC: "Do you think I can call the Edo period rigidly formalistic?"
Will: "I think you can call all Japan ever rigidly formalistic."
KC: "Point."
laceej88's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
witchofthesword's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
adanibear's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bluenicorn's review
4.0
I really love the idea behind this. The idea of gender role reversal in society is an interesting one; but in Japanese manga, which can be awfully sexist, it is even better. I look forward to seeing how this plays out- hopefully it won't bitterly let me down in the last volume. (oh yeah, talking about you, Y the Last Man)
mrsthrift's review
4.0
I can't remember why I picked this up - it was either on a banned book list or a graphic novel list for teens. If I were Ehrrin, I would know where I found it. Dammit.
This manga takes place in some alternative version of feudal Japan, where something like 80% of the male population has mysteriously died off from a plague, and all positions of authority right up to the top are held by women. Scarcity creates value, of course, and the role of men in society shifts dramatically & quickly. Male heirs can be married off, bringing great wealth to their family. Men can earn money by impregnating women who long for a baby but can't afford a husband. All of the work in the country is done by women, as men are too precious and scarce. The country manages to maintain a sense of normality in international dealings & history records by giving male names to business women as they take over the family businesses. The shogun keeps a harem, an inner court, which is entirely staffed by men. I am not into formality, court manners, systems of authority and rank, so I thought this would be tough for me to wade through but the storytelling is good, the plot is awesome, and the characters are relatable. I love the Shogun, She is frugal, focused and disinterested in following all the rules. I want to read the future volumes (I think there are 3?), which I didn't expect starting the book.
This manga takes place in some alternative version of feudal Japan, where something like 80% of the male population has mysteriously died off from a plague, and all positions of authority right up to the top are held by women. Scarcity creates value, of course, and the role of men in society shifts dramatically & quickly. Male heirs can be married off, bringing great wealth to their family. Men can earn money by impregnating women who long for a baby but can't afford a husband. All of the work in the country is done by women, as men are too precious and scarce. The country manages to maintain a sense of normality in international dealings & history records by giving male names to business women as they take over the family businesses. The shogun keeps a harem, an inner court, which is entirely staffed by men. I am not into formality, court manners, systems of authority and rank, so I thought this would be tough for me to wade through but the storytelling is good, the plot is awesome, and the characters are relatable. I love the Shogun, She is frugal, focused and disinterested in following all the rules. I want to read the future volumes (I think there are 3?), which I didn't expect starting the book.