Preacher, Volume 7: Salvation Summary & Key Insights

'Preacher: Volume 7: Salvation' finds Jesse Custer, Tulip O'Hare, and Cassidy still reeling from the aftermath of their chaotic encounter with the Saint of Killers. Jesse, grappling with his diminished powers and the horrifying revelation of God's abandonment, struggles with his role as a preacher and the weight of his supposed destiny. This volume shifts the narrative focus, delving less into the grand, cosmic struggle and more into the personal turmoil of its protagonists.

The main plot revolves around Jesse's attempt to reclaim his power and find a semblance of peace. This leads him to a rural community where a charismatic, seemingly righteous preacher, Hoover, has built a following based on promises of salvation and miraculous healings. Hoover's power, however, stems from a sinister source, revealing a deceptive and manipulative nature hidden beneath a veneer of piety. This sets up a direct confrontation between Jesse’s fractured faith and Hoover’s exploitative brand of religious fervor.

Cassidy, plagued by his vampiric nature and a growing sense of despair, finds solace – temporarily – in the arms of a woman who seems to understand and accept him. His struggle emphasizes the volume's exploration of the theme of redemption and the search for belonging in a world that actively rejects him. Tulip, ever the pragmatist, maintains her unwavering support for Jesse, acting as his anchor amidst the chaos. However, she is increasingly concerned about Jesse’s mental state and the destructive path he seems determined to follow. Her loyalty is tested as she confronts the brutality and hypocrisy surrounding Hoover's seemingly benevolent community.

The Saint of Killers remains a looming presence, though physically absent for much of the volume. His lingering threat underlines the pervasive sense of danger and the inescapable consequences of past actions. The volume delves into the corrosive effects of power, both religious and otherwise, showcasing the ease with which it can be corrupted and used for manipulative purposes. This is particularly evident in Hoover's actions, highlighting the exploitation that can thrive under the guise of faith.

The overarching themes of faith, redemption, and the nature of good and evil are explored through a cynical yet empathetic lens. Ennis cleverly uses the contrasting characters of Jesse and Hoover to demonstrate the spectrum of religious belief and the potentially devastating consequences of both blind faith and utter cynicism. The volume ultimately concludes with a decisive confrontation between Jesse and Hoover, setting the stage for the increasingly intense conflicts to come in the series' later installments. 'Salvation' isn't about grand, world-altering events; instead, it's a deeply personal and introspective look at the emotional toll taken on its characters, leaving them scarred and questioning their purpose in a world seemingly devoid of divine intervention.