The Boys: One Homelander is WAY Better!

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Caution! Upcoming plot details for The Boys:

The Boys comic book and Amazon Prime series both feature Homelander, but the comic version is more widely regarded as a superior character. It was just a few years ago that the TV show unveiled this iconic superhero to audiences worldwide. However, over a decade prior, the comic version of Homelander made his debut.

In its own unique way, the live-action show has adapted the source material, but by this stage, it’s veered off on a distinct path. However, one of the most significant and potentially beneficial modifications it introduced was enhancing Homelander’s character depth. Although he remains an extremely wicked and psychopathic character, the series has provided a richer portrayal of Homelander compared to his representation in the initial comic.

Homelander in the Comics Was a Solid Antagonist, But Not Very Deep

His Characterization is Lacking Compared to The Boys

In “The Boys,” you’ll find numerous Superheroes who are criminal, antisocial, or downright evil. The narrative primarily revolves around a team supported by the CIA as they strive to bring down Homelander, a character resembling Superman and one of the most powerful Supes globally. As the story unfolds, Homelander appears increasingly distant from humanity, displaying coldness at his best and sociopathic behavior at worst.

Over time, Homelander’s mental stability deteriorates significantly (mainly because of being psychologically manipulated by Black Noir), causing him to develop a superiority complex among superhumans. He even mobilizes an army of Supes towards the White House with the aim of seizing power from the United States. However, in a dramatic turn of events, he meets his end in a fierce battle against Black Noir when Homelander uncovers how his clone had deceived him.

The Live-Action Homelander Got a Much More In-Depth Characterization

The Boys’ Made Changes for the Better with Homelander

When adapting “The Boys”, the Amazon Prime show introduced numerous alterations, particularly in the portrayal of Homelander. For instance, Black Noir is not a clone of Homelander, nor does he experience manipulation of his mind throughout the series. Instead, Homelander ultimately follows a path of psychopathy, but this is more attributed to his upbringing and the influence of his celebrity status.

The series delves deeply into Homelander’s backstory, revealing how he was brought up by Vought with minimal affection and care. His longing for warmth and meaningful human relationships is evident throughout the initial season, only for him to murder Madelyn Stillwell. Post this event, Homelander begins adopting a mindset similar to his comic book version.

In contrast to the way the comics portrayed his transformation, the show presents Homelander’s evolution into a monster as being more complex and compelling. Instead of being misled into becoming an evil superhero, his supporters accept and even endorse his violent tendencies, which in turn strengthen his darker impulses. This depiction offers a deeper understanding of how he came to be the villain he ultimately becomes.

Live-Action Homelander is an Improvement Over the Source Material

Of All the Changes, This Was the Best One

In much the same way that adaptations often deviate from their original sources, The Boys also made alterations, some effective, others less so. However, the modifications to Homelander were unquestionably superior. The adaptation lent him a touch of tragic humanization, portraying him as an individual destined for a tragic downfall. While the twist with Black Noir/Homelander in the source material is captivating, the adaptation managed to surpass it in this aspect.

Homelander underwent a deeper character analysis, which has contributed significantly to his global recognition as an iconic figure. A protagonist who transitions into the dark side due to his troubled upbringing is bound to make for a more captivating story than the narrative of Homelander being controlled by a renegade clone in “The Boys.

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2025-07-06 01:09