If the wait since the last issue of “East of West” has left you “Famished” for more of Hickman’s sci-fi genre bender, take heart. The past three issues worth of wheeling and dealing come to a thundering head, as “War”breaks out between the armies of New Shanghai and “Death” himself.
Oh and…uh…”Conquest.” Four Horseman!
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Nick Dragotta“THE PROMISE”
Flashback to the fallout of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Learn what shocking event tore them apart and the secret that has been hidden ever since.
The most exciting new books of the year, EAST OF WEST continues in: THE PROMISE.
For the first time, Hickman delivers an issue of “East of West” that eschews its mysteries and its diverging story lines, all in favor a good old-fashioned brawl. While this issue is heavy on action, it’s also perhaps the first that truly places character development ahead of plot progression, making it the most well rounded chapter to date.
With the revelation that Death’s wife still lives, a prisoner in the heart of New Shanghai, Death and his companions prepare their assault on the city. In just a few pages, Hickman builds the tension like a storm through the familial conflict among the Mao royal family. Then the cloud bursts, with Death’s mechanical steed laying waste with what could only be described as a “death ray.” The battle that follows is an impressive visual feast that would put many “blockbuster” event comics to shame.
Of course, we’ve come to expect the best from artist Nick Dragotta. Perhaps by design or just coincidence, Dragotta’s pages here are decidedly minimalistic, with New Shanghai green and red clashing against the black and white forces of Death. The result is visually striking, appropriately so for such a visceral subject. At times this lack of variation in color, along with mostly stark backgrounds, puts panels in danger of monotony. Fortunately, Dragotta’s characters bear a striking level of detail, engaging the reader with realistically gripping emotion.
The breakout star of this issue is without a doubt Xiaolian, “the woman who conquered death.” In a story revolving around biblical representations of the world’s most devastating forces, it’s fascinating that this young woman would become, arguably, the book’s most dangerous character. After the events of this issue, she’s the character to watch.
While most of the issue is devoted to the battle, Hickman spares time for a little world building. A single panel is devoted to “the flashback,” the slowly unraveling story of what appears to be a central point in the “East of West” mythology. Obviously, something divisive occurred between the Horsemen, with “the Chosen,” playing a part as well. The implication that Xiaolian was a victim of this struggle adds to her possible importance, and adds a new layer of theories for fans to chew on.
Arguably, the greatest flaw besetting “East of West” to this point has been the lack of a strong central anchor, tying the reader to the series metaphysical concepts. Fortunately, issue #4 provides a much needed grounded, making the wait for next issue all the more unbearable.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Buy
