The Boys has achieved tremendous success as a TV series since its debut in 2019. With its clever writing and impactful action sequences, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base. However, it seems that some fans are drawn to the wrong aspects of the show. In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of fans idolizing the despicable characters from The Boys. This poses a significant problem, and unfortunately, even the presence of The Boys Funko Pop figurines fails to address this issue.
What is The Boys about?
The Boys offers a fresh take on the traditional superhero story, challenging the notion of superheroes as the "good guys." Rather than portraying them in a positive light, the show presents these characters as deeply flawed, using their powers to harm others. Referred to as 'The Seven,' these superheroes manipulate the public into idolizing them, while their true evil nature is exposed, particularly in the shocking opening scene. Throughout the first season, the audience is introduced to The Boys, a group of vigilantes determined to bring an end to the reign of The Seven and their repulsive actions.
The Boys' three seasons have received widespread acclaim from audiences, cultivating a devoted fan base. The upcoming fourth season further solidifies the show's status as a cultural phenomenon. In addition to its visceral action sequences and razor-sharp humor, The Boys carries a significant political message, taking aim at corrupt political leaders. Notably, many viewers have drawn parallels between Homelander's character and that of Donald Trump. While the show itself has garnered immense praise, it has also been surrounded by controversy due to its influence on impressionable young fans who idolize its morally reprehensible characters, particularly Homelander, the leader of The Seven. Social media has played a role in exacerbating this issue, and unfortunately, Funko, the popular collectibles company, has not taken steps to address the harm caused by this phenomenon.
What are Funko Pops?
Funko Pops, known for their adorable bobble heads and large eyes, have turned into a sought-after collection of figurines. In recent years, these figures have gained immense popularity, some even reaching the status of rare and valuable collectibles. As an example, a Funko Pop depicting Alex from A Clockwork Orange was sold in 2022 for an astonishing price of $32,439. With an extensive range of Pop products, Funko successfully captures the likeness of celebrities and iconic fictional characters, making these collectibles highly coveted by enthusiasts. From Bob Ross to Pennywise, Funko Pops have undeniably become highly desirable items for collectors.
Funko Pops are renowned for featuring popular TV series, making it no surprise that the brand decided to capitalize on the ongoing frenzy surrounding The Boys. Ever since their debut, the Funko Pops depicting Homelander, The Deep (Chace Crawford), and A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) have garnered immense demand. Nevertheless, the overwhelming popularity of these figurines highlights underlying concerns.
The Boys Funko Pops Are Cute Versions of Terrible People
The reprehensible actions conducted by the majority of The Seven are beyond comprehension. Spanning from instances of sexual assault to engaging in bestiality, these characters indisputably represent the epitome of figures that should not be revered. Astonishingly, though, these abhorrent behaviors have inexplicably failed to discourage certain enthusiasts from idolizing these repugnant individuals.
Since the release of season three, Homelander has emerged as the embodiment of toxic masculinity. Similar to Patrick Bateman from American Psycho, Homelander has sparked a disconcerting trend on social media, with young boys identifying themselves with these despicable characters. Despite his tragic past, Homelander's actions are unforgivable and symbolize the vilest individuals in society.
This issue has gained significant attention, leading Homelander's actor, Antony Starr, to address the problematic fanbase surrounding the character. In an interview with The LA Times, Starr expressed his bewilderment with this "very strange phenomenon" and emphasized that Homelander "is unquestionably a villain."
Starr further emphasized that many individuals have become infatuated with him. It is disconcerting to witness a peculiar group that actually idolizes him. The content seen on Twitter is perplexing, making me question, "What? You completely misunderstand the intentions!"
The Boys' Funko Pops exacerbate this issue by creating adorable versions of these morally questionable characters. While Funko has previously released figurines of controversial characters, The Boys' Funko Pops specifically contribute to this existing problem. For instance, although fortunately there are not many people who glorify the actions of Alex from A Clockwork Orange, there is unfortunately an overwhelming number of Homelander fans. As a result, his charming Funko Pop caters to the Homelander fan base. Clearly, Funko cannot control how Homelander is received, but his endearing figurine certainly does not deter his problematic group of fans.
Originally promoted as toys, Funko Pops have gained significant value as collectibles. Despite their popularity among children, with a suggested age rating of 3+, it is concerning that The Boys' Funko Pops, featuring characters from a mature TV show, are marketed alongside beloved children's characters. This is particularly problematic in the case of The Deep, a character known for committing sexual assault and bestiality. Considering the nature of the show, the decision to create Funko Pops seems unconventional.