Gen V Defies the Odds: Being a Superhero in The Boys' Universe

In the realm of The Boys, beloved superheroes such as Batman and Spider-Man aim to prevent others from suffering their own misfortunes. The question arises: what if superheroes were real in our world? The universal consensus is disheartening - the outcome would be nothing short of disastrous. In the latest installment of The Boys, titled Gen V and exclusively available on Prime Video, the narrative explores what it would be like to grow up in a world plagued by these superheroes. Ultimately, it confirms the near impossibility of becoming a genuinely altruistic superhero who strives to improve the world in this particular universe. Even if one fervently endeavors to don the superhero mantle, they inevitably veer down one of three bleak paths: corruption, demise, or isolation. Please be cautioned: the following discussion contains spoilers for Season 1 of Gen V.

The Boys kicked off with the addition of a fresh-faced superhero, Starlight, to The Seven. Over the course of three seasons, we've witnessed this idealistic hero continuously dragged down into the depths of despair.

In Gen V, we were introduced to a cluster of young superhumans filled with boundless aspirations. Similar to Starlight, they gradually witnessed their dreams of a world populated by virtuous supers crumble away, piece by piece. However, as the closing credits roll, the heroes find themselves awakening in a room devoid of exits, dressed in hospital gowns, and confronted by a news report that portrays them as the culprits behind a horrifying conspiracy.

However, it was a futile battle from the start. Vought International, the multinational corporation, devised a cunning plan aimed at expectant or new parents: offering to inject their children with superpowers, promising a future of immense success in a changing world. The catch? Keeping it a secret. It resembled Monsanto's genetically modified crops, but with people instead of vegetables. Even before these infants could take their first steps or utter their first words, they were transformed into experiments—potentially lethal and wreaking havoc—yet had no say in the matter.

In The Boys, we witness the various ways in which individuals can exploit their superpowers, and the associated social and economic influence that accompanies them. The character known as The Deep constantly demonstrates disturbing behavior. A-Train pushes himself to the brink in order to maintain his competitive edge. Homelander, the most formidable of them all, is a psychopath who struggles to maintain control, and with each episode, his metaphorical restraints gradually weaken. However, Generation V takes it a step further. Marie, Emma, Sam, and their comrades have not been directly corrupted by Vought. Although they face their own challenges and unintentionally cause grisly catastrophes with their powers, they do not succumb to corruption like Homelander or The Deep, nor do they conceal dark secrets like A-Train or Queen Maeve.

Marie is determined to demonstrate to her estranged sister that her terrifying blood abilities can be used for saving lives rather than ending them. Andre aspires to follow in the footsteps of his renowned superhero father. Golden Boy possesses immense power, but during our brief encounter with him, it became apparent that he possessed a strong moral compass that guided him along the right path. Cate simply yearned for trust and affection.

Gen V illustrates the daunting challenges faced by these young individuals aspiring to become superheroes. Both Cate and Sam have personally encountered the dark, grim reality of Vought and God U. Sam endured experimentation and torture on behalf of his brother, while Cate was compelled to manipulate her friends and loved ones to conceal the truth. These characters possess extraordinary and evident abilities - Cate has the capacity to hear and control the thoughts of everyone around her, whereas Sam exhibits astounding strength and durability, offering a glimpse of what Superman's Kryptonian power could be like if he unleashed it to its fullest extent. Witnessing the mistreatment of superpowered individuals by influential corporations and trusted institutions, both Cate and Sam find themselves easily swayed towards radicalization at a pro-Supe rally. Their frustration and anger propel them towards taking action, and considering their own experiences, it is difficult to hold them accountable, as it appears that every member of the human establishment is, at the very least, attempting to exploit them.

Marie, Andre, Emma, and Jordan witnessed the devastating consequences of the pro-Supe rally, desperately attempting to minimize the havoc. However, the tormented souls unleashed from the Woods showed no inclination for restraint, a sentiment shared by both Sam and Cate. In her futile attempt to halt Cate, Marie tragically severed her arm, eradicating any potential for finding common ground in their beliefs.

Vought holds an overwhelming legal grip on supes and their powers, making it nearly impossible for anyone to oppose them. The corporation possesses extensive financial and resource capabilities to manipulate and conceal any undesired information. They have the capability to conceal individuals and manipulate the narrative surrounding events. Through God U, Vought not only has complete freedom to study the most formidable supes, but they also have the ability to shape their thoughts about their powers and the world. They teach them how to promote themselves and how to interact with law enforcement. Although those who attend God U may have the chance for success, it comes under Vought's terms, as the institution essentially functions as a superhero factory controlled entirely by the corporation. This ensures a constant influx of new supes under Vought's supervision for years to come.

Whether you are characters like Kimiko or Starlight from The Boys, Golden Boy, or Marie Moreau from Gen V, the harsh reality remains that, despite your best efforts, you never stood a chance against Vought. The corporation cannot tolerate any good-hearted individuals exposing their control over the system. Consequently, you find yourself either corrupted, dead, or marginalized in society, confined to a literal or figurative prison cell.

Gen V has been renewed for a second season, so chances are we will get plenty more chances to see these budding supes suffer.

Editor's P/S

Gen V, the latest installment in The Boys universe, presents a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and challenges of being a superhero in a world where such figures are commonplace. The series delves into the moral dilemmas faced by aspiring heroes and exposes the dark realities that lie beneath the surface of the superhero phenomenon.

One of the most striking aspects of Gen V is its portrayal of the various ways in which individuals can exploit their superpowers for personal gain or malicious intent. The character of The Deep, for instance, engages in disturbing behavior, while A-Train pushes himself to the brink in order to maintain his competitive edge. Homelander, the most formidable of them all, is a psychopath who struggles to maintain control, and with each episode, his metaphorical restraints gradually weaken. These characters serve as cautionary tales, demonstrating the potential for corruption and abuse of power that comes with being a superhero.