The Good

EAST OF WEST is a series that I somehow forgot about. I remember hearing about it when it was announced then I think I subconsciously blocked out any news or information until today. EAST OF WEST is the latest comic from Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta. Set in an apocalyptic time with the Four Horsemen involved, this is a comic that could just possibly blow your mind.

In typical Hickman fashion, from the moment you start reading, you immediately get the sense there's a humongous overall story going on here. As you see the characters introduced on the pages, you're not quite sure what is going on at first. You will find it really doesn't matter. That ominous feel sucks you right in and you can't help but want to continue reading. This is an instance where you can become submerged into the story without needing to know everything that is or was going on.

Hickman's big story is enhanced by Nick Dragotta's art and Frank Martin's colors. I quickly became captivated with each character. Everything looks so crisp and clean, I almost didn't want to handle the pages out of fear of smudging or bending the pages.

This is a comic that I absolutely need more of.

The Bad

This comic was a joy to read. You do feel there is a lot going on. We don't have all the answers and there's a tiny bit of confusion at the beginning. It just looks so good and the story grabs you that you won't even notice.

The Verdict

I want more comics like EAST OF WEST. It shouldn't be a surprise being that the comic is from Jonathan Hickman. Teaming up with Nick Dragotta once again and with Frank Martin's colors, it not only is a captivating read, the art and color will make your eyes happy. With a futuristic/sci-fi Western feel, this comic stands apart from the others on sale. There's something for everyone here. All you need to know is this is not a comic you should miss out on. It's the next big comic people will be talking about. It's a comic you'll be happy you read.

Agreed !!!!!!!!!!!!

Comic feels like firefly.

Cant wait to get my copy friday so pumped !!! :)

I saw this on the rack and contemplated picking it up. But the 3.50 price tag, realized how many other books I'm already reading, including multiple Hickman books, and decided against it. This definitely seems like a trade read at some point down the line though.

@nappystr8 for 39 pages that's a good deal.

Might be the odd one out here but I really didn't like this. I assumed that those 3 horsemen were going to be the villains to the fourth horseman's hero. But it was just a book of gore loving villains. That's not the type of book I want to read on a monthly basis.

Is this a mini-series or on-going?

@loki2u: Ongoing

My comic shop didn't have it. :(

Image stay killing it.

Saga, The Walking Dead, Great Pacific, Invincible.

This was great.

This was a great first issue. Definitely will contemplate getting it monthly or wait for trade.

I lovd this book! The art is fantastic and the world that the characters are walking around in is really interesting.

Sold out soooo quick at my shops...sigh.

Get it! Hickman and Dragotta kill it again. Dragotta art rules. Read there FF run together. Hickman's FF run is must buy and so is this!! I want the Omnibus for FF... it's THAT good!

This was a GREAT first issue. Loving Hickman. Never read his FF but I'm reading his Avengers and I read his Ultimates and this guy walking acid trip. Really good shit to read. Styles each book so differantly but with a lot preperation behind them all. You can just feel a good good long story coming with a few twists along the way. So far everything he's been writing is pretty new too. I have faith that I'm along for a few rides right now.

Amazing story so far with absolutely stunning art.

It reminded me a lot of The Manhattan Projects - lots of weird characters and besides all their cruelty and evilness one can't stop to like them somehow - the crazier the more likeable. And then there's the empty pages (interludes) with the some wisdom of sorts:

"We would tell you to pray, but it wouldn't do any good."

...not with the Four Three Horsemen looking for you!

Can't wait for more. This is exciting stuff.

I'm never sure with a hickman book

So another Hickman book from Image with a unique sounding story, artsy filler graphics, and excessive white pages mixed within the comic... Sign me up!

man all of Hickman's Image stuff is just plain awesome and this is no exception!

Sooooo glad I went back to the shop and picked this up. This book is amazing. Me want more.

The idea of a sci-fi, apocalyptic western is cool but after issue 1, I dont get the hype. It was really confusing and not much payoff other than some gross violence for childish readers that get off on that. There are the 3 kids, War, Conquest and Famine do they grow up to be the white guy, Indian and facepaint chick? Or is the white guy Death the fourth guy they are looking for so who is the Indian and Painted Chick if they are not (the red horse and black horse)? Either way, the art is cool and if you are not old enough to know Matt Wagners futuristic Grendel runs than it must feel really fresh. But to me it just feels like a rejected Grendel's Tale so far. I'll give it a few more issues to start paying off but otherwise I dont see what it is getting so much hype.

Just read number 2... Antonia LeVay?? Really? ...yeah, that's not heavy handed at all. Is her v.p. Richelle Nixon? Oh, you are soooo clever Mr Hickman. On the bright side I'm sure I can ebay the 1-3 first editions for more than I paid.

Great first issue, I am completely hooked and ready to finish the first trade.