Article Overview
The political divide over "supe rights" in Gen V sets up a potential battle between supes, similar to the conflict between the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants from Marvel.
The discussion surrounding "supe rights" in Gen V has caused a rift and uncertainty within the core group of Gen V characters, possibly leading to their separation.
In Gen V, Sam and Cate are expected to establish their own rendition of the Brotherhood of Mutants, while Marie embodies a harmonious and empathetic approach, reminiscent of Xavier in the X-Men comics.
The political division surrounding "supe rights" in Gen V may potentially parallel the conflict between Marvel Comics' X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants in The Boys. In episode 7 of season 1, titled "Sick," Victoria Neuman's presence at Godolkin University sparked a town hall meeting that led to student protestors rallying behind the "Supes Lives Matter" movement, reminiscent of the real-world "Black Lives Matter" movement. This politically charged narrative connects The Boys spin-off to the flagship series, hinting at an imminent war among supes within the franchise.
In Marvel's X-Men comics, mutants symbolize marginalized communities facing discrimination. Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men, envisions a harmonious coexistence between mutants and non-mutants, while the Brotherhood of Mutants, led by Magneto, believes that mutants, being genetically superior, should seize control from non-mutants. Xavier is sometimes likened to Martin Luther King Jr., while Magneto is compared to Malcolm X (though Xavier is not entirely pacifist like King and Magneto is not a killer like X). The "Supes Lives Matter" storyline in Gen V appears to lay the groundwork for The Boys universe's own rendition of Marvel's clash between the X-Men and the Brotherhood.
Gen V season 1 is confirmed to have direct connections to The Boys season 4
Gen V Is Creating A "Supe Rights" Divide
The superhero community in Gen V is currently divided due to the ongoing controversy surrounding "supe rights." Neuman's remarks not only caused discord in the world at large, but also created divisions within the core group of Gen V characters. Cate's betrayal of her classmates has already started to undermine the camaraderie among the group. While Marie firmly believes that Cate has truly changed and urges the others to trust her, the rest remain skeptical. The "Supes Lives Matter" debate, triggered by Neuman's statements during the town hall meeting, may ultimately be what causes the group to fracture.
Every superpowered individual believes they deserve equal rights compared to those without powers. The disagreements arise from differing approaches to achieving these rights. Some may advocate for violent actions, shedding the blood of non-powered individuals to make a statement. However, others, like Marie, prefer a more compassionate and non-violent strategy. This conflict mirrors the dynamic between Xavier and Magneto's factions. Formerly best friends, they both sought equality for mutants, but their radically different ideologies ultimately turned them into bitter enemies.
Sam & Cate Could Become Gen V's Brotherhood
Sam and Cate stand out among all the Gen V characters as the most likely to form their own rendition of the Brotherhood of Mutants. They displayed the strongest militant tendencies when the dark secrets of "The Woods" came to light. Sam, a former inhabitant of "The Woods," endured a lifetime of torment from those who aim to eradicate all supes, making him intimately connected to this war. Cate, on the other hand, has been manipulated by Shetty for so long that she yearns to be fully immersed in the opposing side of the conflict.
In contrast, Marie is poised to assume the role of the Xavier figure. Her attempt to persuade Neuman to expose the truth of "The Woods" to Vought International's top brass only led Neuman to advise her to focus on ascending to a position of influence. Neuman insists that once Marie achieves this, she can leverage her political and cultural sway to effect substantial change. This particular scene hints at a future where Marie leads a peaceful movement advocating for supes. While her fellow supes adopt a more aggressive approach to safeguard supe lives, Marie endeavors to transform the world into the utopia envisioned by Xavier in the X-Men comics.
The Boys Season 3's Homelander Vs. Starlight Debate Already Teased A Supe Split
Starlight's bold and ethical decision to confront Homelander in The Boys' third season has already revealed a rift among the supes in this comic book universe. As we move into the fourth season, the supes may find themselves compelled to choose sides - whether to align themselves with Homelander or with Starlight. This potential conflict could resemble The Boys' own version of the superhero-on-superhero clash portrayed in Captain America: Civil War. There will be those who stand with Starlight because it is the morally right choice, while others may gravitate towards Homelander due to fear or self-preservation. If The Boys continues to delve into this storyline, then the division among the supes in Gen V serves as just the initial stage of a much larger narrative.
Gen V
Streaming Sevice Prime VideoFranchise(s) The Boys
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the political divide over "supe rights" in Gen V to be a fascinating parallel to the conflict between Marvel's X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants. The idea that supes, who are often seen as outsiders and feared by the general public, are now demanding equal rights and recognition is a powerful one. I think it's important to have these conversations about the role of marginalized groups in society and how we can create a more inclusive and just world for everyone.
I'm also intrigued by the potential for a clash between Homelander and Starlight in The Boys Season 3. These two characters represent very different sides of the superhero spectrum, with Homelander being a ruthless and power-hungry tyrant, while Starlight is a more idealistic and compassionate hero. Their conflict is sure to be explosive, and I can't wait to see how it plays out.