The Prime Video series *The Boys* makes no secret of its criticism of the superhero genre. The show’s fictional Vought Studios is designed to satirize companies like Marvel and DC, which often seem to create content for any character they can. Even Vought’s project titles are parodies – for example, “Dawn of the Seven” is a clear nod to *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*. Despite this, *The Boys* acknowledges its debt to Marvel and DC, as the show wouldn’t be possible without the foundation they’ve built. Many characters in *The Boys* are clearly inspired by famous superheroes; Homelander, for instance, is heavily based on Superman.
While *The Boys* is popular, the franchise also includes spinoff shows that need to keep viewers engaged. *Gen V*, which focuses on a school for superheroes, is well-positioned to do just that. Here are seven characters from *Gen V* who appear to be inspired by heroes from Marvel and DC comics.
7) Cate Dunlap
Telepaths are everywhere in Marvel and DC comics, and the mind-reading character Cate Dunlap from *Gen V* is no exception. While she shares similarities with well-known telepaths like Martian Manhunter and Jean Grey, she’s most like Emma Frost. Cate may not be able to turn into diamond, but like the White Queen, she presents a strong front and excels at manipulating people’s minds.
6) Polarity
When Polarity begins manipulating metal in *Gen V*, the Marvel character Magneto is the first comparison that comes to mind. Both characters possess the ability to control magnetic fields and bend metal. While Magneto’s daughter, Polaris, shares a similar power, Polarity’s abilities are more taxing – similar to how Andre Anderson experiences damage to his neural pathways with each use.
5) Little Cricket
Many comic book heroes can shrink in size – like Ant-Man and the Atom – to fight their enemies. However, they usually use technology to control this ability. Emma Meyer, known as Little Cricket, doesn’t have that advantage. Plus, unlike some characters, she doesn’t become stronger when she changes size, either smaller or larger.
4) Vikor
Viktor is poised to be the most powerful new Supe introduced in Season 2 of *Gen V*. He’s a formidable fighter, going up against both Jordan Li and Marie Moreau during a special Cipher training session. Though his massive hammer might make him *look* like someone cosplaying as Thor, his punches are genuinely devastating. He ultimately loses the fight because he loses focus, mirroring a mistake made by Thor himself when battling Thanos.
3) Dogknott
Dean Cipher struggles to find Marie, so he enlists Dogknott, Vought’s top tracker, to help. Dogknott’s tracking skills are reminiscent of the comic book characters Beast and Wolverine, though he lacks their intelligence and fighting prowess. He’s quickly defeated by Starlight, who surprises him in Marie’s motel room.
2) Sam Riordan
I’m really connecting with Sam Riordan’s story. It’s heartbreaking to see what Vought did to him, taking him from his family and using him for experiments. It reminds me a lot of the Sentry, who’s been all over the news with the *Thunderbolts* stuff. Both these guys are powerhouses who mostly rely on their strength, and honestly, the messed-up world Sam experiences feels very similar to the terrifying visions Bob Reynolds battles with the Void. It’s like they’re both fighting similar internal and external demons.
1) Marie Moreau
Marie’s ability to control blood makes many people see her as frightening. Luckily, she has a good heart, which isn’t always the case for those with similar powers. In DC Comics, the villain Brother Blood is well-known for using blood for cruel and disturbing purposes. While he isn’t as strong as Marie could become, they might have a lot to learn from each other if they ever met.
Gen V Season 2 is streaming on Prime Video.
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2025-09-18 19:21