East of West #31 Review – Weaponized Romantics
I like to imagine that, if I ever had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Hickman at a Comic Con, my first question to him would be “Why is East of West so good?” It’s the question that I am generally left with at the end of each issue, and East of West #31 is no exception. Despite being one of the Horsemanless issues, this issue takes a long look at the crumbling Chosen, and it’s just delightful.
On the surface, the issue appears to focus on LeVay’s fast-dissolving control over her land. She is unable to keep the peace, as she believes she was instructed to do, and she is fast running out of money, weapons and soldiers. Not to mention she has a shockingly well-funded rebellion on her hands. Which makes me assume this issue is really all about Archibald.
Archibald has never been a fan of LeVay, and I agree wholly with his niece, who believes he has an ulterior motive in his agreement to send weapons to LeVay’s aid. Even before the resistance admits they’ve been funded and informed by a secret benefactor, I suspected that Archibald gave his weapon aid a little too easily. However, it’s never plainly stated that Archibald is behind the revolutionaries, and it’s always possible that there is something (or someone) else in play, here.
One of the things I have always loved about East of West is that the series is undeniably political, but it never stoops so low as to bother itself with current American politics. Rather, it’s human politics on display, and that continues to be the case in East of West #31. While I’m 80% certain that Archibald is pulling the strings, he has been surprised before and he has proven to be more fallible than he lets on.
My sole complaint about the issue is that we ended last year with Death finally reuniting with Babylon and his questionable Balloon. On one hand, it’s nothing short of delightful to see the house of cards that was the Chosen falling down around them, but on the other, I am dying to know what is going on with Death and Babylon. We know this story does not end well — it’s about the apocalypse and all — but I just hope upon hope that there will be some peace and a moment of happiness for both father and son in this sea of madness.
Our Rating: YUS
Author: Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: Image Comics
Publish Date: 02/08/2017
Acquired via Purchase
