One-line Summary:
In “Preacher, Volume 2: Until the End of the World,” Jesse Custer continues his quest to find God, encountering new allies and enemies along the way.
The Search for God:
In “Preacher, Volume 2: Until the End of the World,” written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Steve Dillon, the story picks up where the first volume left off. Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher possessed by a supernatural entity called Genesis, embarks on a journey to find God and hold him accountable for abandoning his creation. Joined by his ex-girlfriend Tulip O’Hare and an Irish vampire named Cassidy, Jesse travels across America, encountering various obstacles and adversaries.
As Jesse and his companions continue their search for God, they find themselves entangled in a web of conspiracy and intrigue. They encounter the enigmatic Saint of Killers, a relentless cowboy from Hell, who is determined to stop Jesse from reaching his goal. Meanwhile, the secret organization known as The Grail, led by the sadistic Herr Starr, also seeks to manipulate Jesse for their own purposes.
Throughout their journey, Jesse’s past is revealed through a series of flashbacks, shedding light on his troubled upbringing and the events that led him to become a preacher. These flashbacks provide insight into Jesse’s motivations and the inner demons he must confront in his quest for redemption.
Unlikely Alliances and Betrayals:
As Jesse and his companions face numerous challenges, they also encounter unexpected allies. One such ally is Arseface, a disfigured teenager who idolizes Kurt Cobain and seeks redemption for his past actions. Despite his appearance, Arseface proves to be a loyal and valuable member of Jesse’s team.
However, not all alliances are trustworthy. Jesse’s former mentor, Odin Quincannon, who runs a meatpacking plant and is known for his ruthless business tactics, becomes a formidable adversary. Jesse must navigate a treacherous landscape of shifting loyalties and personal vendettas as he tries to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
The Power of Faith and Identity:
“Preacher, Volume 2: Until the End of the World” explores themes of faith, identity, and the nature of good and evil. Jesse’s unwavering belief in his mission and his determination to confront God forces readers to question the nature of divine power and the responsibility of those who wield it.
The story also delves into the complexities of personal identity. Jesse’s struggle with his own past and the choices he has made raises profound questions about the nature of redemption and the possibility of change. Through the diverse cast of characters, the book examines the ways in which individuals define themselves and the impact of their choices on their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Key Takeaways:
- The search for God can lead to unexpected alliances and betrayals.
- Personal identity and the power of faith are central themes in the story.
- The book raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the responsibility of those in positions of power.
“You gotta be one of the good guys, son: ‘Cause there’s way too many of the bad.” – Jesse Custer
In “Preacher, Volume 2: Until the End of the World,” Jesse Custer’s relentless pursuit of God takes him on a dangerous and thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As he confronts his own past and grapples with the nature of faith and identity, readers are drawn into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred. With its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, this volume of “Preacher” continues to captivate readers and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment.