If you are like me and you love to watch all kinds of superheroes and not just the ones from Marvel or DC Comics then you will love The Boys.
The story of the boys a complete twist of the superhero genre. Most, if not all, of the Marvel and DC Comic heroes are pretty clear about their alignment. They are on the good side, they fight for the good side and take down the bad guys. Only to put them away until are out on either release (yah right ;) ) or they break out of the heavily guarded prisons or mental institutions like The Raft for Marvel or Arkham Asylum (DC Comics).
In this superhero universe, The Boys are up against The Seven. The Seven are superheroes when there is a camera on them and they have a lot of goodwill with the people but once the cameras are off, The Seven are cold, arrogant and very violent. The Seven are managed by a corporation called Vought International.
The Boys is more adult and graphic
When I started to watch the first episode, I was in awe with the start of it. It started with Hugh Campbell, a nerd at a techshop (stereotype much?) and leads a happy life with his girlfriend, Robin. As they make plans a speedster named A-train runs by and bumps into Robin with terminal velocity. The result is a bloody mess as Robin’s body is torn apart by the speed and we get to see flying body parts all over the screen. That’s how graphically violent The Boys are. And I loved it!
The grossest scene after that was that we see Hugh completely in shock but still holding Robin’s hands and unable to let go.
This was the start of the show.
After this the show really started. And as they say; When the show gets going, the show goes pro. Within two to three episodes we have met all of the important characters of The Boys and the superheroes that will play a large role on the show.
The Boys – who is who?
On the good guys side, if you can call it that. I think I would categorize The Boys as morally grey. Not good, not bad. Something inbetween.
Hugh “Hughie” Campbell – After his girlfriend Robin gets killed by one of the Seven, the speedster A-Train, Hughie is drafted into The Boys.
Billy Butcher – The leader of The Boys who is taking on the powerful superheroes The Seven. Billy Butcher hates The Seven and Homelander in particular. Billy thinks that Homelander is involved with the disappearance of his wife who once worked at Vought International as a PR Excecutive.
Marvin “Mother’s Milk” – He fears nothing but his wife and Billy Butcher. Billy drafts Marvin for The Boys even though he threatens to leave the group because of his frequent clashes with Frenchie, who can’t seem to stick to a plan.
Frenchie – Frenchie is best known for his skills with weapons, armstrading and infiltration. Thanks to his efforts a mute Superpowered female named Kimiko, who was experimented on, joins The Boys in their quest against The Seven.
Kimiko – Not much is known about her except that she is mute, has superior fighting skills and a healing factor that makes practically unkillable.
The Seven – Who is who?
Homelander – If you have to compare someone to Homelander it is going to be Superman gone bad. He has about the same powers with flight and laservision except Homelander is more concerned with maintaining his public image. As soon as the cameras are off, he is one of the most ruthless and selfish people out there. He once let a plane crash just to maintain his good image. Or shot down a government plane to protect his public image. That’s how bad he is.
Annie January / Starlight – Annie January was the result of experimenting with a secret compound handed out in hospitals in secret Vought International experiments. She emits light and while growing she wanted nothing more than to be the a member of The Seven. On her first day, The Deep sexually abuses her in return for a spot in The Seven. Annie is damaged by that experience. I guess you could say that Annie would be a #metoo victim if that existed in the universe.
Kevin / The Deep – He can breathe underwater, carries a trident and talk to fish. But he also can’t keep his hands off women. Once Madelyn Stillwell catches wind of the abuse of Annie January he is shipped off to somewhere Ohio. Once he is in a hotelroom he is the victim of abuse by a groupie who keeps sticking her fingers and hand into his gills.
A-Train – A speedster who is only concerned with keeping his spot in The Seven. He is addicted to a drug that augments his superpower, speed. The drug however has severe consequences on his physiology. A-train is the one who killed Hughie’s girlfriend while being high.
Black Noir – Not much is known about Black Noir. Not his powers, nothing except for that he has superior hand-to-hand combat skills.
Queen Maeve – A burned out superstrong woman who was once in a relationship with Homelander. She has experienced up close how cold and arrogant Homelander is.
Translucent – Translucent was deemed to be unkillable with his inpenetrable skin and the ability to turn invisible. Next to that he can read people’s behaviour. He was killed by Hughie after Frenchie stuffed his butt with C4.
The Boys – Conclusion
The Boys is exciting for people who watch anything superheroes. But also for people who are fed up with the MCU and DC Universe and want see an interesting twist on the Superhero genre. The graphical violence and sex in the TV show, and even more in the comics, rates this as an adult show and believe me, it is needed.
Personally, I give this show 5 stars out of 5. The storylines are worked out very well and the characters are fleshed out very well. Madeline Stillwell steals a lot of scenes with her perfect performance as the boss of Vought International.
