Preacher is a comic book series created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, first published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint in 1995. Spanning 66 issues across six main volumes from 1995 to 2000, along with several spin-offs and specials, it follows the story of Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher in Texas who becomes possessed by a mysterious supernatural entity called Genesis. This force grants him the power of 'The Word,' allowing him to command anyone to do his bidding. Disillusioned with his faith and life, Jesse sets off on a cross-country quest to find God, who has abandoned Heaven and is hiding on Earth somewhere. Accompanying him are his ex-girlfriend Tulip O'Hare, a tough and skilled gunfighter, and Proinsias Cassidy, an ancient Irish vampire with a penchant for debauchery.
The series is renowned for its blend of dark humor, extreme violence, religious satire, and philosophical undertones, tackling themes of faith, redemption, free will, and the nature of divinity. Ennis and Dillon's collaboration crafts a sprawling epic filled with bizarre characters, including the Saint of Killers—a vengeful gunslinger from Hell—and the enigmatic Grail organization. Preacher's irreverent tone and unflinching portrayal of human (and inhuman) vices earned it a cult following and critical acclaim, cementing its status as one of Vertigo's flagship titles and a landmark in mature superhero comics.
