The superhero genre is certainly a crowded market at the moment. Barely a month passes without Marvel or DC Comics releasing a movie based on yet another super-powered persona.
Netflix jumped on the bandwagon with its hugely popular series The Umbrella Academy. So it was no surprise to discover Amazon Prime Video wanted in on the action too.
Yet, Amazon has chosen one of the most unconventional comic books to bring to the small screen. The Boys, was written by Garth Ennis and first published in 2006, takes the notion of square-jawed, do-gooder heroes and turns it on its head.
In this world, the superheroes are vain, greedy and self-absorbed. Imagine if the world’s worst Instagrammers had superpowers! You get the picture.
What Is The Boys About?
Created for Amazon by Eric Kripke, The Boys is set in a world where superheroes exist and are revered by the public. However, behind their public image lies corruption, manipulation, and a dark side that the general public is unaware of.
The story follows a group of vigilantes known as “The Boys,” led by Billy Butcher (played by Karl Urban), who seek to expose and take down corrupt superheroes.
The series centres around Hughie Campbell (played by Jack Quaid), a young man whose girlfriend is accidentally killed by a superhero named A-Train (Jessie T. Usher).
Hughie teams up with Billy Butcher and his team, including Frenchie (Tomer Capon), Mother's Milk (Laz Alonso), and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara), to seek justice against the corrupt superheroes who are part of a powerful corporation called Vought International.
The Boys' primary targets are ‘The Seven', the premier superhero team representing Vought International.
The Seven consists of Homelander (Antony Starr), the leader with Superman-like powers; Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott), a strong and resilient heroine; A-Train, the super-fast speedster; The Deep (Chace Crawford), an aquatic superhero; and Starlight (Erin Moriarty), a newer member with the ability to manipulate light.
Other superpowered individuals include Victoria Neuman, a congresswoman and Soldier Boy, Vought's original premier superhero.
As the series progresses, The Boys discover the extent of Vought International's manipulation and control over superheroes.
They face numerous challenges, including public relations strategies, corporate cover-ups, and personal conflicts within their own team. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked superheroism.
The Boys Official Trailer
Is The Boys Worth Watching?
As you’d expect from a series with Seth Rogan involved, it’s violent and damn funny. This is definitely not-for-kids! The sets, stunts, and production would give any major cinema release a run for its money. The cast is well put together, and there’s a nice cameo from Simon Pegg.
Since the original groundbreaking comic book was released, the concept of a flawed super-hero has been explored quite a lot. However, this series has more to say about the current zeitgeist surrounding celebrity culture and corporatism than Kick-Ass, Shazam! or Deadpool.
The Boys has received widespread critical acclaim and generally favorable reviews for its dark, subversive take on the superhero genre. The series explores relevant themes and provides social commentary on corporate greed, media manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked power.
This is a much grittier take on the world of superheroes. Although the show doesn’t let social commentary overtake the storyline, it is still a viciously fun satire for those of us fed-up with the superhero genre, which includes just about everyone these days.
The show features strong performances, engaging storytelling, and a compelling blend of action, drama, and humour.
So if you enjoy morally complex and thought-provoking narratives, The Boys is definitely worth watching.
How Many Seasons Of The Boys
There are currently three seasons of The Boys available.
The first season, consisting of eight episodes, was released on July 26, 2019. That was followed by the second season which premiered on September 4, 2020.
The third season followed suit on June 3, 2022, and in the same month, The Boys was officially renewed for a fourth season, signalling its continued success and future expansion.
As of yet, there is no official release date for season 4 of The Boys. Thankfully though, it is unlikely to be the final season, so we might get even more craziness from our favourite comic book supes.
Cast Members Of The Boys TV Series
Karl Urban as Billy Butcher. The leader of The Boys and a determined vigilante seeking vengeance against corrupt superheroes.
Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell. A young man who joins The Boys after his girlfriend's death and seeks justice.
Antony Starr as Homelander. The leader of The Seven and the most powerful superhero in the world.
Erin Moriarty as Starlight/Annie January. A young superheroine who joins The Seven but becomes disillusioned with the corrupt system.
Dominique McElligott as Queen Maeve. A member of The Seven and one of the most experienced superheroes.
Jessie T. Usher as A-Train. A speedster superhero and member of The Seven.
Laz Alonso as Mother's Milk. Member of The Boys and a highly skilled tactician.
Tomer Capon as Frenchie. One of The Boys and an expert in weapons and explosives.
Karen Fukuhara as Kimiko/The Female. A mysterious and powerful member of The Boys, who possesses superhuman abilities.
Chace Crawford as The Deep. One of The Seven with aquatic powers.
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