Book Review: Last Pick by Jason Walz
Last Pick by Jason Walz subverts stereotypes by exploring the heroism of the outcast in a compassionate tale of sibling survival after an alien invasion.
Let’s start with a simple fact, I’ve never read a graphic novel, or even a comic book, from cover to cover. This just hasn’t been my area of interest, being more of a sci-fi, fantasy, and spec-fic reader. After finishing the Last Pick, I can unequivocally say, whether or not you dig graphic novels, sci-fi, or post-apocalyptic stories, this epic tale should immediately go on your list–especially if you have kids.
I’ve been reading this with my seven-year-old son (who struggles to focus) and, shockingly, he keeps asking for more. After finishing the first book, he demanded we must get the next one. I promptly bought book two Last Pick: Born to Run and pre-ordered book three Last Pick: Rise Up.
Besides the emotive artwork and effective use of color for flashbacks, I was impressed with how the author created a visual ‘hook’ at the end of pages and chapters that kept my son demanding more.
More so, this book allowed me the room and justification to discuss with my son the differences in people as strengths. We delved into the benefits of trying to see the world through other people’s eyes and how we need to find ways to interact with others that make them comfortable.
In this, the story of Sam and Wyatt in Last Pick became a search for compassion and understanding in others while finding the strength of hope in the discarded. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Links: Twitter @jasonwwalz | Instagram @jasonwalz