… are back in town
October 19, 2007
When power corrupts the mightiest on earth, it’s the Watchmen who stand up to fight. When power corrupts the Watchmen, well then you call in The Boys. A brutal series by the master of extreme violence Garth Ennis (Preacher, Judge Dredd), it looked like this title had been canceled before it was given a real chance to find its audience. Luckily, for me and you, it has been given a second chance and is continuing to shape up into a series you won’t want to miss.
Originally published by Wildstorm, an imprint of DC, “The Boys” was canceled after only six issues due to its graphic nature and it anti-superhero slant. It certainly didn’t help that some of the superheroes that were being lampooned had a large number of similarities to DC icons. DC, however, allowed Ennis to buy back the rights to “The Boys” and in February of 2007 Dynamite Entertainment picked it up and has since put out a trade paper back and 4 more issues, with more to come.
The story revolves around a secret CIA task force whose responsibility is to keep superheroes’ darker inclinations in check. They are authorized to use bribery, blackmail, threats, and even deadly force. The superheroes they come in contact with are all obviously based on contemporary heroes from both Marvel and DC, and each and every one is fucked up thanks to the power they have acquired.
The Boys themselves consist of five members. Billy Butcher, the man who put it all together, a behemoth of muscle and English wit. He has an intense grudge against superheroes. Wee Hughie, the new recruit who is only now learning just how messed up superheroes really are. He is also intentionally based on Simon Pegg, so that’s always a bonus. Mother’s Milk, he is the voice of reason in the group, and the second in command. The Frenchman, he is violent, insane, and French, that about covers it. Finally there is The Female, silent and dark, the only thing we know about her so far is how she has a penchant for ripping off faces.
I’m really happy this series was given another chance, the black humor alone would make it worth the read, but the story which is starting to come together is brilliant and fun, and the illustrations of Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan. Space Beaver) really help to bring the comic to life. Go out and grab the first TPB; I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
