Hello, Fiction Igniters! Have you ever picked up a comic book and felt your jaw drop in awe at the sheer boldness of its storytelling? That’s what Garth Ennis does best—he punches you right in the storytelling gut and makes you feel every word. Whether it’s his irreverent “Preacher,” gritty “Punisher MAX,” or the utterly bonkers “The Boys,” this man has more lessons packed into his pages than a decade of writing workshops. So, let’s count down the top 10 things I learned about writing from the legendary Garth Ennis!
10. Start With a Bang (Literally or Figuratively)
Garth Ennis knows how to grab your attention from page one. Think of “Preacher,” where Jesse Custer’s small-town church explodes, setting the entire story into motion. It’s the kind of opening that makes you say, “Welp, I’m not putting this down now.”
How You Can Do It: Start your story with something unforgettable. It doesn’t have to be a literal explosion—it could be a shocking line of dialogue, an unusual character entrance, or a heart-stopping revelation. Make readers need to know what happens next.
9. Make Your Characters Own Their Flaws
Ennis is the king of deeply flawed characters who are still painfully human. Jesse Custer is a preacher with a crisis of faith, Billy Butcher is a walking moral contradiction, and let’s not even get started on Frank Castle. Their flaws don’t just add color; they drive the story.
How You Can Do It: Don’t be afraid to dig into your characters’ ugly sides. Show us their guilt, rage, and contradictions. Remember, flaws make characters relatable. A hero without imperfections? Yawn city.
8. Inject Dark Humor to Sweeten the Bitter Pills
If there’s one thing Garth Ennis excels at, it’s blending brutal realism with dark, often irreverent humor. The Boys’ commentary on superheroes wouldn’t land as well without the biting jokes that make you laugh… and then wince.
How You Can Do It: Balance heavy themes with humor. Maybe your characters crack a joke in the middle of a tense situation, or maybe the humor comes from the absurdity of the world you’ve built. Ennis’ humor doesn’t just lighten the mood; it makes the darkness more palatable.
7. Say Something Bold
Ennis’ work is never just entertainment. “Preacher” questions faith and morality. “The Boys” critiques power and corruption. He writes with something to say.
How You Can Do It: What’s your story’s core message? Maybe you’re tackling greed, love, or freedom. Make sure your story has something to say, even if it’s provocative. Don’t just write to fill the page—write to change minds.
6. The Villain is the Hero of Their Own Story
Nobody writes layered villains like Ennis. Take Herr Starr from “Preacher.” Sure, he’s despicable, but you understand why he does what he does, which makes him both terrifying and fascinating.
How You Can Do It: Give your antagonists depth. What’s their motivation? Why do they think they’re right? Even if they’re evil, they should believe they’re the good guys. Complexity makes villains memorable.
5. Don’t Hold Back
If there’s one word to describe Garth Ennis, it’s fearless. Whether it’s graphic violence, taboo themes, or questioning societal norms, he’s unflinching. His stories aren’t for everyone, but they’re unforgettable for those who dare to read them.
How You Can Do It: Write boldly. Are you avoiding a scene or topic because it feels too risky? Embrace it. Sometimes the stories that scare you to write are the ones readers will love the most.
4. World-Building is in the Details
Ennis’ worlds feel lived-in because of the little things. The dilapidated towns in “Preacher,” the corporate culture of Vought International in “The Boys”—these details pull you into the story.
How You Can Do It: World-building isn’t just about maps and magic systems. It’s about the creaky door at the diner, the graffiti in the alley, and the slang people use. Details matter.
3. Pace Like a Pro
Ennis is a master at pacing. “Punisher MAX” balances explosive action with quiet, reflective moments that let you breathe before the next storm hits.
How You Can Do It: Think of your story as a rollercoaster. Give your readers highs and lows. Mix action with moments of introspection. Don’t let them get bored, but don’t exhaust them either.
2. Show the Cost of Violence
Ennis doesn’t glorify violence—he shows its consequences. In “The Boys,” violence isn’t cool; it’s horrifying and messy. His characters feel the weight of every punch, gunshot, and explosion.
How You Can Do It: If your story involves violence, show its impact. How does it change your characters? How does it affect their world? Violence shouldn’t be easy or pretty.
1. Be Unapologetically Yourself
At the end of the day, Garth Ennis writes like Garth Ennis. He doesn’t follow trends or water down his voice. He’s brutally honest, darkly funny, and unapologetically him.
How You Can Do It: Don’t try to imitate others. Find your voice and stick to it. Your uniqueness is what will make your writing stand out. Be brave. Be bold. Be you.
And there you have it, Fiction Igniters—10 fiery lessons from the one and only Garth Ennis! Now, grab your pens, keyboards, or whatever you use to write, and go set the literary world ablaze.
So, remember, until next time: don’t write, ignite!
