Preacher Vol. 1

Title: Preacher Vol. 1: Gone to Texas

Author: Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon

Publisher: Vertigo 1996

Genre: Horror

Pages: 336

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Jesse Custer was just a small-town preacher in Texas... until his congregation was flattened by powers beyond his control and the Preacher became imbued with abilities beyond anyone's understanding.

Now possessed by Genesis—the unholy coupling of an angel and demon—Jesse holds Word of God, an ability to command anyone or anything with a mere utterance. And he’ll use this power to hold the Lord accountable for the people He has forsaken.

From the ashes of a small-town church to the bright lights of New York City to the backwoods of Louisiana, Jesse Custer cuts a righteous path across the soul of America in his quest for the divine—an effort that will be met by every evil that Heaven and Earth can assemble. Joined by his gun-toting girlfriend, Tulip, and the hard-drinking Irish vampire, Cassidy, Jesse will stop at nothing to fulfill his quest to find God.

The creative powerhouse team of Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon bring readers on a violent and riotous journey across the country in this award-winning Vertigo series, beginning with Preacher Book One. Collects issues #1-12.

We started watching the television series, so I wanted to go back and read the comic series. The two are very different stories. I can’t quite seem to really love this volume. The stories have a choppy quality that I’m not a huge fan of. The casual racism and misogyny, while probably accurate to the time and place, is very grating. Tulip is kinda a terrible character and I really wish she grows and develops throughout the rest of the series, but I don’t hold out a lot of hope. Truly, my favorite character of the bunch is Cassidy. He’s at least very interesting in both the comic and the television show. I imagine that I will continue reading this series, albeit at a slow pace.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Boys: The Bloody Doors Off

Title: The Boys Vol 12: The Bloody Doors Off

Author: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and Russ Braun

Publisher: Dynamite 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 170

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: J owns it

The war is over and the world is saved. The supes have been beaten down so far they'll never get up again. So why would anyone want one hundred and eighteen metric tons of the only substance on earth that can kill them all stone dead? Bad days start coming thick and fast, as the Boys are caught in the last throes of the battle they were recruited to fight so long ago. Hughie, all on his own and out of luck, finds himself walking down one last bloody trail - and the truth he finds waiting for him at the end of it will be nothing short of shattering! Billy Butcher's vengeance comes full circle, in this twelfth and final entry in the story of The Boys.

Wow! What an ending! I have to admit that I did not see that coming at all. Of course there was always something else at play throughout the volumes, but I did not suspect. It was nice to have an actual conclusion. No major cliffhangers, not major questions. Everything doesn't end happily ever after, but I didn't expect it would. Instead, the ending makes sense for the story and the world. I've really enjoyed this series. Sure it's violent, but deep down it's a political thriller, a mystery. I loved it!

The Boys:

The Boys: Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men

Title: The Boys Vol 11: Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men

Author: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and John McCrea

Publisher: Dynamite 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Mount TBR; Read Your Name -- O

How I Got It: J owns it

The first of The Boys' two concluding stories is collected here, in "Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men". By now you should know that The Boys is one of Dynamite's most popular and critically acclaimed series, and that it's coming to an end very soon. Don't miss this 2nd-to-last collection, featuring issues #60-65, along with a complete cover art gallery by Darick Robertson.

OMG! I knew this was going to be a nail biter and it didn't disappoint. I started to question why the people were a few issues ago and my questions have been partially answered. I don't want to give away the twists, but let's just say that not all is what it seems. I am on pins and needles for the last volume of the series. The carnage is undeniable in this volume. Be forewarned.

The Boys:

The Boys: Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker

Title: The Boys Vol 10: Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker

Author: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and John McCrea

Publisher: Dynamite 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Mount TBR; A to Z -- E

How I Got It: J owns it

The story of Billy Butcher, the Boys'' mysterious leader, is told at last! From the backstreets of London''s East End to the carnage of the Falklands War, from the heights of love to the depths of tragedy, the most violent man in comics reveals the terrible nature of the forces that drive him. And when he''s done, he''ll be ready - to finish things once and for all! Collects the hit 6-issue mini-series of 2011, along with a complete cover gallery and bonus material.

All through the series I have wondered how Butcher became Butcher. What makes him the way he is? I know that Hughie has always wondered. And know at the eve of the end, we finally get his story. I loved it. Now I understand. I see why he is the way he is now. I don't know if I would have made the same choices, but it's his life. Look at me talking like Butcher's real. This series has really gotten under my skin. I want to see how all of this will be resolved. I know it won't be pretty or happily ever after, but I have to know.

The Boys:

The Boys: Highland Laddie

Title: The Boys Vol 8: Highland Laddie

Author: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and John McCrea

Publisher: Dynamite 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: None

How I Got It: J owns it

Out of Dynamite Entertainment's critically acclaimed title, The Boys, comes a special story featuring everyone's favorite pint-sized Scotsman, Hughie, with The Boys: Highland Laddie, written by Garth Ennis, with covers by Darick Robertson and art by Herogasm artist John McCrea. Mind reeling from recent events in The Boys, Wee Hughie heads home to Auchterladle - the semi-idyllic Scottish seaside town where he grew up. All Hughie wants is some time to himself, to return to the bosom of family and friends, and get his head together after two years of unimaginable chaos. But our hero's luck has always been more cloud than silver lining, and the familiar surroundings he craves are not all they might be. You can go home again, but with old pals warped beyond recognition and strangers in town up to no good, whether or not you should is another matter entirely. Collecting issues #1-6 of the Highland Laddie series, along with a complete cover gallery.

Another interesting volume. This one focused completely on Hughie. I loved seeing him in his hometown with his parents and old friends. I guess I didn't realize that he was adopted. Did I miss that in a previous volume? Or was that a new reveal in this one? Hmmm... anyway it gives a bit of information that helps to explain why Hughie is the way he is. I also liked the reappearance of Annie. He still hasn't revealed his big secret, but they've had a great talk about superheroes and lost dreams. And there's a big secret revealed at the end. I won't spoil it for you, but it's something I've suspected might happen and was excited at how they did it. Really interesting!

The Boys:

The Boys: The Innocents

Title: The Boys Vol 7: The Innocents

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 184

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: None

How I Got It: J owns it

So where are the good superheroes? The warriors for truth and justice, the defenders of the American way? The supes can't all be dirtbags... can they? Meet the true heroes of The Boys' universe, the young men and women who fight to make things right and ask nothing in return: the teenage adventurers from our far future that the world knows as SUPERDUPER! Meanwhile, convinced that Hughie was never what he seemed, Butcher goes to see the Legend... and sets somethingterrible in motion for our little Scots pal.The Innocents reprints The Boys issues #39-47, along with a complete cover gallery by artist Darick Robertson.

Another great volume. I'm really loving the focus on the development of Hughie's character. We get to see more and more of his thoughts and ideas. I especially love his reactions to The Boys' plans. He definitely is the most interesting character throughout the series. I can't wait to see what happens now that he knows Annie is Starlight. This should really get interesting. Oh! And I almost forgot about The Homelander's plans. I wonder how VA and The Boys are going to react to this turn of events.

The Boys:

The Boys: The Self Preservation Society

Title: The Boys Vol 6: The Self Preservation Society

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: None

How I Got It: J owns it

It had to happen sooner or later: the supes get mad enough to go after the Boys. One of the world's most powerful superteams decides to hit our heroes, all guns blazing, and the Female is the first to fall into their lethal trap. The sixth Dynamite collection of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's The Boys is here, complete with a cover gallery.

Wow! We get an altercation with Payback, plus some of their origin story. A shakeup with VA and the Seven. And origin stories for MM, Frenchie, and the Female. What a volume! I've really come to care about The Boys and what happens to them. I want to see MM avenged, Frenchie loved, and The Female become human. I want Wee Hughie to be happy, whether with Starlight or not. And I want to see Butcher made whole again. We don't know his story yet, but I'm sure it's a good one. I'll just have to wait for the next installment.

The Boys:

The Boys: Herogasm

Title: The Boys Vol 5: Herogasm

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2009

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

Garth Ennis, John McCrea, and Darick Robertson bring another tale from The Boys! An evil so profound it threatens all mankind! The mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all! A secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable! But have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico, and every other supe on Earth team-up for an annual event like no other...and where the supes go, can a certain "five complications and a dog" be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm!

Interesting volume. I could have done without all the "activities." I did like the reveal of what's been going on in the White House. It leads to some intriguing conclusions and speculations about just what the war is about. I can't wait to find out what happens next...

The Boys:

The Boys: We Gotta Go Now

Title: The Boys Vol 4: We Gotta Go Now

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2009

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 184

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

Garth Ennis is the award-winning writer of Hellblazer, Hitman, Punisher, Preacher, Pride and Joy and War Stories. He is much in demand for his hard-edged, wickedly humorous style. Darick Robertson is the critically acclaimed artist and co-creator of Transmetropolitan. He is also the artist on Fury and Punisher (both with Garth Ennis), and the creator of Space Beaver.

Wee Hughie dressed as a superhero. That's all you really need to know about this volume. Okay, not really, but that part was absolutely entertaining. This volume gives us a broader picture of the different superhero factions. We get intimate with the G-Men and all the other G-(insert stupid word here) teams. The interactions really do say a lot about humans in general. Sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes enlightening, The Boys is always thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. Can't wait for the next volume!

The Boys:

The Boys: Good for the Soul

Title: The Boys Vol 3: Good for the Soul

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

In a world where costumed heroes soar through the sky and masked vigilantes prowl the night, someone's got to make sure the "supes" don't get out of line. And someone will. Billy Butcher, Wee Hughies, Mother's Milk, The Frenchman and the Female are The Boys: a CIA-backed team of very dangerous people, each one dedicated to the struggle against the most dangerous force on Earth-superpower. Some superheroes have to be watched. Some have to be controlled. And some of them-sometimes need to be taken out of the picture. That's when you call in The Boys. This volume collects issues 15-22 of the Boys by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

More politics, more intrigue, more violence, and a little bit of romance! Perfect volume to add to the collection. We get to see Hughie and Annie's first steps into dare I say it, a relationship. But they don't know who each other is! The reveal will have to be amazing. We get to hear from Legend about the history of the superheroes and Vought-American. Very interesting stuff in there. It even parallels our real history. And did I mention, we get zombies! Yup two superhero zombies... I love this series.

The Boys:

The Boys: Get Some

Title: The Boys Vol 2: Get Some

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

The second volume of Garth Ennis and Darick Roberston's acclaimed series The Boys is here! BIGGER! THICKER! UNCUT! (not that Garth would ever allow this gang of idiots to cut anything!) Get Some collects issues 7-14 of the critically acclaimed series and is an excellent companion to Dynamite's best-selling Volume I trade "The Name of the Game! These issues feature the legend the story of the Tek-Knight and the team's journey to frozen Russia!

Another series that I just adore. And it's all J's fault. Yep, that's right, I'm blaming him. Now I have to read the rest of these volumes. Oh well, at least the reads will be enjoyable.

The second volume had more politics, superhero antics, mystery, and conflicted. I am loving Hughie's gradual accepatance of his job and place in the world. The storyline from Tek Knight was an itneresting take on politics and corprations. I really liked the mystery of the story. The story set in Russia was a blast, literally! My only problem: they did away with Little Nine so soon. She seemed like an interesting character. It would have been nice to see more from her.

The Boys:

The Boys: The Name of the Game

Title: The Boys Vol 1: The Name of the Game

Author: Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

Publisher: Dynamite 2007

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

How I Got It: J owns it

This is going to hurt! In a world where costumed heroes soar through the sky and masked vigilantes prowl the night, someone's got to make sure the "supes" don't get out of line. And someone will! Billy Butcher, Wee Hughie, Mother's Milk, The Frenchman, and The Female are The Boys: A CIA-backed team of very dangerous people, each one dedicated to the struggle against the most dangerous force on Earth - superpower! Some superheores have to be watched. Some have to be controlled. And some of them - sometimes - need to be taken out of the picture. That's when you call in The Boys!

J has been hounding me to read this series for a very very long time! He swore I would love it, but I kept getting distracted by library books, fairy tales, and zombies. I finally picked it up and started reading yesterday. And he was right (but don't tell him), I loved it! The Boys blends the classic comic book superheroes with the complicated world of things like Watchman. We see how the supes act once the final panel has been drawn. They aren't the boy scouts we often see. Instead, they are real people with real issues. And in some cases, not so real issues, but definitely weird. The Boys are there to protect us nonsupes from the collateral damage of fighting crime. I loved Hughie's innocence (that opening page is a killer!), MM's father status, Butcher's mysterious agenda, and Frenchman and The Females shrouded past. I can't wait to learn more about these characters.

The Boys: