The Boys Has Finally Addressed Its Connection to a Major Animated Franchise

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It’s no secret that *The Boys* draws inspiration from classic superheroes. The show’s most powerful character, Homelander, is very similar to Superman, with the same red and blue suit and many of the same abilities. The superhero team ‘The Seven’ even includes a character like Wonder Woman, Queen Maeve, who wears a tiara and is incredibly strong, though her origins aren’t tied to Greek mythology. However, as the universe expands with shows like *Gen V* – which focuses on a school for superheroes – not all of the powers and characters are direct copies from Marvel or DC comics.

Prime Video is expanding the types of stories it tells, moving beyond just superhero content. After rumors for a couple of years, the show *Gen V* is now revealing that a key character shares a surprising connection – they’re more closely based on a famous cartoon character than anyone from the comics.

Gen V‘s Marie Moreau Gets Her Superhero Name in Season 2

Marie Moreau, Jordan Li, and Emma Meyer are finding it difficult to adjust back to life at Godolkin University. Their instructor, Cipher, is intensely training them to master their abilities. Jordan achieves a long-sought goal – reaching the top of the school rankings – but instead of celebrating, they use the opportunity to reveal the truth about Andre’s death and expose the school’s secrets. Cipher’s team swiftly manipulates the situation, portraying Jordan as the troublemaker and turning the entire student body against them. The next phase of Cipher’s plan involves a public fight between Jordan and Marie, staged for the whole school to witness.

Cipher was explaining his idea to his two best students when a Vought marketing agent interrupted. The agent showed them a poster giving the Supes nicknames: Jordan was labeled “the Gender Bender” and Marie was called “the Blood Bender.” Though both nicknames were overly simplistic and highlighted their powers in a basic way, Marie’s had a bit of a history, referencing a popular and highly-regarded animated series from the last two decades.

Blood Benders Aren’t a New Concept

Dealing with blood-based powers is dangerous, even within the universe of *The Boys*. When Marie develops her abilities, she loses control and accidentally kills her parents. Branded responsible, she’s sent to the Red River Institute, a home for orphaned superpowered individuals. Katara, from *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, also understands the pain of loss and the dangers of bloodbending. She learns this forbidden technique from a villainous waterbender named Hama, and occasionally uses it when overcome with anger.

I was honestly a little worried when bloodbending showed up again in *The Legend of Korra* – it was just as unsettling the second time around! Seeing Korra constantly harassed by Amon and Tarrlok in Season 1 was brutal, and it really pushed her to her limit. Thankfully, she managed to pull through and protect everyone she cared about. Now, watching Marie in *Gen V* Season 2, I see some echoes of that struggle. Cipher is coming after her with everything they’ve got, forcing her to use her powers in ways that feel… wrong. It feels like she’s facing a similar test to Korra, and I’m starting to think the only way she’ll survive is by fighting fire with fire – even if that means risking her own morality.

Gen V Season 2 is streaming on Prime Video.

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2025-09-27 20:10