Product Description: Wormwood is the anti-Christ, no way around it, his dad is Satan and his demonic powers help him fit right into New York. His best friend is Jesus, who is a black, mentally challenged man that just isn't performing many miracles these days. The pesky Armageddon is coming right up, and it doesn't look like Pope Jacko is going to be any help in stopping it. Also available in a limited hardcover edition (978-1-59291-042-7).
The cleverest spoof on religion since Dogma If you are some one who easily takes offense to religious themed humor stay away from this one. If you can take it with a grain of salt you'll probably love this. Chronicles of Wormwood is a wonderful parody of christian dogma. It can at times seem offensive but for the most part it is usually done in a clever enough way to get away with it. You wont find anything in the book ware Jesus is evil or the devil being right. The book basically does what the movie dogma does. If you like humor poking fun at religion in clever ways then you'll find this book enjoyable.
Been Done Before Another book by Ennis meant to shock you into thinking he is a good writer. Avoid it like all the others.
I think we've been here before... This is an enjoyable graphic novel, that I think could have been fleshed out better with a few more issues, or focus on other material. Ennis once again brings his stinging satire here. Some of it clever, some of it makes him look like he's trying way too hard for shock value. Think Howard Stern: you have to listen to 2 hours of over-the-top obvious and juvenile banter for one or two gems. Those gems are good though.
Storyline is fun, and nothing too sophisticated. I think he could have gone two different approaches with this: 1.) A 6 issues road trip with laughs and shock 2.) Delve deeper into his theories on God/Satan/Armageddon, etc.
He chose the former and I think it works for him. I would have prefered the latter, which is why it got three stars. P.S. It was a definite retread of Preacher though. And suffered the same flaws. Awesome beginning with a lot of promise, but quickly regresses into lewd jokes, shock tactics, and a destination-less plot.
Very re-readable GN though, for those that like to buy.
NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED I'm not deeply religious but I have to admit to being a little shocked and offended by some of the scenes in Chronicles of Wormwood. But after reading through the entire graphic novel, that eventually subsided. Still, seeing the Pope getting a hummer from a topless nun is something I'll probably not soon forget. Wormwood is the Anti-Christ but he's really not such a bad guy. He's decided to pass on bringing the Apocalypse to the world and has decided to let humans choose their own path in life. This does not go over very well with his dad...you know...Satan! The Big S has decided to force his ungrateful son's hand by bringing about certain prophecies and kidnapping Wormwood's best friend, Jay. Jay is none other than Jesus who has refused his own destiny of dying for our sins again. Jay isn't all there, a result of a cracked skull courtesy of a racist cop. Jay doesn't quite remember who he was but knows he wants to do good.
Garth Ennis's always stinging satire is at its religious-bashing best in this book. While the Catholic Church takes the brunt of Ennis' barbs, he shares his repulsion with Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Hindus; et al. Ennis is espousing a greater goodness for people, unfettered by the constraints of organized religions. It's all a bit heavy-handed although quite funny as well. Muslim martyrs do indeed go to Heaven and get 72 virgins when they die...although those virgins turn out to be 72 infants, constantly in need of feeding and changing. I kind of like that! Also the road to Hell isn't paved with good intentions...it's paved with mimes. Now that's just gold! Ennis is joined by his usual Avatar Press art partner, Jacen Burrows who remains a very underrated and under appreciated artist. Chronicles of Wormwood is sure to offend and good God don't let your mom see it!
REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON
The Antichrist and a Talking Rabbit walk into a bar........ Phenominal!!!!!!!!! Absolutely phenominal!!!! Ennis's best series since "Preacher"!!! I can personally guarantee you'll laugh until your eyes drown in tears. This title is amazing!!! Sex, Blood, a reluctant Antichrist and his talking rabbit, strategically-placed genitalia, more sex, Booze, Oceans of Blasphemy, Armageddon, a Wild-Road-Trip straight into the Heart of Hell, even more blood, a sexually-crazed pope, and oh yeah, did I mention the roads of hell are paved in mimes.
The art is clean & crisp. And the colors are nothing short of amazing. If you know the name Garth Ennis, you already know what kind of story you're in for. But beware, none of his tails have ever been so ridiculously funny. If you want to laugh, and you don't mind sex, booze, blood, & blasphemy, this title is your unholy grail.
MORAL OF THE STORY: The roads of Hell shall be paved in mimes.
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