‘East of West Volume 4: Who Wants War?’

Comic books have been a lot more than cavorting caped crusaders and kitschy kids for decades now, yet serious artists and writers who go beyond superheroes and cartoons don’t always get the notoriety and readership they deserve. There are incredible indie comics, covering every genre imaginable, waiting to be discovered by everyone from traditional comic fans, and truly, anyone with an appreciation of good art and a good story.

By Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Nick
Dragotta
144 pp
Image Comics
$14.99
6/23/15
Courtesy of Beaverdale Books

Looking for a gateway into the world of comics without a spandex-wearing superhero? “East of West” will blow your mind.

“This is the world. It is not the one we wanted, but it is the one we deserved.” Not for the faint of heart, “East of West” is an apocalyptic, horror-drenched work of art from the incredible mind of Jonathan Hickman and the equally brilliant pen of Nick Dragotta. Following the trail of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as they herald the End of Times, the story focuses on Death, who seems to be our last hope. A split in the ranks and a tale of revenge carry through the story, much like a standard Western. But “East of West” is anything but ordinary. The remnants of the countries of Earth are haunting and sharp on the page as the reader is introduced to the characters and the twisted historical timeline, so different, but still recognizable. As the End draws near, war splashes over the world, the Great Beast comes to wreak havoc, and still, the Message looms.

Haunting, mysterious and utterly beautiful, this Eisner Award-nominated series has just released its fourth volume. Rumors of movie rights are already swirling, so it’s a great time to join the rest of us rabid fans, eagerly awaiting the next issue. CV

Julie is a collector of best friends, board games and bobby pins. She currently lives on a magic carpet somewhere above the North side of Des Moines. She does not want to build a snowman, thanks anyway.