East of West: The Apocalypse, Year One

East of West #1-3

by Jonathan Hickman (Writer), Nick Dragotta (Artist), Frank Martin (Colourist)

This is the world. It is not the one we wanted, but it is the one we deserved. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse roam the Earth, signaling the End Times for humanity, and our best hope for life, lies in DEATH!

The over-sized prestige collection of the First Year of the Apocalypse.

Collecting: East of West 1-15

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Westerns

504 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2015

About the author

Jonathan 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

Reviews

[Artemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hickman’s magnum opus, East of West is a brilliant mix of everything the author is known for — big, complex mythology, intricate worldbuilding, epic scale and sense of grandness, religious motifs, and of course themes of death and apocalypse. You’ll either love it or hate it, and I’m firmly in the “love it” corner — sure, I won’t pretend I understand everything that’s going on here, I do occasionally get lost in endless weird characters and their relationships, but the world and the mythology are so compelling to me that I am completely in for the ride, wherever Hickman decides to take it. Nick Dragotta‘s stunning artwork doesn’t hurt, either.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread. Discovered this beautiful omnibus edition hardcover at the library.

An alternate version of the world where the Union lost the Civil War and three of the four horseman are trying to bring about the apocalypse. Death has been locked away for 10 years and is now looking for revenge and his son. The Chosen meanwhile are high up in each of the respective North American governments and are working covertly with the other 3 horsemen to end the world. Hickman's world-building skills are second to none.

The Good: Boy, Nick Dragotta proved me wrong with this book. I've never cared for his art before, but he's really grown. The art and coloring are brilliant. This may be Hickman's best work, it's right up there with his run on Fantastic Four.

The Bad: There's a lot of cast to juggle here. But somehow Hickman makes it work. I guess I'm enthralled enough that I can remember everyone.

The Ugly: The World one shot at the end of the book actually gives away plot points that haven't happened yet in the story up to this point. It's just background data on each of the nations, I would suggest skipping it.

[The Lion's Share · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book and fantastic artwork. So crisp and colourful with tidy outlines and bold colours.

The story gets going at the end. As with most Hickman stories, I'm intrigued. I'd like to see where this goes.

[Blindzider · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm middle of the road on this one.

First of all, there's a little bit of detachment between me and the characters with the exception of Death. I can relate a little to a man wanting to find his son. Everyone else just doesn't seem that human so it's a little hard for me to really be vested in it.

I was also a little lost when it comes to the overall state of the country in this setting. In this Hardcover there is some bonus material that helps explain some of it (with some spoilers). I kind of wish I had read that first.

The art isn't bad. I kind of like it and it fits. The book definitely has a different feel for it. It'll be awhile before the next hardcover so that will give me time to think about this one and maybe read it again.

[Wick Welker · Rating 5 out of 5]

East of West is good for many reasons but its foremost strength is the story telling. Hickman does a masterful job of starting a story right in the middle of an epic. He then gradually grounds the reader by engaging them in brief, yet revelatory flashbacks. I don't think this approach always works, but it definitely does in East of West. The reader immediately wants to know whats going on in this world of altered American history fable. The characters have clear motivations, the political intrigue is engrossing and the plot is really well paced. The art is beautiful and highly imaginative.

There is a small inconsistency with the character of Death. He's enormously powerful (able to destroy whole armies in minutes) yet he's vexed by the Three Horseman. I'm not sure why this is and it's not clear yet why he doesn't easily overcome his conflicts.

At any rate, this is an excellent read. I'll be getting the next edition.

[Relstuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eclectic post modern ethic riven alternate history future. ;)

I've really enjoyed Hickman's Marvel writing. Secret Warriors, Shield, New Avengers, and his Fantastic Four has all been well done. His plotting has depth many comic book writers struggle to create and maintain and his characterizations of Marvel heroes and villains has been pretty fair to the core of who the characters are.

Here Hickman can spread his wings and write whatever and however he wants. He chooses a world on its way to Armageddon. It's a future earth but one with a very different past than ours. North America is split into 7 factions and Hickman weaves their entry into a war, along with the behind the scenes manipulations of a cult with some real magic, very violent three of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse reborn in the bodies of children, and Death in Human adult male form as his main characters. It's a large cast of characters but Hickman handles giving them enough time and attention while moving the story along with aplomb.

The art work has an Manga flair to it but works well. There are some very excellent layout sections I had to pause to admire.

It's a dark cruel world and oddly enough, after 15 issues I'm still not 100% sure I love it. But I'm intrigued enough to stick with it. If internet rumor is to be believed, this is the first of three hardcovers. Now for the long wait for the next volume....

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I want more graphic novels like EAST OF WEST. It stands apart from most of the releases and awes with a futuristic/sci-fi Western feel. From the illustrations to the writing, it delivers BIG TIME. So, if you're looking for a genre-bending, character-driven story about the apocalypse, it's here. And it's great.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that I enjoyed this a whole hell of a lot!! The story is a different take on the Four Horsemen and the Apocalypse and what the world would be like if they actually roamed the earth! The plot of the story starts off with a bang and continue full speed ahead. I don't think the plot ever really slowed down except maybe to give a little incite to characters backgrounds and how they got where they are currently!! Jonathan Hickman story is awesome but Nick Dragotta's art is spectacular and is made even more wonderful with the help of colorist Frank Martin!! I cannot wait to continue on with this series in the future! Also I highly highly recommend the deluxe edition because it is so worth it and to see all the extras in the back like rough sketches, story panels, and author notes is worth every penny!!!!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads so much better collected! It's also been that long since I last read it that i don't remember much of the earlier stuff.

[Dávid Novotný · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for whole series:

Jonathan Hickman wanted to write love story so he wrote East of West... Epic 'western' in alternative states of America, which are everything but united. Technology is mixing with myths, politics, intrigues, schemes in schemes, revenge, violence and war. At the end it's all about apocalypse, end of the world and...

Despite the Hickman's writing is not easy in some parts, it was hell of a ride. Present is mixing with past, and sometimes you'll be lost. But after a while it will start to make a sense. At least some things:) Given the fact how many lines runs though the books, and how many various themes are used hats off to Hickman. He managed to put everything together at the end, even though there are some issues that felt like series is loosing the pace, but then he hits the pedal and we are running again at top speed.

It probably wouldn't be soo good without stunning visual made by Nick Dragotta and colorist Frank Martin Jr. I loved the art, I loved the colors. Although it maybe looks simple and not very detailed it suits the fast pace of the book. Characters are well designed, and sceneries can transport you to America just in second. Paneling keeps you hooked up as it varies depending of the pace and needed focus. SFX represented as panels on some pages were also cool and nice touch.

Over and all, great, unusual series, that keeps you hooked from first to last page.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is as if a Wild West story and a high sci-fi story had a baby. The Four Horsemen have returned. However, one of them, Death, is not among them. He has left and went on his own journey. The remaining 3 decide to find him and kill him and then the rest of the world. The history of America is a little different here. The country has been split into a few different factions. The Union, the Confederacy, Texas, The Nation ( Native Americans), The Kingdom down in Louisiana, and the Asians have the west coast as the Pra. Then there is the Chosen who want to bring about the Apocalypse. Like some of Hickman’s other works, this was very high concept that I was barely keeping up with in the beginning. But the more I read, the more it slowly stated to come together and by the end I found myself really interested in the out come of some of these sorry beats. Like what Death is looking for and the things he comes across on this journey and seeing him deal with the finish line constantly being moved on him. The Ranger who has been brought out of retirement to take out the Chosen and all the factions being manipulated into going to war with each other. And most of all, the newly named Babylon character. Nick Dragotta does a helluva job bring all of this to life with his amazing art. Very excited now to see where we go from here with vol 2.

[Javier Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy buen comic, con ideas diferentes, personajes memorables y un mundo muy original que dan muchas ganas de seguir explorando.

Quiero hablar en primer lugar de esta edición que es una delicia.... 15 episodios completos en buen papel satinado. como extra tenemos parte del especial "east of west: the world" (es la única pega que le veo, que en el especial original había una pequeña historia, intrascendente argumentalmente, que en este volumen no está) que nos explica al detalle las diferentes facciones y la cronología histórica del mundo creado por hickman. además incluye diseños de portadas, ilustraciones de dragotta y el script completo del primer episodio.

ahora al lio porque hay mucha tela que cortar, east of west es una especie de ucronia fantastica pasada de vueltas que cuenta una historia alternativa en la que la guerra de secesión americana se alarga durante más de 20 años al tiempo que aparecen dos profetas (uno confederado y otro indio), tras un gran desastre que se explica como la caída de un meteorito se llega a un acuerdo entre las diferentes facciones que termina con la división de norte américa en 7 naciones, mientras que los dos profetas antes mencionados redactan cada uno por su lado sus profecias que junto con una tercera parte creada años después componen "el mensaje" un texto religioso que nadie sabe descifrar pero que tiene algo que ver con el fin del mundo (no digo ningún spoiler porque todo esto se explica en las 10 primeras paginas).

y así, unos 150 años después de los primeros sucesos diferentes a lo que ocurrió en nuestro mundo, nos plantamos en una ambientación irreconocible con unas naciones ya establecidas: el reino de los antiguos esclavos en nueva orleans, la unión en washington, los confederados en savannah, la nación india (ultra avanzados tecnológicamente) en dakota, la república de texas, armisticio (donde se custodia el mensaje) y la PRA (people's republic of américa) formada por exiliados chinos en california.

a esto le añadimos los jinetes del apocalipsis, entre ellos la muerte que tiene un hijo con la lider de una de las naciones, ciborgs, cowboys sobre caballos mecánicos, enjendros demoniacos que parecen sacados de la mente de lovecraft, elegidos indignos, brujos indios y androides tambien indios, política, religión, misticismo, guerra entre las naciones y sobretodo, un plan para llegar al fin del mundo y tenemos east of west... como digo algo diferente y original, y muy bien hecho.

El dibujo a cargo de Nick dragotta me parece espectacular, utiliza muy bien los colores para definir la personalidad de los personajes (hay personajes que son blancos, rojos, azules, amarillos, negros... sin tener nada que ver con la raza sino que parece como un reflejo del alma) así como la sensación que quiere transmitir con determinados ambientes; emplea viñetas muy grandes que dejan ver las ilustraciones en todo su esplendor, no se esmera demasiado con los fondos pero a cambio crea paisajes espectaculares cuando hace falta... me llama la atención que cuando tiene que dibujar flashbacks, sueños, recuerdos... le da a su dibujo una calidad especial, como menos nítida, más nebulosa, que se advierte y se reconoce enseguida, otros dibujantes se limitan a encuadrar la viñeta en forma de nube y andando.

En resumen, East of West me parece una obra muy original, muy cuidada por sus autores y con ediciones como esta es una delicia disfrutarla, estoy deseando seguir la historia, aunque toca aguantar hasta que salga el próximo tomo recopilatorio... ya van por el número 27, así que me tendré que esperar al menos hasta el verano... no se si podré.

[11811 (Eleven) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depicting the four horsemen of the apocalypse as comic book villains is an awesome idea but it didn't pan out. I lost interest halfway through.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like having sex the first time. It's fast, it's messy and in the throes of bodies smashed and thrust together you're bound to miss some things. But at the end you're left confused, perplexed, but unabashedly certain that whatever transpired in those brief explosive moments was worth holding onto, worth pursuing again and again and again.

It teases you, tosses you bones while staring you in the eyes, smugly certain that even with these simple scraps you have been made a slave. It's the end of the world. A pesky, messy business drowning in imagination. Every panel, every utterance, no matter how imperfect, reflects something brilliant, something hindered only by the limits of the medium in which it expresses itself. It's a tempest of blood, love, and loss that sticks between your teeth.

East of West. North of West. It doesn't matter. It's as topical and true as it is surreal.

"This is the world. It is not the one we were supposed to have, but it's the one we made. We did this. We did it with open eyes and willing hands. We broke it, and there is no putting it back together."

Amen.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

East of West: The Apocalypse, Year One is a collection of the first three volumes of the East of West series, by a variety of authors, graphic artists and so forth, but primarily written by Jonathan Hickman. This graphic novel series takes place in a world where the Confederate States, and the United States, at war during the Civil War, were hit by a devastating comet, and instead of unifying, broke apart into seven nations. The series follows two main factions; one, made up of three of the four horseman of the apocalypse, and the other, Death. The horseman scheme for control over nations, all the enact an apocalyptic end to the human race. They are aided by the followers of the Message; a script that predicts the fabric of reality. Death, on the other hand, is our for revenge. They killed his son, and imprisoned his wife, and he sets out to free her, find out what happened to his son, and kill all of those (Famine, Plague and War included) who tried to bury him.

This is like a weird mash-up of Western, Science Fiction, and post-apocalypse themes, all in one gorgeously animated package. I really enjoyed the style, the action and the illustration in this series so far. Looking forward to the next volumes; this may be a quick read for me and I am enjoying it to the highest level.

[Tomás · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facilmente podría haberle puesto 5 estrellitas, ya que el universo que crea Hickman es excelente y se nota un desborde tremendo de imaginación. Este comic mezcla política, ciencia ficción, tiros de acá para allá, western y un sinfin de conspiraciones entre los personajes. El inconveniente es que durante los primers números, como lector, me sentí un poco confundido. Se nos ubica en este mundo tan particular sin demasiadas explicaciones, solo un par de líneas a modo de explicación y empiezan a aparecer personajes a rolete (los jinetes del apocalipsis, los Chosen, las facciones políticas de cada una de las naciones construídas, etc). Por otro lado la inclusión de esas palabras llamadas The Message, por momentos resulta tortuosa aunque a medida que van pasando los capítulos se va entendiendo más acerca de estos "mensajes" proféticos.

Esto es ciencia ficción de la buena. No es una lectura ligera, hay mucha idea metida, de acá para allá. No digo que sea una obra impenetrable, claro, pero se va tomando su tiempo.

El dibujo acompaña bastante bien, aunque yo hubiera elegido a otro dibujante. Por momentos los diseños de los personajes me resultan algo "feos" (?) y por momentos resultan satisfactorios, sobre todo en las escenas de acción.

En fin, muy recomendable. Pero a prepararse porque es un trabajo denso y con varios temas a rescatar y política a flor de piel que pide análisis tras análisis.

Este tomote reúne los primeros 15 números de la serie regular. A esperar el siguiente con ganas.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing Hickman before you know the end is always a difficult task. Still, the opening salvo (#1-5) of East of West is as incredible a world entry as you’ll find in western apocalyptic comics. *Sixth Gun perks up* Huh, this is a more crowded field then I expected. *cough* As I was saying, this is the best opening of any western apocalyptic sci fi comic...

Hickman, known for slow beginnings as he gets all his plates spinning, has a more focused and precise open and then begins to roll back the drapes. It is an effective hook into the main drama before the intricacies take over.

Hickman’s use of blank pages and page quotations are a genius use of timing. It is as if Hickman has a metronome beating in his head that gives him a supernatural rhythm to his stories. This is not his only use and now he has expanded that to infographs in newer works. But the desolation of a white page fits the world of East of West so well. I should be angry at a blank page, but he is slowing down the reader with particular and unique purpose.

And Dragotta... so Hickman wooed me in his Fantastic Four books a few years back. The challenge with his time on FF were the poor artists. Epting is a good storyteller and I don’t seek to demean him, but when Dragotta showed up, I begged my trade to give me more of his art. And then he became the regular on FF (Future Foundation... I know I already use the acronym for... oh no one reads this far anyway) and there was much rejoicing.

Which is what originally led me to East of West, being a collaboration between these two men who so impressed me with Marvel’s First Family, I wanted to see what kind of world they would build. And it is a whopper.

Can they deliver? I should have a better idea in a day or two... New territory!

I should note that the book is rated at teen+ whereas I would rate it a mature. There is plenty of violence and dismemberment, and some other racy bits. It is not as bad as some, but if Image considers this a teen+, it gives me pause at reading one of their mature titles. *looks cautiously at Black Science*

[OmniBen · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Zero spoiler review)
The art is bland and sterile.
The colours are bland and sterile.
The lettering is bland and sterile.
The only good thing that Jonathan Hickman has ever written is The Black Monday Murders. This isn't The Black Monday Murders. What a phenomenal disappointment. 2/5

[Varun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider this my review of the entire series.

I loved the way it looked, I was thoroughly mystified by the lore and I enjoyed the ride all the way through. It was a good (but not amazing) story with stellar artwork and one of the best comics to evoke a specific type of vibe.

It's a sci-fi western. I mean cmon, that's fucking cool.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent opening to the series and although it is confusing at times, once you just let yourself experience the story, it’s a ride well worth taking!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! My first proper read of Hickman's work and it's just fantastic. It took me a bit to figure out what was happening, but the narrative is really engaging. He clearly understands character development. The art is great, albeit not my favourite, but perfect for the story. I've already bought Year Two, looking forward to seeing the next story arc.

Re-read 12/2020: Still 5 stars. Love it!

[Saugata Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific book. Great characters with engaging-thrilling story line. The art is the real showstopper hear though. It is so clean and so pretty. The coloring is beautiful. The action scenes are so well done, it feels like we are watching a movie. What else do you want? I can not be any more eager for the second volume. Bring it on!

[Chaunceton Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

East of West is imaginative and original. The writing is sharp and the art is creative. The blend of sci-fi and western works here (usually I think the marriage between the two genres ridiculous). I'm definitely buying the next volume.

[Poke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the universe here. It's very creative. All the nations feel very unique and have super cool aesthetics. I also love the dynamic of the Horsemen and Babylon.

I can't currently find the next collection, but bet yer bottom dollar I'm ganna keep looking for it.

[Aidan]

In reading Hickman’s early minis I never forgot that he’s good, but I almost forgot that he’s GREAT. This book’s sick, especially towards the end of Hickman and Dragotta’s first year together when the art and layouts really get chances to let loose.

[Aildiin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story, love the art.
This is a re-read as I buy the single issues but they are so good I wanted the deluxe edition too.

[Joshua Drager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great concept, artwork, and story.

[Robert Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comics do not get much better than this.

[Brendan Leipelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Blood Meridian of comics. Told in the classic Hickman doom-poetry cadence, to greater effect than usual because of the material. This story above all others is the one that lends itself best to what Hickman tries to pull from a comic. At the end, this will be the work you can hand over in answer to the question of what kind of writer Hickman was, second only to perhaps the two FF omnibi.

This is not the greatest comic ever made but it's one of the greater examples of why I read them at all.

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great! I need to own this!