‘The Boys’ Is the Cynical Response to Marvel’s Superhero Movies
By Nolan Cleary, Managing Editor
Based on the critically acclaimed comic series from the mid-2000s, ‘The Boys’, created by showrunner Eric Kripke, is Amazon’s response to the recent success of the Marvel superhero movie boom.
The series attempts to place superheroes in a world identical to ours. In this world, they aren’t the hopeful, optimistic figureheads we’d come to expect, but rather corrupt celebrities who participate in obscene, outrageous sexual stunts in private for financial and social gain.
After suffering a tragedy caused by one of the heroes, Hughie, a weak but lovable person is recruited by Billy Butcher to take down Vought Industries, the organization helming the superheroes of this world, and a less than subtle jab at Disney.
The Boys thrives on its unique social satire. While this isn’t the first property to explore the concept of introducing superheroes with more realistic consequences, The Boys’ attempts to make superheroes selfish, cruel, and power-hungry leads to devastating and often horrific events.
The show takes advantage of its satire with mature themes about sex, the media, and stardom. The Boys portrays its unique concept through creative plot devices that mirror aspects of everyday human life. This is a world where being a superhero is like running a political campaign.
It’s clear each character in The Boys is intended to be a parody of the DC comic book characters. Black Noir is a parody of Batman, Queen Maeve a parody of Wonder Woman, A-Train a parody of the Flash and the Deep, a parody of Aquaman. Chace Crawford brings likability to the otherwise predatory role of the Deep.
However, it’s Antony Starr who steals the show in the sadistically insane role of Homelander, a Superman wannabe who becomes drunk with his incredible powers, using them to fulfill his own sick fantasies rather than for the good of mankind.
Season 2 attempts to introduce Stormfront, a female superhero with lightning abilities who develops a romantic interest in Homelander. The relationship allows the characters to further develop their sick interests.
Jack Quaid brings heart and charm to the role of Hughie Campbell while Laz Alonso, Tomer Kapon, and Karen Fukuhara bring colorful performances to the other members of the Boys.
However, it’s Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher who’s likely to leave audiences wanting more. The Boys also works from a comedic standpoint as well, capitalizing on the crazy situations that would come from a world where superpowers are the norm.
The Boys is by no means perfect. Some plotlines feel un-engaging and the show often takes a while to get off the ground in earlier episodes, but it’s the original concept, characters, and crazy comedy that ultimately makes The Boys a sadistic delight.
8/10