East of West - Comic Review

My father is a fan of Westerns - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Once Upon a Time in the West. I grew up watching them, but I was always drawn to sci-fi. My father never shared that passion, except for Dune.

For me, it was always Dune, Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix.

Strangely enough, East of West is something we both could enjoy and that says a lot.

Overview

East of West, written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, is a dystopian sci-fi Western that reimagines American history into a fractured nation teetering on the brink of apocalypse. The series blends political intrigue, prophecy, and high-octane action, making it one of Image Comics' most ambitious titles.

Story & Writing

Hickman weaves an intricate narrative that spans multiple factions, all vying for power while the specter of the End Times looms over them. The story is set in an alternate America divided into different nations, each with its own agenda. At the center of it all is Death—one of the Four Horsemen—who defies fate in a personal quest for vengeance and redemption.

Hickman’s signature complex storytelling is evident here, as the narrative jumps between perspectives, political machinations, and cryptic prophecies. While it can be dense at times, patient readers are rewarded with rich world-building and a deeply layered plot.

Art & Aesthetic

Nick Dragotta’s art is stunning, seamlessly blending sci-fi elements with Western iconography. The landscapes feel vast and desolate, while the action sequences are kinetic and brutal. Frank Martin’s color work enhances the mood, balancing stark contrasts with a muted, almost dreamlike palette.

Why It Matters

East of West is a masterclass in genre fusion, delivering a mix of Western grit, political intrigue, and mythic storytelling. It’s a comic that rewards close reading, with themes of destiny, revenge, and power echoing throughout its pages.

Final Verdict

A must-read for fans of epic world-building, political drama, and gritty action. If you're into Hickman’s cerebral storytelling (House of X/Powers of X, The Manhattan Projects), this is essential reading.