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East of West #4-6
East of West: The Apocalypse, Year Two
The oversized prestige collection of the Second Year of The Apocalypse.
Collecting: East of West 16-29
Collecting: East of West 16-29
424 pages
First published March 21, 2017
16 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,221 books2,034 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 66 reviews
November 29, 2017
I feel this edition is the way East of West was meant to be read. Digesting the story in large chunks like this makes the complicated and sprawling story easier to follow. The oversized art looks even more gorgeous. Is there a better art team working in comics today than Dragotta and Martin? The lush colors and dynamic art combine to give the book an alt-western anime vibe. Collects volumes 4-6 of the comic.
September 18, 2025
The book opens up with the Nation taking out the territory of Texas. Sucks for them. Some interesting things happen with Death and his wife, Xiaolian and the Prince of the Kingdom reveals his true plans to his lady who happens to be the King’s vizier. Death’s son, Babylon and his companion, “Ball” are out roaming around in the world as Death is still on the hunt for him. There is a lot being juggled here between all the different factions and the secret maneuvers and treachery that is going on throughout these pages. In the end, all of the chosen are brought together by Orion and he gives the word that they are all to joint him. That meet up doesn’t go as planned and now Orion has vowed to kill everyone. This now has me very interested in how this is all going to shake out in the final volume.
January 2, 2021
4.5/5
Hardcover editions of the East of West are beauties. They look great on shelves, they're comfortable to hold and pretty amazing to read.
There's still quite a bit of setting up the stage here, but the writing and the art sucked me in.
On the one hand, I can't wait to dive into the final volume. On the other hand, I'm also sad I'll be done with this story after I binge-read it tomorrow (probably).
Hardcover editions of the East of West are beauties. They look great on shelves, they're comfortable to hold and pretty amazing to read.
There's still quite a bit of setting up the stage here, but the writing and the art sucked me in.
On the one hand, I can't wait to dive into the final volume. On the other hand, I'm also sad I'll be done with this story after I binge-read it tomorrow (probably).
December 18, 2019
The last volume saves the story.
I’ve spent the first half 5 volumes of this story trying to figure what the hell is going on. Far too many characters but patience paid off.
One thing for sure about this series is the artwork...it is sublime.
I’ve spent the first half 5 volumes of this story trying to figure what the hell is going on. Far too many characters but patience paid off.
One thing for sure about this series is the artwork...it is sublime.
March 30, 2017
Hickman and Dragotta have done it again. Year Two is better than Year One, and the plot has grown thicker and more exciting. The story has stayed logical, yet is full of unexpected revelations and mounting suspense.
January 22, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 5.0 of 5
Just ... wow.
If there is such a thing as the perfect graphic novel, this would be it for me.
Set in a present-day dystopian alternate United States, this ambitious epic presumes that the U.S. Civil War never really ended and there was constant contention between various factions - until a comet hit the center of the country. At the same time, two prophecies were declared and now the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Death, War, Famine, and Conquest) are looking to fulfill the prophecies which would bring about the End of Times.
But something happens and three of the Horsemen are killed and then resurrected as pre-teens, ticked off that Death wasn't killed and resurrected the way that they were. Meanwhile, the child Babylon is on a walkabout along with his companion, Balloon, an Artificial Intelligence machine set to turn Babylon into the Beast of Apocalypse. Babylon wears his own AI headgear so that he 'sees' things differently than the way the might appear under normal circumstances.
If this is sounding a bit 'heavy' or even weird, you are absolutely right, and the art by Nick Dragotta adds to the unusual nature of the story in the most stunning, beautiful of ways. This is not a light comic or even a superhero-style graphic novel. This is an intense, well-crafted epic story.
I've written before that I like a story where the stakes are high and that's certainly the case here, but we're still involved with the characters on an individual basis. The use of literary/Biblical allusion is also tremendous and adds to the weight of the story.
I am absolutely blown away by how perfectly the story and the art blend to draw us in to this strange world. Nothing here looks 'real' in the sense that we might look out the window and see something we recognize. This is 1960's style conceptual art, combined with 21st Century high-tech gizmos. It is intense and yet easy on the eyes. Our eyes flow from panel to panel easily, but we stop at each panel because they are all wonderful snapshots of strange art.
Author Jonathan Hickman has a deep, intricate story at work here and really, this is the only way to take it in - in a massive 500+ page volume. I reviewed two of the previously published graphic novels (100+ pages each) and gave them only three stars, but I did mention that there was clearly a lot going on. So much so, apparently, that I couldn't quite get it in 100 pages. But now that I have it, I'm absolutely hooked and count myself a fan. If I were to read only one graphic novel series for the rest of time, this would be the one.
Looking for a good book? East of West, The Apocalypse: Year Two is a truly epic graphic novel with stunning, unusual art and a story that is deep and intense and absolutely engaging. This is highly recommended.
I received a digital copy of this book directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Just ... wow.
If there is such a thing as the perfect graphic novel, this would be it for me.
Set in a present-day dystopian alternate United States, this ambitious epic presumes that the U.S. Civil War never really ended and there was constant contention between various factions - until a comet hit the center of the country. At the same time, two prophecies were declared and now the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Death, War, Famine, and Conquest) are looking to fulfill the prophecies which would bring about the End of Times.
But something happens and three of the Horsemen are killed and then resurrected as pre-teens, ticked off that Death wasn't killed and resurrected the way that they were. Meanwhile, the child Babylon is on a walkabout along with his companion, Balloon, an Artificial Intelligence machine set to turn Babylon into the Beast of Apocalypse. Babylon wears his own AI headgear so that he 'sees' things differently than the way the might appear under normal circumstances.
If this is sounding a bit 'heavy' or even weird, you are absolutely right, and the art by Nick Dragotta adds to the unusual nature of the story in the most stunning, beautiful of ways. This is not a light comic or even a superhero-style graphic novel. This is an intense, well-crafted epic story.
I've written before that I like a story where the stakes are high and that's certainly the case here, but we're still involved with the characters on an individual basis. The use of literary/Biblical allusion is also tremendous and adds to the weight of the story.
I am absolutely blown away by how perfectly the story and the art blend to draw us in to this strange world. Nothing here looks 'real' in the sense that we might look out the window and see something we recognize. This is 1960's style conceptual art, combined with 21st Century high-tech gizmos. It is intense and yet easy on the eyes. Our eyes flow from panel to panel easily, but we stop at each panel because they are all wonderful snapshots of strange art.
Author Jonathan Hickman has a deep, intricate story at work here and really, this is the only way to take it in - in a massive 500+ page volume. I reviewed two of the previously published graphic novels (100+ pages each) and gave them only three stars, but I did mention that there was clearly a lot going on. So much so, apparently, that I couldn't quite get it in 100 pages. But now that I have it, I'm absolutely hooked and count myself a fan. If I were to read only one graphic novel series for the rest of time, this would be the one.
Looking for a good book? East of West, The Apocalypse: Year Two is a truly epic graphic novel with stunning, unusual art and a story that is deep and intense and absolutely engaging. This is highly recommended.
I received a digital copy of this book directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2017
Nick Dragotta's art continues to impress. The story is still epic and ambitious and sometimes confusing, but the whole effect is extremely immersive.
November 29, 2021
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.
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.
April 7, 2017
If you liked Year One you will like this one. The story remains the driving force more than individuals as your understanding of the world expands and the different characters continue to act to bring the different factions to war against each other.
The art remains very well done. There is still a lot of story threads and it will be interesting to see how they are all drawn together in year three (and four?).
The art remains very well done. There is still a lot of story threads and it will be interesting to see how they are all drawn together in year three (and four?).
March 31, 2018
Este segundo tomo mantiene las expectativas del primero y amplía nuestro conocimiento de las distintas facciones, se suceden los eventos que van precipitando las relaciones entre estas y que van dejando las piezas preparadas para la confrontación final... por otro lado tenemos la huida de Babylon, el hijo de Muerte y Xiaolian, y su relación con su globo guardián, una parte muy original e interesante, con puntos bastante divertidos y sorpresas varias que sirven para aligerar una historia a ratos quizás demasiado seria.
Antes de empezar con este tomo he tenido que releer el primero para refrescar la memoria, la verdad es que esta historia gana en grandes dosis, en tres días me he leído 29 números y creo que he comprendido mejor la historia y las facciones que en la primera lectura.
El único problema que le veo es que hay muchas cosas en el aire y se supone que la serie termina en el número 45, no se yo si le va a dar tiempo a Hickman para atar todos los cabos sueltos y dar un final satisfactorio a la historia, en todo caso ahí estaré para verlo.
Antes de empezar con este tomo he tenido que releer el primero para refrescar la memoria, la verdad es que esta historia gana en grandes dosis, en tres días me he leído 29 números y creo que he comprendido mejor la historia y las facciones que en la primera lectura.
El único problema que le veo es que hay muchas cosas en el aire y se supone que la serie termina en el número 45, no se yo si le va a dar tiempo a Hickman para atar todos los cabos sueltos y dar un final satisfactorio a la historia, en todo caso ahí estaré para verlo.
January 3, 2020
The Yearly Deluxe format is the way to read this story. I can not imagine trying to read it monthly.
I came to East of West late in the game. It was around issue 25 when I found a copy of Year 1 and picked it up read it straight through. The lore & the world building was amazing & completely engrossing.
Y2 was just as fascinating. This felt like the world was built and now its time to tear it down. The cast was spread out alot in this book, so there was alot of bouncing between storylines which could be confusing. 3 Horseman were not in it as much as I expected. We spent time with alot of the Chosen more than I expected.
Nick Dragotta's art is terrific. What a talent!
I came to East of West late in the game. It was around issue 25 when I found a copy of Year 1 and picked it up read it straight through. The lore & the world building was amazing & completely engrossing.
Y2 was just as fascinating. This felt like the world was built and now its time to tear it down. The cast was spread out alot in this book, so there was alot of bouncing between storylines which could be confusing. 3 Horseman were not in it as much as I expected. We spent time with alot of the Chosen more than I expected.
Nick Dragotta's art is terrific. What a talent!
June 17, 2025
Nota: 4 sobre 5
Premisa:
Muerte necesita volver a ver a su hijo y está haciendo todo lo posible para encontrarlo. El panorama político sigue siendo tremendamente convulso, con diferentes estratagemas para lograr el poder sin remordimientos, caiga quien caiga. Acción a raudales y situaciones épicas en cada capítulo.
Opinión:
Al leer este tipo de novelas gráficas, con una trama de acción tan potente, siento que las palabras no pueden hacer justicia a la sensación de frenetismo que provocan. Es ponerlo encima de las rodillas y viajar a un mundo apocalíptico que provoca adrenalina por un tubo y necesidad de descargar energía. Además, conociendo ya a los personajes, la conexión ha sido completa desde el primer momento.
Aunque sean integrales largos, están subdivididos en capítulos relativamente cortos, y la experiencia lectora se vuelve vertiginosa. La venganza, el atrevimiento, el homicidio o la lealtad son solo algunos ejemplos de las conductas que vemos más representadas en la historia, a velocidad de vértigo. Es una trama tremendamente coral en la que vamos descubriendo las diferentes alianzas y la evolución de los acontecimientos poco a poco.
Tremendamente cinematográfico, con tremendo potencial para el mundo del entretenimiento audiovisual. Momentos potentes que agradecerían muchísimo una banda sonora descomunal y un montón de efectos especiales. El argumento desde luego lo promueve, y un montón de amantes del género serían fan incondicionales de estos personajes.
La trama lo tiene todo: la complejidad suficiente, personajes dañados terriblemente buscando venganza y justicia, entramados políticos aposentados, villanos indiscutibles y antihéroes con un carisma arrollador. Decidme que no es tremendamente atractivo... ¿Te animarías con ella?
Premisa:
Muerte necesita volver a ver a su hijo y está haciendo todo lo posible para encontrarlo. El panorama político sigue siendo tremendamente convulso, con diferentes estratagemas para lograr el poder sin remordimientos, caiga quien caiga. Acción a raudales y situaciones épicas en cada capítulo.
Opinión:
Al leer este tipo de novelas gráficas, con una trama de acción tan potente, siento que las palabras no pueden hacer justicia a la sensación de frenetismo que provocan. Es ponerlo encima de las rodillas y viajar a un mundo apocalíptico que provoca adrenalina por un tubo y necesidad de descargar energía. Además, conociendo ya a los personajes, la conexión ha sido completa desde el primer momento.
Aunque sean integrales largos, están subdivididos en capítulos relativamente cortos, y la experiencia lectora se vuelve vertiginosa. La venganza, el atrevimiento, el homicidio o la lealtad son solo algunos ejemplos de las conductas que vemos más representadas en la historia, a velocidad de vértigo. Es una trama tremendamente coral en la que vamos descubriendo las diferentes alianzas y la evolución de los acontecimientos poco a poco.
Tremendamente cinematográfico, con tremendo potencial para el mundo del entretenimiento audiovisual. Momentos potentes que agradecerían muchísimo una banda sonora descomunal y un montón de efectos especiales. El argumento desde luego lo promueve, y un montón de amantes del género serían fan incondicionales de estos personajes.
La trama lo tiene todo: la complejidad suficiente, personajes dañados terriblemente buscando venganza y justicia, entramados políticos aposentados, villanos indiscutibles y antihéroes con un carisma arrollador. Decidme que no es tremendamente atractivo... ¿Te animarías con ella?
January 24, 2020
I finished the entire series, which includes all Three Years of the Apocalypse. Year Three is not fully collected yet, although most of it is on Hoopla / Comixology (I own these two hardcovers, signed by Hickman in 2017, because this series took ages to release).
Although the first book is one of the best to come out of the 2010's Image Revolution, the latter two parts of the series fell a little for me. Book II is still strong world-building but the third act becomes somewhat disjointed. Lots of fake-out deaths...the machinations of the Chosen get a bit tiresome. In quintessential modern Hickman fashion, every character talks a lot about what they're going to do and how awesome they are, while the story spins and spins and spins...
Still really enjoyed "East of West," with many fond memories of it (I bought the first issue, which I have framed and signed, in England back in 2013). I'll read it again someday. It has the feeling of a cool, epic, table-top ready world. The story just ended up leaving me cold.
Although the first book is one of the best to come out of the 2010's Image Revolution, the latter two parts of the series fell a little for me. Book II is still strong world-building but the third act becomes somewhat disjointed. Lots of fake-out deaths...the machinations of the Chosen get a bit tiresome. In quintessential modern Hickman fashion, every character talks a lot about what they're going to do and how awesome they are, while the story spins and spins and spins...
Still really enjoyed "East of West," with many fond memories of it (I bought the first issue, which I have framed and signed, in England back in 2013). I'll read it again someday. It has the feeling of a cool, epic, table-top ready world. The story just ended up leaving me cold.
April 21, 2019
Loved it ... an epic story .. this is my lord of the rings in comic
7 nations
7 chosen ones
4 horsemen of the apocalypse
End of days
The message
The beast ( son of death and lady of house of Mao)
What do I need more than that ..
Waiting for final chapter
7 nations
7 chosen ones
4 horsemen of the apocalypse
End of days
The message
The beast ( son of death and lady of house of Mao)
What do I need more than that ..
Waiting for final chapter
January 6, 2021
Hickman’s world-building is stupefying... East of West continues to travel down the rabbit hole and I could not tell you how this is all gonna come down. Just an incredible world.
January 20, 2021
This series really hits its stride with this arc. The characters are so well executed and the storyline is so intense and I could not put it down until I finished it! Truly cements this series as a MUST read!
August 16, 2017
Hickman and Dragotta contine expand this weird alt western and at this stage several characters are quite well flashed out - it certainly isn't Death's comic any more.
Both artist and writer have a great synergy particularly with their control of pace. Some "issues" are incredibly dense with lots of plot while one segment is about an assassination attempt and takes about 2 minutes to get through 20 odd pages but it conveys the tension perfectly.
I'm not sure how many "years" Hickman has planned but I hope there's at least a few more as the title gets more interesting rather than less.
Both artist and writer have a great synergy particularly with their control of pace. Some "issues" are incredibly dense with lots of plot while one segment is about an assassination attempt and takes about 2 minutes to get through 20 odd pages but it conveys the tension perfectly.
I'm not sure how many "years" Hickman has planned but I hope there's at least a few more as the title gets more interesting rather than less.
February 4, 2017
Hickman's many ideas and plots must be mapped out all over his walls. Dragotta's art is a perfect fit. Death continues his search for Babylon as the Message & the Chosen are caught up in their own machinations.
January 9, 2022
Как если бы в "Двух крепостях" Джексон забыл сделать финальную битву.
October 13, 2018
wow,year 2 what a great read.It follows on from where year 1 finished(I hope you've read year 1,if not its a must)Babylon has escaped,and is out exploring the world.Death is still looking for him,and the other 3 horsemen are still looking to bring about the end of days.
The dystopian world Nick Dragotta has drawn is breathtaken,and credit has to go to Frank Martin whose bold colors kept me fixated on the stunning landscapes they created.I find a good comic or graphic novel is different to a good book.When im reading a good book.I have my hand in that bottom corner,ready to turn the page the second im finished.Where as a good comic book thats well drawn,such as this.Im the opposite.I find myself going back and perusing over the page,looking at every little detail.Soaking everything in.
I found the story flowed along nicely,I like how most issues/chapters are broken down into one or two little parts of the story.Which make it a little easier to follow,as some of it can be a little overwhelming if not,as there is so much going on.
Some issues tell the story and are a little slower paced,while others gallop along and are action packed.Issue 22 "a moment of silence"was for me,one of the best comics ive read in a long while.The layout of the panels,the style,the art,the action,if Tarantino ever does dystopian fantasy this is it.
Talking of Tarantino,im loving the character Xiaolian is becoming.Im sure shes based on "the bride"from kill bill.Strong,smart,sexy and extremely violent.And yet i feel compassion for her,after what shes been thru.The same as Death,John Hickman has written him brilliantly.And i find myself rooting for him.
While billy blackgun annoyed me hugely.Talking about himself in the third person,and his rhyming/riddling style,for me just didnt fit in with the rest of the book.And Ezra and Beur also dident always seem to fit into the story for me.It seemed like they where forced into it at some points,and Beur dident really need to be.As i dont really know what he brings to the story,but maybe that will become clearer in year 3.
But I am excited about the direction there taking Doma Lux.She has a much bigger role in year 2,and I really like the way Hickmans devolving her character.
Its 5 stars for me,im really enjoying the story which ild rate at slightly better than a 4,not quite a 5.As sometimes i find theres a little too much going on.But the artwork and colors round it up to an easy 5 for me.
Anyone who enjoys the darker side of fantasy or sci fi,or bold exciting art in there comic books needs to check this out.Its got me excited about year 3,and keen to keep exploring other interesting titles from image.
Happy reading!!
The dystopian world Nick Dragotta has drawn is breathtaken,and credit has to go to Frank Martin whose bold colors kept me fixated on the stunning landscapes they created.I find a good comic or graphic novel is different to a good book.When im reading a good book.I have my hand in that bottom corner,ready to turn the page the second im finished.Where as a good comic book thats well drawn,such as this.Im the opposite.I find myself going back and perusing over the page,looking at every little detail.Soaking everything in.
I found the story flowed along nicely,I like how most issues/chapters are broken down into one or two little parts of the story.Which make it a little easier to follow,as some of it can be a little overwhelming if not,as there is so much going on.
Some issues tell the story and are a little slower paced,while others gallop along and are action packed.Issue 22 "a moment of silence"was for me,one of the best comics ive read in a long while.The layout of the panels,the style,the art,the action,if Tarantino ever does dystopian fantasy this is it.
Talking of Tarantino,im loving the character Xiaolian is becoming.Im sure shes based on "the bride"from kill bill.Strong,smart,sexy and extremely violent.And yet i feel compassion for her,after what shes been thru.The same as Death,John Hickman has written him brilliantly.And i find myself rooting for him.
While billy blackgun annoyed me hugely.Talking about himself in the third person,and his rhyming/riddling style,for me just didnt fit in with the rest of the book.And Ezra and Beur also dident always seem to fit into the story for me.It seemed like they where forced into it at some points,and Beur dident really need to be.As i dont really know what he brings to the story,but maybe that will become clearer in year 3.
But I am excited about the direction there taking Doma Lux.She has a much bigger role in year 2,and I really like the way Hickmans devolving her character.
Its 5 stars for me,im really enjoying the story which ild rate at slightly better than a 4,not quite a 5.As sometimes i find theres a little too much going on.But the artwork and colors round it up to an easy 5 for me.
Anyone who enjoys the darker side of fantasy or sci fi,or bold exciting art in there comic books needs to check this out.Its got me excited about year 3,and keen to keep exploring other interesting titles from image.
Happy reading!!
March 14, 2017
“EAST OF WEST. THE APOCALYPSE - YEAR TWO (#16-29)” by Jonathan Hickman
Awesome! But I'm biased. Jonathan is my cousin!
- - -
“EAST OF WEST. Volume4 – WHO WANTS WAR” by Jonathan Hickman
East Of West: The World (One-Shot)
Atlas, encyclopedia and timeline of the 'East of West' world.
East of West #16: Let It Burn
“War clarifies. Who cares what you own, who you know, or what you can by – all that matters is you live or die.”
“Mrmpt. I believe in God, good cigars, and strong liquor … Who are these fools that still believe in people?”
East of West#17: This Sacred Meal
“I mean GONE. As in, with the wind. Spirited away from the ruins he left behind.”
East of West#18: Yours and Yours Alone
“I have so many amazing things to show you.”
East of West#19: This is Why We Kill
“But when you treat the mob with contempt, you can't be surprised when they become your enemy.”
“EAST OF WEST. Volume 5 – ALL THESE SECRETS” by Jonathan Hickman
East of West#20: This Tangled Web
“It is a gift … the knowledge of who's on your side … and who is your enemy.”
East of West#21: This Great City
“You hear nothing because you don't know what to listen for.”
“In the silence, we have to face that we've become lost in the waking world. In the bright lights of our great machine city.”
East of West#22: A Moment of Silence
“One bad lie and whole web unravels.”
“The reason people like me do not like to tell stories of our past is because doing so has a tendency to date the teller of said stories.”
East of West#23: A Son of the Kingdom
“I want to share everything with you, and, if you'll have it, make you a queen.
I want you to be with me.
I want you to know me.
And I want to show you who I really am.”
East of West#24: The Legion Brings Word
“No sayin' that at all. Hell, I'd bet my last dollar everyone we're lookin' for will be there …
And I just don't think I could forgive myself if I passed up that kind of opportunity.”
“EAST OF WEST. Volume 6 – ” by Jonathan Hickman
East of West#25: Cast Out All Unbelievers
“Men and women moved by the spirit. You know, that otherworldly shit.”
East of West#26: Summon All Chosen
“Cast your eyes upon all that stand here today and you will see nothing but broken vessels – flawed ad fractured beyond repair.
Yet … all of you were chosen.”
East of West#27: A Final Word
“And no one here, certainly not myself, would argue that you are not invested in this endeavor. Of course you are, dear boy.
You've put your back into it.
But then again, how else does one shovel such inordinate amounts of shit?”
“And now you have been born again … in the church of the almighty bullet.
Did you see that comin'?”
East of West#28: We Hunt The Children
“The Future is Coming to Kill You.”
East of West#29: A Psalm for the Fallen
“There are some thing I think you might want to see.”
“Really? Cool! What are you going to show me?”
“Everything, son … Everything.”
- - -
Awesome! But I'm biased. Jonathan is my cousin!
- - -
“EAST OF WEST. Volume4 – WHO WANTS WAR” by Jonathan Hickman
East Of West: The World (One-Shot)
Atlas, encyclopedia and timeline of the 'East of West' world.
East of West #16: Let It Burn
“War clarifies. Who cares what you own, who you know, or what you can by – all that matters is you live or die.”
“Mrmpt. I believe in God, good cigars, and strong liquor … Who are these fools that still believe in people?”
East of West#17: This Sacred Meal
“I mean GONE. As in, with the wind. Spirited away from the ruins he left behind.”
East of West#18: Yours and Yours Alone
“I have so many amazing things to show you.”
East of West#19: This is Why We Kill
“But when you treat the mob with contempt, you can't be surprised when they become your enemy.”
“EAST OF WEST. Volume 5 – ALL THESE SECRETS” by Jonathan Hickman
East of West#20: This Tangled Web
“It is a gift … the knowledge of who's on your side … and who is your enemy.”
East of West#21: This Great City
“You hear nothing because you don't know what to listen for.”
“In the silence, we have to face that we've become lost in the waking world. In the bright lights of our great machine city.”
East of West#22: A Moment of Silence
“One bad lie and whole web unravels.”
“The reason people like me do not like to tell stories of our past is because doing so has a tendency to date the teller of said stories.”
East of West#23: A Son of the Kingdom
“I want to share everything with you, and, if you'll have it, make you a queen.
I want you to be with me.
I want you to know me.
And I want to show you who I really am.”
East of West#24: The Legion Brings Word
“No sayin' that at all. Hell, I'd bet my last dollar everyone we're lookin' for will be there …
And I just don't think I could forgive myself if I passed up that kind of opportunity.”
“EAST OF WEST. Volume 6 – ” by Jonathan Hickman
East of West#25: Cast Out All Unbelievers
“Men and women moved by the spirit. You know, that otherworldly shit.”
East of West#26: Summon All Chosen
“Cast your eyes upon all that stand here today and you will see nothing but broken vessels – flawed ad fractured beyond repair.
Yet … all of you were chosen.”
East of West#27: A Final Word
“And no one here, certainly not myself, would argue that you are not invested in this endeavor. Of course you are, dear boy.
You've put your back into it.
But then again, how else does one shovel such inordinate amounts of shit?”
“And now you have been born again … in the church of the almighty bullet.
Did you see that comin'?”
East of West#28: We Hunt The Children
“The Future is Coming to Kill You.”
East of West#29: A Psalm for the Fallen
“There are some thing I think you might want to see.”
“Really? Cool! What are you going to show me?”
“Everything, son … Everything.”
- - -
November 3, 2020
Just like Year One, a total masterpiece.
It was very cool to see Babylon learning the ways of life and death through Balloon when he was finally free. I grew very fond of this character and the fact that he is a little innocent child who befriends everyone and everything, but also the bringer of the end of the world set the stage for very interesting narrative. The reunion of Death and his son was heart-warming and I can’t wait to see their relation develop in Year Three.
Year Two was totally action-packed, even more than its predecessor. Now that the Nation completely, and I mean completely decimated The Republic, tension is high in the Seven Nations of America. Alliances are made and treason occur. Chamberlain even attacked the PRA at some point when he tried to have Xiaolian assassinated. The best moment of all was when Ezra convened all of the Chosen about the new Message he had written. Ranger wasn’t hearing his bullsh*t and shot him, creating a riot of blood and bullets. The Army of the End of Times was now growing and growing and growing. War is coming fast. The end of the world even faster.
This series is unpredictable and perfectly blends politics and action to a point where none of it feels boring. Again, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
November 17th can’t come soon enough. :)
It was very cool to see Babylon learning the ways of life and death through Balloon when he was finally free. I grew very fond of this character and the fact that he is a little innocent child who befriends everyone and everything, but also the bringer of the end of the world set the stage for very interesting narrative. The reunion of Death and his son was heart-warming and I can’t wait to see their relation develop in Year Three.
Year Two was totally action-packed, even more than its predecessor. Now that the Nation completely, and I mean completely decimated The Republic, tension is high in the Seven Nations of America. Alliances are made and treason occur. Chamberlain even attacked the PRA at some point when he tried to have Xiaolian assassinated. The best moment of all was when Ezra convened all of the Chosen about the new Message he had written. Ranger wasn’t hearing his bullsh*t and shot him, creating a riot of blood and bullets. The Army of the End of Times was now growing and growing and growing. War is coming fast. The end of the world even faster.
This series is unpredictable and perfectly blends politics and action to a point where none of it feels boring. Again, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
November 17th can’t come soon enough. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
I’m not sure how I feel about ‘Year Two’ of East of West. This is the middle of a run that’s less than 50 issues long. For a run that’s relatively ‘short’ you’d think there’d be no time for throwaway issues or stories. But frankly, it seems like this whole trade is kinda redundant. The narrative hasn’t progressed much further than ‘Year One,’ it just seems to be meandering through pointless set-up stories to manoeuvre characters into positions for future issues - while offering nothing interesting to tide us over in the meantime.
In the last trade it ended with war. In this trade it ends with... an agreement of the same war? What just happened here haha. Did I just read the same trade twice? This is why I don’t think this trade is all that great, 6 issues could’ve summed this whole ‘year’ up. I still am enjoying it for the most part but yeah I remember this being a whole lot more interesting the first time I read it. This time around, it seems like his characters need three pages of text dialogue to sum up that their character has a hungy tummy.
Should’ve given this a 2/5.
In the last trade it ended with war. In this trade it ends with... an agreement of the same war? What just happened here haha. Did I just read the same trade twice? This is why I don’t think this trade is all that great, 6 issues could’ve summed this whole ‘year’ up. I still am enjoying it for the most part but yeah I remember this being a whole lot more interesting the first time I read it. This time around, it seems like his characters need three pages of text dialogue to sum up that their character has a hungy tummy.
Should’ve given this a 2/5.
March 24, 2020
Hickman doesn't fucking slow down! Holy hell this series is grabbing me more and more by the issue, and the year finally this time around was probably the craziest so far. I'm loving seeing the word twist and change as all these characters are slowly but surely assuming their place in the game.
Nick Dragotta keeps doing an incredible job, and even improving noticeably. In the first couple of issues I found some panels to have some real awkward poses, and some debatable choices of expression, but that's all gone now. Every single panel is awesome, and it's gone from a 7/10 to probably a 9/10. So many more pages are frame-worthy and I think I will have to get my hands on issue 29 so I can hang the final page (not epilogue) on my wall.
Hickman, I hope this shit keeps being awesome till the end, cause so far this is gonna be one of my go to recommended comic books. So god damn epic and so much fun!
Nick Dragotta keeps doing an incredible job, and even improving noticeably. In the first couple of issues I found some panels to have some real awkward poses, and some debatable choices of expression, but that's all gone now. Every single panel is awesome, and it's gone from a 7/10 to probably a 9/10. So many more pages are frame-worthy and I think I will have to get my hands on issue 29 so I can hang the final page (not epilogue) on my wall.
Hickman, I hope this shit keeps being awesome till the end, cause so far this is gonna be one of my go to recommended comic books. So god damn epic and so much fun!
January 6, 2018
The narrative becomes seriously disjointed and sometimes you don't see a character or group of characters for hundreds of pages. Hickman is sowing many seeds at the same time and it can be a little frustrating, but if you've ever read anything by him you know there's going to be a huge payoff if you are just a bit patient. That payoff comes in the final 3 (out of 14) issues of this collection and it's really great, but I can't deny things got a little bit boring for the first couple hundred pages.
Unfortunately, when the story reaches its best moments, Dragotta's art and Martin's don't. The art gets rushed, with no backgrounds whatsoever, while colors fall very flat. The art is still better than most books out there, and there are some great pages in #29, but it's not in the same league as this book's first issues.
3.5 out of 5
Unfortunately, when the story reaches its best moments, Dragotta's art and Martin's don't. The art gets rushed, with no backgrounds whatsoever, while colors fall very flat. The art is still better than most books out there, and there are some great pages in #29, but it's not in the same league as this book's first issues.
3.5 out of 5
May 15, 2020
This is the most original apocalyptic story I believe that I have ever read. The tale mixes culture references into a melting pot from which is drawn something wholly unique.
It is charming, enlightening, dark, and twisted. This thing of beauty is not for the hands of children. It is very adult and requires, or so I think, a mature attitude to the work. It can be grim and certainly holds a light to the human condition. This is not light reading. Having said that I found it easy to read. It flows so well; both interns of the dialogue and story, and the illustration.
The artwork is just fantastic. It manages to seamlessly blend different styles into a single vision that works well both aesthetically and for storytelling purposes.
A great read. But start with Year One. (It all ends in Year Three!!!)
It is charming, enlightening, dark, and twisted. This thing of beauty is not for the hands of children. It is very adult and requires, or so I think, a mature attitude to the work. It can be grim and certainly holds a light to the human condition. This is not light reading. Having said that I found it easy to read. It flows so well; both interns of the dialogue and story, and the illustration.
The artwork is just fantastic. It manages to seamlessly blend different styles into a single vision that works well both aesthetically and for storytelling purposes.
A great read. But start with Year One. (It all ends in Year Three!!!)
August 7, 2024
This comic continues to be very alright.
The leaders of the nations are doing backstabby things to each other, while Death is searching for his child and the other 3 horsemen are doing something.
My biggest gripe: The horsemen are much more interesting than the leaders of the nations, yet the book focuses almost solely on them. I still don't know what the horsemen are doing or how they fit into the story at all. The political intrigues are ok, but not very unique or interesting.
The viewpoint of Death however is much more interesting, but he is appears very seldomly in these pages.
The artwork is still great though.
I still can't really recommend this book, but maybe the final Volume will lift my opinion, let's see.
The leaders of the nations are doing backstabby things to each other, while Death is searching for his child and the other 3 horsemen are doing something.
My biggest gripe: The horsemen are much more interesting than the leaders of the nations, yet the book focuses almost solely on them. I still don't know what the horsemen are doing or how they fit into the story at all. The political intrigues are ok, but not very unique or interesting.
The viewpoint of Death however is much more interesting, but he is appears very seldomly in these pages.
The artwork is still great though.
I still can't really recommend this book, but maybe the final Volume will lift my opinion, let's see.
January 11, 2020
While there are aspects of this impressively strange story that certainly apeal to me (alternate history, clashing cultures, interesting characters, complex ideals, insane action, etc) I started to feel like, when Hickman got started he kind of just took off with a crazy idea, which was, admittedly, fun. After a while though, rather than seeking to make sense of the madness he continues to distract by adding to it, and I can only abide that for so long before even the chaos starts to bore me.
This series certainly has merit, but for me, it is no longer enough to continue. So thanks but no thanks for your continued work on this one team... NEXT!
This series certainly has merit, but for me, it is no longer enough to continue. So thanks but no thanks for your continued work on this one team... NEXT!
January 31, 2020
Really enjoying this series as expected although I only gave this volume a 4/5 stars due to the somewhat increasing confusion surround people’s alliances and storylines. I loved reading Babylons sections with balloon and there philosophical discussions about the world and balloons clear manipulation as well. Characters back stories are now being revealed and previously thought as enemies are now allies, and vise versa. The great nation is probably my favourite nation in this near future dystopian America, and they definitely have the best characters with wolf and crow, excited to get to Year 3 when the volume is finally released this year and wrap up this great story.
February 18, 2022
The art of this comic is what catches me first. I really love it. So much use of white space and clean lines and bright or at least popping colors. It's like the opposite of hellboy (which I also love) that uses large black space and only jagged lines and drab colors.
The story and the characters are what keeps me coming back to it. The multiple stories intertwined is really well done.
My two favorite storylines right now are Babylon and the Balloon and The Chosen all fighting amongst themselves.
The story and the characters are what keeps me coming back to it. The multiple stories intertwined is really well done.
My two favorite storylines right now are Babylon and the Balloon and The Chosen all fighting amongst themselves.
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