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Preacher
Preacher 4: Křižáci
Ve čtvrté knize preacherovské série se opět setkáte se starými známými:S knězem Jessem Custerem, který je odhodlaný zaplatit za záchranu irského upíra Cassidyho jakoukoliv cenu. (S jedinou výjimkou: že tou cenou nesmí být život Tulip O’Harové.) S Tulip O’Harovou, která má tvrdou hlavu, pistoli a zbrusu nové francouzské krajkové spodní prádlo. S Cassidym, který v průběhu děje podivuhodně ztratí na váze – a není to dietou. S Herr Starrem, kterému jde o život a sexuální identitu. Se Svatým zabijákem, vedle kterého vypadá terminátor jako liknavý lenoch. S lasvegaskými anděly, jejichž křídla jsou bílá skoro stejně jako jejich okokainované nosy. A samozřejmě s Johnem Waynem. Vedle toho se setkáte také s pár novými přívětivými tvářemi: Se svatým mužem praotcem D’Aroniquem, který rád jí, mučí a zvrací. S mafiánským sadistou Frankiem Eunuchem, který doplatil na kozáky, příliš italský penis a zahradnické nůžky. S vojínem Johnem Custerem, který to ve Vietnamu vážně neměl jednoduché. Jo, a taky s přímým potomkem nějakého Ježíše Krista.
175 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
61 people are currently reading
3168 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,624 books3,170 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 390 reviews
December 30, 2022
I could talk about the delightfully dark and absurd The Grail organisation and its plans for the world; and how Jesse and co. get dragged into those plans; but what really happens, is that we get to heart of the matter of Preacher as Garth Ennis gets a lot more overt about the overriding theme of friendship, personal morality and the trials and tribulations of the modern man finding his place in the modern world, whilst respecting others! I kid you not. Most of the key moments in across these nine volumes are made on the Empire State Building! There's also a quite touching view of New York, America and their potential. This series shocks, delights, entertains and smashes preconceptions of humour on so many levels. A very strong Four Star 9.5 out of 12 read.
2019 read, 2017 read
2019 read, 2017 read
January 13, 2024
I don't really feel like writing any big reviews these days when am not really reading as much as i used to.
so i will keep this short
amazing volume the next one is going to be tricky since it runs through a mini series and few one shots not sure if i will read it right away
the whole volume was about the rescue of Cassidy.
we got to meet new characters which are all dead now but they were amazing none the less
Allfather D'Aronique and Baby Jesus (that's what i like to call him)
and Frankie the eunuch as well.
we also get to dive into the origins of Cassidy learning in the process that so far he hasn't really met any other vampire then the hag who turned him in the first place.
Starr might have just gained more power by the murdering of D'Aronique
i think we will wait a while before we see the reunion of Jesse and Tulip again
We also learn that John Wayne is actually Genesis talking with Jesse and telling him things he only knows.
so i will keep this short
amazing volume the next one is going to be tricky since it runs through a mini series and few one shots not sure if i will read it right away
the whole volume was about the rescue of Cassidy.
we got to meet new characters which are all dead now but they were amazing none the less
Allfather D'Aronique and Baby Jesus (that's what i like to call him)
and Frankie the eunuch as well.
we also get to dive into the origins of Cassidy learning in the process that so far he hasn't really met any other vampire then the hag who turned him in the first place.
Starr might have just gained more power by the murdering of D'Aronique
i think we will wait a while before we see the reunion of Jesse and Tulip again
We also learn that John Wayne is actually Genesis talking with Jesse and telling him things he only knows.
February 9, 2017
Well now! It looks like Robert Langdon has nothing on Ennis! And Ennis beat him to the punch, no?
Pretty delicious! I'm probably gonna gorge myself on these comics until I get as big as that fat man with the idiot. :)
Seriously though, Cassidy makes for a wonderful damsel in distress and he sure can take a lot of punishment, too. Even better was the tiny guest appearances of god, this time moving on from Tulip and giving Cass a little ugly heart-to-heart. Beast! lol
All told, extremely entertaining and obviously nothing scares Ennis. Nothing at all. I'm loving it. Total no-holds-barred glorious shite. Starr was a hoot and a half. Never met a funnier villain.
Not for the faint of heart or those who regularly clean their tongues with bars of soap. :)
Pretty delicious! I'm probably gonna gorge myself on these comics until I get as big as that fat man with the idiot. :)
Seriously though, Cassidy makes for a wonderful damsel in distress and he sure can take a lot of punishment, too. Even better was the tiny guest appearances of god, this time moving on from Tulip and giving Cass a little ugly heart-to-heart. Beast! lol
All told, extremely entertaining and obviously nothing scares Ennis. Nothing at all. I'm loving it. Total no-holds-barred glorious shite. Starr was a hoot and a half. Never met a funnier villain.
Not for the faint of heart or those who regularly clean their tongues with bars of soap. :)
February 6, 2019
Μια πολύ δυνατή προσθήκη στην αγαπημένη σειρά.
Η ιστορία που εκτυλίσσεται στο Proud Americans με καθήλωσε και μου έδωσε να καταλάβω ότι βρισκόμουν μπροστά σε μια πολύ δυνατή σειρά κόμικς, που θα εξελισσόταν το ίδιο έντονα μέχρι το τέλος.
Η λέξη "επικό" δεν έχει αρκετή ένταση για να χαρακτηρίσει αυτό που θα συναντήσει ο αναγνώστης εδώ.
Η ιστορία που εκτυλίσσεται στο Proud Americans με καθήλωσε και μου έδωσε να καταλάβω ότι βρισκόμουν μπροστά σε μια πολύ δυνατή σειρά κόμικς, που θα εξελισσόταν το ίδιο έντονα μέχρι το τέλος.
Η λέξη "επικό" δεν έχει αρκετή ένταση για να χαρακτηρίσει αυτό που θα συναντήσει ο αναγνώστης εδώ.
November 28, 2010
The Preacher saga continues as Cassidy, the Irish vampire, has been captured by the Grail, a vast secret society that has powerful influence over the world’s governments. Jesse and Tulip are off to France to mount a rescue. As Cassidy is being tortured in the Grail’s heavily secured complex by a castrated psychopath, we learn more about why Starr has been organizing a coup within the Grail’s ranks.
When Jesse confronts Starr and the Grail’s leader, he learns a great deal about the Genesis entity that escaped Heaven and bonded to him. But if going up against an international conspiracy and a dozens of heavily armed guards wasn’t enough, Jesse will also have to deal again with the Saint of Killers, the deadliest person ever seen in all of creation. Plus, God makes another appearance and continues to seem like kind of a prick.
We also get some more history of the main characters with the story of how Cassidy became a vampire and why he came to America as well as some more info about Jesse’s father.
As always with Preacher’s there’s a wide and shocking variety of profanity, graphic violence, and freaky sexual perversions, and this overseas trip also offers plenty of opportunity to offend the French, which Garth Ennis is more than happy to do. He also adds in some new elements guaranteed to piss off the Christian right.
It’s glorious!
When Jesse confronts Starr and the Grail’s leader, he learns a great deal about the Genesis entity that escaped Heaven and bonded to him. But if going up against an international conspiracy and a dozens of heavily armed guards wasn’t enough, Jesse will also have to deal again with the Saint of Killers, the deadliest person ever seen in all of creation. Plus, God makes another appearance and continues to seem like kind of a prick.
We also get some more history of the main characters with the story of how Cassidy became a vampire and why he came to America as well as some more info about Jesse’s father.
As always with Preacher’s there’s a wide and shocking variety of profanity, graphic violence, and freaky sexual perversions, and this overseas trip also offers plenty of opportunity to offend the French, which Garth Ennis is more than happy to do. He also adds in some new elements guaranteed to piss off the Christian right.
It’s glorious!
August 16, 2014
Three volumes in and it’s still unclear to me why Preacher is considered to be this “classic” of modern comics. Sure, it’s by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, both of whom are brilliant comics creators, but I feel Preacher is mostly an excuse for Ennis and Dillon to shout and swear and do all manner of silly gross things for the hell of it, rather than tell this amazing story.
Proud Americans opens with a one-shot story of Jesse’s dad in Vietnam and is a fairly unremarkable piece. Ennis will return to ‘Nam over the years with various characters - Frank Castle, Nick Fury, to name two - to tell better ‘Nam stories but this forgettable tale of Jesse’s dad and his mate getting their own back on an uppity sergeant was dull and unnecessary. Filler, basically.
Then we’re into the main story which takes up most of the volume. Jesse and Tulip are headed to Masada, where Cassidy is being held captive by the Grail - and so is the Saint of Killers. Meanwhile, Cassidy is tortured by Starr while we meet the head of the Grail, the morbidly obese Allfather, and the Son of God himself.
This part of the book really drags as we wait for Jesse and the Saint of Killers to finally arrive and save Cassidy. Meanwhile we’re treated to a load of tedious drivel by Starr as he explains - at length - about the Grail and it’s aims, while Ennis does his best to pointlessly shock the reader with juvenile humour. Look - the Allfather is massively obese! AND he’s bulimic! AND he threw up all over himself then ate a whole cake without wiping away the vomit! AHAHAHAHA! Fat people are disgusting and different therefore they’re funny! And look, he’s bulimic so he’s self-conscious of his weight even though he’s a fat disgusting fuck! I’m Garth Ennis and I find eating disorders HYSTERICAL!
AND Starr likes to get fucked up the bum with a custom-made dildo! AHAHAHAHAHA! Get it, because anal sex is so funny, especially when a butch guy is getting it! AND the Son of God is retarded thanks to centuries of inbreeding! AHAHAHAHAHA, Christians are so fucking stupid! …. Yeah, I wasn’t impressed. Would you be with this Kevin Smith/Adam Sandler-level of “comedy”?
Ennis keeps up the “edginess” by having Cassidy tortured by Some Guy called Frankie - who also had his dick cut off because Ennis is all about pointless shocks and gratuitous violence. So after Frankie’s done explaining why and how he became a eunuch (which you’d think would be fascinating but wasn’t), there’s page after page of Cassidy being shot repeatedly with a high powered rifle. Get on with it, Ennis, I kept thinking.
Things improve a bit once the rescue actually happens when Custer and the Saint of Killers storm Masada but what a dreary slog through schoolboy juvenilia - really, that’s the audience for this kind of comic!
The volume closes out with another lengthy monologue, this time by Cassidy, explaining his backstory and how he became a vampire. It’s probably the most monotonous origin story I’ve ever read. The vampire bit is a couple of pages and the rest is Cassidy talking about the Irish Revolutionary War and his dreary entrance to America. He basically does a lot of walking and thinking while people age around him. I’d have preferred if Ennis hadn’t bothered explaining Cassidy’s backstory given how crap it was. It dates the comic too, ending as it does with a view of the Twin Towers.
The volume tries to push the story forward and build the characters up and manages to do both but in such a way as to tire this reader out, making its 230 pages seem much, much longer. So far, the series has been average at best and I’m not seeing what other fans of the series do; Proud Americans doesn’t improve on this view.
In fact, screw it - Preacher, I’m done. Good riddance!
Proud Americans opens with a one-shot story of Jesse’s dad in Vietnam and is a fairly unremarkable piece. Ennis will return to ‘Nam over the years with various characters - Frank Castle, Nick Fury, to name two - to tell better ‘Nam stories but this forgettable tale of Jesse’s dad and his mate getting their own back on an uppity sergeant was dull and unnecessary. Filler, basically.
Then we’re into the main story which takes up most of the volume. Jesse and Tulip are headed to Masada, where Cassidy is being held captive by the Grail - and so is the Saint of Killers. Meanwhile, Cassidy is tortured by Starr while we meet the head of the Grail, the morbidly obese Allfather, and the Son of God himself.
This part of the book really drags as we wait for Jesse and the Saint of Killers to finally arrive and save Cassidy. Meanwhile we’re treated to a load of tedious drivel by Starr as he explains - at length - about the Grail and it’s aims, while Ennis does his best to pointlessly shock the reader with juvenile humour. Look - the Allfather is massively obese! AND he’s bulimic! AND he threw up all over himself then ate a whole cake without wiping away the vomit! AHAHAHAHA! Fat people are disgusting and different therefore they’re funny! And look, he’s bulimic so he’s self-conscious of his weight even though he’s a fat disgusting fuck! I’m Garth Ennis and I find eating disorders HYSTERICAL!
AND Starr likes to get fucked up the bum with a custom-made dildo! AHAHAHAHAHA! Get it, because anal sex is so funny, especially when a butch guy is getting it! AND the Son of God is retarded thanks to centuries of inbreeding! AHAHAHAHAHA, Christians are so fucking stupid! …. Yeah, I wasn’t impressed. Would you be with this Kevin Smith/Adam Sandler-level of “comedy”?
Ennis keeps up the “edginess” by having Cassidy tortured by Some Guy called Frankie - who also had his dick cut off because Ennis is all about pointless shocks and gratuitous violence. So after Frankie’s done explaining why and how he became a eunuch (which you’d think would be fascinating but wasn’t), there’s page after page of Cassidy being shot repeatedly with a high powered rifle. Get on with it, Ennis, I kept thinking.
Things improve a bit once the rescue actually happens when Custer and the Saint of Killers storm Masada but what a dreary slog through schoolboy juvenilia - really, that’s the audience for this kind of comic!
The volume closes out with another lengthy monologue, this time by Cassidy, explaining his backstory and how he became a vampire. It’s probably the most monotonous origin story I’ve ever read. The vampire bit is a couple of pages and the rest is Cassidy talking about the Irish Revolutionary War and his dreary entrance to America. He basically does a lot of walking and thinking while people age around him. I’d have preferred if Ennis hadn’t bothered explaining Cassidy’s backstory given how crap it was. It dates the comic too, ending as it does with a view of the Twin Towers.
The volume tries to push the story forward and build the characters up and manages to do both but in such a way as to tire this reader out, making its 230 pages seem much, much longer. So far, the series has been average at best and I’m not seeing what other fans of the series do; Proud Americans doesn’t improve on this view.
In fact, screw it - Preacher, I’m done. Good riddance!
May 9, 2021
Ateş gibiydi bu cilt. Temponun bu kadar artmasını beklemiyordum. Üç farklı koldan ilerleyen hikaye, muazzam karakterler (hepsi birbirinden kötü - en sevdiğim), nefis diyaloglar, iğrenç olaylar ve harika çizimler. Umarım serinin devamı da böyle ilerler.
August 20, 2016
I was looking forward to read this third volume and see the fight between Jesse and the Grail.
There is a lot of background stories in this book, starting with a chapter about Jesse’s father, in Vietnam, . This helps to give a form to a man we only have imagined, a model for his son, the one who tried to make him a right man, because there are a lot of bad guys in this world.
Besides, the rest of the first part is about Jesse trying to rescue Cassidy from the Grail. Reading this part, I am almost agree with Starr: the last heir of Christ's blood, protected by this group, is a fool, that goes around pissing on the flowers and repeating the same inconclusive words.
If I liked the artwork, as always, and the grip that exerts on the reader, with the usual dose of violence, I am a little bit disappointed by the story. It was supposed to give more info, about Genesis and the whole Grail's plan. But in a way or other the things come to the end. We meet again the Saint of Killers that show, if needed, his incredible power of destruction. This character and the way he is inserted in the story, is one of things that doesn't satisfy me. At the end, all of regard him, remains in some way pending.
Tulip has a little part, in my opinion, but she proves to be a very strong woman (be careful, preacher!).
The last part of the book is about Cassidy and his youth in the first twenty years of this century. His fighting for the independence of Ireland with his brother, Billy and his journey to the United States. Through his life, we meet some historical characters and learn how deep became the friendship between this two men.
4th stars for the reasons I say before, but always a great comics!
There is a lot of background stories in this book, starting with a chapter about Jesse’s father, in Vietnam, . This helps to give a form to a man we only have imagined, a model for his son, the one who tried to make him a right man, because there are a lot of bad guys in this world.
Besides, the rest of the first part is about Jesse trying to rescue Cassidy from the Grail. Reading this part, I am almost agree with Starr: the last heir of Christ's blood, protected by this group, is a fool, that goes around pissing on the flowers and repeating the same inconclusive words.
If I liked the artwork, as always, and the grip that exerts on the reader, with the usual dose of violence, I am a little bit disappointed by the story. It was supposed to give more info, about Genesis and the whole Grail's plan. But in a way or other the things come to the end. We meet again the Saint of Killers that show, if needed, his incredible power of destruction. This character and the way he is inserted in the story, is one of things that doesn't satisfy me. At the end, all of regard him, remains in some way pending.
Tulip has a little part, in my opinion, but she proves to be a very strong woman (be careful, preacher!).
The last part of the book is about Cassidy and his youth in the first twenty years of this century. His fighting for the independence of Ireland with his brother, Billy and his journey to the United States. Through his life, we meet some historical characters and learn how deep became the friendship between this two men.
4th stars for the reasons I say before, but always a great comics!
August 24, 2015
Of COURSE Ennis would find an excuse to weave a Vietnam story into this book. I suppose it gives a *little* perspective on Jesse, showing us what his daddy was like, but boy does that thread feel weak.
But I'll give Ennis one thing: he knows how to play out the terrible reveals for maximum suspense. Hearing about the Jesus descendant out-of-scene, then off-camera, for half the book - makes the ultimate entrance that much more savoury.
The irreverence towards all the dogmatic, unbreakable Christian mumbo-jumbo is a total relief. It's like Ennis and Dillon finally gave me permission to blaspheme to my heart's content. THAT was the big revelation when I first read this series - why I friggin devoured it, along with the rich characters, weird plots and mega-violence. Compared to the capes books I'd read as a kid, this was a revelation.
Favourite character of this book? Starr.
Favourite moment? "Miss."
Weirdest moment? Custer's muse getting all patriarchy on us.
Best story told between characters? Jesse's dad's war buddy at the airport bar.
But I'll give Ennis one thing: he knows how to play out the terrible reveals for maximum suspense. Hearing about the Jesus descendant out-of-scene, then off-camera, for half the book - makes the ultimate entrance that much more savoury.
The irreverence towards all the dogmatic, unbreakable Christian mumbo-jumbo is a total relief. It's like Ennis and Dillon finally gave me permission to blaspheme to my heart's content. THAT was the big revelation when I first read this series - why I friggin devoured it, along with the rich characters, weird plots and mega-violence. Compared to the capes books I'd read as a kid, this was a revelation.
Favourite character of this book? Starr.
Favourite moment? "Miss."
Weirdest moment? Custer's muse getting all patriarchy on us.
Best story told between characters? Jesse's dad's war buddy at the airport bar.
October 2, 2012
Proud Americans is a pretty big deal. I mean, a lot happens here. Ennis only scratched the surface in the prior collection detailing the secret religious organization, The Grail. In Proud Americans, we're given a bit of a back story behind Starr's hatred for their groups leader as well as their ridiculous plans involving a direct decedent of Jesus Christ.
Also, Cassidy is still being held captive and is hoping for the return of his good buddy Jesse, hoping he'll come to his rescue. Jesse however, is struggling with the thought of putting Tulip in ever increasing danger and knowing what lies ahead, he decides to make a controversial decision.
Somewhere in there, we're given an origin story for Cassidy. I'm not going to spoil anything here by saying it was pretty solid, if anything, it gives the character a bit of humanity or even sympathy, something I felt he was lacking. Made me like the ol' drunken Irish bastard all that much more.
Also, Cassidy is still being held captive and is hoping for the return of his good buddy Jesse, hoping he'll come to his rescue. Jesse however, is struggling with the thought of putting Tulip in ever increasing danger and knowing what lies ahead, he decides to make a controversial decision.
Somewhere in there, we're given an origin story for Cassidy. I'm not going to spoil anything here by saying it was pretty solid, if anything, it gives the character a bit of humanity or even sympathy, something I felt he was lacking. Made me like the ol' drunken Irish bastard all that much more.
March 22, 2012
This volume was broken into three very separate parts -- the first was a flashback to Jesse's father's time in Vietnam, the second was a continuation of The Grail plot, and the third was a flashback to Cassidy's past.
The two flashbacks were great, helping to give depth to the main characters and flesh out their motivations, but the real highlight was the middle part -- Jesse rescuing Cassidy from The Grail. Just when I thought this series couldn't get any more violent/absurd/awesome, it went and topped itself.
My only complaint about this volume was that the paper it was printed on wasn't glossy, unlike the first two volumes. It was pulpy, and didn't give the art the same pop the earlier volumes had.
The two flashbacks were great, helping to give depth to the main characters and flesh out their motivations, but the real highlight was the middle part -- Jesse rescuing Cassidy from The Grail. Just when I thought this series couldn't get any more violent/absurd/awesome, it went and topped itself.
My only complaint about this volume was that the paper it was printed on wasn't glossy, unlike the first two volumes. It was pulpy, and didn't give the art the same pop the earlier volumes had.
February 19, 2021
Questo terzo volume di Preacher ha una sorta di deliziosa simmetria: si apre con una storia che in un certo senso mostra qualcosa sulle origini di Jesse, prosegue con la missione in Francia al salvataggio di Cassidy, e termina con un flashback sulle origini del nostro vampiro.
Il tutto annaffiato di orgoglio americano: l'orgoglio dei soldati ingannati e spediti in Vietnam (tra i quali John Custer, che proprio lì incontrerà l'Orgoglio Americano in persona, lo stesso John Wayne che imprimerà con tale forza nella testa del figlio da farlo diventare il suo amico immaginario), l'orgoglio strabordante dell'americanissimo e disilluso reverendo Custer, l'orgoglio per la propria città e la propria nazione adottiva del "nuovo americano" Cassidy.
Carina la storia sul padre di Jesse, anche se aggiunge poco.
Poi abbiamo le sei parti che compongono Crociati, con Custer che si lancia a testa alta nella trappola ordita da Starr trovandovi anche l'Onnipadre del Graal in persona (e il nuovo Messia, meravigliosamente ritratto da Dillon e Ennis).
Starr diventa sempre più interessante come personaggio, e ora è anche sceso a patti con le conseguenze della sua missione in America...
Rientrano in scena anche il Santo degli Assassini (e spero ardentemente riesca a finire lo scambio con Jesse, così da non dover più rischiare di trovarselo di fronte a pistole spianate), il padre di Genesis (applausi a scena aperta per Jesse che ne interrompe il racconto) e l'Onnipotente stesso.
Molto bella la fiducia con la quale Cassidy sopporta la tortura infinita confidando nell'arrivo del reverendo, che si intreccia con la motivazione che Custer ha per andare dritto nella trappola e con il racconto del commilitone di John, sfociando infine nella dichiarazione finale dell'irlandese, finalmente pronto a stare al fianco di Jesse fino alla fine di tutta questa storia.
E tanto per cambiare, bella anche la storia di Cassidy stesso, dall'ingenuo giovane patriottico irlandese del 1916 alla sua morte, dai primi passi di non vita fino alla fuga in America e alla realizzazione di cosa fosse divenuto.
In questo volume manca solo una cosa, e cioè il temuto incontro con Tulip che riempirà di botte Jesse prima di perdonarlo...
Il tutto annaffiato di orgoglio americano: l'orgoglio dei soldati ingannati e spediti in Vietnam (tra i quali John Custer, che proprio lì incontrerà l'Orgoglio Americano in persona, lo stesso John Wayne che imprimerà con tale forza nella testa del figlio da farlo diventare il suo amico immaginario), l'orgoglio strabordante dell'americanissimo e disilluso reverendo Custer, l'orgoglio per la propria città e la propria nazione adottiva del "nuovo americano" Cassidy.
Carina la storia sul padre di Jesse, anche se aggiunge poco.
Poi abbiamo le sei parti che compongono Crociati, con Custer che si lancia a testa alta nella trappola ordita da Starr trovandovi anche l'Onnipadre del Graal in persona (e il nuovo Messia, meravigliosamente ritratto da Dillon e Ennis).
Starr diventa sempre più interessante come personaggio, e ora è anche sceso a patti con le conseguenze della sua missione in America...
Rientrano in scena anche il Santo degli Assassini (e spero ardentemente riesca a finire lo scambio con Jesse, così da non dover più rischiare di trovarselo di fronte a pistole spianate), il padre di Genesis (applausi a scena aperta per Jesse che ne interrompe il racconto) e l'Onnipotente stesso.
Molto bella la fiducia con la quale Cassidy sopporta la tortura infinita confidando nell'arrivo del reverendo, che si intreccia con la motivazione che Custer ha per andare dritto nella trappola e con il racconto del commilitone di John, sfociando infine nella dichiarazione finale dell'irlandese, finalmente pronto a stare al fianco di Jesse fino alla fine di tutta questa storia.
E tanto per cambiare, bella anche la storia di Cassidy stesso, dall'ingenuo giovane patriottico irlandese del 1916 alla sua morte, dai primi passi di non vita fino alla fuga in America e alla realizzazione di cosa fosse divenuto.
In questo volume manca solo una cosa, e cioè il temuto incontro con Tulip che riempirà di botte Jesse prima di perdonarlo...
October 21, 2022
The series continues to deliver awesomeness along with absurd, dark humor, while also exploring blind faith, racism and many other social issues.
The readers also get to see two back stories one involving Custer's father and the other, Cassidy. Each one having a poignant feel to it.
The readers also get to see two back stories one involving Custer's father and the other, Cassidy. Each one having a poignant feel to it.
September 8, 2024
4.5 Stars
This was still a very excellent volume, but the pinnacle of the series by far was Jesse Custers origin story in the second volume. There is an excellent one shot that shows Jesse's Dad fighting in Nam told from the pov from one of his squad mates and also the Cassidy origin story that centers around an Irish/ English war in the 1916 era. As usual with Ennis it's always so well researched and feels very authentic from the everyday soldier pov.
The main arc is Jesse and Tulip traveling to Europe to take on the Grail and Herr Star. Daronique and the chosen one make for some memorable moments, but overall this arc was a little lacking.
Upon re-read this series more than holds up. It's actually proving to be one of my all-time favourites
This was still a very excellent volume, but the pinnacle of the series by far was Jesse Custers origin story in the second volume. There is an excellent one shot that shows Jesse's Dad fighting in Nam told from the pov from one of his squad mates and also the Cassidy origin story that centers around an Irish/ English war in the 1916 era. As usual with Ennis it's always so well researched and feels very authentic from the everyday soldier pov.
The main arc is Jesse and Tulip traveling to Europe to take on the Grail and Herr Star. Daronique and the chosen one make for some memorable moments, but overall this arc was a little lacking.
Upon re-read this series more than holds up. It's actually proving to be one of my all-time favourites
June 24, 2010
Proud Americans is the third installment of the Preacher series and it’s just as ballsy as those that came before. I think this one might have the highest body count so far--for this series, that’s really saying something.
There are a lot of running themes throughout Preacher, apart from religious hypocrisy. Coincidental meetings is a notable one, and Proud Americans begins with a doozie. While waiting for his flight, Jesse throws back a few at the airport bar only to find himself sitting next to his father’s war buddy, Space. What follows is an intense story of Vietnam soldiers, the friends they made, the horrors they saw, and the vengeance they wrought. It’s a nice reminder not only of friendship and loyalty, but also reflects Jesse’s life as it is now--having to do “crazy shit to survive” and realizing when push comes to shove who you are at the core and who you can rely on.
There’s a fair bit of foreshadowing at work, too, since Jesse is on his way to rescue his own friend from the clutches of The Grail. Along the way, we learn a lot more about that clandestine organization and Herr Starr’s place in it. The plot moves along swiftly, giving us new tidbits of the mystery but never in such a way that it spoils itself. The way it’s all unfolding is confusing, but in a good way. Apart from the idea that Jesse will more than likely survive, I’m never entirely sure what’s going to happen next. That aspect keeps me coming back for more.
Since this one started with recollections of war and significant friendships, it’s only appropriate that it end on the same note. Standing at the top of the Empire State building, Cassidy shares with Jesse his own story: how he was turned, the family he left behind, the friends he made in the new world. The moral of his tale is to make the most of the life you’re given, and not to take it for granted if you find a friend who is willing to stand by you no matter what. It’s a hopeful way to wrap things up. I’ve no doubt that Jesse and co. will face more murder and mayhem, but being able to rely on each other should make the hard road ahead a little easier to bear.
There are a lot of running themes throughout Preacher, apart from religious hypocrisy. Coincidental meetings is a notable one, and Proud Americans begins with a doozie. While waiting for his flight, Jesse throws back a few at the airport bar only to find himself sitting next to his father’s war buddy, Space. What follows is an intense story of Vietnam soldiers, the friends they made, the horrors they saw, and the vengeance they wrought. It’s a nice reminder not only of friendship and loyalty, but also reflects Jesse’s life as it is now--having to do “crazy shit to survive” and realizing when push comes to shove who you are at the core and who you can rely on.
There’s a fair bit of foreshadowing at work, too, since Jesse is on his way to rescue his own friend from the clutches of The Grail. Along the way, we learn a lot more about that clandestine organization and Herr Starr’s place in it. The plot moves along swiftly, giving us new tidbits of the mystery but never in such a way that it spoils itself. The way it’s all unfolding is confusing, but in a good way. Apart from the idea that Jesse will more than likely survive, I’m never entirely sure what’s going to happen next. That aspect keeps me coming back for more.
Since this one started with recollections of war and significant friendships, it’s only appropriate that it end on the same note. Standing at the top of the Empire State building, Cassidy shares with Jesse his own story: how he was turned, the family he left behind, the friends he made in the new world. The moral of his tale is to make the most of the life you’re given, and not to take it for granted if you find a friend who is willing to stand by you no matter what. It’s a hopeful way to wrap things up. I’ve no doubt that Jesse and co. will face more murder and mayhem, but being able to rely on each other should make the hard road ahead a little easier to bear.
June 25, 2010
4.0 stars. Volume three in the ground-breaking Preacher series by Garth Ennis. Ennis maintains the very high level of quality he set with the first two installments and I am looking forward to reading the next installment. Recommended!!
December 11, 2017
I’m loving this series of books. Storyline is consistent and the artwork is gorgeous. I’m completely hooked.
March 14, 2021
Folle, esplicito, irriverente.
La figura dell’Onnipadre è la quintessenza dell’Ennistudine! 🤣
La figura dell’Onnipadre è la quintessenza dell’Ennistudine! 🤣
June 8, 2015
Another good volume. I have to say though I was a bit bored by the Cassidy - centric stories.
December 22, 2017
Ok let's get the hilarious part of the review out of the way first, namely that we finally get a backstory for Cassidy and they apparently want us to believe that he died when he was SIXTEEN YEARS OLD. Like, yeah, okay. I don't know how I always forget that little detail but it just made me think of this and now I can't stop laughing:
Then the rest of it: Overall a pretty solid volume but all the ...I don't know ...feminism 'buzzwords' set in a really rather sexist storyline are starting to wear on me. Like I can't tell if Ennis actually thinks Jesse is in the right [spoiler alert, he's not, he's being an ass] or if he's supposed to be this fundamentally unlikable at this point??? I mean I think to be fully immersed in Preacher you have to buy into the whole Jesse/Tulip romance and while I was falling for it like you would not believe at 18, now I'm just like girl, leave his ass.
Also I don't think there was literally a SINGLE other woman in this volume besides Tulip and she's only even in half of it since Jesse lies to her and leaves her behind ~to protect her~. Despite the fact that she just saved his ass. It's just very hard to fully enjoy something that is so very clearly not meant to be for you, and despite loving the general storyline with Genesis and tracking down God etc Preacher often loses me because I just don't have any patience for macho bullshit anymore.
Then the rest of it: Overall a pretty solid volume but all the ...I don't know ...feminism 'buzzwords' set in a really rather sexist storyline are starting to wear on me. Like I can't tell if Ennis actually thinks Jesse is in the right [spoiler alert, he's not, he's being an ass] or if he's supposed to be this fundamentally unlikable at this point??? I mean I think to be fully immersed in Preacher you have to buy into the whole Jesse/Tulip romance and while I was falling for it like you would not believe at 18, now I'm just like girl, leave his ass.
Also I don't think there was literally a SINGLE other woman in this volume besides Tulip and she's only even in half of it since Jesse lies to her and leaves her behind ~to protect her~. Despite the fact that she just saved his ass. It's just very hard to fully enjoy something that is so very clearly not meant to be for you, and despite loving the general storyline with Genesis and tracking down God etc Preacher often loses me because I just don't have any patience for macho bullshit anymore.
December 28, 2020
Another awesome chapter in the Preacher series.
This one’s overarching theme is Cassidy’s rescue. While looking for God, of course.
I love the “R” ratedness (I might have made this word up) of it all. Garth Ennis holds no punches and nothing is too sacred. As usual.
Cassidy’s backstory was fantastic to learn about. Kinda made me think about “Interview with a Vampire” but with an Irish flavor.
Also Starr. I cannot decide if he’s a villain or not. Clearly the Allfather is The villain here but Starr made me giggle more so then anything.
There really isn’t much to add here, I think, much like in any series, if we made it this far and enjoyed the experience, we’re seeing this thing to the end.
For richer or poorer, you got me, Garth Ennis.
Just read this. Do it. It’s awesome.
Roman
This one’s overarching theme is Cassidy’s rescue. While looking for God, of course.
I love the “R” ratedness (I might have made this word up) of it all. Garth Ennis holds no punches and nothing is too sacred. As usual.
Cassidy’s backstory was fantastic to learn about. Kinda made me think about “Interview with a Vampire” but with an Irish flavor.
Also Starr. I cannot decide if he’s a villain or not. Clearly the Allfather is The villain here but Starr made me giggle more so then anything.
There really isn’t much to add here, I think, much like in any series, if we made it this far and enjoyed the experience, we’re seeing this thing to the end.
For richer or poorer, you got me, Garth Ennis.
Just read this. Do it. It’s awesome.
Roman
November 4, 2024
Terzo volume della saga del Predicatore. L’azione si sposta in Francia, ove Jesse Custer e Tulip volano a salvare Cassidy dalle grinfie del Graal.
Incontreremo un altro grottesco personaggio, L’Onnipadre D’Aronique e scopriremo come è stata generata l’entità che il Predicatore ospita, Genesis, e cosa è accaduto ai suoi genitori. Nel finale Ennis rispolvera le radici irlandesi e ci racconta davanti a un pub di New York assieme a Cassidy il suo punto di vista sul mondo.
Ben scritto, violentemente pulp.
Tiene alta l’asticella su cui corre la serie.
Incontreremo un altro grottesco personaggio, L’Onnipadre D’Aronique e scopriremo come è stata generata l’entità che il Predicatore ospita, Genesis, e cosa è accaduto ai suoi genitori. Nel finale Ennis rispolvera le radici irlandesi e ci racconta davanti a un pub di New York assieme a Cassidy il suo punto di vista sul mondo.
Ben scritto, violentemente pulp.
Tiene alta l’asticella su cui corre la serie.
November 19, 2024
"Life is too big to be remembered all at once. Real memories knock you off your feet, draw blood, and leave scars."
August 16, 2017
I continue to adore this series... but the books are offensive enough I'm not even going to attempt to figure out who to recommend them to. Perhaps it's safest to say if you like the television show give the books a try... but keep a finger on the button for the escape hatch until you find out if these are right for you or not because things the tv series can only hint at the books revel in.
January 4, 2024
“Preacher” is killing it again, literally and figuratively! After a detour into some grim family drama, Custer and company take on The Grail, a shady organization self-appointed to protect the bloodline of Jesus Christ. Blood is spilled, body parts are shot off, and bad guys are violated, all amid monologues about honor and dignity and duty. Classic “Preacher” stuff. Also, the addition of Herr Starr just elevates this book to a whole other level. Even the backstory of Cassidy, though it’s a little wordy and predictable, was a good tangent from the main plot.
April 27, 2012
Last summer, I read what I thought was the third volume in the Preacher series, but it felt like I'd missed out on some stuff. Turned out that the book I read was a hardcover edition (Preacher: Book Three) instead of the trade paperback, so there were actually some stories I missed. In actuality, it looks like I skipped right over this entire third volume, Proud Americans. And that's a damned shame because this was an absolute treat to read. I guess I gotta be more attentive when putting in requests for these volumes at the library.
While some might complain that this volume was predominantly made up of backstory, I thought it was well-timed after the first two volumes, Gone to Texas and Until the End of the World, because it added a lot of depth of not just Jesse Custer, but a really enlightening look back at the life of Cassidy before he met up with Custer and Tulip.
The book starts off with an interlude from the main story, as Jesse crosses paths with a Vietnam vet at an airport bar who was great friends with Jesse's father during the war. The story, unsurprisingly, was a touching one, and had the added touch of see Jesse's father meeting John Wayne. Since the Duke haunts Jesse, visiting him from time to time, I found that particularly enjoyable.
As for the main story, Starr has Cassidy locked up in a dungeon and brings in an exceedingly sadistic hitman to torture the Irish vampire to death, but Jesse and Tulip are on their way through France in a rescue attempt. But Jesse wants Tulip to hang back and meet him back in New York, because he's already seen her killed once and he can't bare the idea that it could happen again. She, to her credit, takes offense at Jesse's chivalry, because she's not slouch with a firearm and general thuggery and wants to do her part in springing Cassidy from the Grail's clutches.
Now, I loved the first two volumes, so maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder because I ate this book up with a spoon. Everything is played to the hilt, whether it's the action, the pathos, or the raunchy humor. I mean, when you consider this entire series is based on a former preacher hunting down God so he can kick His ass, it's pretty safe to say that there are going to be some risque subject matter--at least to a conventional comic book audience. There's a morbidly obese, bulimic cult leader and the comically inbred messiah in his care, the sexual proclivities of Starr in the wake of his ... altercation with a sexual deviant gangster, and a deity on the run with a huge chip on his shoulder against Jesse Custer and his friends.
The book might be a little heavy on dialogue and backstory, but that's some of the best stuff I though, especially when Cassidy retells how he became a vampire and his journey from Ireland to America. I may have already read a fair bit of what's to come in the fourth volume, Ancient History, but I can't wait to re-read those issues in time and better appreciate them after having read Proud Americans.
While some might complain that this volume was predominantly made up of backstory, I thought it was well-timed after the first two volumes, Gone to Texas and Until the End of the World, because it added a lot of depth of not just Jesse Custer, but a really enlightening look back at the life of Cassidy before he met up with Custer and Tulip.
The book starts off with an interlude from the main story, as Jesse crosses paths with a Vietnam vet at an airport bar who was great friends with Jesse's father during the war. The story, unsurprisingly, was a touching one, and had the added touch of see Jesse's father meeting John Wayne. Since the Duke haunts Jesse, visiting him from time to time, I found that particularly enjoyable.
As for the main story, Starr has Cassidy locked up in a dungeon and brings in an exceedingly sadistic hitman to torture the Irish vampire to death, but Jesse and Tulip are on their way through France in a rescue attempt. But Jesse wants Tulip to hang back and meet him back in New York, because he's already seen her killed once and he can't bare the idea that it could happen again. She, to her credit, takes offense at Jesse's chivalry, because she's not slouch with a firearm and general thuggery and wants to do her part in springing Cassidy from the Grail's clutches.
Now, I loved the first two volumes, so maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder because I ate this book up with a spoon. Everything is played to the hilt, whether it's the action, the pathos, or the raunchy humor. I mean, when you consider this entire series is based on a former preacher hunting down God so he can kick His ass, it's pretty safe to say that there are going to be some risque subject matter--at least to a conventional comic book audience. There's a morbidly obese, bulimic cult leader and the comically inbred messiah in his care, the sexual proclivities of Starr in the wake of his ... altercation with a sexual deviant gangster, and a deity on the run with a huge chip on his shoulder against Jesse Custer and his friends.
The book might be a little heavy on dialogue and backstory, but that's some of the best stuff I though, especially when Cassidy retells how he became a vampire and his journey from Ireland to America. I may have already read a fair bit of what's to come in the fourth volume, Ancient History, but I can't wait to re-read those issues in time and better appreciate them after having read Proud Americans.
November 10, 2018
Back to being great. This was a lot of fun to read. A added complexity to the story a old as the hills, but potentially devastating to our band of three.
I love the artwork in this series and the story of very strong.
I love the artwork in this series and the story of very strong.
November 24, 2019
This arc reveals more about how Genesis came to be and its importance in the grand scheme of things. The Grail gets hit hard, but Jesse still has some serious enemies out there. Even so, his mission remains the same - to find God and hold him accountable for leaving His throne in heaven. Also we get Cassidy's backstory.
Jesse and Tulip are heading toward Masada in France where Cassidy is kept. Unknown to them, Starr is keeping constant tabs on them while he gets a sicko named Frankie to torture Cassidy. He gets a visit from his boss, the allfather D'Aronique, who suspects the existence of the splinter group in the Grail, but doesn't know about its members.
In 1916 the Irish took advantage of the war to stage an uprising in attemps to achieve independence. Cassidy was 16 years old and only too eager to join. His brother Billy follows him and pulls him out of the war when he realizes how senseless it is. Unfortunately, Billy couldn't prevent Cassidy being turned into a vampire.
Jesse and Tulip are heading toward Masada in France where Cassidy is kept. Unknown to them, Starr is keeping constant tabs on them while he gets a sicko named Frankie to torture Cassidy. He gets a visit from his boss, the allfather D'Aronique, who suspects the existence of the splinter group in the Grail, but doesn't know about its members.
In 1916 the Irish took advantage of the war to stage an uprising in attemps to achieve independence. Cassidy was 16 years old and only too eager to join. His brother Billy follows him and pulls him out of the war when he realizes how senseless it is. Unfortunately, Billy couldn't prevent Cassidy being turned into a vampire.
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