Parodying Marvel and DC Superheroes: The Boys
Much of Amazon's appeal comes from the fact that it parodies the Marvel and DC worlds; its The Boys is a dark and frequently brutal take on the superhero genre. Inspired on the original comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, which acted as a satirical and brutal subversion of superhero clichés, Eric Kripke developed this popular show.
Homelander: Twisted Superhero
Arguably the most iconic superhero in the world, Homelander, the Seven's leader, is a straight copy of Superman. Homelander twists Superman's God-like qualities—flight, heat vision, X-ray vision—into something sinister, yet still has them. He also applies Captain America's patriotic theme to a whole fresh degree of exploitation.
Deep: An Amazing Aquaman
The Deep by Chase Crawford directly parodies Aquaman, a character sometimes laughed at for his fish-talking ability and rather ridiculous portrayal. The Boys investigates the darker side of these skills and draws attention to possible issues with aquatic anatomy. The show also plays on the idea that Aquaman, with his inferiority complex, struggles with in therapy, has been derused for his looks and powers.
Queen Maeve: The Moral Guideline
Clearly parallelly Wonder Woman is Queen Maeve. Both characters use swords, have stylized armor, and come from rich ancient mythology. Within The Seven, Maeve serves as a moral compass, a sharp contrast to the other members' wildness. Maeve is also used by The Boys to discuss the negative aspects of actual superhero fandom that sometimes sexualizes and criticizes female superheroes.
Black Noir: The Seven's Batman
The Boys' version of Batman is Black Noir, a silent, dark shadowman working in the backdrop. Homelander is the Seven's face; Black Noir gets his hands dirty and has fighting prowess akin to that of the Caped Crusader. The third season of The Boys examined the similarities by showing Black Noir's trauma and possible insanity—a common observation about Batman often made.
Starlight: A Less Clear Parody
Although Starlight's superhero parodies are less clear-cut, she draws somewhat on DC Comics Stargirl. Both characters look similar and are Apple Pie American role models. The light-generating capabilities of Starlight recall Northstar and Aurora from Marvel Comics.
Translucent: Marvel mixed with DC
Translucent, the unseen Seven member, parodies many invisible characters from both Marvel and DC. Translucent's carbon-based skin is more distinctive, like Emma Frost from X-Men, even if the Invisible Woman from the Fantastic Four is the most obvious resemblance. Jack From Jupiter, Translucent's comic counterpart, pays obvious homage to Martian Manhunter, who also possesses invisibility powers.
Poplaw: Female Counterpart for Wolverine
Popclaw parodies X-23, the daughter of Wolverine and her retractable claws from the X-Men series. Popclaw just has one claw on each limb, but her ability to grow claws comes straight from the X-Men canon. Her female and younger height makes her more easily similar to X-23.
Kimiko: A Feral Maverick
Kimiko straight parodies Wolverine even without claws. Clear references to Logan are her background, fighting style, and temperament. Kimiko's ferocity, enigmatic past, and eagerness to cause major injury all reflect those of Wolverine.
Nubian Prince: A cynical black panther
A parodies of Black Panther from Marvel Comics, Nubian Prince is a character only mentioned in the show. Both characters, who represent princes of fictional African countries (Wakanda and Nubia), dress in sleek black with African design accents. Nubian Prince is used by The Boys to discuss the dearth of Black superheroes in popular culture.
A-Train: An Unconfined Flash
Inspired by The Flash from DC Comics, A-train uses his super speed to parodies More brazen and arrogant, the comic form of A-Train is a caricature of his DC equivalent. With his relevance and a covert drug-running business under question, the Amazon series offers a more conflicted A-Train. The death of Robin on the show reminds us of the possible atrocities should Flash use his speed carelessly.
Blindspot: A brutal twist-oriented Daredevil
Marvel Comics' Daredevil is directly parodied by blind martial artist with enhanced senses, Blindspot. He makes a fleeting appearance in The Boys season 2 to highlight Homelander's savagery since the latter deafens Blindspot with an ear blast. Blindspot serves as a sobering reminder of how in The Boys' world even apparently heroic characters might be treated with contempt.
Ezekiel: A Plastic Man Twisted
Ezekiel parodies both Marvel's Reed Richards and DC's Plastic Man with his flexibility and contortability of his body. Emphasizing the negative side of such abilities, he employs his elasticity for both good and bad. Unlike Plastic Man, Ezekiel's abilities are sometimes applied more for personal benefit than for bravery.
Superpowered Green Arrow Eagle the Archer
Enhanced accuracy and sight allow Eagle The Archer to parody both Hawkeye and Green Arrow. But thanks to Compound V, Eagle the Archer really has superpowers unlike those of his Marvel and DC colleagues. The character is portrayed as wanting to help people, but his association with the Church of the Collective highlights the darker side of seemingly benevolent organizations.
Doppelganger: A Misguided Mystique
A parodies of Mystique from X-Men, Doppelganger is able to pass for anyone. Mirroring Mystique's behavior in the X-Men films, blackmail and manipulation are done with doppelganger. The Boys underline the unsettling and controlling aspect of shapeshifting ability.
Soldier Boy: America's More Violent Captain
Superhuman strength, speed, and expert shield use by Soldier Boy directly parodies Captain America. Both characters served in World War II and were frozen in stasis for decades. The Boys spins Soldier Boy's narrative to expose his WWII involvement as a publicity stunt for Vought. Captain America's more heroic approach contrasts sharply with Soldier Boy's aggressive nature and violent impulses.
Termite: An Outstanding Ant-Man
Termite, a character who can shrink and grow, is a clear parody of Ant-man. However, unlike Ant-Man, Termite uses his powers for nefarious purposes, specifically for sex work. The show even parodies the hypothetical Ant-Man and Thanos theory, highlighting the dark potential of such abilities.
Tek Knight: A Depraved Batman
Tek Knight, who embodies Bruce Wayne in his worst form, is the show's version of Batman. He has a fancy mansion, inherited wealth, a secret cave, a butler, and a sidekick, but uses his resources for his own selfish gains. Unlike Batman, Tek Knight lacks heroic intentions and has a strange sexual appetite, making him a twisted version of the DC hero.
Laddio: A Troubled Robin
Laddio, Tek Knight's sidekick, is a parody of Robin. He is dressed in a red latex costume, highlighting the contrasting dynamic between Tek Knight and Laddio compared to the more heroic relationship between Batman and Robin. Laddio, while initially a loyal sidekick, ultimately helps take down the antagonist.
Webweaver: A Drug-Addicted Spider-Man
Webweaver is a parody of Spider-man, but instead of being the charming underdog, he is a drug addict. His web-shooting powers are activated from his backside, adding an uncomfortable twist to the iconic Spider-Man ability. Webweaver's appearance in The Boys season 4 is one of the show's most brutal parodies, showcasing the dark side of a seemingly fun superpower.
Andre Anderson: A Magneto with a Twist
Andre Anderson, a character from Gen V, possesses the same magnetic manipulation powers as Magneto from X-Men. However, Anderson lacks Magneto's villainous personality traits, highlighting the show's twisted take on the X-Men universe. Andre Anderson's backstory is vastly different from Magneto's, making his powers a parody of the X-Men character.
Golden Boy: The Human Torch Gone Wrong
Golden Boy, the face of Godolkin University in Gen V, is a parody of the Human Torch from The Fantastic Four. Both characters are good-looking heroes who enjoy the limelight. Golden Boy possesses thermonuclear powers and can engulf himself in fire, making him a clear parody of the iconic Marvel character.
Sam Riordan: A More Powerful Superboy
Sam Riordan, the brother of Golden Boy, has superhuman strength and durability, making him a parody of Superboy from DC Comics. Sam's powers are on a massive level, making him a formidable force in the show. While he lacks Homelander's other powers, he matches up well in terms of raw strength.
Vought: A Parody of Marvel Studios
Vought, the company that manages and exploits superheroes, is a parody of both Marvel and DC Comics as institutions. The show satirizes how superheroes are created and managed, comparing Vought to the modern Marvel Studios machine. The show features a Vought Cinematic Universe, references to Vought theme parks, and mentions of blockbuster films, all of which echo the practices of Marvel Studios.
The Seven: A Twisted Justice League
The Seven, a group of powerful superheroes, is a clear parody of DC's Justice League. They have formal meetings, national celebrity status, and individual superhero likenesses, making them a direct parallel to DC's premier superhero team. The Boys also satirizes the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the Justice League, referencing Zack Snyder's departure from Justice League and the release of the Snyder cut.
