Preacher’s Weird, Wild, and Offensive Characters, Ranked

It’s well-known among comic book enthusiasts that Preacher is one of the finest jewels in the medium. Titles like Hellblazer and Sandman also contributed to making DC’s Vertigo imprint a must-read each month. Unlike previous series, Preacher shares connections with the broader DC Comics universe. However, it stands on its own as an original story, featuring characters grappling with the supernatural in ways reminiscent of old Western saloons. Jesse Custer’s journey is marked by his faith – or lack thereof – his personal relationships, and his role as a vessel for Genesis. This unique blend results in a modern Western that playfully exploits the conventions and atmosphere of the genre while distancing itself to offer a witty critique on religious dogma, America, and masculinity.

In this rephrased version, the creators Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s work quickly captured readers’ attention due to the vivid characters that graced the comic book panels. The protagonist Jesse Custer, with his unique perspective on right and wrong, shapes his actions, often leading to complications in his relationship with Tulip O’Hare and his bond with the Irish vampire Proinsias Cassidy, who is also a heavy drinker. This trio serves as the core of the story’s quest for God, and their journey is essential to understanding the ongoing battle between Heaven and Hell.

As we approach the 30-year mark, it seemed fitting to take a retrospective glance at the captivating series, Preacher, and the memorable characters that contributed significantly to its success.

10) Allfather

We begin with The Allfather, the founding leader of The Grail cult who shares a distant bloodline with Jesse Custer. Despite being a powerful figure, he’s hindered by his extreme obesity and frequent cycles of overeating and purging. His presence is unforgettable, as is his gruesome demise at the hands of Herr Starr. With a single act, Starr pushes The Allfather from a helicopter, causing him to land on Humperdoo, thereby bringing an end to the Grail dynasty up until that point in one swift move. At minimum, he’s one of the most striking elements in a story filled with memorable moments.

9) Humperdoo

The “Grail’s Chosen One,” a character born from generations of interbreeding among the group’s founders who claim divine lineage over several decades. This long-standing family tree spans over 2,000 years. While the current and final member, Humperdoo, provides amusing diversion, he remains irritating. However, the antics of Humperdoo and his ancestors provide comedic relief in an absurd scenario that warrants a place on the list. Their behavior is offensive in multiple ways, and it’s astonishing how extreme Ennis becomes, culminating in the chaotic climax when Allfather is thrown from a helicopter onto him.

8) God

It’s not surprising that the book “Preacher” stirred up controversy during its original publication due to its exploration of religious themes and depictions, a subject that often meets resistance. Throughout the narrative, God is portrayed as arrogant, self-centered, and seemingly all-powerful until he inadvertently sets his own downfall into motion by creating Genesis. This act not only leads to his eventual demise but also unveils some of his hidden aspects: he can be killed by The Saint of Killers and his primary powers are bound to his throne.

In a more straightforward manner: As time goes on, God can seem like an unexpected antagonist, particularly when he feels justified in his actions. He also displays a touch of pettiness, which is evident through his interactions with the Saint of Killers. However, it’s challenging to convince some readers that a comic ends satisfactorily if its climax involves God being shot by a cowboy.

7) Jody and T.C.

You really need to put Jody and T.C. together for one character. These two are like a powerful one-two punch, especially in Jesse’s upbringing and as enforcers on Marie L’Angelle’s ranch. Jody is a tough, ruthless, and cold-hearted fellow who enjoys fighting gorillas for entertainment. He serves as an unusual father figure in popular culture, believing that being tough prepares Jesse for the real world, often teaching him lessons brutally with T.C. by his side. T.C., like Jody, tends to resort to violence first in any situation. Additionally, he has a strange sexual interest in almost anything he encounters. Together, they make up a formidable duo of white trash killers who cause trouble for our main characters until Jesse comes back for revenge.

Tulip kills T.C., who didn’t have many chances for redemption. Jody gets into a violent confrontation with Jesse in their final encounter. Although Jody is harsh and cruel, he manages to gain some respect by helping mold Jesse into the man he is today. This doesn’t save his life, but it adds depth and complexity to his character in the story.

Tulip kills T.C., who had limited opportunities for redemption. Jody engages in a fierce fight with Jesse before they part ways. Despite being cruel, Jody earns a bit of respect for shaping Jesse into the man he is today. This doesn’t save his life, but it makes him a more complex and multidimensional character in the story.

Another version: Tulip kills T.C., who wasn’t given many chances to make amends. Jody has a heated fight with Jesse before they go their separate ways. Even though he is ruthless, Jody still manages to earn some respect for helping transform Jesse into the person he has become. This doesn’t save his life, but it makes him a more intricate and multi-faceted character in the story.

6) Arseface

In my perspective as a movie critic, I’d say: Scarred by a botched suicide attempt that left me grotesquely disfigured, I transformed into an unlikely pop culture icon, escaping a life of abuse and eventually rising to stardom as a musician. This is a timeless Cinderella tale, but even after my downfall when my manager, Gene Sergeant, betrayed me with theft and the public grew weary of my presence, I persevered. My connection to Custer’s narrative arises from his actions leading to my father’s untimely death. Sheriff Root initially refused to acknowledge me following my suicide attempt, but I never gave up, and my relentless pursuit led me down a path of vengeance. I am a conundrum cloaked in mystery, adorned with a disfigurement that makes me resemble a literal backside. A star, indeed, I was destined to be.

5) Herr Starr

As a devoted moviegoer putting it in my own words, I’d say this: In the comics, unlike the television adaptation, the protagonist remains unnamed, enhancing his enigmatic past as a former German anti-terrorism operative turned leader of The Grail. The anonymity adds layers to his mysterious backstory, making him all the more intriguing. Having seized control from the Allfather and the twisted Messiah Humperdoo, he sets his true intentions into motion. Contrary to the Allfather’s aspirations, our unnamed hero aims to seize power and transform The Grail into a military force, with the ultimate goal of capturing Custer and installing him as the new Messiah.

The pursuit of Custer leads to intense battles, including a brutal confrontation in Monument Valley featuring the Saint of Killers, culminating in an explosive event. Starr is intriguing because he’s unabashedly evil, yet consistently inept despite his scheming. By the end of Tulip’s encounter with Starr, he’s left disfigured, having lost a leg, needing a urinary valve, and bearing a grotesque carving on his head by Custer. Among all characters, Starr stands out for his wild nature, mainly due to his repugnant personality contrasted with the absurdity of his misfortunes. Watching him meet his demise brings a sense of satisfaction, and there’s a certain delight in witnessing it.

4) Saint of Killers

For the character known as the Saint of Killers, if he were to have his own story told, it’s clear he would swiftly ascend to the peak. This ruthless cowboy finds himself seated on Heaven’s throne at the end of the series. However, before reaching his ultimate destination, the Saint must navigate through Hell, establish a formidable reputation, and claim many lives along the way. When first meeting his demise, the intensity of his hatred was so profound that he froze Hell following his passing.

The tale escalated further, and not even Satan could extinguish the hatred within him. This angered the Angel of Death so much that he decided to assign the Saint the role of the Grim Reaper. Using Death’s sword, the angel crafted two revolvers imbued with magical properties – they would never run out of ammunition, never miss their target, and kill whatever they struck. The Devil soon learned about this new power when he acted disrespectfully, and chaos ensued. In the series, he was seen destroying tanks, firing at everyone in sight while being completely consumed by his thirst for revenge. Interestingly, he transitioned from hunting Jesse Custer to maintaining a fragile peace with him, which is a worrying sign for God.

3) Tulip O’Hare

Initially, Tulip, a skilled assassin who becomes Jesse’s romantic interest, finds herself at odds with him. Their relationship blossoms after she leaves college, encounters him at a bar one night, and they embark on a journey together, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. However, Jesse mysteriously vanishes, captured by Jody and T.C., and taken back to the L’Angelle Ranch. Their next encounter occurs after the church in Anneville is demolished by Genesis. For a while, Tulip maintains a frosty demeanor towards him, but Cassidy becomes a useful addition to their group. Eventually, they are apprehended by Jesse’s grandmother, Marie L’Angelle, and in a dramatic turn of events, Tulip is shot in the head and presumed dead. In the following issue, she is miraculously brought back to life by God, but the revival is unsettling.

On numerous occasions, Tulip demonstrates that she is far from a damsel in distress, and she strongly disapproves of Jesse’s repeated choices to abandon her, whether during his mission to save Cassidy from The Grail or when he drugged her to shield her from a confrontation with Herr Starr, the Saint of Killers, and an unnamed deity. Despite these differences, they ultimately reunite, but Tulip’s strong sense of self-worth adds depth and balance to their trio.

2) Cassidy

A 1916 Irish Volunteer named Cassidy encounters a supernatural creature, which turns him into a vampire. Struggling with his new condition, particularly his intolerance to sunlight, he abandons both his family and military duties. He then moves to the U.S., where alcohol and drugs become a destructive part of his life. Despite having moments of friendship, Cassidy ultimately becomes a burden to those around him towards the end, often leaving friends when situations grow difficult.

In simple terms, Cassidy is generally liked despite his questionable character, as he exhibits loyalty that often works in his favor. However, by the end of the story, he undergoes growth and chooses to make a selfless sacrifice after betraying Jesse and Tulip. This act suggests that he may reform permanently. Following his transformation into a human, he vows to become a man of honor like Jesse, thereby regaining his lost humanity.

1 ) Jesse Custer

The principal character in Preacher, who serves as the Genesis host and embodies the modern cowboy persona, is named Jesse Custer. Though he possesses the Word of God within him, he remains a man shaped by the resilience of Texas and his personal hardships. Jesse navigates life with a clear distinction between right and wrong, influenced not only by his father, John Custer, but also by his tough upbringing under his grandmother, Marie L’Angell, along with her associates, Jody and T.C. This description aims to convey the same meaning while providing a more natural and easy-to-understand paraphrase.

Jesse isn’t without flaws and he acknowledges this himself. However, his unwavering connection with Tulip reveals a man who cannot conceal his emotions, often leading him to make questionable decisions in an attempt to safeguard her. The spectral presence of John Wayne serves to emphasize Jesse’s cowboy persona. By the finale of the series, Jesse humbly asks for Tulip’s forgiveness following his second departure. Initially resolute that she will not forgive him, Tulip softens upon witnessing his tears for the first time since losing his father. In a fitting conclusion, they depart together into the sunset, marking as happy an ending as one could expect given their tumultuous journey.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that there were some characters in “Preacher” that may have slipped past my notice. I invite you all to share your favorite characters in the comments below. This series is rich and multifaceted, making it an intriguing exploration that leaves me eager for more!

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2025-08-10 23:24