Based on the masterpiece by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon of the same name, Preacher’s foray into television could have been a disaster. Could narrative that dense and visuals that striking really be served in any medium other than comics? Happily, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ and Paul Davies book, The Art and Making of Preacher, is a celebration of this exceptional, uncompromising show.
Through in-depth interviews with all major characters from the first two seasons, Davies pulls back the curtain on everything from the casting process to individual actor’s motivations for joining the project. What comes through strongest is a mutual respect and shared camaraderie between the cast that translates to great on-screen chemistry.
In addition, the book is packed with production photos highlighting every nook and cranny of the sets, from All Saints Church, to Hell itself. Props are also given their chance to shine with production shots of Tulip’s beloved 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, The Angels’ phone and many more.
The book closes with a selection of storyboards from pivotal scenes in the show. These start with the excellent ‘Saint vs Cops’ cold open from Season 2 (Come on Eileen!). While it’s initially interesting, fifty pages of storyboards is perhaps too dry for such a fun volume and may be better suited to a dedicated script book.
There’s also a noticeable lack of images from Ennis and Dillon’s source material which, considering the obvious pains the production took to honour the comic’s imagery, seems like a missed opportunity and would have been a welcome addition to this excellent book.
THE ART AND MAKING OF PREACHER / AUTHOR: PAUL DAVIES / PUBLISHER: TITAN BOOKS LTD / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
