Lastman

Lastman is a French-language graphic novel series created by Bastien Vivès, Michaël Sanlaville, and Balak. It blends elements of fantasy, martial arts, and coming-of-age drama and has developed a substantial international following. The work began as a serialized project and has since been published in multiple volumes, with editions released in several countries and languages.

The story is set in a harsh, fictional world where young fighters compete in a brutal, televised tournament. It follows a rising competitor as he trains, forms alliances, and navigates the pressures of mentorship, rivalries, and the moral complexities of violence within a sport-like crucible and a broader political landscape. The narrative combines personal growth with high-stakes action, exploring themes such as identity, friendship, power, and the consequences of competition.

The artwork is frequently praised for its kinetic fight sequences and cinematic panel layouts, which emphasize movement and rhythm. The collaboration among the three creators yields a distinctive blend of European graphic-novel sensibilities with manga-influenced pacing, resulting in dynamic and expressive storytelling.

Impact and legacy: Lastman has contributed to the visibility of contemporary Franco-Belgian comics on the international stage and has influenced a generation of artists with its approach to action storytelling and character development. It remains associated with its core creators and is often cited in discussions of modern European comics that fuse fantasy, sport, and youth coming-of-age narratives.