“And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” -Genesis 4:16:

I read East of West late last night, nodding off no and then, you know, like you do when it’s hella late and you’ve been reading comics all day. I was able to finish it after a few sleep breaks and thought as I drifted off to sleep for good, “I’m not really sure I know what the fuck just happened in this comic.” It did not stick with me and I gave the book a 3 rating.

I just re-read East of West again today and wish I could take back that 3 rating. It’s amazing what you miss when you read comics half asleep – something I do not recommend doing, especially one written by Jonathan Hickman. On my second reading I “got it”. I was able to fully immerse myself in this new landscape that Hickman has given us. A new “World” born of fire from the sky.

I am reminded of Watchmen and how the presence of Dr Manhattan changed everything in that world, and when we cracked open issue #1 back in 1986 we saw the effects of a man that can synthesize lithium to power electric cars and there is no need for fossil fuels. Dr Manhattan was the metamorphose – he changed the world.

In East of West a comet impact brought about a change and set the wheels in motion for a world unlike any we have known.

And I think the gods are not happy about this. Perhaps that is why the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have shown up to destroy this world. This is not how things were suppose to be. Maybe they have been sent here to right the wrong that that comet strike in the middle of North America wrought. Whatever the reason these beings have been born into this new world, I’m sure Hickman will tell us all in his own time and in his own way.

And dudes, I’m fucking in for the long haul.

p.s. I was at first a bit put off at the similarities of The Gray Walker to The Saint of Killers from “Preacher” – but then I said fuck it, it’s cool to see the “Saint” back in action. =)