I initially flipped through this issue, didn't see Death or Xiao wreaking world-ending havoc, and wondered if it would be lackluster. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Though the focus is shifted, it's a strong issue that builds towards the central narrative, and we get to see some world-building on a historical and emotional level. EAST OF WEST is a must-pull, and the recently-released trade paperback of Issues #1-5 makes catching up on this series a breeze. Read Full Review

For faithful readers, the only thing I can say right now is several elements are introduced during this comic that made me smile like a Cheshire cat and for new readers, I have to implore them to pick up the trade paperback that was released last month and pick up this issue...it's about to get interesting folks. I can argue with my fellow review staff that this was the best comic released this week and I dare anyone to argue otherwise. Read Full Review

However, it would be an immense disservice to the issue not to mention Frank Martin who really bring the disparate elements together thanks to his color work. While his trinity of color technique is much less used in this issue, there are still a lot of his techniques that makes this worthy of praise. Borrowing a bit from Manhattan Projects, Martin Really play with the contrast between cold and warm colors, using colors like orange and red against several shades of blue in a lot of pages, accentuating the violence or the more important aspects throughout the issue. It's a simple technique, yet one that Martin uses very effectively in this issue, proving that he is a colorist of great talent. Another brilliant issue that showcase the world Hickman has built while propelling the narrative forward. New ideas, new characters and some delightful art from Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin manage to continue the winning streak of issues that constitutes East of West. Read Full Review

This team is definitely one to watch and this issue, although questionable, is extremely intriguing and a nicely different approach to the world that has been established. This issue also gives me hope that elements of magic will be used more regularly and that we will continue to see it's juxtaposition with technology, as that is a theme that this series warrants exploring. Read Full Review

This issue has left me wanting more. This is the first time we see some suspenseful action and I really think things are going to start picking up. Hickman's tale of the end of the world, ironically, has me really looking forward to seeing how things go. The pot's been on the slow burner, but I'm happy to say that Hickman and his fantastic team of artists are finally turning up the heat. Read Full Review

Unpredictable and ferocious, tender but unrelenting, this title is like nothing else on shelves. Read Full Review

The issue offers insight into some of the characters, as well as giving the reader a better understanding of the East of West world. We may not see a direct continuation of Death's story, but the issue certainly has momentum. It gets you excited for what's to come, which is how issues like this need to work. I was initially skeptical about the lack of Death in the issue, but it's another great installment by Hickman and I'm pleased to have been wrong. Read Full Review

East of West has certainly been a slow burn regarding the amount of detail provided surrounding the central plot up to this point. Despite this fact, it is incredibly satisfying to see various pieces of the puzzle snapped together with each passing month. The latest installment put a halt to the progression of the current tale and ignores the main protagonist all together. However, the introduction of the Ranger was very well-crafted and certainly quite interesting. This book has really carved out a niche of its own and issue #6 is full of the intriguing and intelligently-crafted story fans now anxiously await each month. Read Full Review

East of West continues to be a great, pulsating vein of a story, even when it splits and bends in other directions. Hickman and Dragotta have revealed a wicked new facet in this world of theirs and I for one am all-in for mining its depths further. Read Full Review

By taking the focus off of Death, East of West somehow regained its footing. The inconsistency of the narrative seems to be a result of the monthly delivery system. As a whole the story remains more imaginative and interesting than most other series. Wild focus aside, the book is still great. It just has some issues finding its voice. Read Full Review

This one was an excellent issue, despite the absence of all of the Horsemen of Apocalypse. Maybe the series needed a moment of break from those big personalities to concentrate on something more human, but not less compelling. It's time for us to come to know the legislation ruling Texas in 2064, which is an odd one, where the so-called Rangers kill every misruler for the greater good. This leaves some cause for reflection and a very well crafted "origin story" of this authority. The Chamberlain remains my favorite character, as I love those who can survive just by means of rhetoric. He's goddamn evil, also, and this makes it even better. I'm craving his own origin to be revealed.

- For additional ratings and previews of this issue, visit my blog at Images Unplugged

Excellent story, amazing art!