The first five minutes of ‘Preacher’ are cosmic, gory, and a little bit country

While fans of the comic will certainly note that the opening scene diverges a bit from the source material created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, one thing seems certain: The series clearly embraces the irreverent tone and graphic nature of the comic.

Without spoiling anything for those unfamiliar with the Preacher comic, the first five minutes of the series premiere introduces both the supernatural power that brings the story’s protagonists together and the titular Reverend Jesse Custer, played by Dominic Cooper, the saga’s reluctant hero. It also showcases some of the wild things that happen when godlike power mixes with humanity.

Executive produced by Seth Rogen, the series follows a small-town Texas preacher who acquires a powerful, mysterious ability and embarks on a mission that will shake both Heaven and Hell. He’s joined by Tulip, his tough-as-nails former girlfriend played by Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Ruth Negga; and a drunken Irish rogue named Cassidy, played by Misfits actor Joseph Gilgun, who has a dark secret of his own.

The supporting cast includes Ian Colletti as a tragic character named “Arseface,” as well as W. Earl Brown as Sheriff Hugo Root, Lucy Griffiths as an original character created for the series, and Elizabeth Perkins as Vyla Quinncannon.

The series premiere was penned by Breaking Bad writer Sat Catlin, and debuts Sunday, May 22, at 10 p.m. ET on AMC.