The Preacher is widely believed to be easily the most irreverent comic book to ever come out of an American publisher.
Those who believe that are wrong, at least as far as the “easily” goes.
Drawn by Jacen Burrows and published by Avatar Press, The Chronicles of Wormwood follows Danny Wormwood, a cable television producer of questionable adult programs, is in a steady relationship and despite his fortune and status, likes to keep close to the man on the street. All around nice guy, really. I mean, sure, he's the Antichrist, born of a mortal mother and the devil in the form of a Jackal, destined to bring about eons of darkness and unending suffering. But he doesn't want to. Of course, his old man won't have any of it and will stop at nothing to see his son follow him into the family business.
He’s also best friends with Jesus Christ and quite friendly with St. Peter who lets him into heaven for a bit of fun now and then. He’s got a friends-with-benefits deal going on with Joan of Arc, only not so much with the friends. There’s also an incredibly perverse Australian Pope who really lives up to the title of The Holy See if you get my meaning.
Beyond the shock-value, it is actually quite good. The characters are worthy reading about and the themes of choice and pre-destination are handled nicely, if simply. There’s no way it’ll ever be filmed, faithfully at least, but I figured it's be fun for my next fan cast.
Danny Wormwood
Antichrist and all around nice guy.
Jay
Upon his second coming, the messiah opted for a social revolution to unite mankind in the spirit of compassion and kindness. Long story short, an encounter with the LAPD during an anti-war demonstration reduced him to nothing more than a seemingly mentally handicapped, laid back bar patron.
F***nose
Wormwood and Jay's usual bartender. His insensitive demeanor earned him Wormwood's ire, and he found that his nose and another part of him have swapped places.
Babs
Like Wormwood, Babs has elected to forsake her role in the apocalypse and live the life of a bikini model.
Popa Jacko
Pope Benedict's succesor. I honestly can’t find the words to describe him.
Paul Carnovitz
Wormwood's business rival, who produces shows that are offensive for the sake of being offensive.
Nick Puglio and Frank Hardy
A pair of writing partners and Wormwood's top talent who have created shows such as I F***** the President's Wife. Puglio is loud and crass, while Hardy is more soft-spoken and thoughtful.
The Devil
Wormwood’s father. He wishes his son would quit slacking off and bring about the end of the world already.
Maggie
Wormwood's mortal girlfriend of a few years who is oblivious to his true nature.
Jimmy
Wormwood's annoying, pet talking rabbit. He's a message board troll.