Preacher stands out as one of the most audacious comic book series ever created, a reputation fueled largely by its graphic depictions of violence. From the very beginning, this title is steeped in bloodshed and chaos, reflecting the supernatural themes inherent in its narrative. It chronicles tales of undead assassins, vengeful angels, and even vampiric foes, while also highlighting the brutal actions of regular humans against one another . Preacher flips the script, merging the macabre with deep philosophical questions about faith and morality.
Written by the infamous Garth Ennis, known for his provocative storytelling, Preacher differs from the traditional superhero fare that dominates the comic landscape. Ennis’ signature style embodies a blend of mature themes and graphic violence, captivating a dedicated fanbase. This intensity is a hallmark of his works, including The Boys and Crossed. With that in mind, let’s explore 10 of the most shocking deaths from Preacher that fans can never unsee.
10. Jesse Bonds with Genesis
Jesse Custer Accidentally Murders His Entire Congregation
Jesse Custer, also known as the Preacher, becomes host to Genesis—a half-angel, half-demon entity—granting him incredible powers. In a cataclysmic event at the series’ outset, Genesis unleashes destructive force on a church congregation, resulting in their instant vaporization. This scene sets a grim tone, illustrating the unforeseen consequences of such cosmic power.
9. Saint of Killers’ Angelic Victim
The Saint of Killers Blows an Angel’s Brains Out
The Saint of Killers, a merciless undead cowboy, is summoned to hunt Genesis and its host. Awakened by angels who sought to imprison Genesis, he quickly demonstrates his lethal abilities. In a ruthless onslaught, he executes angels, graphically illustrating their demise with his pistols. Shockingly, the angels endure momentarily post-shooting—since their deaths linger, showcasing just how brutal this encounter becomes.
8. Cassidy’s Vampiric Debut
Preacher’s Resident Vampire Rips Out His Attacker’s Throat
Cassidy, the series’ vampire antihero, is thrust into violence during his bar fight debut. After suffering a stab wound to the eye—a minor inconvenience for a vampire—he retaliates with brutal efficiency. The resulting carnage sees Cassidy dispatching his aggressors and savoring their blood, solidifying his morally ambiguous reputation while also making a striking entrance.
7. A Serial Killer’s Introduction
A Serial Killer Rips a Man’s Face Off
Si Coltrane, or Reaver-Cleaver, makes his entrance with unrivaled brutality. In a scene that shocks and horrifies, he gruesomely slices off a man’s face—only to nail it back onto his victim’s head. This grotesque tableau underscores the chilling nature of his character and leaves an unforgettable mark on the series.
6. Jesse Murders His Family
Jesse Custer’s Family Gets Their Comeuppance
Forced into the preacher role by his radical family, Jesse’s backstory reveals years of abuse. When confronted with them again, he unleashes cathartic vengeance. Their deaths—particularly the fiery demise of his grandmother—are depicted with dark humor, illustrating Jesse’s complex journey towards liberation.
5. The Massacre of The Grail
Jesse’s Bloody Assault on The Grail
The Grail, a clandestine organization with a twisted mission to preserve the bloodline of Jesus, finds itself at the wrong end of Jesse’s wrath. Their dark pasts culminate in a spree of violent and darkly comedic deaths, showcasing the extent of Jesse’s evolution and moral clarity amidst chaos.
4. Cassidy Kills Eccarius
A Showdown with Eccarius
In a standalone story, Cassidy confronts Eccarius, a sadistic vampire leader. Cassidy’s brutal execution of Eccarius—nailing him to a church and allowing the sun to lead to his demise—epitomizes the series’ dark and twisted humor while emphasizing Cassidy’s character arc.
3. The Death of Satan
The Saint of Killers Does the Unthinkable
One of the boldest moments in Preacher sees the Saint of Killers executing the Devil himself. In a moment of dark humor, he dismissively shoots Satan after an offhand insult. The scene not only highlights the Saint’s power but also serves as a biting commentary on the narrative’s broader themes.
2. Herr Starr Gets His Comeuppance
Herr Starr, an emblematic antagonist, revels in his role within The Grail. Throughout his pursuit of Jesse and his friends, he commits countless murders, but ultimately, it’s Starr who meets a gruesome end. Shot in the face by Tulip O’Hare, his demise is both poetic and fitting.
1. The Death of God
The Saint of Killers Murders God
Perhaps the most outrageous event in Preacher is the literal killing of God. The culmination of Jesse’s journey confronts the omnipotent being with the pain and suffering inflicted upon humanity. In a reckless display of power, the Saint of Killers shoots God in a moment that is both blasphemous and darkly powerful, leaving an indelible mark on the series.