Last Gang in Town #6 – Comic Review and Analysis
Genre
Last Gang in Town blends punk crime drama, dark comedy, and satirical sci-fi elements. Set against the backdrop of anarchist counterculture and rebellion, it satirizes both modern society and the idea of legacy through a crime-laced narrative.
Main Characters
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Joey – A cynical but resourceful member of the gang, shaped by years of schemes and betrayals.
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Alex – The strategist of the group, known for her calculating nature and strong moral conflicts.
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Billy – The wild card with a knack for chaos and unpredictability.
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Ava – The long-deceased but still manipulative original ringleader, whose final plan drives the story forward posthumously.
Writer
Simon Oliver, known for his sharp, irreverent storytelling (The Exterminators, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics), delivers a unique blend of nihilistic humor and cultural critique in this series.
Artist
Rufus Dayglo brings a raw, vibrant energy to the page, heavily influenced by punk aesthetics. His expressive linework and gritty detailing evoke the underground zine art style, perfectly capturing the anti-establishment tone.
Editor Details
Edited by Jamie S. Rich, whose oversight ensured the narrative’s cohesion across six issues while maintaining Vertigo’s legacy of mature and experimental storytelling.
Publisher and Brand
Published under Vertigo Comics, an imprint of DC Comics, known for its boundary-pushing titles. This series continues Vertigo’s tradition of mature, subversive content that challenges norms and genre expectations.
Release Year
The final issue, Last Gang in Town #6, was released in 2016, completing the limited six-issue run.
Brief Plot Summary
Set decades after their heyday in the 1970s, the story jumps to 2018, where the gang is fractured, disillusioned, and seemingly washed-up. However, a message from beyond the grave by their deceased mentor Ava reignites their criminal spark. Her final scheme? A heist that transcends time, space, and conventional crime—requiring them to go into orbit for the ultimate score of the 21st century. Blending surreal twists with hedonistic rebellion, the finale brings punk rock ethos into a futuristic playground.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"Ava’s Last Score" – The overarching storyline across the series, culminating in the cosmic-scale heist in issue #6.
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"Back in the Gutter Again" – A subplot exploring the gang’s psychological unraveling and the legacy of past misdeeds, focusing on themes of manipulation and loyalty.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some readers interpret Ava’s posthumous manipulation as a metaphor for the lingering influence of radical ideologies and how youth movements are commodified or corrupted over time. Another theory posits that the entire final heist is a hallucination, symbolizing the characters' descent into madness or their inability to let go of the past.
Review Summary
Last Gang in Town #6 delivers a fittingly chaotic and stylish finale. Simon Oliver’s script is razor-sharp, filled with nihilistic humor, cultural references, and a defiant spirit. Rufus Dayglo’s art explodes with punk energy—raw, dirty, and kinetic. The characters, though larger than life, retain emotional weight, especially in the way their aging, regrets, and lost idealism are portrayed. While not for all tastes, it’s a bold and distinctive comic that rewards readers who enjoy subversive storytelling and offbeat visuals.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
