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East of West
East of West, Vol. 5: All These Secrets
It's the fifth volume of the Eisner-nominated, best-selling EAST OF WEST. "All These Secrets" is the twisting road of lies that will lead to armageddon. Collects EAST OF WEST #20-24.
144 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2016
34 people are currently reading
810 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 - 30 of 211 reviews
June 25, 2023
So what do we have so far? Everything is set in stone for war and the end times? Far from it; because as the volume title says what about all these secrets. A bit crafty of Hickman, but with the sparse storytelling and art, it was easy to hide and now present a number of key secrets that join up this reality and/or provide more insight. The people pulling strings are not getting everything they want, and that's because other people kept secrets.
The third chapter (East of West #22) has a Marvel Comics style 'Nuff Said narrative-less full comic book issue length key event, which is a real highlight! On this, my second reading, the multiple, but cohesive sometimes artfully understated. sometimes manic and very violent plotlines can really be appreciated! 8.5 out of 12
2019 and 2021 read
The third chapter (East of West #22) has a Marvel Comics style 'Nuff Said narrative-less full comic book issue length key event, which is a real highlight! On this, my second reading, the multiple, but cohesive sometimes artfully understated. sometimes manic and very violent plotlines can really be appreciated! 8.5 out of 12
2019 and 2021 read
September 25, 2020
All These Secrets is a good edition to the EoW storyline.
You find out more about Doma & she becomes far more likable because of it. Her crusty old bitch of a boss, not so much.
Prince John Freeman has a few tricks up his sleeve, as well. I don't know whether I like that guy or not yet.
There's more to the story, but you'll need to read it for yourself.
All in all, I'm still really liking this one.
You find out more about Doma & she becomes far more likable because of it. Her crusty old bitch of a boss, not so much.
Prince John Freeman has a few tricks up his sleeve, as well. I don't know whether I like that guy or not yet.
There's more to the story, but you'll need to read it for yourself.
All in all, I'm still really liking this one.
September 22, 2020
4 Stars
A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t really tell if I am enjoying it or not. But, usually by the end of each volume I think to myself, “Yeah, that was pretty cool!”
The story of East of West is so weird, each time I start a new volume I am not really sure what is happening. But, then again, it is likely that I had no idea what was happening at the end of the last volume either. This is a title where you just have to sit back and go with the flow.
This volume seemed extra heavy on the big, epic art panels. Instead of a bunch of cells per page, I felt like I was more often looking at one large focused image. This was pretty cool as it allowed me to really take in the art without words in the way. And, the art is really, really awesome so I was glad to see this.
If you are into bizarre, mind-bending, sci-fi/horror mixed with a bit of alternate history, this is for you! (Did I add too many criteria points there? If someone specifically defines their interests as “weird, mindbending, sci-fi/horror, alternate history” I would be surprised. But you never know!
A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t really tell if I am enjoying it or not. But, usually by the end of each volume I think to myself, “Yeah, that was pretty cool!”
The story of East of West is so weird, each time I start a new volume I am not really sure what is happening. But, then again, it is likely that I had no idea what was happening at the end of the last volume either. This is a title where you just have to sit back and go with the flow.
This volume seemed extra heavy on the big, epic art panels. Instead of a bunch of cells per page, I felt like I was more often looking at one large focused image. This was pretty cool as it allowed me to really take in the art without words in the way. And, the art is really, really awesome so I was glad to see this.
If you are into bizarre, mind-bending, sci-fi/horror mixed with a bit of alternate history, this is for you! (Did I add too many criteria points there? If someone specifically defines their interests as “weird, mindbending, sci-fi/horror, alternate history” I would be surprised. But you never know!
August 19, 2016
Bullet Review:
This is such an acid trip. I can't remember all the storylines and plots, but damned if I don't sign up to read the next volume of the bizarre apocalypse.
This is such an acid trip. I can't remember all the storylines and plots, but damned if I don't sign up to read the next volume of the bizarre apocalypse.
April 3, 2020
Hickman can craft a pretty great comic when his head isn't lost in all his theoretical physics bullshit he tends to get wrapped into. While complicated, the story isn't nearly as obtuse as some of his other work. Dragotta and Martin's art is so good, I could just stare at wordless pages.
July 5, 2025
It feels like this could be heading towards its conclusion, or it could just as well be the next stage of the story. Whichever it is, it's brilliantly weird and well crafted. I also enjoy it month to month, even if I don't always totally follow what's going on.
April 19, 2020
All the fractions make their moves. Major characters get attacked, others killed, others having new plans coming up. At this point this is so deep I can barely type a review without spoilers but let's just say Death takes a small break and everyone else is on edge of it and may die!
November 11, 2018
Amazing stuff here on the re read. Once Hickmans writing kicks in you understand everything and nothing haha.
October 11, 2020
Me gusta que al.contrario del tomo anterior retoma la historia un poco su ritmo. Parece más un libro de preparación hacia el desenlace de la historia, pero sigue siendo uno de los mejores cómics de los últimos tiempos.
January 14, 2018
A volume that goes more in depth into the politics... and it’s bad-a**.
What’s it about?
This volume pretty much focuses on the current political stuff happening in the world of East of West.
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is very interesting, especially in this volume since it focuses more on the (very in depth) political drama part of the series.
The art is still freaking amazing!
All the characters are very interesting.
Even though this focuses more on politics there’s lots of exciting action! I especially loved the bath scene, so intense, bloody and well drawn (no pun intended)!
This volume has some great world building stuff and great dialogue!
Overall:
This volume proves that politics can get crazy AF! I love this series and this volume is just so freaking good! I still highly recommend this series.
5/5
What’s it about?
This volume pretty much focuses on the current political stuff happening in the world of East of West.
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is very interesting, especially in this volume since it focuses more on the (very in depth) political drama part of the series.
The art is still freaking amazing!
All the characters are very interesting.
Even though this focuses more on politics there’s lots of exciting action! I especially loved the bath scene, so intense, bloody and well drawn (no pun intended)!
This volume has some great world building stuff and great dialogue!
Overall:
This volume proves that politics can get crazy AF! I love this series and this volume is just so freaking good! I still highly recommend this series.
5/5
July 26, 2016
Damnit, this is my favorite series. This volume went more political but man was it good!
March 8, 2022
The fifth East of West volume surprisingly reveals that maybe Doma Lux was the main character all along? Her backstory is revealed as she is involved in just about every major plotline in the volume. Nations negotiate and double and triple crosses abound. It's not clear who is on whose side or why the nations are fighting. I might need another dose of Hickman's encyclopedia entries.
We also get extended time with the Prince of New Orleans, who so far seems like a dull character and skilled combatant. It's revealed at the end that Ezra Orion is calling together the faction leaders to discuss the Message. Didn't they like, just meet two volumes ago? And aren't they all at war? This turn of events is a headscratcher, particularly because we still don't know what the Message is.
Fortunately, there's an absolute stunner of an issue in the middle of this volume that pulls it from a three-star to four-star read. Archibald Chamberlain sends some assassins to kill Xiaolian, which Hickman and Dragotta tackle in a lengthy, dialogue-free action sequence. Why is Chamberlain attempting to kill Xiaolian? Who knows! But it's frickin' sweet!
We also get extended time with the Prince of New Orleans, who so far seems like a dull character and skilled combatant. It's revealed at the end that Ezra Orion is calling together the faction leaders to discuss the Message. Didn't they like, just meet two volumes ago? And aren't they all at war? This turn of events is a headscratcher, particularly because we still don't know what the Message is.
Fortunately, there's an absolute stunner of an issue in the middle of this volume that pulls it from a three-star to four-star read. Archibald Chamberlain sends some assassins to kill Xiaolian, which Hickman and Dragotta tackle in a lengthy, dialogue-free action sequence. Why is Chamberlain attempting to kill Xiaolian? Who knows! But it's frickin' sweet!
December 24, 2020
Solid volume that focuses on so many characters, but they're all so well-written and compelling, that I don't mind not having a singular plotline or point of view, I feel like at this point, it makes it better, thinking that we're halfway through the series. Ugh, so good, East of West is quickly becoming one of my favorite stories.
The war, which I thought would be something that'd take a lot of time to explore, was quickly resolved last volume, but here we get to see more of the political side, although the last issue brings back The Chosen, The Message and the impending doom; it's so interesting seeing the covert attacks and spies from other 'nations'. The excitement keeps on building, and there's never a weak spot.
So good! If you haven't read this series, please do! You won't regret it.
The war, which I thought would be something that'd take a lot of time to explore, was quickly resolved last volume, but here we get to see more of the political side, although the last issue brings back The Chosen, The Message and the impending doom; it's so interesting seeing the covert attacks and spies from other 'nations'. The excitement keeps on building, and there's never a weak spot.
So good! If you haven't read this series, please do! You won't regret it.
August 31, 2016
Back on track with some faster storytelling. Volume 5 hit a nice stride and delivered some good writing and killer panels to match. The art from Dragotta is top notch and leaves me wanting more. Frank Martin on colors is also worth noting because it is beautifully done, at this point i think the art might outshine the story. Anyways the 7 nations are still battling and starting to form alliances to strengthen their positions. It feels like we are on the downhill and possibly wrapping up the story but who knows.
Recap/spoilers below
Doma is revealed to be a double agent for the house of Mao and the great union. She is sent to parlay with the endless nation where her identity is revealed. The endless nation had just made an alliance with Mao and since Mao was there they recognized Doma and save her. The Kingdom is also has a traitor in John, meanwhile a death order is sent from the Confederacy to kill The head of Mao but fails. Death is left alone after wolf and his sister leave to answer a call. Orion (the crazy dude with legion which is that big white beast monster) is sending out 7 letters to 7 people from the nations for a secret meeting.
Recap/spoilers below
Doma is revealed to be a double agent for the house of Mao and the great union. She is sent to parlay with the endless nation where her identity is revealed. The endless nation had just made an alliance with Mao and since Mao was there they recognized Doma and save her. The Kingdom is also has a traitor in John, meanwhile a death order is sent from the Confederacy to kill The head of Mao but fails. Death is left alone after wolf and his sister leave to answer a call. Orion (the crazy dude with legion which is that big white beast monster) is sending out 7 letters to 7 people from the nations for a secret meeting.
August 27, 2020
As the second year of the Apocalypse continues, all the different Nations begin to make their political moves and countermoves, and everything is leading to this massive climax. The House of Mao and The Endless Nation form an alliance, The Kingdom funds The White Tower, and The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse continue to hunt for Death. Despite this volume being mostly plot and character development, it was still a terrific instalment; and the art, continues to be stunningly vivid and gritty.
April 22, 2017
Hickman and Dragotta continues to weave the strands of this dystopian sci-fi story of politics and intrigue.
August 12, 2024
This volume has some of the best self-contained chapters in the whole series, as we watch each of these characters prepare for the coming meeting after receiving their messages. It culminates in the reader seeing the horrific way that Ezra composed them, leading us to the big moments coming next volume. I missed Death and Babylon a bit in this one, but Doma Lux’s growing role and Prince John finally letting the mask fully slip off made up for it. The silent issue (until the final page) highlighting the assassination attempt on Xiaolian was a triumph. Nobody does it like Hickman, and no one brings his ideas to life like Dragotta.
February 27, 2025
4.5, but given that was, for my taste, the best volume so far, with the clearest storyline and the pristine art, I had to give it the 5 visual stars.
As mentioned, I really appreciated the amount of information about certain characters we are given in this one, as well as the focus of the story in a few plots, with a limited amount of action scenes, which certainly helped to shine some light on what's really going on here... or, at least, till certain degree, as there are still plenty volumes to go.
It was actually so good that I didn't even miss Babylon, even though he tends to be one of the more alluring characters in 'East of West' (or, at least, in previous volumes).
As mentioned, I really appreciated the amount of information about certain characters we are given in this one, as well as the focus of the story in a few plots, with a limited amount of action scenes, which certainly helped to shine some light on what's really going on here... or, at least, till certain degree, as there are still plenty volumes to go.
It was actually so good that I didn't even miss Babylon, even though he tends to be one of the more alluring characters in 'East of West' (or, at least, in previous volumes).
September 23, 2019
In the second year of the Apocalypse, there is far more politics going on and the intrigue starts to matter, but also Babylon and the Message start to actually matter and the four Horsemen start to have clarity of purpose again. In short, Hickman is actually starting to deliver on the somewhat bloated and confusing change of tone between the early arc and the second year. The art continues to impress.
October 21, 2019
The art in this series really is fantastic. Plot wise, a lot of shit happened. It seems like maybe the story is starting to reach the apex, but I'm sure the next volume will take us on another turn around the mulberry bush.
June 30, 2017
Weird confusing and just plan odd. But I will keep reading
May 20, 2020
So many awesome reveals! Xiaolian is just so badass. It was also great to see more of the Endless Nation in this volume.
February 12, 2022
Issue 20 was honestly a bit confusing due to the timeline, because I don't know when or how Doma was able to do that. That said, another interesting volume as more pieces are arranged.
April 23, 2025
Secrets revealed and a little backstory given before all out war amd perhaps Armageddon
March 18, 2020
3.5 stars due to a twist at the end (that stongly hinted at by the volume cover)
November 27, 2023
(4 of 5 for keeping the story nice and thrilling)
Here we are, the series is stabilised, the story works well, unveils nicely and I have nothing to add if I don't want to talk about the story (and why would I?).
Here we are, the series is stabilised, the story works well, unveils nicely and I have nothing to add if I don't want to talk about the story (and why would I?).
January 4, 2024
Now this is gathering pace. I can almost feel that the showdown is coming closer and closer. Moving on to the next volume.
In the meanwhile, again, highly recommended.
In the meanwhile, again, highly recommended.
February 10, 2019
It's Westworld meets Game of Thrones meets Saga minus space plus demons
May 25, 2016
East of West, Vol. 5: The Last Supper by Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin Review
Rating: 2.5/5
East of West, Vol. 5: The Last Supper is disappointing. By far, this series peaked at the 3rd volume since that's when shit hits the fan and everything just explodes in constant intrigue and captivation. This and volume 4 were a bit more... Quite. Calm. Filler. Yep. After the 3rd volume, things didn't move in fast or even steady paced. It was slow. Bloody slow. Yeah, some of the cliffhangers were interesting but it doesn't exactly lead the characters to the next step of their role in the overarching plot. A lot of the storylines were rotating in circles.
Some flashbacks were well done in order to explain some things that happened in the earlier volumes, but it didn't really captivate me that much compared to what was happening in the present. Sometimes a flashback would take a couple of pages or even most of an issue from the volume. By now were still slowly and gradually back in the rising action, some characters intersect which was pretty interesting to read about but the rest were just filler and more background scheming.
This is a disappointment in the series but still better than the 1st volume for me. The plot is clear now (the art still great) but I wish by the next issues the pace would improve.
Instagram | Twitter | IMDb
Rating: 2.5/5
East of West, Vol. 5: The Last Supper is disappointing. By far, this series peaked at the 3rd volume since that's when shit hits the fan and everything just explodes in constant intrigue and captivation. This and volume 4 were a bit more... Quite. Calm. Filler. Yep. After the 3rd volume, things didn't move in fast or even steady paced. It was slow. Bloody slow. Yeah, some of the cliffhangers were interesting but it doesn't exactly lead the characters to the next step of their role in the overarching plot. A lot of the storylines were rotating in circles.
Some flashbacks were well done in order to explain some things that happened in the earlier volumes, but it didn't really captivate me that much compared to what was happening in the present. Sometimes a flashback would take a couple of pages or even most of an issue from the volume. By now were still slowly and gradually back in the rising action, some characters intersect which was pretty interesting to read about but the rest were just filler and more background scheming.
This is a disappointment in the series but still better than the 1st volume for me. The plot is clear now (the art still great) but I wish by the next issues the pace would improve.
Instagram | Twitter | IMDb
April 3, 2022
I love East of West, and also it feels like each trade has about 15 minutes of reading in it, and everything is ABOUT to happen all the time. It's like when they played Dragonball Z on Cartoon Network. You'd watch that shit for weeks, and all that happened was a couple dudes clenched and unclenched their fists, and maybe you'd get some internal dialogue like:
"I can't defeat him. His power level is off the charts!"
And then the villain would chuckle a little bit like he could hear what the main character was saying in his head and he was like "Totally right, dude."
But I kept watching because it always seemed like something totally rad was ABOUT to happen. It's like that show was the best show ever and you could feel it, but you never actually SAW any of the awesome shit. There was just constant travel between things that should be awesome. Hell, it took forever for this dude to run down a really long trail in the clouds because he died and that's how you come back to life. And then he figured out he could fly, which cut down time, but he still followed this curvy-ass path instead of going straight! Just to kill time! I assume!
I ask you, what the hell kind of awesome punching and kicking show has a sequence where a dude runs down a really long road? You do that in montage, goddamnit!
"I can't defeat him. His power level is off the charts!"
And then the villain would chuckle a little bit like he could hear what the main character was saying in his head and he was like "Totally right, dude."
But I kept watching because it always seemed like something totally rad was ABOUT to happen. It's like that show was the best show ever and you could feel it, but you never actually SAW any of the awesome shit. There was just constant travel between things that should be awesome. Hell, it took forever for this dude to run down a really long trail in the clouds because he died and that's how you come back to life. And then he figured out he could fly, which cut down time, but he still followed this curvy-ass path instead of going straight! Just to kill time! I assume!
I ask you, what the hell kind of awesome punching and kicking show has a sequence where a dude runs down a really long road? You do that in montage, goddamnit!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews