Comic Review: East Of West (Image)

I’m not on the ball. I admit it here for the world to see. Your friendly neighborhood jman isn’t real “hip” to any of the independent comic book publishers. When it comes to comics, I tend to read superhero books. Awww…who am I kidding? I just started branching out into Marvel’s universe (DC guy here, thank you very much), let alone read any non-superhero books.

But…in my defense, over the last few years, I have been trying to expand my horizons a bit. I’ve been reading Garth Ennis’ The Boys (I know. I know. Technically, The Boys is about superhumans, but, if you’re gonna be that nitpicky, it’s not a “traditional” DC/Marvel superhero book), the Walking Dead (I think if you want to consider yourself part of our society, you have to either read the Walking Dead books or watch the show) and, well…I think that’s just about it. No, wait. I read the first issue of Saga. Hopefully that’ll restore some of my cred.

Which brings us, to East of West. I saw it advertised pretty prominently in Previews awhile back. I didn’t think much of it at the time. Since then, I’ve heard (read) something pretty positive things about it on the internets, but still, I was…”meh” about the book. The first issue came out…”meh”. The second issue came out…still “meh”.

What can I tell you? I only said I was “trying” to expand my horizons.

I was at a little comic show by my house the other day. For a larf, I ended up getting the second print of the first issue of East of West for 3 bucks. Hang on a second. That’s pretty impressive in it’s own right. The first issue had a second printing?!?! How many books out there these days get multiple prints? Especially a book that not published by DC/Marvel.
And after reading that issue, I know why.

It’s a damn fine book. It’s got nice, clean art which makes it that much easier for my small mind to enjoy. The style is very reminiscent of Bioshock Infinite; a turn of the last century, steampunk feel. It’s also violent as hell, but a little bloodshed in your comics is good for you.

Without giving too much of it away, not that I really know what’s going on, the story takes place in an alternate futurish time, where what we know as the United States is divided into 5 territories (one territory still being the US). The leaders of these territories are determined to bring about the apocalypse by calling on the Four Horseman. Death (as in, the symbolic representation of death) has been betrayed by the 5 leaders, and he is wicked pissed.

I don’t know what’s going on with the book. It’s pretty vague about this impending apocalypse, and why the 5 leaders are so intent on bringing it on. The story is also rife with scripture-like themes and phrases, which only add to the vagueness of it all.

I also don’t know where the story’s going. I haven’t read any kind of previews or synopsis about it. I am spoiler free. But, whatever it’s headed…I’m certainly hitched.