Prime Video aired the first season of "The Boys" in 2019. Over the years, the series gained popularity due to its unique take on the superhero genre. The show centered on power, corruption, and flawed heroes.
Unlike the traditional superhero stories, "The Boys" presents a world where heroes are treated as celebrities. They are also flawed and far from perfect, exhibiting human emotions like greed and corruption.
The show's success is rooted in its diverse cast of complex characters and the unique blend of their strengths, weaknesses, and moral ambiguities.
From omnipotent Homelander to fiercely determined Billy Buther, here is the ranking of some of the beloved "The Boys" characters:
1. Homelander
Played by Anthony Starr, Homelander is considered the most complex character in the show. During the first season, he was introduced as the leader of The Seven, the most powerful superhero team made by Vought International.
Unlike other supes, Homelander was raised in a lab and has no real human connection which contributed to his sociopathic tendencies. On the outside, he presents himself as patriotic and an upright leader. However, he is deeply narcissistic and manipulative as he lacks empathy toward others.
The revelation of Homelander's true nature is a crucial event in the series. He turned out to be the main antagonist of the show. Regardless, the impact he created made him one of the best characters in the show.
2. Hughie Campbell
During the first season, Hughie experienced a first-hand incident with the supes after his girlfriend was accidentally killed by A-Train. He started as an average guy who avoided confrontation which made him a pushover.
After the incident, he discovered the corrupt nature of superheroes and became dedicated to exposing Vought International. He is now a member of The Boys, acting as the moral compass of the group.
3. Starlight
Starlight grew up with the dream of becoming a superhero to make the world a better place. However, after getting recruited to The Seven, she quickly realized that they were not what they seemed to be.
Despite being part of The Seven, she resigned from her position after witnessing Vought's corruption and Homelander's psychopathic ideas. She then became a member of The Boys and often brings optimism and determination to the group regardless of the situation.
4. Victoria Neuman
Victoria Neuman was introduced in Season 2 of the series as an upright congresswoman who advocates against Vought and its superhero practices. It was later revealed that she is also a superhuman who can cause people's heads to explode by simply looking at them.
Due to her public persona, advocacy, and charisma, she was initially seen as a potential ally to The Boys. However, it became a shock to the audience when she turned out to be a secret ally of Stan Edgar, CEO of Vought.
5. Billy Butcher
Billy Butcher is committed to taking down Vought International and its corrupt superheroes. He has a personal vendetta against superheroes, especially with Homelander, who he blames for the presumed death of his wife.
He is often portrayed as a ruthless and overprotective leader of The Boys. During Season 3, he decided to take Temp V to gain temporary superpowers to fight Homelander and Vought but is now left with the consequence of a shortened life.
