If every man on earth dropped dead…

If every man on earth died instantly, we would have new slang like “fatherf#*ker!” Air travel would grind to a halt and the Israeli army would instantly become the most power military force on earth.

Spotty Ukrainian Internet connections have left me searching for reliable offline entertainment. Not an easy task these days. Thankfully an old preoccupation has snuck its way back into my life – the graphic novel.

My current obsession is Y: The Last Man. It’s the story of a mysterious plague that instantaneously (and gruesomely) kills every male – human and animal – on the planet except for one wise-cracking, pop-cult reference dropping, twenty-something (Yorick) and his diaper-clad, feces hurling helper monkey (Ampersand).

“This “gendercide” exterminated 48% of the global population, or approximately 29 billion men. 495 of the Fortune 500 CEO’s are now dead, as are 99% of the world’s landowners.
In the U.S. alone, more than 95% of all commercial pilots, truck drivers, and ship captains died… as did 92% of violent felons.
Internationally 99% of all mechanics, electricians, and construction workers are now deceased though 51% of the planets agricultural labor force is still alive.
In Israel, all women between the ages of 18 and 26 have performed compulsory military service in the IDF for at least one year and nine months. Worldwide, 85% of all government representatives are now dead… as are 100% of Catholic priests, Muslim Imams and Orthodox Jewish Rabbis.”

As a result hese two last remaining males are left to wander through a landscape where they are loved, hunted, craved and hated. C’mon guys… kind give you that tingly feeling doesn’t it?

The story explores some interesting scenarios. For instance, in the US, the Democrats instantly ascend to power. Bands of crazed “Amazons” roam the land wearing neckties as headbands torching sperm banks and punishing any women who dare lament the loss of the less-fair sex.

The coolest “what if” comes from Israel. With the only combat ready troops left on earth, Israel must confront its opportunity to not only subjugate their once belligerent neighbors, but also the entire world. You have to hand it to any author with the ovaries to insert a plausible and tactful Zionist world domination plot into their work and get away with it. Of course, what’s most important to Israel is the continuation of the Jewish people, and they muster all of their military might to capture earth’s last working penis.

It’s a great summer read for both men and women. It’s funny, sexy, thought-provoking and action packed. It has loads of strong female characters. Plus lots of pretty drawings of strong female characters who have no problem complaining that even in a world populated by women, a man is still the centre of attention.

You won’t be disappointed. After the jump I’ll drop a few more images from the books.