Just a Pilgrim #1–5
Genre
Post-apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Action, Horror, Western
Main Characters
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Pilgrim (Jeremiah) – A former chef turned deeply religious gunman with a dark past and a cross-shaped scar over one eye. He is both a protector and executioner, living by a harsh but moral code.
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Billy – A young boy who narrates parts of the story through journal entries, giving a civilian perspective on the Pilgrim's actions.
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Trent – Leader of a group of survivors journeying across the desert.
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Castenado – A sadistic pirate and main antagonist, commanding a vicious crew of marauders.
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Sandra – A strong-willed survivor and companion of Trent.
Writer
Garth Ennis – Known for his dark humor and violent storytelling (Preacher, The Boys, Punisher MAX), Ennis infuses Just a Pilgrim with biblical undertones, brutality, and moral ambiguity.
Artist
Carlos Ezquerra – A legendary artist recognized for co-creating Judge Dredd, Ezquerra’s rough, expressive style captures the brutal desolation of this scorched Earth perfectly.
Editor Details
Editor: Tony Lee
The editorial team allowed Ennis and Ezquerra creative freedom, resulting in an unflinching, mature comic that doesn’t shy away from controversial themes.
Publisher and Brand
Publisher: Black Bull Comics
Brand: An imprint of Wizard Entertainment, Black Bull focused on creator-driven comics during the early 2000s.
Release Year
2001
Brief Plot Summary
Set in a dystopian future ravaged by "The Burn"—a solar eruption that evaporated the oceans and turned Earth into a desert wasteland—Just a Pilgrim follows a small group of survivors crossing the ocean bed in hopes of finding sanctuary. They’re protected by a mysterious man known only as the Pilgrim—a religious fanatic with a haunted past and exceptional combat skills.
As the group moves through the scorched terrain, they’re hunted by Castenado, a grotesque pirate who preys on the weak. Pilgrim, invoking scripture as much as bullets, becomes their only hope. The story examines themes of faith, redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred line between salvation and damnation in a world without hope.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Burn’s Aftermath – The cataclysmic event that defines the world and sets the tone for humanity's fall from grace.
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Pilgrim’s Redemption – Flashbacks reveal his life before the collapse and his violent transformation into a guardian of the remnants of humanity.
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Castenado’s Raid – A key conflict showcasing the brutality of the lawless new world and the depths of Pilgrim’s wrath.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Biblical Allegory – Many readers interpret Pilgrim as a twisted Moses or Abraham figure, leading his people through the desert, punishing sinners, and obeying a higher (though ambiguous) power.
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Redemptive Suffering – Pilgrim’s past, which includes sins as a chef aboard a cannibalistic vessel, suggests he sees his journey as penance.
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The Burn as Divine Wrath – Some fans view “The Burn” not as a natural disaster, but a form of divine judgment—a theme subtly reinforced by Pilgrim's zealous worldview.
Review Summary
Just a Pilgrim is an intense, visceral read that combines grim science fiction with a pseudo-Western aesthetic. Garth Ennis delivers a searing narrative filled with philosophical undertones, graphic violence, and a protagonist as disturbing as he is compelling. Carlos Ezquerra’s art amplifies the bleakness, using bold linework and gritty detail to immerse readers in a scorched, faithless world. While the comic may not appeal to all due to its extreme tone and religious overtones, it stands as a unique, uncompromising tale of survival and belief in the face of oblivion.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
