Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon
Publisher: DC Comics/Vertigo
Collecting issues #18-26
Preacher fires on all pistons in this third collection (the previous two recently reviewed here and here), in which all the plotlines and characters collide in what can be considered the climax and conclusion of the first of three acts of the series. Although this is merely the first of many confrontations for certain characters, most notably Jesse and Herr Starr, it still reads as epic turning point in the context of the entire series. Seeds of resentment are sown, new bonds are formed, and crucial mysteries are exposed.
The core story brings Jesse into confrontation with the Grail and reveals their plans for him, giving new meaning to the term “religious fanaticism”. Ennis presents a both horrifying and hilarious new character in Allfather D’Aronique, horrifying in that someone so physically inept could also wield such power and knowledge, and hilarious in that . . . nah, not spoiling that one. The humor here is in absolute top form, ranging from the lowest fat and incest jokes to Cassidy’s sarcastic quips at the bleakest of developments. And, though not quite so profound, we do get one of the most memorable quotes from the series: “Humperdumperdido!”
The real triumph here, however, is in the juggling of the many plotlines that occur simultaneously during this string of confrontations and all the varied character interactions. Some characters could definitely have been fleshed out to a greater extent, given Ennis’ strength in character-building (I’m looking at you, Frankie the Eunuch), but the core cast all come away much stronger from their confrontations.
In addition to the Grail arc are two smaller stories: a one-off in which Jesse meets his father’s old war buddy from ‘Nam, and Cassidy’s background and origin, which reveal his *gasp* real name. In addition to extreme violence and crude humor, Ennis is also known for his grim depiction of war tales, and the former story is a sparkling example. The war zone offers an extreme environment for Ennis to play up the themes that most interest him, particularly relative morality and brotherhood. While it’s a far cry from the setting and tone of Preacher, it’s such a gripping tale that one almost wishes John Custer had his own spin-off series. While Cassidy’s origin sheds much light on his attitude, behavior and vampiric nature, and despite being the first (relatively) feel-good Cassidy story in the series, it’s almost anticlimactic to see Cassidy given such a vanilla background. It’s not a bad story in its own right, and it in no way robs the character of mysteries that come later in the series, but it seems more of a way for Ennis to express his feelings about America than Cassidy’s.
Speaking of which, our theme for this review: America and the Wild West.
It’s almost depressing that an Irishman like Ennis can write a better tale about America than most Americans in the comic industry. Captain America? Too jingoistic. Superman’s truth, justice and the American way? Maybe if you’re white with an upscale job. Preacher defines America by its sense of freedom – the freedom of choice and the freedom of opportunity.
Nothing says more about American freedom than the Wild West. Towns that are only defined by their current settlers, intimidating criminals who act only out of selfish intent and heroes that do what they do for no better reason than it’s the right thing to do. These characteristics neatly define all the actions of Jesse, Cassidy, Starr, and the Saint, their interactions with each other and everyone they meet.
But it’s also the little mannerisms and speech, most notably Jesse’s. It’s easy to sketch a stereotype of a Texan and just imagine they do nothing more than state the obvious in the most southern of drawls. Jesse Custer is no deep thinker and analyst, but every word out of his mouth is spoken with honesty and integrity, and every use of the Texan dialect only enhances the inflection of every line. The meaning of his words is representative of his character and not America as a whole, but the way in which he expresses his intentions says a lot more about American perspectives on cultural ideals and values.
Cassidy is another outlet for American ideals. Despite having lived in the country for seventy years or so, he’s the immortal immigrant to some extent in that his fixed age allows him to come to each new generation and cultural phase with a grounded perspective. He has witnessed things in America that have changed and thing that remain ever present and has come to appreciate what it means to be an ethnic minority in the world’s mixing bowl and the opportunity afforded to this outsider status.
Although their roguish nature is clearly exaggerated, Jesse, Tulip and Cassidy are allowed the chance to define their lives and ideals as they see fit, and it’s hard to imagine such extreme personalities being depicted in any other setting. Only in America could a preacher (potentially) curse, drink, bar brawl, steal cars, and order men to commit heinous acts of self-mutilation only because he thinks they deserve it.
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