Preacher Vol 07: Salvation

I think this volume is exactly what the series needed. A nice diversion of the things that were going on so far. A little break from the bombastic story it was turning into. But most of all, back to the typical bizarre-humor-action Ennis writing that hasn't been this good since volume 2 (the collection about Jesse's childhood in Angelville). A little about the story:After witnessing 'that nasty event' with Cassidy and Tulip (see previous volume "War in the Sun") Jesse turned around and split. He drove into this little in-the-middle-of-nowehere town called "Salvation" and became sherif of it.There he went to live with Lorie, the sister of his childhood friend Billy-Bob (see volume 2 "Untill the end of the World"), and another woman called Jodie. A woman who will later on in the book turn out to be a lot more than 'just a woman'. Especially for Jesse. The red line in the story is Jesse having his own private war with the local redneck, bigmouthed meatcompany owner. His quest to find God is off for now. Next to the mentioned things, the gap between 'now' and the moment he fell from the plane gets filled in as well. There's also another meet-up between Jesse and 'Spaceman', the man who went to Vietnam with Jesse's father. This also makes for another great warstory, Garth Ennis' guilty pleasure.Next to "Untill the end of the World" this is probably the best collection of the series. It's a little less forced than several of the trades that have gone (shortly) before and Ennis lets himself go to just tell an entertaining story. Some things are uncovered, but never forced. Ennis goes all out putting humor in the clash between Jesse and 'The Meatman'. If you haven't read a Preacher collection yet don't get this though ! Start with "Gone of Texas (volume 1), because with this series it's highly neccesary to read the collections in order. I'm glad the series has fully restored itself with this collection and the slump only was one trade long (Dixie Fried).

Out of all 8 of the Preacher collections I truly found this one to be the best. Ennis and Dillon have always been great and though they may have been hard pressed to top War In the Sun, somehow they managed to succeed with a story that brought Reverend Jesse Custer back to his routes. Sure we all love Tulip and Cassidy (well, maybe not so much Cassidy any more) and even though they were abscent from the book, (along with Arseface and Starr) the Salvation storyline was a nice break from main storyline. This book contained all the violence and black humor that Preacher is known for and probably the most twisted villian Ennis has ever come up with. If you are a Preacher fan, this is a must and though the first part of Salvation deviates from the main story line, by the end, you will finally get to find out what happened to Jesse's eye at the end of War in the Sun.

Simply astounding that some critics feel this the least of the Preacher story arcs to date! Writer Ennis is still perfectly comfortable writing this incredible character in fascinating, if decadent situations. This time out we get to meet Jesse's delightful and utterly enchanting mother, a creature inspired by the painting of Wyeth. Other new enticements include Cindy, the female deputy sheriff; Lorie, the cyclopean girl with an unexpected perspective on the world; Skeeter, the cuddly mongrel whose loyalty and obedience to Jesse proves to be more than merely a life enhancement; and the entirely despicable Odin Quincannon, whose personal perversion intrigues, while it disgusts. Writing such complex characters at this level of sophistication is no easy feat, but Mr. Ennis does so masterfully. Steve Dillon's art perfectly catches the nuances of the characters and their setting. This is truly a virtuoso performance and truly a grand reading experience. Preacher is not for everyone, certainly; but if you love a superb story well told and are not offended by the seamier side of life, there's little better.

Preacher is the flagship Vertigo book, and has been ever since the demise of Sandman and the general dropoff of interest in Hellblazer (another book which Ennis and Dillon are responsible for revitalizing. Salvation is no different from the last 6 graphic novels in terms of quality, but it does offer an interesting departure from the books main theological focus. The story of Rev. Jesse Custer taking over the reigns of the law in small town Texas is definetly new territory for Ennis and Dillon. Ennis' writing as usual is above par, as is the fabulous penciling of Mr. Dillon. The addition of Pamela Rambo as the regular colorist has lent a wonderful atmosphere to the art, each panel seeming all the more real for the wonderful color's and extures she lends to the already immaculate pencils of Dillon. In general, a wonderful read if you've been into the series from the start, and works wonderfully as a jumping in point, although I can't suggest enough reading the entire series. Wonderful job, all around.