Obligatory Warning: This series of books are intended for a mature audience. When emma asked me to contribute a piece to the website, I realized that, with a library of 100+ Trade Paper Backs, I’d have my work cut out for me. So what better way to start than with the first volume of Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s masterpiece, Preacher. The tale begins with Jesse Custer, a down and out minister in the arse end of Texas, getting drunk, spilling the locals’ secrets and getting a beating for his trouble. The next morning, during a packed out sermon, Genesis; a supernatural entity, enters the church, possessing Jesse and leveling the building with the force of an atomic bomb, killing almost everyone inside. Elsewhere, whilst fleeing from a botched hit, Jesse’s ex-girlfriend Tulip attempts to hijack a pick-up truck, only for the owner, a charismatic Irishman by the name of Cassidy, to offer her a lift instead. They head west and come across the destruction caused by Genesis, along with a disorientated Jesse who now has the power to make people follow his command (distinguishable by dark red lettering). Throw in some bureaucratic angels, an incredibly racist cop, an immortal gunslinger, a young boy called “Arseface”, some good old fashioned vampirism, as well as a quest to find God in order to kick his arse, and you've got the first half of Gone To Texas; the first Preacher TPB. Gone To Texas does a fantastic job of setting up the rest of the series, establishing themes and character traits that feel very natural. The first half of the trade obviously has a fair amount of exposition, but this is mainly kept to the Adephi explaining the origins of Genesis, and luckily, it doesn't break the flow. Steve Dillon’s artwork, as always, is instantly recognizable. Although not his strongest work on the series, Dillon’s art does progress wonderfully with each subsequent book. Dillon has a simple style that doesn't clutter the panels, which is a big plus in my mind. Rereading this book recently, it became clear to me that Garth Ennis had this all planned out very early on. During the latter half of the book, in which our heroes find themselves in New York entangled in a spate of grisly murders, there is a brief exchange that really hit home for me, knowing what comes later in the book. It is little bits of foreshadowing like that reward rereads. Garth Ennis clearly knew exactly where he was taking his characters in this regard. Mr Ennis I salute you, you evil genius, you. Favorite scene:
The covers by Glenn Fabry some up the tone in their respective issues perfectly. The cover for issue 3 perfectly presents Cassidy from the end of issue 2; the revelation that he is an unholy abomination. If you can, I’d recommend getting Preacher: Dead or Alive, which collects the covers in a hardcover. It is rather awesome. 4/5 pints of blood: A solid introduction to the sublime Vertigo classic. - Gerry Trimble
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