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Last Pick #1
Last Pick
Three years ago, aliens invaded Earth and abducted everyone they deemed useful. The only ones spared were those too young, too old, or too “disabled” to be of value. Living on Earth under the aliens’ harsh authoritarian rule, humanity’s rejects do their best to survive. Their captors never considered them a threat—until now.
Twins Sam and Wyatt are ready to chuck their labels and start a revolution. It’s time for the kids last picked to step into the game.
In this first volume of Jason Walz's dystopian graphic novel trilogy, the kids last picked are humanity's last hope.
Twins Sam and Wyatt are ready to chuck their labels and start a revolution. It’s time for the kids last picked to step into the game.
In this first volume of Jason Walz's dystopian graphic novel trilogy, the kids last picked are humanity's last hope.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
19 people are currently reading
1794 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
April 29, 2018
Wow. That was SO much better than I imagined it would be. I thought it would be interesting and it was, but it GRABBED me, to the point where I NEED the next two books in the series. Like YESTERDAY.
The artwork was clear and realistic. The aliens gross and the plight of the MCs and the rest of the world, heart-rending. I loved the storyline and I really want to see what happens next. I have a few suspicions re: the aliens, but I have no CLUE why they are taking people, unless it's as slave labor. But to work on what?
I really care about these characters, so I hope it has a HEA. It better, or I'm going to cry. And I HATE crying.
So excellent book, but the cliff-hanger at the end is SO not fair. 5, gotta have the next one now, stars. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The artwork was clear and realistic. The aliens gross and the plight of the MCs and the rest of the world, heart-rending. I loved the storyline and I really want to see what happens next. I have a few suspicions re: the aliens, but I have no CLUE why they are taking people, unless it's as slave labor. But to work on what?
I really care about these characters, so I hope it has a HEA. It better, or I'm going to cry. And I HATE crying.
So excellent book, but the cliff-hanger at the end is SO not fair. 5, gotta have the next one now, stars. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
September 24, 2018
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley, Jason Walz, and First Second Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an amazing start to a riveting dystopian graphic novel trilogy. The art is great and the story features unique characters as well.
This story takes place in a time when aliens have taken over Earth (sounds cliche, right?). But, the aliens take away anyone ages 16-65 who are fit, healthy, or seem a bit too rambunctious, leaving only the "useless" behind. Sam and Wyatt are twins struggling to survive in their new alien-ruled world. Sam is a unique girl, rebellious, and fighting for humanity, as well as trying to keep her brother safe. Wyatt has autism and doesn't quite get social cues. But he's smart and brave, and he might just be the one to turn the tide of this crazy alien invasion!
I absolutely love both of the main characters, but especially Wyatt. I find that there's just not enough novels out there that feature young people with disabilities as strengths (although there are more starting to surface), which is why I really loved this novel. It sends a powerful message that differences are a good thing, and everyone has their own strength in who they are. If we were all the same, what would we ever learn? A great graphic novel that I would recommend to students and friends!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jason Walz, and First Second Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an amazing start to a riveting dystopian graphic novel trilogy. The art is great and the story features unique characters as well.
This story takes place in a time when aliens have taken over Earth (sounds cliche, right?). But, the aliens take away anyone ages 16-65 who are fit, healthy, or seem a bit too rambunctious, leaving only the "useless" behind. Sam and Wyatt are twins struggling to survive in their new alien-ruled world. Sam is a unique girl, rebellious, and fighting for humanity, as well as trying to keep her brother safe. Wyatt has autism and doesn't quite get social cues. But he's smart and brave, and he might just be the one to turn the tide of this crazy alien invasion!
I absolutely love both of the main characters, but especially Wyatt. I find that there's just not enough novels out there that feature young people with disabilities as strengths (although there are more starting to surface), which is why I really loved this novel. It sends a powerful message that differences are a good thing, and everyone has their own strength in who they are. If we were all the same, what would we ever learn? A great graphic novel that I would recommend to students and friends!
August 4, 2022
Interesting concept with a familiar trope - Alien invasion where the survivors left on Earth were deemed too old, sick, or disabled.
The execution left a little more to be desired. The art did not seem consistent and the dialogue felt a bit wooden and the jokes didn't really seem to land. Certain parts were glossed over that could have made it really interesting, such as why the one alien chooses to have a thick southern accent. Or why there are a bunch of kids willing to sell out the main characters.
Probably something better suited for the younger readers in your life. As an adult I could certainly understand it, but there was just not enough to keep it memorable.
The execution left a little more to be desired. The art did not seem consistent and the dialogue felt a bit wooden and the jokes didn't really seem to land. Certain parts were glossed over that could have made it really interesting, such as why the one alien chooses to have a thick southern accent. Or why there are a bunch of kids willing to sell out the main characters.
Probably something better suited for the younger readers in your life. As an adult I could certainly understand it, but there was just not enough to keep it memorable.
May 14, 2018
This is a really well done graphic novel for junior high school students. Plenty of issues, lots of big decisions to be made by a brother and sister who are desperately trying to save the world from an alien invasion. It is seat of your pants stuff! They have limited time, few resources and a fiery determination. Especially Sam, she is full of guts and grit. Wyatt however is a thinker, he is unusual and has trouble with social skills but is resourceful. Sam feels responsible for Wyatt now that their parents have been taken by the aliens. I love the bond between the siblings their fight against the evil aliens is epic and full of drama. Plenty of tension and good relationships, this is great!
The art is great, nice to see something not too designed and smooth and computer rendered looking. It has a good grungy look. This is definitely a book for the school library.
The art is great, nice to see something not too designed and smooth and computer rendered looking. It has a good grungy look. This is definitely a book for the school library.
April 10, 2019
I missed the little "1" on the spine and did not realize I wasn't getting a full story until the last page, so that left a sour taste in my mouth for a story I was on the border of liking. Well, no, I wasn't liking the story overly much because it is a pretty dumb alien invasion/post-apocalypse sort of thing, but I was growing fond of the interaction of the two main characters, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder, and I might pick up the next book to see how they get along, but it is not a sure thing, especially since the preview of the second volume's cover leaves me to infer they will be separated for a while.
April 2, 2019
this was pretty good! at first it was kind of meh. i saw the potential but it just wasn’t doing anything for me. but the last few parts really sold me. and now it shall join the endless list of stories that should be made into tv shows on netflix. honestly, it would be so good.
♡ 4/5 stars; can’t wait to read the next one, which i just realized, doesn’t come out until october. boo
♡ 4/5 stars; can’t wait to read the next one, which i just realized, doesn’t come out until october. boo
December 18, 2018
I thought this was a good book it was easy and a quick read. I would recommend this to young readers or people who like graphic novels.
December 24, 2018
Twins Sam and Wyatt are left behind after aliens have come to earth and harvested all the able-bodied 16- to 65-year-olds.
Now they're 16, themselves, and they're causing trouble in their alien-overlord community. Old West-character alien mayor figures he can get rid of the meddlesome brats in the next round-up but things don't go exactly as he'd planned.
While I enjoyed reading this well enough, I never really got into it. There were sweet moments between brother and sister and there are interesting characters along the way but nothing really stood out to me.
The illustrations are simple but I didn't much care for them. Strange little alien creatures are all over the place, not much different from what you'd see in a Ben Hatke book, but it all just fell flat for me.
2.5 stars
Now they're 16, themselves, and they're causing trouble in their alien-overlord community. Old West-character alien mayor figures he can get rid of the meddlesome brats in the next round-up but things don't go exactly as he'd planned.
While I enjoyed reading this well enough, I never really got into it. There were sweet moments between brother and sister and there are interesting characters along the way but nothing really stood out to me.
The illustrations are simple but I didn't much care for them. Strange little alien creatures are all over the place, not much different from what you'd see in a Ben Hatke book, but it all just fell flat for me.
2.5 stars
July 28, 2019
It's always hard to rate the first book in an obvious series, because you never know if future volumes are going to live up to the first one. (Let's just say I've been burned before.)
With that said, this graphic novel sets up an interesting scenario and some compelling characters. I really like the ideas lurking beneath the surface here -- that what might appear on the surface to be liabilities might actually be strengths. There's some good humor and action here, and some really thought-provoking scenes and character interactions.
My sincere hope is that Walz builds on his strengths, and the rest of the series is as compelling as the first volume.
With that said, this graphic novel sets up an interesting scenario and some compelling characters. I really like the ideas lurking beneath the surface here -- that what might appear on the surface to be liabilities might actually be strengths. There's some good humor and action here, and some really thought-provoking scenes and character interactions.
My sincere hope is that Walz builds on his strengths, and the rest of the series is as compelling as the first volume.
October 9, 2021
Interesting and entertaining, but aside from a couple of unique twists, this just feels like any generic or cliched alien invasion scenario. Not saying there anything wrong or bad about it, but there was also nothing that grabbed me with a compelling interest to keep me reading.
Update: When I’m wrong, I admit it. I just finished the second volume and ... well ... WOW ... it gets better. I still can’t see giving this one 5-stars, but I am giving it 4 instead of the 3-stars I first gave it. Yes, this volume is good, but volume 2 is way better.
Update: When I’m wrong, I admit it. I just finished the second volume and ... well ... WOW ... it gets better. I still can’t see giving this one 5-stars, but I am giving it 4 instead of the 3-stars I first gave it. Yes, this volume is good, but volume 2 is way better.
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February 25, 2019abandoned
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June 1, 2019
How cruel to end this like that - I need more!
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October 3, 2018
The world didn't end when the aliens invaded and took everyone they deemed "useful": the abled ages 16 to 65. That included Sam and Wyatt's parents, leaving them to fend for themselves. And Sam intends to fight back, even if it means putting everything and everyone she loves in jeopardy.
This is an absolutely amazing graphic novel—and from what I've picked up, it's the first in a trilogy (YES!)—so the epic cliffhanger is going to bring answers.
I haven't read too many books, especially not graphic novels, where one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum. And I loved it. Wyatt was well written, intelligent and what the aliens perceived as his "weaknesses" are going to save humanity. I also loved that there was a lot of other disabled rep in the book as well, along with people of color and the elderly (who were NOT related to the main characters—score!)
Sam is Wyatt's perfect counterpoint, particularly as the twin of a person with disabilities whose life revolves around keeping her brother safe and protected—while trying to get him to realize that he's just as strong as she is.
The storyline is riveting and engaging, and the illustrations are fantastic (the chapter intros are all hilariously different). In addition to the heartwarming moments, there's enough thrills and twists to keep a reluctant reader engaged (while learning empathy! yay!).
I'm looking forward to read on and learn more about the aliens—and how they can be defeated.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is an absolutely amazing graphic novel—and from what I've picked up, it's the first in a trilogy (YES!)—so the epic cliffhanger is going to bring answers.
I haven't read too many books, especially not graphic novels, where one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum. And I loved it. Wyatt was well written, intelligent and what the aliens perceived as his "weaknesses" are going to save humanity. I also loved that there was a lot of other disabled rep in the book as well, along with people of color and the elderly (who were NOT related to the main characters—score!)
Sam is Wyatt's perfect counterpoint, particularly as the twin of a person with disabilities whose life revolves around keeping her brother safe and protected—while trying to get him to realize that he's just as strong as she is.
The storyline is riveting and engaging, and the illustrations are fantastic (the chapter intros are all hilariously different). In addition to the heartwarming moments, there's enough thrills and twists to keep a reluctant reader engaged (while learning empathy! yay!).
I'm looking forward to read on and learn more about the aliens—and how they can be defeated.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 16, 2018
I read an ARC from First Second via NetGalley. This post-apocalyptic adventure takes place 3 years after aliens have taken away everyone between the ages of 16-65 as well as the handicapped, leaving behind what they feel are useless individuals. Twins, Sam and Wyatt are fighting back and trying to find out if their parents are still alive and where the people have been taken. Now the twins are on the run from the aliens and finding other survivors that can help them.
The art was great and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I liked the idea that the world has a narrow view of what success looks like and everyone has good attributes and the ability to contribute. A good YA graphic novel series that I will definitely pick up and continue when the next volume comes out.
The art was great and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I liked the idea that the world has a narrow view of what success looks like and everyone has good attributes and the ability to contribute. A good YA graphic novel series that I will definitely pick up and continue when the next volume comes out.
October 1, 2018
Brother and sister twins Sam and Wyatt need to overcome so much after their parents were abducted, along with any able-bodied person by aliens. Those that were left were deemed unfit in some way and that included Wyatt, who is on the spectrum. Together they work to start the revolution to overtake the monster aliens and take back their planet with the help of others who are all in it together.
A fantastic story about teamwork in this dystopian science fiction graphic novel and features characters with mental and other disabilities to empower not disenfranchise. There's character development and world building to set up the second book. It moves nicely through the chapters and has complimentary coloring and word art.
A fantastic story about teamwork in this dystopian science fiction graphic novel and features characters with mental and other disabilities to empower not disenfranchise. There's character development and world building to set up the second book. It moves nicely through the chapters and has complimentary coloring and word art.
January 31, 2020
I liked this book. The illustrations are really good. I was really confused when the aliens only took Sam. I wish there was more backstory to the family. The fact that some aliens were nice but others were really mean confused me. I was quite disappointed the way it ended. Wyatt must be really smart in order to be able to understand the alien tech. I cant wait to read the next one. I think the aliens are taking the people to use as slaves.I hope that we learn more about Mia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
Aliens have taken over the earth. Sam and Wyatt, twins who have just turned 16, are working to find all the people they have taken, including their parents. The story is difficult to follow. There doesn't seem to be a reason for the aliens taking people, only that they leave behind the young, the elderly, and the disabled. Recommend reading a hard copy of the book - the print is way too small to read a digital version.
August 13, 2022
4 stars! This was even better than I had expected it to be. A strong start to a graphic novel trilogy about a future in which aliens invade Earth and steal everyone between 16-60 who is not "disabled" for mysterious purposes... and the young/old/rejects who are left behind under the aliens' authoritarian rule. I love all the characters so far and how far they have come even in this first installment. I can't wait for more.
March 12, 2024
It's the end of the world as we know it... and I don't like the art style. 😬
It's also kind of strange how much this graphic novel goes out of its way to not say the word "autistic", even though Wyatt is clearly written as such. But this is part 1 of 3, so who knows, maybe it'll happen in the other volumes. But my online library only had the first one, oof. I'll get back to the series if they acquire the other ones.
It's also kind of strange how much this graphic novel goes out of its way to not say the word "autistic", even though Wyatt is clearly written as such. But this is part 1 of 3, so who knows, maybe it'll happen in the other volumes. But my online library only had the first one, oof. I'll get back to the series if they acquire the other ones.
November 7, 2018
I'm really tired of graphic novel publishers not making it obvious on their covers that books are part of a series.
Parts of this were good and parts were clearly stretched out or left deliberately sketchy to pad things out into a trilogy. It's hard to care when characters are killed or kidnapped when we know nothing about them.
Parts of this were good and parts were clearly stretched out or left deliberately sketchy to pad things out into a trilogy. It's hard to care when characters are killed or kidnapped when we know nothing about them.
May 22, 2019
My first graphic novel. Fun! I want to thank my daughter, the librarian, for loaning me her signed copy. I am a science fiction nerd. This was right down my alley. Moved along quickly. I liked the Then...Now format. What a lot of art! Incredible!
To be continued...Arrrgh!
I am definitely looking forward to the next chapter.
To be continued...Arrrgh!
I am definitely looking forward to the next chapter.
April 28, 2020
This was, for me personally, basically the definition of a 3 star read. There's nothing wrong with it necessarily, there are even some good moments. It did not excite me. That being said, I'm sure there is an audience that will connect much better with this one than I did, and I'd be happy to hand it to them.
October 19, 2019
Loved it!! Awesome story, great characters. I admit graphic novels aren't my thing, but I loved this one. So that's saying something.
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April 30, 2021A decent sci-fi apocalypse story with a twist of really good disability rep/advocacy. Would recommend.
April 21, 2023
Read Harder 2023 - Task #18 ALT
September 5, 2021
An interesting promise for a first volume. I liked the story and the art style. I can't wait to see what will happen in volume two. I also liked the diversity representation.
September 16, 2020
Two teens lead the resistance against the aliens who, 3 years prior to the start of the story, invaded earth and took everyone between the ages of 16 and 35. At least, everyone in that age range who they thought were strong and abled. The "disabled", elderly, and young were left behind.
This, of course, may have been the wrong choice on the part of the aliens, who are subverted at every turn by the people left on earth.
Excellently illustrated and written by Jason Walz, this story centers specifically on twin teens Wyatt and Sam as they resist in their own ways. Wyatt, the nerdy, quiet one, needs a piece of tech that can only be bartered from an alien, and uses his knowledge of comics and TV shows to broker a deal, while Sam acts out against the aliens by breaking into their food storage and grabbing enough to distribute to others.
I highly recommend you read this graphic novel. It highlights how those who are disabled in one way still contribute to society and where we as a community would be if they couldn't or were disallowed to. Sometimes it isn't the mainstream that is the right path to take.
I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
This, of course, may have been the wrong choice on the part of the aliens, who are subverted at every turn by the people left on earth.
Excellently illustrated and written by Jason Walz, this story centers specifically on twin teens Wyatt and Sam as they resist in their own ways. Wyatt, the nerdy, quiet one, needs a piece of tech that can only be bartered from an alien, and uses his knowledge of comics and TV shows to broker a deal, while Sam acts out against the aliens by breaking into their food storage and grabbing enough to distribute to others.
I highly recommend you read this graphic novel. It highlights how those who are disabled in one way still contribute to society and where we as a community would be if they couldn't or were disallowed to. Sometimes it isn't the mainstream that is the right path to take.
I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
February 23, 2018
This story as a graphic novel has the ability to slip right past our usual walls and barriers between normal and different.
The action is centered on an other-abled boy and his able-to-love sister, both as children and then as orphaned teens. Together the pair faces more than an alien invasion: They face and survive the small and petty expectations of the mean and petty people around them. And they deserve and enjoy the support of those who see beyond the surface.
The drawings are clean and easily understood. The action is conveyed clearly and is compelling. The graphic format serves well to carry both the story and the message. And all together it results in a great read. The protagonists Sam and Wyatt not only survive, they supersede. A compelling author's note at the end helps articulate the author's intent.
A strong recommendation for this graphic novel for middle grade and high school readers. The only weakness is the cliff-hanger leading to Book 2.
The action is centered on an other-abled boy and his able-to-love sister, both as children and then as orphaned teens. Together the pair faces more than an alien invasion: They face and survive the small and petty expectations of the mean and petty people around them. And they deserve and enjoy the support of those who see beyond the surface.
The drawings are clean and easily understood. The action is conveyed clearly and is compelling. The graphic format serves well to carry both the story and the message. And all together it results in a great read. The protagonists Sam and Wyatt not only survive, they supersede. A compelling author's note at the end helps articulate the author's intent.
A strong recommendation for this graphic novel for middle grade and high school readers. The only weakness is the cliff-hanger leading to Book 2.
April 26, 2018
This is my idea of the perfect graphic novel. A solid plot line, kick ass main characters, and awesome drawings that support the story.
Twins Sam and Wyatt have been on their own since the alien invaders abducted their parents three years earlier. Sam does what she can to obstruct the alien plans and to help the remaining humans. Those left include people too old, too young or too disabled to be of use. Has Wyatt's otherness saved him, will Sam evade the aliens as they return for more humans.
I enjoyed the closeness of Wyatt and Sam. They totally have each others backs, but they still squabble and disagree. I was caught up in the story and disappointed when I reached the last page. The story continues in Last pick: Born to Run.
I received and advanced reader copy of this book from First Second Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#IndigoEmployee
Twins Sam and Wyatt have been on their own since the alien invaders abducted their parents three years earlier. Sam does what she can to obstruct the alien plans and to help the remaining humans. Those left include people too old, too young or too disabled to be of use. Has Wyatt's otherness saved him, will Sam evade the aliens as they return for more humans.
I enjoyed the closeness of Wyatt and Sam. They totally have each others backs, but they still squabble and disagree. I was caught up in the story and disappointed when I reached the last page. The story continues in Last pick: Born to Run.
I received and advanced reader copy of this book from First Second Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#IndigoEmployee
January 25, 2021
I really enjoyed the premise of this story, but it just dragged for me and I personally didn't like the artwork. The relationship between Sam and Wyatt was great, and Wyatt (who I believe was neurodivergent) is a genuinely fun character.
This is absolutely perfect for middle-grade readers because it treats the subject matter as serious (like, a death is implied, a lil harsh language such as skank, retarded, etc) without the gritty-I-eat-rocks-for-breakfast direness.
I usually don't read dystopian stories, but I would be interested in a vol 2.
This is absolutely perfect for middle-grade readers because it treats the subject matter as serious (like, a death is implied, a lil harsh language such as skank, retarded, etc) without the gritty-I-eat-rocks-for-breakfast direness.
I usually don't read dystopian stories, but I would be interested in a vol 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews