Babylon

Babylon is a divine and enigmatic figure in the alternate-history apocalyptic universe of Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta's landmark Image Comics series East of West. Carrying the weight of prophecy and cosmic significance, Babylon's very existence is bound to the forces reshaping a fractured America on the brink of total annihilation. His origins are rooted in the godlike and eternal, making him one of the more mythologically charged characters in a series already steeped in biblical allegory and dark symbolism.

Babylon made his first appearance in East of West #5 (2013), a key issue for collectors diving into this celebrated sci-fi epic. As the series progressed through its celebrated 45-issue run, Babylon's role grew in narrative importance, becoming a focal point for the collision of fate, power, and prophecy that defines the series. His presence connects directly to Death — one of the Four Horsemen at the center of the story — making him essential to understanding the emotional and thematic core of the entire saga.

East of West is widely regarded as one of the finest creator-owned comics of the 2010s, and Hickman's world-building reaches its most personal and devastating notes through characters like Babylon. Dragotta's stunning artwork gives every appearance a visual grandeur that collectors have celebrated since the book's debut. Key early issues, including Babylon's introduction in issue #5, are increasingly sought after as the series continues to attract new readers through collected editions and critical acclaim.

For collectors, East of West represents a complete, finite story with genuine literary ambition — a rare and valuable quality in the direct market. First appearances like Babylon's carry extra weight because the series is self-contained, meaning every character introduction has lasting narrative consequence. Hunting down early single issues, variant covers, and the oversized hardcover collections is a rewarding pursuit for anyone serious about owning a piece of modern comic book history.