The script is frequently amusing, though there's a sense of darkness that grows over time and as Babylon inches closer to becoming the dangerous man fate demands of him. This issue ranks among Nick Dragotta's best. Read Full Review

East of West is a comic of epic proportions told through a diverse and vast cast of characters. The beauty of this issue is that, on its own, it’s a relatively small and unsettling story about the brainwashing of an innocent boy. But it simultaneously adds so much to the scale of Hickman’s ongoing narrative as well. East of West #19 is the beginning of a curious and endearing boy’s unnerving descend into sadism that will frighten you with its compelling and thoughtful character development. Hickman may be slowing the story down, but if we continue to get issues such as these, I’ll welcome the pacing with open arms. Read Full Review

To Hickman's credit, Babylon does not simply change into a murderous monster over the course of a single issue. When he is presented with the idea of preemptive action — that is, killing something before it grows into something that will kill you — he shows valid skepticism. While the book ends on an essentially definitive conclusion for that argument, it's admirable that Babylonis given time to grow into whatever he will become, as well as that the reader gets to see it happen.Hickman is not one to rush through any story, and it's issues like this that benefit the most from that tendency. While East of West can occasionally sag under the weight of its complex history and political factions, stories like this benefit from patient character development and minor plot progression. It all comes from the intentional and effective choices made by Dragotta and Martin. Read Full Review

East of West #19 is exactly what I look for in a western combined with abiblical allegory. It combines its own unique history with familiar plot elements to give yet another compelling reason to keep collecting this series. Read Full Review