Comics have come a long way over the past couple decades including the rise of so many comic book companies that it’s next to impossible to keep track of them all. The Boys was originally published by DC’s Wildstorm imprint until issue 6 when it was cancelled because of its anti-superhero themes. The Boys was then picked up by Dynamite Entertainment and writer Garth Ennis and illustrator Darick Robertson would continue their world where superheroes aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Imagine if the Justice League were actually a bunch of alcoholic, sex obsessed, money grubbing jerks that would just as soon blow up your house as they would save your puppy from a tree, and you have the “superheroes.” Who keeps these heroes in check, you ask? That’s where The Boys come in, a CIA super team who stand up for the little guy when the heroes are the problem.
Billy Butcher, Mother’s Milk, The Frenchman, The Female, and latest recruit Wee Hughie (based visually on Simon Pegg) make up The Boys. Each member with their own reason behind hating the heroes and each member somewhat twisted in their own unique way. If you’re easily offended by sexual imagery, offensive language, blood, gore, and things involving a hamster that make me shudder just thinking about then you probably don’t want to ever pick up an issue of The Boys. When Garth Ennis set out writing The Boys, he claimed he was going to “Out Preacher, Preacher” which seems to mean he set out from the get go to have The Boys be known for its extreme violence and sexuality. In its opening storyline “The Name of the Game”, we find Wee Hughie distraught over the death of his girlfriend who died amidst a super powered battle. Meanwhile, Billy Butcher is putting the gang back together and Wee Hughie has the perfect motive to make a great new addition to the team.
The Boys is a great alternative to the “classic” super hero tale. Though the sex and violence are what bring you into the tale, it’s the heart and emotion of the characters that keep you interested. Oh and the dirty jokes, those keep you coming back too. So if you’re like me, a comic book fan who wants something other than seeing Batman pound the Joker for the 600th time, then I’d consider stepping out and picking up The Boys. You’ll thank me for it. Oh and if you’re totally disgusted by what you read and absolutely pissed you spent your money on it, then my bad.
