The Last One

by J.M. DeMatteis

The sole survivor of an ancient race of immortals, the being called Myrwann has nothing but time. Throughout history, as nations rose and fell, as humans waged war, waged peace, wrote poetry and touched the stars, Myrwann lived outside them and beside them, sometimes as woman, sometimes as man. Now, old beyond imagining, tired beyond words, The Last One nurtures the failed and broken souls of New York City's East Village—even as his own heart cries out for the release of death.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2008

About the author

Also Credited As:
DeMatteis, John Marc
Ellis, Michael
Lombego, Wally

Bio:
J.M. DeMatteis was a professional musician/singer and rock music journalist before entering comics in the late 70's.

Credits include Spider-Man, Moonshadow, Brooklyn Dreams, Justice League, Abadazad, Hero Squared, the Life and Times of Savior 28.

Created I, Vampire , Creature Commandos, Moonshadow, Hero Squared (co-creator), Abadazad, Stardust Kid, Savior 28 and more.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacklustre mini-series about the apparent last member of an immortal race deciding to give it all up - it has some great art though, check out the cover below. I read the original Vertigo comic books of this series. 4 out of 12, Two Stars

2013 read

[A.J. Bauers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a weird, but kind of beautiful book. It's about living through the weight of a too full and too long life, and the wear of taking on the emotional burdens of those around you. It's a bit strange and too existential for my tastes at times, but the haunting prose quality paired with the sketched tone illustrations really stuck with me.

[Fr. Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess it could be the timing, but then it always is, isn't it? I cannot think another comic book that comes close to touching the emotional depth that this reaches. I do not think I've ever cried reading a comic book before. Deeply affecting, deeply human, deeply transcendent.

[Artur Coelho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na cidade de Nova Iorque há uma casa que acolhe pessoas perdidas. São resgatadas por um ser, talvez homem, talvez mulher, que lhes sente o potencial e ajuda aqueles que estão a resvalar para o fundo. Um ser angélico, cansado de milénios a calcorrear o mundo, que sente a necessidade - não é missão nem obrigação, de ajudar pessoas que se estão a perder a atingir o seu potencial. Não todas. Tem de haver uma conexão (e fica-se com a sensação que este ser ajudou as mesmas almas em sucessivos milénios). E tem de haver vontade individual. Cada um é livre de traçar o seu destino, mesmo que este o leve ao abismo. J.M. DeMatteis no seu melhor, nos caminhos de um sobrenatural poético e espiritual, com uma história doce e ternurenta, mesmo quando é amarga. O trabalho de ilustração de Dan Sweetman, mais próximo do plasticismo da pintura do que do espartilho gráfico dos comics, complementa muito bem o argumento.

[Cristian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork by Dan Sweetman is incredible. An immersive reading experience, where the art does most of the talking. Great, overlooked graphic novel from the golden age of Vertigo Comics.

[Jonathan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting art style and a compelling story

[Gavin Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story, beautiful art. Perfect.

[Dustyloup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfection inevitably includes imperfection, the newest, most original story contains elements of the old, there's a thin thread dividing man and woman...and giving words to things turns them into a lie. If these are thoughts you've had or ideas that intrigue you, I recommend The Last One!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. Sometimes it got a little to esoteric for me but overall well worth reading and pondering.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very poignant, heart-warming and well-written.

[Daryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This Boom collection reprints the original 6-issue Vertigo series. This is one of J.M. DeMatteis's occasional explorations of mysticism, spirituality, and life's "meaning." And as such, it's boring, full of mystical mumbo-jumbo, and b.s. The art by Dan Sweetman fits the story well, as it's washed out and transparent-looking - and I don't mean that to denigrate it. Not a single character herein is likable or interesting. Definitely a book to pass up.