The world of superheroes has seen its fair share of satirical takes, but none perhaps as biting as “The Boys”. Initially known for its raw humor and violence, this show’s universe is now expanding, bringing in fresh perspectives and intriguing new stories. With “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” released last year as an animated anthology, this year we are introduced to “Gen V“, a tale of superpowered university students navigating their youth while surrounded by dark mysteries.
Tying the Knot Between Gen V and Diabolical
The episode, “The Whole Truth” in “Gen V”, made a startling revelation. In it, Robert Vernon, popularly known as Tek-Knight, portrayed by Derek Wilson, is on a mission. His quest? To solve the mysterious murder of Golden Boy, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger. However, Tek-Knight’s methodology is unorthodox. He can unearth the truth, a skill he uses ruthlessly to elicit confessions, even if it leads to the confessor’s demise. His confrontation with Godolkin University’s Dean, Indira Shetty, played by Shelley Conn, uncovers another twist. Shetty reveals some of Tek-Knight’s past victims, including the superhero Ironcast, who took his own life after an interaction with Tek-Knight.
Ironcast’s debut was in “Diabolical”, specifically in the segment “I’m Your Pusher”. This segment, more than just introducing Ironcast, threw light on Billy Butcher’s, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, dangerous game of blackmail, culminating in a superhero consuming cocaine, and subsequently crashing into Ironcast. The latter is depicted as a comical take on the X-Men’s Colossus, with a sturdy steel exterior, juxtaposed with vulnerable internal organs. Ironcast’s presence in both “Diabolical” and “Gen V” shows how “The Boys” leverages its widespread appeal to reinterpret its original material. This is reinforced by the fact that “I’m Your Pusher” was written by Garth Ennis to exist within “The Boys” comic universe.
Gen V’s Other Bridges to The Boys
But Ironcast isn’t the sole link between “Gen V” and “The Boys”. A notable event in “The Boys” Season 3 had Hughie Campbell, portrayed by Jack Quaid, embarking on an undercover operation. His mission led him to an adoption center housing young superheroes. Among the names he discovered was Marie Moreau, the central figure in “Gen V“, played by Jaz Sinclair. A tragic backstory shadows Marie, with her power to control blood being accidentally responsible for her parents’ demise. Following this tragedy, she finds solace in Godolkin University. Eric Kripke, the mastermind behind “The Boys”, emphasized the interconnected nature of these shows, expressing the delight in having them “sing to each other”. “Diabolical“, it seems, is also dancing to this rhythm.
Conclusion
It’s a captivating time for fans of “The Boys”, with its universe steadily growing, providing richer and more intricate narratives. As the boundaries blur between the original show and its spinoffs, it hints at an exciting future. As of now, the journey can be followed on Prime Video, where “The Boys” and “The Boys: Diabolical” are available for streaming, and “Gen V” releases new episodes every Friday.
