Unveiling the Extraordinary Powers of Gen V Phenomenon: Jordan Li's Astonishing Abilities

The Boys has a unique opportunity in Gen V to showcase characters using their superhuman abilities for good. Unlike the supes in the original series who were mostly monstrous and became worse after taking Compound V, the next generation can recognize the wrongs of their predecessors and fight against them, just like in real life. Among the talented students at Godolkin University, Jordan Li stands out, despite Vought's preference for them not to.

When it comes to superpowers, The Boys lacks originality. Many of the supes are rehashed characters from DC and Marvel. While the writers find innovative ways to utilize these familiar abilities, the powers themselves are mostly borrowed. In Gen V, however, a group of teenagers exhibit slightly more experimental and unique tricks.

Who is Jordan Li?

Jordan Li is a student at the esteemed Godolkin University, accompanied by hip-hop artist Derek Luh and the wonderfully-named singer, London Thor. Initially assigned male at birth, Jordan now identifies as bigender. Their unique abilities grant them the power to switch genders at will. Paul and Kayla Li, Jordan's parents, accepted an offer from Vought International to inject Jordan with Compound V, transforming them into a superhero. Richard Brinkerhoff, known for discovering and guiding young supes, brings Jordan into God U. Acting as Brink's teaching assistant, Jordan plays a significant role in deciding who gets into Brink's College of Crimefighting.

As the show progresses, Jordan's position evolves. In their capacity as Brink's TA, they deny Marie Moreau, the show's protagonist, access to Crimefighting courses. Jordan explains that other applicants have solved crimes or gained significant social media following, making them stronger contenders for the limited slots available. Marie is enraged, but Brink offers no resolution. Later, Jordan joins Luke, Cate, Andre, and Marie for a party. Despite her lingering resentment, Marie joins the festivities at Andre's insistence. However, chaos ensues when Andre accidentally utilizes his powers, injuring a girl. To protect the reputation of the highly-ranked students, including Jordan, Marie is swiftly expelled. Taking matters into her own hands, Marie confronts Brink, only to discover Luke murdering him.

When Luke pursues Marie, Jordan becomes the sole student to defy God U's prized prodigy. Tragically, Luke takes his own life, leaving Marie to claim the glory. However, Vought discredits Jordan's involvement and heroism, favoring the more marketable duo of Andre and Marie. In an attempt to salvage their reputation, Andre and Marie plead with Marie to acknowledge their contributions during a televised interview. Regrettably, a sudden trauma immobilizes her, compelling her to adhere strictly to the script. Jordan, once ranked at an impressive #2, abruptly plummets to the fifth position, overtaken by Andre who secures the top spot, while Marie secures a place on the board. The aftershock is devastating, but Jordan and the other students remain determined to join forces and unearth the truth behind the corruption lurking within God U, as well as the motives behind Luke's tragic demise.

What are Jordan Li's powers?

Jordan Li possesses the remarkable ability to effortlessly change their gender presentation and biology at will, a power they often utilize for amusement. Although this shapeshifting ability is instrumental to their identity, it alone wouldn't secure them the prestigious second spot at God U. Nevertheless, each of Jordan's gendered forms possesses a formidable superpower. In their feminine form, they can emit potent energy blasts from their hands, capable of launching full-grown individuals into the air and halting the unstoppable Golden Boy in his tracks. On the other hand, in their masculine shape, Jordan becomes physically invincible, impervious to any form of harm and impervious to attacks from formidable adversaries. While their feminine form may be more fragile but highly destructive, their male form lacks a distinctive weapon. The incredible aspect is that Jordan can instantaneously switch between their two genders, rendering them an exceptional hero who rarely finds themselves caught off-guard. Regrettably, Vought, the organization they work for, disregards the magnitude of their abilities.

Why isn't Jordan Li #1?

God U's top ten system significantly influences the selection of young superheroes destined for a life of fame as protectors of a major city or even a position in The Seven. Jordan Li, the second-place contender to Luke, becomes a victim of Vought's decision not to promote them following Golden Boys' demise. Ashley Barrett, Vought's publicist, succinctly explains the reason: Jordan's bigender identity and Asian heritage make them unappealing in the American South, worrying Vought about alienating transphobes. This is yet another clear indication that Vought values marketability over a hero's abilities.

Jordan Li is a captivating character who takes on various roles in the early episodes of the show. They display a hint of villainy when they thwart the protagonist's aspirations, yet also demonstrate heroism by standing up to the most skilled fighter at God U on behalf of another student. Jordan's complex and multi-dimensional presence provides Gen V with added depth. Their bigender identity, simultaneously embraced by their peers and rejected by the intolerant older generation, is handled with tact and finesse, avoiding potential missteps. Jordan is a hero deserving of more recognition than Vought is willing to grant them, and Gen V may showcase their struggle to achieve it.