East of West #16 Review

writer: Jonathan Hickman / artist: Nick Dragotta The return of East of West is a welcome one as the last full issue we had back in September set big things in motion, namely the World War and the releasing of the Beast into the world. This issue picks up seeing the first major results of the war, as the Nation (of the Endless America, the Machinists) have conquered the Republic of Texas in grand fashion, all but making the rangers extinct. The last symbolic gesture the Nation needs is the execution of Governor Solomon, the man responsible (sorta) for the killing of a Nation Shaman during the summit and basically the cause of the war. This is the sole action element of the book in his unexpected stay of execution is an incredible sequence, highlighted, of course, but Dragotta’s pencils.

We don’t get to check in with all the factions of course, but this is a good resetting of the status quo in year two of the Apocalypse. The remaining Horsemen are reveling in the war and it’s spoils, strategy is working for some factions, failing for others and Death seems to be back on his way to tell Xiaolian Mao what he believes to be the demise of their child. There is a bit of pretense in this issue, but is still a good setting of the chess board again, as there is a live conflict in the background for all these machinations, and everyone will have to get involved at some point. Come for the world building and dense storytelling, stay for Dragotta’s art. You can’t really lose there. While…