Pride & Joy – Comic Book Overview
Short Description:
Pride & Joy is a gritty crime-thriller graphic novel by Garth Ennis
and John Higgins. Set against the backdrop of a troubled family dynamic, it
explores themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the violent consequences of a
hidden past. A gripping VERTIGO classic packed with emotional depth and
noir-style suspense.
Title: Pride & Joy
Publisher's Brand: Vertigo (DC Comics imprint)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Psychological Thriller, Noir
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: John Higgins
Editor: Axel Alonso
Page Count: 104 pages
Format: Trade Paperback (Collects 4-Issue Miniseries)
Release Date: Originally published in 1997
The Story:
Can the shadows of the past ever be left behind? Pride & Joy dives
deep into the fractured life of Jimmy Kavanagh, a former criminal turned
grieving widower trying to raise his teenage son and young daughter. Life seems
quiet—until remnants of his violent past resurface. Two terrified former
associates and one cold-blooded psychopath arrive, forcing Jimmy to confront
not only a deadly threat but also the broken relationship with his son. What
follows is a haunting, emotionally-charged journey where survival hinges on
facing both external enemies and internal demons.
Main Characters:
- Jimmy
Kavanagh – A hardened former criminal trying to redeem himself as a
father.
- James
Kavanagh Jr. – Jimmy's estranged teenage son, full of resentment and
rebellion.
- Sara
Kavanagh – Jimmy's young daughter, innocent and caught in the
crossfire.
- Frankie
and Declan – Ex-cons seeking Jimmy’s help or hiding behind him.
- Coleen
– A merciless killer with revenge on her mind.
Additional Notes:
With emotionally charged storytelling and sharp, cinematic artwork, Pride
& Joy stands out as one of Vertigo’s most grounded and visceral
narratives. Garth Ennis, best known for Preacher and The Punisher,
delivers a deeply personal story rooted in violence, guilt, and fatherhood.
Higgins’ moody visuals enhance the noir atmosphere, creating an unforgettable
graphic novel that explores how love and regret intertwine in the face of
danger.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
