Oh My Goddess!

Just finished Garth Ennis and Phil Winslade's Goddes TPB from DC/Vertigo, and here's a few words about it. First, the art took a bit getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it's brilliant. I've never been the biggest Winslade fan (Though his painted covers and such are always nice, especially here) but this book may have changed that, at least a little. The story, of course, is where the book truly shines though. I will say this, Ennis is almost predictable with his supporting characters, especially when he's creating them. That could be a bad thing, but usually it's great, because he breaths so much life into them that you almost hate to see them go (most of them die violent bloody deaths, don't believe me, pick up an Ennis book.) So when you see bits and pieces of their personality show up in other characters it's like seeing and old friend, if even for just a moment. That said, Ennis puts so much into his main characters that they do take on a life of their own, and truly become unforgettable (ask anyone that's read Preacher, or hell, go read it yourself.)

Back to the topic at hand...Goddess is the story of a young girl named Rosie and her realization that she is in fact Mother Earth. Somwhere in there she manages to seriously piss of CIA operative Harry Hooks, who in turn pisses off a British Constable named Dixon. She also gets best friend Mud, his ex Sam, and innocent bystander Jeff in the middle of everything as well. See, Hooks is after her to find out the source of her power, Dixon is after Hooks for a murder he comitted to get to Rosie (and ironically will do anything, even kill, to get to Hooks). Jeff is in love with Rosie (and is a complete screw up as well, Gilligan has nothing on this guy), Mud lives for excitement, and Sam is in love with Mud (though she'd be hard pressed to admit it). Rosie has to make it as far North as possible, all the while caght between Dixon and his quest for Hooks, and Hooks and his quest for recognition (for lack of a better word). In the end though, Goddes is a books about loyalty, to your friends, your country, your planet. It doesn't matter which. Every character in the book, including the bad guys, is driven by their loyalty to something, and in some cases it's completely misguided, but it doesn't change the fact.

It's a great piece of fiction, Ennis blends brilliant characterization with a unique plot and manages to throw in a few morals along with a bit of "mythology" as well. My only complaint would be that his Americans sound a bit too British at times, but its a minor one, and probably fueled by ego more than anything. Definitely one to buy for anyone who's an Ennis fan, or anyone who likes obscure tales. I found it difficult to track down in store, but ordering on the internet is always an option. Great stuff.

-L