Brian K. Vaughan Instagram – Okay, this is the definition of weird, so please stick with me. Growing up, @alfredyankovic could not have been a bigger inspiration. I saw “UHF” in the theaters three times (“Spatula City” is one of the most perfect pieces of comedy ever), and the “Off the Deep End” tour was one of my first (and to this day, greatest) live concert experiences. Despite Al’s importance in my upbringing, I don’t think I ever name-checked him in any of my comics’ many dopey pop-culture references. Nevertheless, cut to 2020, when the tv adaptations of both Y: THE LAST MAN and PAPER GIRLS were deep in development with two completely different sets of writers for two completely different networks, and yet, on the exact same day, I received first drafts in my inbox for different episodes of Y and Paper Girls, and was beyond floored to discover that they improbably both shared the exact same title: “WEIRD AL IS DEAD” (which has very different meanings in each series). I immediately reached out to all showrunners involved, who were a) appropriately blown away by this cosmic coincidence, and b) in agreement that both shows should keep this title, which they each somehow arrived at completely independently. But I want to make it very clear that everyone involved in these series is extremely grateful that Mr. Yankovic is decidedly NOT DEAD, and I pray that he’ll accept this admittedly morbid double tribute as a testament to his cultural immortality and undying influence on multiple generations of diverse creators. I love you, Al, and I can’t wait to see your upcoming biopic, which I sincerely hope doesn’t end with you and/or your accordion in a casket. #WEIRDTheAlYankovicStory #PaperGirls #YLivesOn