Creator: Garth Ennis

(Pictured above with frequent artistic collaborator Steve Dillon.)

Garth Ennis is definitely in my top 10 writers–probably in my top 5.  Whether its his genius indie/Vertigo work (Preacher, Hellblazer, The Boys), his groundbreaking DC stuff (Demon, Hitman), or his TWO reboots of Punisher for Marvel that served as the template for both the character and, frankly, much of the publishing line for decades to come.  If he writes it, I will read it; he’s not always great, but he’s always worth checking out.  

Here’s my Top 10 Favorites of his work:

  1. ALL his Punisher stuff–from the comedically insane “Welcome Back Frank” to his dark, neorealistic work on PunisherMax, and everything between and since.
  2. The Boys, for Dynamite Entertainment 
  3. Crossed, an extended zombie-type dystopian story that borders on pornographic, and is completely disgusting. I love it.
  4. Hitman, for DC, and his brief run on The Demon, where he created this character.
  5. Preacher.  Pure genius that would rate higher but the later volumes falter a bit.
  6. The Pro, about a super-powered hooker, with Amanda Conner on the art
  7. His two Ghost Rider volumes, which proved that Ghost Rider comics can be groundbreaking and excellent
  8. Hellblazer.  I note that many, MANY people would rate this much higher on their lists.  I don’t love Constantine, but do appreciate the quality of this book.
  9. His three Nick Fury books, which proved that Nick Fury comics don’t have to suck
  10. Midnighter. The best Batman story that’s not about Batman

Runner ups: Unknown Soldier, which offered a unique take on a classic war comic; Red Rover Charlie–a horror book told from a dog’s point of view; Back to Brooklyn, a taut, street-level adventure; and Sixpack and Dogwelder, which is the most gross (and profound) book that takes place in DC continuity.