The Boys is notorious for its subversive take on iconic superheroes, including those from Marvel Comics. In this article, we explore the top ten most insulting parodies of Marvel characters within the world of The Boys.
10. Godolkin (Professor X)
In The Boys, John Godolkin is a dark reflection of Charles Xavier (Professor X). While both claim to provide a safe space for young superhumans, Godolkin’s true intentions are horrifying, involving child exploitation. This portrayal corrupts Professor X’s mission in the most disturbing way.
9. Five-Oh (Cyclops)
Similar to Cyclops’s loyalty to Professor X, Five-Oh serves John Godolkin, but in a sinister capacity. Instead of a heroic leader, Five-Oh becomes an enforcer of vile crimes, turning a sense of duty into an evil partnership.
8. Groundhawk (Wolverine)
Groundhawk, a member of the G-Men, shares similarities with Wolverine. However, his portrayal reduces Wolverine to a one-dimensional character, defined solely by rage and violence, overlooking the depth of Logan’s persona.
7. Paralactic (Cable)
Paralactic and his team of enhanced supes parody the exaggerated ’90s comics aesthetics. While not a direct copy, Cable’s influence on this parody is apparent, emphasizing the over-the-top nature of the character.
6. Payback (The Avengers)
Payback, a parody superhero team in The Boys, draws parallels with the Avengers, both in character dynamics and narrative importance. It humorously mirrors how superhero teams were perceived before the Avengers gained A-list status.
5. Doctor Peculiar (Doctor Strange)
Doctor Peculiar in The Boys is a cynical twist on Doctor Strange. While not a magic user, he shares Strange’s role as a manipulator, using blackmail rather than mysticism, stripping the character of its mystical grandeur.
4. Stormfront (Thor)
Stormfront delves deep into Norse mythology and Nazi symbolism, drawing a disturbing parallel with Thor. This parody criticizes how symbols can be misinterpreted and co-opted for nefarious purposes, making it more than just a character mockery.
3. “The Bloke Without Fear” (Daredevil)
An unnamed supe in “The Boys” bears similarities to Daredevil, portraying a corrupt lawyer who crumbles when faced with brutality. This version mocks the true “Man Without Fear” in a harsh manner.
2. Soldier Boy (Captain America)
Soldier Boy is a blatant parody of Captain America. Despite his patriotic facade, he is a coward who fakes his legacy, serving as a stark contrast to the genuine heroism of Captain America.
1. The Legend (Stan Lee)
The Legend is the most insulting parody, targeting the real-life icon, Stan Lee. It portrays him as a manipulative creator who exploits superheroes for personal gain, tarnishing Lee’s legacy in an unsettling way.
The Boys continues to twist beloved superheroes into dark reflections, leaving no stone unturned, even in its subversion of Marvel’s most cherished characters.