Preacher VOL 04: Ancient History (Paperback)

The two origin stories speak to the past pain and anger that the Saint and Arseface experienced, and how these emotions molded their desire to mete out vengeance. Saint is the 'simpler' of the two characters. As Ennis himself acknowledges in his excellent Foreward, Saint is the virtual embodiment of the Clint Eastwood movie-western archetype, an innately violent man unable to contain the demons within when the good in him vanishes. Arseface, however, is painted with a subtler brush: a sad and isolated loner whose physiological transformation 'triggers' (pardon the pun) a paradoxically sunnier and more violent outlook on life. Note also how Arseface comes to relate and sympathize with the things he most fears. Although these tales are both downers, the book finishes with a rousing send-off, thanks to the fanciful "Good Ole Boys." The unlikeliest of heroes save the day and get the girl, and, er, dog. A bumbling Middle Eastern terrorist who utters a constant stream of scatological malapropisms 'leads' the bad guys. People (and animals) are killed, mutilated, and abused. Hilarious, violent, offensive, politically incorrect; in short, Ennis at his crackling best.

For the first time in the series, Dillon is not involved with the art. However, Steve Pugh's rich illustrations, the masterful Carlos Ezquerra's evocative imagery, and Pamela Rambo's skillful colouring, among others, ensure the visuals are up to par with the story.

Although I'm not generally a fan of graphic novels that wander from the series arc, I have to admit that the book was very well written and a heckuva lot of fun to read.

Garth Ennis takes us back in flashback sequence one four major characters of his Preacher series to make us see, what makes them tick. Saint of Killers, TC and Jody and last but not least the well named, Arseface.

The story of the Saint of Killers is perhaps in this three part trade paperback in the ever popular Preacher series. You never would have guessed that a cold hearted killer was really human. Heck you might never even guess what this guy's true function in this life is really all about, until you read this for yourself. Anything I say can be considered a spoiler. The art works well. I can't see Steve Dillon's work working well here so it was great having Steve Pugh filling in. His art is grittier and darker and makes this character just a teensy weensy meaner than anything you've ever seen.

Arseface comes in next. This guy is just plain old out of this world. You would never even believe he was human before, but it turns out that he really was. This is the most human of the stories depicting the origin of the character and what makes him who he really is rght now. The way Ennis makes him talk and ctually have the translation for you is unbelievably insane.

TC and Jody's story is fun. These guys are whacko. They have always been whacko ever since they were first introduced. So unlike the other stories, this one would be the goriest of them in terms of things done to people that you never thought can be done. TC's fetish for making out with creatures really is turned up a notch here.

Despite the inconsistence of the art, the 4the volume of the Preacher series stands as an important part. The telling of the origin of these characters makes them more accessible to the reader. It was good for Ennis to talk about these characters. Dillon or no Dillon, Ennis continues to fight the good fight.