Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Preacher #50Preacher #50
Vertigo Comics (DC)
Ennis & Dillon

In this edition of Geek Goggle Reviews From The Vault we look at Preacher, issue #50, originally published in June of 1999.

Preacher is obviously one of the most popular series in the last twenty or thirty years and it holds many amazing moments and arcs, but this is a look at one specific issue that is largely standalone. If you have never read an issue of Preacher and are looking for a glimpse as to what the series is about then this is as good an issue as any to get an idea of the character work done in this series. Ennis fans out there will appreciate the extra push to include the Vietnam War into this issue and especially the Memorial in Washington DC. This is a powerful comic book.

Jesse asks his dad's buddy, "Spaceman", from the war to meet him at the Vietnam Memorial. Jesse found that his father, "Texas", was awarded the Bronze Star and he is looking for the story about how he earned it.

The United States men in Vietnam are portrayed a lot of different ways in films and books ranging from heroic to down right evil. Apathy is definitely a common thread throughout though, where it seems there is always a group of characters that aren't there to win, help or do anything more than survive their tour. Preacher #50 takes this into a different direction.

Separated from the larger group and with everyone else dead, a wounded Spaceman and Texas are trying to figure out what to do. The book is a journey of survival, both from the enemy in Vietnam and the enemy within the human spirit. Everything is explored here from will power to racial tension (Spaceman is black) to suicide. Ennis puts his own military spin on the events, particularly in the end, to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. It's a heart pounding last few pages.

The other aspect I love about this issue is that honor transcends personal feelings. Jesse, like his father, does what he feels is right regardless of whether or not others feel the same way. Sure, the American fighting spirit is a common theme among the characters, but even above that these characters make personal decisions that have nothing more to it other than "it's the right thing to do."

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsDillon is classic in this issue. He's got a lot of characters expressions between Spaceman and Jesses as the story is relayed, but he brings the emotions all out when Spaceman and Texas are fighting to survive physically and mentally. His stunning portrayal of the Memorial is simply breathtaking.

A lot of issues of Preacher number among my favorites and some of them are one-shots. However, this one is made a little better with the extra material in the back, such as a Jim Lee pinup. The issue is the complete package and is readily available online, back issue bins and at shows. If you are curious I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up. It's simply a classic.

5 out of 5 Geek Goggles