"Gone to Texas" is the graphic novel that starts off the Preacher series. With almost no introduction, it starts off right in the thick of the story - we see three characters sitting in a diner, all catching up on the story thus far. There is Jesse, the preacher, Tulip, an independent woman on the run (and old flame of Jesse), and Cassidy, the vampire.

We soon learn that Jesse is technically an ex-preacher who is on a mission to find God, literally. He starts his search in Texas with the help of his two friends, Tulip and Cassidy.

It's been said that fans of Tarantino will enjoy this graphic novel, but I've also found that many (while potentially being offended at many of the ideas, language, and violence offered in the series) take to this graphic novel series like nothing before. What should offend, instead makes readers ponder, laugh, and even come to love. In fact, many who are offended by the content of the novels are among the biggest fans of it, too.

The story gets rather complicated, but it's also easy to follow. The message stays simple - making God answer to his creation. Jesse is on a search for God who has abandoned Heaven and nothing will stop him, not even God Himself.

After finishing "Gone to Texas," I invariably move on to the next in the series, "Until the End of the World," the book that offers Jesse and Tulip's history together as well as the history of Jesse's strange and demented family.

The Preacher graphic novel series is written by Garth Ennis with illustrations by Steve Dillon. The two make a great team in presenting the fantastic yet realistic world of The Preacher. Their superb styles create a specific world to which most people can relate, and they tell the unlikely story in such a real way that it seems perfectly acceptable in the real world.

You'll most likely find something that will offend you in this series, but that's not the reason you should read it. You should read "Gone to Texas" because it is an excellent story that needs an audience.

Though The Preacher series contains elements of a Western, various mythologies, violence, horror, romance, comedy, etc., it cannot be defined by any one of those genres - it truly is a tale to which nearly everyone can relate, and it's certainly worth a read.

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Created May 23, 2008 at 12:13pm • Submit your own review...