Xiaolian Mao

Xiaolian Mao is one of the most compelling figures in Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta's sprawling alternate-history epic from Image Comics. She makes her first significant appearance in East of West #3 (2013), a series that reimagines a fractured United States teetering on the edge of apocalypse. As one of the leaders of the Chosen — a secret cabal of powerful figures from the divided nations of this alternate America — Xiaolian commands attention from her very first pages. Her introduction signals to readers that East of West is building a cast of morally complex, formidable characters, and her early issues are among the most sought-after by collectors diving deep into the run.

Xiaolian's origins tie her to something far greater than earthly politics. With a divine or eternal nature woven into her backstory, she exists at the intersection of prophecy and power, making her one of the more mythologically layered characters in the series. Her role within the Chosen places her at the center of the story's grand apocalyptic conspiracy, and her interactions with other faction leaders — as well as with Death himself — carry enormous weight across the narrative. Hickman's dense, lore-rich writing rewards collectors who pursue complete runs, and Xiaolian's appearances are essential connective tissue throughout the series.

East of West ran for 45 issues and is widely regarded as one of the defining creator-owned epics of the 2010s. Xiaolian's character arc spans much of the series' central conflict, and her story touches on themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the cost of wielding power in a world destined to end. Nick Dragotta's artwork gives her a striking visual presence that makes her standout moments some of the most memorable spreads in the entire run.

For collectors, East of West #3 is the key issue to track down in high grade, as early Image print runs can be scarce in top condition. First prints of the entire East of West run have appreciated steadily as the series has grown in reputation among fans of ambitious, literary comics. Whether you're building a complete set of the single issues, hunting down the oversized hardcover collections, or chasing that sharp first print of issue #3, Xiaolian Mao's presence makes this corner of the Image catalog well worth pursuing.