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East Of West Compendium
This is the world. It is not the one we wanted, but it is the one we deserve. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse roam the Earth, signaling the End Times for humanity, and our best hope for life, lies in DEATH. Collecting all ten volumes of the critically acclaimed, New York Times-bestselling series into one massive paperback, this compendium tells the entire story of the epic sci-fi/Western EAST OF WEST by writer JONATHAN HICKMAN and artist NICK DRAGOTTA.
Collects EAST OF WEST #1-45
Collects EAST OF WEST #1-45
Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
59 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,221 books2,028 followersJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 29, 2025
it's so good that no words could do this justice, for the best words are written within it's script.
July 14, 2025
Hickman at his finest. A beautiful mash up of Game of Thrones, science fiction and spaghetti westerns. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was this invested in a comic, masterpiece.
June 16, 2025
The absolute best comic series I've ever read. The writing, art, world building, everything is just top notch.
August 31, 2025
Thank GOD I bought the compendium and didn’t shell out an absurd amount of money for the OOP 3 hardcover editions of this garbage. This is my introduction to Hickman. I decided to read his “critically acclaimed” stand alone first before diving into his work on X-Men, Avengers and Fantastic Four. Now I never listen to critics, good or bad… but in this case, it’s either of two things…either the most convulsive your comic reads makes it seem like you’re onto something (Grant Morrison) OR I’m just not that smart and this seemed like a different language to me. I developed zero attachment to zero characters in this story. I didn’t care for a single thing to happen next as I turned the pages, as a matter of fact…I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I kept telling myself that this must be a slow burn and it’s going to get magnificent anytime
now but unfortunately, that time never came for me. The ending was just as miserable. It’s as if Hickman said to himself, “let me deliver the most boring comic of all time, filled with four horsemen, Babylon, native Americans, black folks, Texas rednecks, Asians and a Lone Ranger and end this drivel with reminding everyone how important “Love” is.” The oldest fable in the world. The cheapest cop out to any story…Love.
This wasn’t for me.
now but unfortunately, that time never came for me. The ending was just as miserable. It’s as if Hickman said to himself, “let me deliver the most boring comic of all time, filled with four horsemen, Babylon, native Americans, black folks, Texas rednecks, Asians and a Lone Ranger and end this drivel with reminding everyone how important “Love” is.” The oldest fable in the world. The cheapest cop out to any story…Love.
This wasn’t for me.
June 23, 2025
The world is incredible, the characters are creative and there are a few moments in the book that I thought were incredibly well done.
On the other hand, I found the overall narrative less than compelling. I found many of the characters unlikable, but not in a compelling way. The horsemen were just evil until the end with War’s relationship to death being revealed. That was an interesting dynamic! Everyone in the story wants revenge for something, but if the books narrative arc is the power of love, wouldn’t it have been more interesting to contrast the positive and negative power of love, rather than keep that to the end?
Other characters like Chamberline were interesting but just a little over done? He spoke so much! Everything was a speech, but I could already see from the way he played the game that he was a dirty scheming devil. I didn’t need him to tell me that over and over again. I also haven’t decided on if I found his death all that satisfying? I don’t mind that he dies or the way he died, but I don’t like that he “missed.” The gambler doesn’t die from a bad hand, he dies from making one bet too many.
Bel Solomon was wasted, John Freeman was useless and then wasted, The Ranger was my favorite character despite doing very little.
Antonia LeVay was actually one of my least favorite characters that ultimately led to my favorite moment of the entire book. She was the embodiment of the cruel dictator and got a dictator’s death. It felt earned, well set up with the Wolf’s speech on burning leaders and plain satisfying. I hated her as a character, and rooted for her downfall. Even though I disliked her so much, that was more compelling than many other characters.
Ultimately, I’d recommend with reservations. Maybe one day if this becomes a show, I’d hope they focus in on a few of the characters and make them more individually compelling. The world is fantastic, the story just felt unfinished.
On the other hand, I found the overall narrative less than compelling. I found many of the characters unlikable, but not in a compelling way. The horsemen were just evil until the end with War’s relationship to death being revealed. That was an interesting dynamic! Everyone in the story wants revenge for something, but if the books narrative arc is the power of love, wouldn’t it have been more interesting to contrast the positive and negative power of love, rather than keep that to the end?
Other characters like Chamberline were interesting but just a little over done? He spoke so much! Everything was a speech, but I could already see from the way he played the game that he was a dirty scheming devil. I didn’t need him to tell me that over and over again. I also haven’t decided on if I found his death all that satisfying? I don’t mind that he dies or the way he died, but I don’t like that he “missed.” The gambler doesn’t die from a bad hand, he dies from making one bet too many.
Bel Solomon was wasted, John Freeman was useless and then wasted, The Ranger was my favorite character despite doing very little.
Antonia LeVay was actually one of my least favorite characters that ultimately led to my favorite moment of the entire book. She was the embodiment of the cruel dictator and got a dictator’s death. It felt earned, well set up with the Wolf’s speech on burning leaders and plain satisfying. I hated her as a character, and rooted for her downfall. Even though I disliked her so much, that was more compelling than many other characters.
Ultimately, I’d recommend with reservations. Maybe one day if this becomes a show, I’d hope they focus in on a few of the characters and make them more individually compelling. The world is fantastic, the story just felt unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
Whoa! Has Hickman truly just become my favorite author? He's been number two for a long time, but sorry Grant, Jonathan is taking the top spot.
East of West is probably the best comic book I've ever read, and anyone who wants more from a comic than just an action blast should pick up this work. It's a deeply philosophical matter that spans biblical themes (the apocalypse itself is, after all, the number one theme), political machinations, revenge, intrigue, emotions, all the way to extreme violence and merciless cruelty. And yet, none of it is just for shock value; everything has its place and justification. Hickmans worldbuilding is pure perfection!
I'm not going to reveal much of the story because I don't really have to, and it's best if you enjoy it the way I did. When I bought this Compendium, all I knew about the story was that Hickman wrote it. But if I have to reveal at least something, I'll say this much: we follow Death - one of the biblical Horsemen of the Apocalypse - in his search for his son, whom he had with the daughter of the ruler of one of the factions into which this futuristic USA is divided. And all of this unfolds against the backdrop of an approaching, spectacular war between these factions. On top of that, we get a bizarre religious cult obsessed with the apocalypse, and... you know what? Stop! There is still so much more, and everything is so incredibly cool and well-thought-out, and I certainly don't want to spoil the experience of discovering it for yourselves.
I'll also mention that genre-wise, we get dystopian sci-fi combined with western and manga. Yes, the monsters, the weapons, and the bloody aesthetic of the fights are clearly more than just inspired by manga. Maybe that's one of the reasons for the name East of West :) I don't know if this is Hickman's or Dragotta's vindication, but in any case, it fits perfectly!
What to say in conclusion? East of West is a complex work, a perfect comic book that should not be missing from the collection of any lover of not only sci-fi, comics, and westerns but of quality and intelligent stories overall. What are you waiting for? Go buy this comic right away, and I can't wait to dive into it again and discover things that the first reading certainly couldn't reveal to me.
East of West is probably the best comic book I've ever read, and anyone who wants more from a comic than just an action blast should pick up this work. It's a deeply philosophical matter that spans biblical themes (the apocalypse itself is, after all, the number one theme), political machinations, revenge, intrigue, emotions, all the way to extreme violence and merciless cruelty. And yet, none of it is just for shock value; everything has its place and justification. Hickmans worldbuilding is pure perfection!
I'm not going to reveal much of the story because I don't really have to, and it's best if you enjoy it the way I did. When I bought this Compendium, all I knew about the story was that Hickman wrote it. But if I have to reveal at least something, I'll say this much: we follow Death - one of the biblical Horsemen of the Apocalypse - in his search for his son, whom he had with the daughter of the ruler of one of the factions into which this futuristic USA is divided. And all of this unfolds against the backdrop of an approaching, spectacular war between these factions. On top of that, we get a bizarre religious cult obsessed with the apocalypse, and... you know what? Stop! There is still so much more, and everything is so incredibly cool and well-thought-out, and I certainly don't want to spoil the experience of discovering it for yourselves.
I'll also mention that genre-wise, we get dystopian sci-fi combined with western and manga. Yes, the monsters, the weapons, and the bloody aesthetic of the fights are clearly more than just inspired by manga. Maybe that's one of the reasons for the name East of West :) I don't know if this is Hickman's or Dragotta's vindication, but in any case, it fits perfectly!
What to say in conclusion? East of West is a complex work, a perfect comic book that should not be missing from the collection of any lover of not only sci-fi, comics, and westerns but of quality and intelligent stories overall. What are you waiting for? Go buy this comic right away, and I can't wait to dive into it again and discover things that the first reading certainly couldn't reveal to me.
May 23, 2025
East of West: The End Times, Compendium by Jonathan Hickman
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
My cousin Jonathan Hickman (actually ‘second-cousin once removed’ on my father’s side; but don't assume I'm biased) has created something utterly unforgettable in East of West. This isn’t just a graphic novel—it’s a post-apocalyptic, pseudo-biblical, sci-fi, dystopian, horror-laced, oriental-western epic. That’s a mouthful, but it’s the only way to begin to describe the ambition and brilliance of this work.
Set in a world reshaped by an alternate history and bound together by an apocryphal prophecy, the story follows the reincarnated Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the sprawling web of dynasties and political powers bent on fulfilling—or thwarting—the end of the world. At the heart of it all is Death himself, reimagined as a pale, gunslinging anti-hero who rides a mechanical, alien, headless-cannon horse. It sounds insane—and it is. But it’s also poetic, mythic, and deeply human.
What makes East of West stand out is not just its sheer originality, but the way it deftly weaves together politics, economics, law, tribal identity, religion, magic, and existential dread. Every page feels like a confrontation with archetypes and worldviews, played out in blood and fire. It is ghastly, yes—but also enthralling.
As the narrative arcs rise and converge, the story gathers a gravity that pulls the reader into an unforgettable conclusion. And what an ending it is: not just the best final showdown I’ve read in a comic—but in any story, across any medium. Amid the chaos and horror, Hickman surprises us with a conclusion that’s astonishing in its simplicity and profundity: Love wins.
East of West is a tale of redemption in its purest form. Phenomenally epic, shockingly imaginative, and emotionally resonant—it’s a series that demands to be read, and then read again. Well done, Cuz. Truly well done.
…..
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
My cousin Jonathan Hickman (actually ‘second-cousin once removed’ on my father’s side; but don't assume I'm biased) has created something utterly unforgettable in East of West. This isn’t just a graphic novel—it’s a post-apocalyptic, pseudo-biblical, sci-fi, dystopian, horror-laced, oriental-western epic. That’s a mouthful, but it’s the only way to begin to describe the ambition and brilliance of this work.
Set in a world reshaped by an alternate history and bound together by an apocryphal prophecy, the story follows the reincarnated Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the sprawling web of dynasties and political powers bent on fulfilling—or thwarting—the end of the world. At the heart of it all is Death himself, reimagined as a pale, gunslinging anti-hero who rides a mechanical, alien, headless-cannon horse. It sounds insane—and it is. But it’s also poetic, mythic, and deeply human.
What makes East of West stand out is not just its sheer originality, but the way it deftly weaves together politics, economics, law, tribal identity, religion, magic, and existential dread. Every page feels like a confrontation with archetypes and worldviews, played out in blood and fire. It is ghastly, yes—but also enthralling.
As the narrative arcs rise and converge, the story gathers a gravity that pulls the reader into an unforgettable conclusion. And what an ending it is: not just the best final showdown I’ve read in a comic—but in any story, across any medium. Amid the chaos and horror, Hickman surprises us with a conclusion that’s astonishing in its simplicity and profundity: Love wins.
East of West is a tale of redemption in its purest form. Phenomenally epic, shockingly imaginative, and emotionally resonant—it’s a series that demands to be read, and then read again. Well done, Cuz. Truly well done.
…..
September 26, 2025
3,5/5*
Vizual, cartea e fenomenală. Poate să stea oricând lângă monumente precum Kingdom Come sau Marvels, sau orice alt titlu care a impresionat vreodată lumea asta.
Premiza poveștii, mitologia și world-building-ul sunt și ele foarte faine, cărnoase și inventive, și o recomand, în ciuda rating-ului nu chiar perfect.
Probleme am avut însă cu:
- lungimea: are 1300 (!) de pagini - puteau tăia o treime fără probleme, sunt foarte multe panouri și de fapt chiar pagini în care nu se întâmplă nimic, e o risipă enormă de spațiu pentru chestii repetitive.
- mulțimea de personaje negative care diluează practic puterea și amenințarea unui antagonist în 20 de direcții care par (și chiar sunt) mult mai dezamăgitoare.
- punctul culminant: după 1300 de pagini de vorbit și filosofat totul se reduce la o serie de dueluri mortale, care, deși foarte impresionante, le-am simțit anticlimactice și m-au lăsat cumva dorind mai mult. Nemaivorbind de faptul că după aceleași 1300 de pagini de nihilism și cinism feroce, concluzia poveștii e că... iubirea va salva mereu lumea.
I mean...
Vizual, cartea e fenomenală. Poate să stea oricând lângă monumente precum Kingdom Come sau Marvels, sau orice alt titlu care a impresionat vreodată lumea asta.
Premiza poveștii, mitologia și world-building-ul sunt și ele foarte faine, cărnoase și inventive, și o recomand, în ciuda rating-ului nu chiar perfect.
Probleme am avut însă cu:
- lungimea: are 1300 (!) de pagini - puteau tăia o treime fără probleme, sunt foarte multe panouri și de fapt chiar pagini în care nu se întâmplă nimic, e o risipă enormă de spațiu pentru chestii repetitive.
- mulțimea de personaje negative care diluează practic puterea și amenințarea unui antagonist în 20 de direcții care par (și chiar sunt) mult mai dezamăgitoare.
- punctul culminant: după 1300 de pagini de vorbit și filosofat totul se reduce la o serie de dueluri mortale, care, deși foarte impresionante, le-am simțit anticlimactice și m-au lăsat cumva dorind mai mult. Nemaivorbind de faptul că după aceleași 1300 de pagini de nihilism și cinism feroce, concluzia poveștii e că... iubirea va salva mereu lumea.
I mean...
June 12, 2025
This was a real treat to read all at once and going in relatively blind on the story front.
I absolutely loved the artwork, and there were numerous pages I could have sat and stared at for ages and the character design was really developed and distinct which helped when navigating such a large group of characters.
This has one of my favourite forms for story telling where you are kinda just dropped into the story and things get revealed as they go along. I read the first two books worth in breakneck speed but the last one took me a little longer.
I would agree with some of the other reviews here that the ending didn’t quite live up to the expectations that had been created and the last 4 issues or so could have been expanded. But it doesn’t really take away from the magnitude of this work. Definitely something I will read again.
I absolutely loved the artwork, and there were numerous pages I could have sat and stared at for ages and the character design was really developed and distinct which helped when navigating such a large group of characters.
This has one of my favourite forms for story telling where you are kinda just dropped into the story and things get revealed as they go along. I read the first two books worth in breakneck speed but the last one took me a little longer.
I would agree with some of the other reviews here that the ending didn’t quite live up to the expectations that had been created and the last 4 issues or so could have been expanded. But it doesn’t really take away from the magnitude of this work. Definitely something I will read again.
June 30, 2025
The world building and the different genres utilised made this a really interesting read. I was engaged with a lot of the characters and none of the storylines felt like dead weight which gave this an epic feel. Hickman is one of my favourite comic book writers and I feel this is one of the best examples of his work outside of the big 2. I do feel like the ending was a little quick, although plot points were tied up, I would have found it more satisfying to maybe give it an extra 5 issues to take it all in. Would be a 4.5 if goodreads allowed it, only dropping 0.5 due to the haste of the ending
June 10, 2025
Jonathan Hickman is the best. This was such a a great read and an excellent example of "show, don't tell". The story is interesting and told in a way that only Hickman could do. You spend half the book wondering if you should be rooting for anyone and then the next half deciding to root against most. If you like sci-fi/fantasy/westerns/good comics read this.
Side note: I had so much fun rooting against the Union's President. She is the fucking worst.
Side note: I had so much fun rooting against the Union's President. She is the fucking worst.
June 29, 2025
A complex, carefully paced saga of revenge and fate, set in a fractured future America. The story follows Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, on a personal mission, while nations scheme and a doomsday cult pushes the world toward its end. The focused writing blends sci-fi and western influences with strong world-building, while the dynamic art delivers striking character designs and sweeping, open landscapes.
August 31, 2025
The protagonist was a bit of a blowhard letdown. Almost all the supporting characters were better. One of the better villains in comics/graphic novels, who's kinda one step ahead most of the time (until he conveniently isn't).
I don't get the hype though. Epic feel to the story, but it'll be a while before I revisit this.
I don't get the hype though. Epic feel to the story, but it'll be a while before I revisit this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
I would not be surprised if this is remembered as both Jonathan Hickman's and Nick Dragotta's masterpiece. A truly epic sci-fi/fantasy western, every page is the most bad-ass thing you've ever read or seen. A thousand plus page struggle against nihilism.
November 2, 2025
Jonathan Hickman is so good at big, lofty science fiction ideas and this might be his best. I’m not sure it sticks the landing but the journey is so good and just bursting with high concept fun that it almost doesn’t matter how the story finishes.
November 11, 2025
Waanzinnig boek, helaas verkracht door mijn leesgedrag. Veel te lang over gedaan waardoor het tempo er wat uit viel. Ben benieuwd of dit zich ooit laat vertalen naar tv. Game of Thrones directed by David Cronenberg.
April 7, 2025
East of West Comic Series
Volumes 1-6: 5 stars, 2018
Volumes 7-10: 4 stars, 2020
Volumes 1-6: 5 stars, 2018
Volumes 7-10: 4 stars, 2020
June 9, 2025
Incredibly fun to read and such a cool aesthetic/world. Wish it had stuck the landing a bit more but truly was an EPIC.
June 23, 2025
The/A great American (graphic) novel?
September 22, 2025
Amazing world building, great characters, great dialogue, great story and breathtaking art.
It's tough not to fall in love with this book.
Can't wait to read more of the author and the artist.
It's tough not to fall in love with this book.
Can't wait to read more of the author and the artist.
September 30, 2025
Beautiful and captivating, but ultimately a little too near and feels a little too safe.
October 13, 2025
It is excellent, chef’s kiss. The tangled web of multiple interests, ideas, goals and actions — exquisite. <3
October 23, 2025
Damn, this is a fantastic series. I'll admit, I wanted a little more depth and maybe a little more oomph on the emotional end of it all, but still a damn good read.
December 15, 2025
A masterpiece. Plain and simple.
August 9, 2025
East of West is a work of art that just lives inside one’s head for a while and refuses to leave. Despite the pacing of this comic’s narrative sometimes falling flat, its characters and world-building are unparalleled. At the time of this review, Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta are both dominating comics with Ultimate Spider-Man and Absolute Batman respectively, but East of West shows that they don’t need iconic characters to create a hit.
July 15, 2025
So, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse walk into a bar…no, really. That’s how this starts.
I could no doubt write a lengthy review, but - unlike this mammoth compendium - I’ll try and keep things concise.
For most of my time with this Graphic Novel I thought it was going to be a pretty solid 4-star read for sure, but upon completion I feel the 3 star review I’ve given it here is measured and fair.
The artwork, the world and its lore are all really good, and it starts out well managing to maintain a solid, even pace for most of its pagination. But despite its meaty backstory and the prolonged, steady build-up, it just doesn’t pay-off, feeling very rushed in its final act, and [being mindful of spoilers], it left me feeling it was all for nought to be quite honest. It also left me questioning some major plot-holes with regards a couple of character arcs - one being particularly egregious considering what they supposedly represent.
To surmise: after all that, it was a pretty disappointing let-down after the time and commitment one is required to put into it.
One for hardcore graphic novel fans only, as it asks a lot of you for it to not stick the landing at its end.
I could no doubt write a lengthy review, but - unlike this mammoth compendium - I’ll try and keep things concise.
For most of my time with this Graphic Novel I thought it was going to be a pretty solid 4-star read for sure, but upon completion I feel the 3 star review I’ve given it here is measured and fair.
The artwork, the world and its lore are all really good, and it starts out well managing to maintain a solid, even pace for most of its pagination. But despite its meaty backstory and the prolonged, steady build-up, it just doesn’t pay-off, feeling very rushed in its final act, and [being mindful of spoilers], it left me feeling it was all for nought to be quite honest. It also left me questioning some major plot-holes with regards a couple of character arcs - one being particularly egregious considering what they supposedly represent.
To surmise: after all that, it was a pretty disappointing let-down after the time and commitment one is required to put into it.
One for hardcore graphic novel fans only, as it asks a lot of you for it to not stick the landing at its end.
March 7, 2025
Exceptional
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews