It's official! I'm addicted!

In this volume, which is beautifully illustrated, SO MUCH backstory is here to be discovered.

We learn a little bit about Preacher's father and the Spaceman.

We learn how Cassidy became a vampire. We learn about the Grail. We meet Herr Starr.

Lastly, we learn about Jesus DeSade-a man whose life is dedicated to debauchery. This guy is so disgusting I can't even find words. I fail to see how AMC will be able to incorporate this sick fuck into the TV show, but I am hoping hard that somehow they do.



If you are a fan of the show, or if you're considering starting this series or, if you're like I used to be and you turn your nose up at graphic novels, GIVE THIS SERIES A GO. The TV show is good, but it doesn't even come close to these graphic novels, at least it hasn't so far. ( )

Great character growth in this one. I really enjoyed reading Cass's origin story but the main plot was fantastic! The Grail are quite the enemy to be up against. ( )

Volume two of the hardcover editions of this series picks up where the last one left off with the reverend Jesse Custer enjoying some r&r with his girlfriend Tulip and arranging a meet-up with his best buddy Cassidy, the vampire. Cassidy is not feeling too charitable on account of burying his one-time girlfriend (drug overdose), so when he discovers a large stash of heroin he vows to dish out some punishment to her supplier. Jesse agrees to tag along. Meanwhile, there's an organisation that has become aware of Jesse's power and want to make use of it for their own ends. Known as The Grail, they have protected a certain bloodline for almost two thousand years (these books were written in the 1990's) and the culmination of that protection is almost at hand. But there's a group within that organisation that aren't too happy with the chosen messiah, all the in-breeding has had an effect over the years, and want someone else to represent them when the time comes. Everything comes together at a party held by Jesus de Sade (yes, it's one of those sorts of parties where anything goes and the large amount of heroin was to help things along). Cassidy, pretending to be Jesse in order to protect Tulip, is captured and transported to The Grail's headquarters with Tulip being held hostage for his good behaviour. Jesse manages to rescue Tulip along the way and then they set off to free Cassidy. But there's one little snag, the Saint of Killers is once again on Jesse's trail. Who will get to who first and what'll happen when they do?

For mature readers only, this series features copious amounts of violence, sex, foul language and a good deal of poking at the underbelly of religion. Stay far away if you think you might be offended by any of these topics. Personally, I enjoy it for the dark humour and pathos that exists between the three friends which is beautifully illustrated in the closing chapters where we get to learn of Cassidy's origin. The artwork continues to gel with the story and the original cover illustrations by Glenn Fabry which head each chapter are simply gorgeous. Looking forward to carrying on with further adventure of the Preacher. ( )