Jesse Custer

Reverend Jesse Custer (1989-2065) was a Texas preacher who merged with a mysterious creature known as Genesis, developing the ability to make anyone do anything he says.

Jesse is a conflicted man. Despite trying his best to become a better person, he often falls to his old way, resorting to violence. For example, Jesse dunked Linus' face in scalding water to get him to "forget" a young girl he urges for, when he realized that Linus wasn't sincere in his repentance. Jesse also abuses his powers, nearly forcing Donnie to kill himself and making Odin become a believer of God against his free will. Tulip knows Jesse well enough to know that Jesse is still the same person she knew him as. When Jesse learned more about his powers, Jesse became arrogant. He believed what he does was considered a blessing, despite Eugene advising him what he was doing was sinful. Jesse also seems to be bitter with the promise he made to his father, and at one point exclaimed that he would be free without it.

When Jesse summoned God in front of Annville, Jesse realized the figure was an impostor. After learning that God had abandoned Heaven, Jesse began a crusade with Tulip and Cassidy, in search of God. After learning God enjoys jazz, Jesse and his friends left for New Orleans. However, after learning the messiah is a "moron", Jesse reluctantly accepts Herr Starr's offer on taking Humperdoo's place. Things took a turn after Lara Featherstone killed Tulip O'Hare. Jesse returned to Angelville for his Gran'ma to resurrect her. After the resurrection, he was forced to work for his gran'ma.

During his return to Angelville, Jesse made attempts to regain his soul extract from the Grail. During which, the Allfather of the Grail learned of Genesis and wanted the power for Humperdoo. After several attempts with clones, the Grail found a DNA sample which would allow Humperdoo to survive Genesis. However, Jesse was able to trick Allfather and release Genesis into the Allfather instead, killing him before Genesis returned to him. After which, Jesse returned to Angeville one more to fight Jody, finally beating and killing him. Jesse then set Angelville into flames before killing his Gran'ma.

Following this, Jesse and Tulip set out to rescue Cassidy, who was captured by the Grail. After a rescue attempt, Jesse and Cassidy argued over Cassidy and the latter chose to stay behind in Masada. After getting visions of a nuclear explosion at the Lost Apostle, Jesse left Tulip to visit the monument in Australia. On his way, God threw several hurdles at him but Jesse managed to make it through all of them. While near the Lost Apostle, Cassidy and Tulip arrived via a plane to free Jesse from the Saint of Killers. However, shortly after, God set off the nuclear explosion in Jesse's vision, causing Jesse to fly out of the airplane to his death.

After he was buried, Jesse was sent to Hell and God put him several tests to see if he would be tempted. While Jesse seemingly passed, God resurrected him but told Jesse he failed as he sensed his temptation before biting his eye out and sending him to reunite his friends to watch the Apocalypse.

Jesse, Cassidy, and Tulip returned to Masada, though the three were split up. When Jesse made it back to Cassidy, he learned Cassidy gave into God's request and was knocked unconscious by God. Jesse was taken into a church and was demanded to use his powers against God, but he refused. The Saint of Killers arrived shortly after, who Jesse believed he was on his side, though surprised when he let God walk. Jesse tried to fight off the Saint of Killers and was joined in by Genesis' parents. Though they managed to fend the Saint of Killers off for a while, they were killed. Jesse eventually told the Saint of Killers to repent so he could ascend to Heaven. He reunited with Cassidy and Tulip before telling the Grail to look for God, who had once again, abandoned them.

Two years later, Jesse and Tulip had another chase with the Rodriguez brothers. Shortly after this, Jesse learned the Grail had found God at the Alamo. Jesse made his way and learned his father was accepted in Heaven, despite his prayers as a child and God did everything he did out of love. Jesse realized God was needy and refused to accept that as a God while releasing Genesis. Jesse then leaves to watch a film with Tulip.

Forty years later, Jesse and Tulip passed away, while their daughter grew up to run an asset management fund.

Jesse is Born in Anville Texas on January 17 1989 He often helped his father prepare the church for Sunday service.

When he was caught with his friends who were smoking, his father made an example of him by whipping him in front of them.

Jesse was woken up one night by his father. His father brought him to QM&P and had him wait outside while his father tried to help Odin cope with the loss of his family. While waiting, Jesse stole an ashtray. As Jesse and John left, Jesse peeked in and looked at the horror in Odin's office. On the drive home, Jesse was told that some men can't be saved.

Jesse and Tulip got into an altercation with Donnie Schenck and his friends. The two were sent to wait outside the principal's office. Jesse's father then yelled at him. When Jesse's father told him to go home, Jesse insisted they bring Tulip as her mother was in jail and her uncle was too drunk. After his father agreed, Jesse prayed to God, thanking him for his father making the right choice.

Jesse and Tulip horse played at the church, with Tulip getting the upper hand. The two were then caught by Jesse's father. John asked if they did their homework and Jesse told him he finished it on the bus. Jesse and Tulip were then told to clean the dishes.

Jesse prays to God, asking him to kill and send his father to Hell That night, Jesse was woken up by Tulip who asked him "Till the end of the world, right?", which Jesse confirmed. The following day, Jesse begged his father as Tulip was taken away by child services. Jesse ran after the car but failed to catch up. Jesse told his father that Tulip did nothing wrong but his father told him that she's an O'Hare and there's bound to be trouble. At night, Jesse prayed to God, asking him to take care of Tulip, kill his father and condemn him to Hell.

Jesse was woken up one night. Jesse was told to hide under the bed. Once he hid, he watched his father get knocked out. Jesse and his father were then dragged outside. Jesse then watched his father killed in front of him by a man with a tattoo of a skull and a star and horseshoe in a single tattoo on his right arm. Before his father was killed, he promised him to grow up to be one of the good guys, before apologizing to his dad, telling him he asked for him to be killed.

After his fathers execution, Jesse was taken to Angelville. Jesse was stuffed into a coffin, which was placed beneath the swamps of Angelville until he accepted himself as a L'Angelle. As a teenager, Jesse served as a parking attendant for his grandmothers business. At one point, he killed a chicken out of anger but quickly took it to Madame L'Angelle to resurrect.

Age: Early 30s Occupation: Former Preacher, now anti-hero on a quest for justice and redemption Location: Started in Annville, Texas, but travels widely during his journey

Physical Description Height: Around 6 feet Build: Lean but muscular; physically fit from years of rough-and-tumble living Hair: Dark brown, often styled messily Eyes: Intense gaze, dark eyes that reveal a tough and haunted history Distinguishing Features: Wears all-black attire reminiscent of his preacher past but carries an air of rebellion Background and Family Parents: John Custer (father): A strict, noble Vietnam War veteran who wanted to instill a sense of justice in Jesse before he was murdered by local townsfolk when Jesse was a child. Christina L’Angelle (mother): From an abusive, twisted family and held prisoner by them at times. She was part of a prominent but cruel and fanatical Southern family, the L’Angelles. Grandmother: Marie L’Angelle, a fanatically religious and sadistic woman who raised Jesse after his parents’ deaths. She represents much of the trauma Jesse endured growing up, using brutal means to try and shape Jesse into a pious man. Love Interest Tulip O’Hare: Jesse’s on-and-off love since they were young. Tulip is his fiercest supporter and equal partner in his journey, though their relationship has seen rough patches due to Jesse’s obligations, guilt, and moral conflicts. Tulip, like Jesse, is rebellious, passionate, and dangerous—qualities that draw them together but also create friction. But she is dead. Personality Traits: Determined, compassionate, and tough, but often tormented by his sense of guilt and the desire to do what’s right, no matter the cost. Jesse is both a natural leader and a lone wolf, weighed down by trauma but resilient and unrelenting. Values: Strong sense of justice and fairness instilled by his father, with an aversion to hypocrisy and cruelty, especially within religious institutions. Vices: Can be self-destructive and headstrong, struggling with alcoholism and anger issues. His tendency to act before thinking often lands him in trouble. Life and Motivations Early Life: Jesse’s childhood was marked by tragedy and abuse. He witnessed his father’s murder, suffered under his grandmother’s twisted “faith,” and was ultimately shaped by a blend of vengeance and resilience.

As a Preacher: Jesse took up the role of preacher in Annville, Texas, out of a desire to atone for his past and bring hope to his community, though he often struggled with his faith and the hypocrisy he saw around him.

Genesis: Jesse becomes the host of Genesis, a powerful supernatural entity that combines both angelic and demonic aspects, granting him the ability to command anyone with “The Word.” This ability changes his life, putting him on a path to find God—literally—and hold him accountable for abandoning humanity. Genesis adds a complex layer to Jesse’s already tumultuous existence.

Things He Loves Tulip: The one constant in his chaotic life, Tulip represents both his strength and his vulnerability. Justice and Fairness: Jesse has a strong sense of what’s right, shaped by his father’s values, and goes to extreme lengths to uphold it. Freedom: He despises being controlled or manipulated, a deep-seated desire likely stemming from his past traumas. Things He Hates Religious Hypocrisy: Having experienced the twisted version of “faith” his grandmother wielded and seeing the uglier side of religious institutions, Jesse despises fake piety and exploitation under the guise of holiness. Cowardice: Jesse values courage and often confronts people who abuse their power or avoid responsibility. His Own Failures: Jesse constantly struggles with guilt for his past actions and feels an intense responsibility to “fix” what he perceives as his own shortcomings. Home Annville Church: Jesse served as the preacher in the small, dusty, desolate town of Annville, Texas. The church was both a place of refuge and burden, a place he used to confront his inner demons and attempt to do right by the people of the town before his journey led him away. Constant Travel: With Genesis, Jesse’s life becomes increasingly nomadic, leaving him without a stable home and constantly on the road. Abilities The Word of God: With Genesis, Jesse can issue commands that people are compelled to follow, no matter what. This power, while incredibly useful, also haunts him, as he is morally conflicted over the control it gives him. Hand-to-Hand Combat: Jesse is a skilled fighter, having grown up needing to defend himself and later fighting for justice. His tough upbringing makes him capable of taking on physical threats. Determination: One of his greatest strengths is his unbreakable will and refusal to give up, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Enemies and Conflicts Herr Starr and The Grail: A secret society obsessed with maintaining a lineage descended from Jesus, The Grail seeks to use Jesse and Genesis for their own ends. Herr Starr, one of their ruthless leaders, becomes a personal nemesis for Jesse. God Himself: Jesse’s ultimate quest is to confront God, who he believes abandoned His duties to humanity. This puts him at odds with both divine and earthly forces trying to stop him. Saint of Killers: A relentless, supernatural killer with his own tragic backstory, the Saint of Killers is essentially unkillable and pursues Jesse throughout his journey. Character Arc Jesse’s journey is one of struggle and growth, learning to balance his drive for justice with the demons of his past and his often overwhelming power. His quest to find God is also a metaphor for finding peace within himself, attempting to make peace with his traumas, his love for Tulip, and his ultimate role in the grander scheme of life and faith.

Tulip is killed after being caught in a crossfire of schemes and violence aimed at Jesse. This isn’t a grand battle or a noble sacrifice; rather, it’s a cold, calculated murder by Herr Starr, who sees Tulip as a means to manipulate Jesse by exploiting his love for her. The way it happens is brutal and quick, a chilling reminder of how fragile life is, even for someone as tough and resilient as Tulip.

Jesse’s Reaction When Jesse discovers Tulip’s body, his reaction is visceral. Overwhelmed with shock and sorrow, he’s plunged into profound grief, and this becomes one of the lowest points in his journey. Jesse, who often projects a tough, stoic demeanor, is shattered. He feels an intense combination of guilt and rage, blaming himself for not protecting her, and his love for her makes the loss almost unbearable. The depth of his pain drives him to extremes, with Jesse nearly succumbing to his darkest impulses as he struggles to cope with life without Tulip.

Jesse's merge with Genesis endows him with a power known only as the Word of God. A power both blasphemous and blessed, the Word of God allows Jesse to literally speak with God's direct personal authority; commanding anyone to do anything he says. Those affected by the Word must do everything and anything he says to the letter. For example, in the pilot, he told Ted Reyerson, who asked Jesse's advice concerning his mother, to "open your heart to her". Ted then payed a visit to his mother and after explaining his point of view, ripped out his heart and gave it to her (literally) then died. Alternatively, If Jessie's command is not specific it can can be open to interpretation by the person affected. For example, he commanded Odin Quincannon to "serve God" and as Odin didn't believe in any god except the "God of meat", "What's tangible", he began expanding his meat processing empire by any means necessary and continued denying his belief in any god. If Jesse gives a command that is not physically possible the person affected will do their best to fulfil it regardless of how impossible, as when he commanded Cassidy to "fly" and Cassidy jumped as high as he could and slammed into a wall . Jessie's power can also effect memories, as in See, a bus driver, Linus, told Jesse he was attracted to a young girl, and in an act of anger, Jesse told him to forget her, which lead to Linus completely forgetting the girl, including any conversations about her. The power of the Word of God is so potent even divine entities like angels and God himself can't resist it. DeBlanc quickly told the truth as soon as Jesse demanded it and Later when Deblanc and Fiore were following him, he told them both to stay away from him, and they immediately stopped in their tracks. God was forced to make it day in the middle of the night and back again on Jesse's orders before Jesse forced god to violently throw himself around the landscape for his amusement. The Word of God also grants Jesse authority over the souls of others and where they reside, as he commanded Eugene to "go to hell" and a moment later Eugene vanished, awakening in hell. The Saint of Killers also sought to use this aspect of Jesse's power to reach heaven. As long as his commands can be heard, people can be affected. Jessie can use loud speakers to command large crowds and was even able to command an angel in Heaven over the Heaven phone.

There do appear to be limitations based on who the Word is used on, as Cassidy was unable to answer questions he didn't already know the answer to and since it is a speech-based power, if the target can't hear or understand the command, the power doesn't work. The deaf, people who are out of range of Jesse's voice and people who don't understand the language Jesse is speaking are not affected. The being he is commanding must also have a soul or at least a fraction of a soul in order to be affected by the Word of God, as the Saint of Killers was immune to the Word because he had no soul, but the moment he consumed a percentage of Jesse's soul he was immediately made vulnerable to it.

Abilities Theology: As a preacher, Jesse Custer is an expert in the concept of religious beliefs, particularly Christianity. Sermons: As a preacher, Jesse Custer frequently delivers sermons. At times he can deliver with great confidence. This was demonstrated when he delivered a successful sermon in front of his first large crowd. That sermon gave him many compliments from the town. Jesse however, wasn't always a perfect preacher. While performing a sermon on the the Parable of the Five Foolish Bridesmaids, Jesse was flustered looking through his notes. Expert combatant: As shown numerous times, Jesse is an extremely powerful combatant, able to overpower multiple opponents at once. Being taught by Jody how to fight, Jesse is virtually unmatched when it comes to fisticuffs. He's also able to use the environment to his advantage, turning everyday tools and appliances into deadly weapons. So far, he's been able to overcome every human opponent he's come across, with only Jody being able to best him (though Jesse defeated him too, eventually). He was even able to overpower Cassidy who, as a vampire, has enhanced strength. Expert marksman: Jesse is highly proficient in the use of various firearms. He has shown to be particularly skilled in sharpshooting. Occult knowledge: Due to spending most of his youth living with his grandmother, Jesse is aware of various occult practices, such as knowing his grandmother was able to bring Tulip back to life. After meeting the angels, Jesse gained further knowledge and insight of supernatural concepts, such as Heaven and Hell.