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The Boys Deluxe #4
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 4 - Photo Cover Edition
Garth Ennis' The Boys are back for their fourth omnibus edition!
Convinced that Hughie was never what he seemed, Butcher goes to see the Legend ... and sets something terrible in motion for our little Scots pal in "The Innocents" (The Boys #39-47). And in "Highland Laddie" (the complete 6-issue mini-series), Hughie heads home to Scotland. But our hero's luck has always been more cloud than silver lining, and the familiar surroundings he craves are not all they might be. You can go home again, but whether or not you should is another matter entirely.
All of these great stories come in one volume and features tons of extras, including all of the covers by Darick Robertson, sketches, script pages, and much more!
Convinced that Hughie was never what he seemed, Butcher goes to see the Legend ... and sets something terrible in motion for our little Scots pal in "The Innocents" (The Boys #39-47). And in "Highland Laddie" (the complete 6-issue mini-series), Hughie heads home to Scotland. But our hero's luck has always been more cloud than silver lining, and the familiar surroundings he craves are not all they might be. You can go home again, but whether or not you should is another matter entirely.
All of these great stories come in one volume and features tons of extras, including all of the covers by Darick Robertson, sketches, script pages, and much more!
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2012
128 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,624 books3,170 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 27, 2022
First of all, the rather long, and in two parts, The Boys, Volume 7: The Innocents, which starts off with a schism slowly happening within the group as secrets and lies catch up with them, that some how sees Hughie thrust amongst the 'Superdupers' a team of which you have never seen the like! This is followed by some surveillance of a The Seven 'Christian' event that not only starts laying down the foundations of the super powered beings intended third act, but has some delightfully blistering critiques of American Evangelism throughout. It's by this volume, that the Garth Ennis trademark 'character stories are bigger than my core plot lines' style begins to emerge as the violence and darkness begin to get subsumed by clever character interactions and development, all quite well portrayed by the artwork, which by now one just has got used to. Four Stars, 8 out of 12.
Next up was a volume dedicated to Hughie as he sought to come to terms with what happened in the previous volume in The Boys, Volume 8: Highland Laddie. This volume feels like it has been bit padded out, even though it is an intelligent, thought provoking, and as ever darkly comedic look at an urbanised Hughie returning to his rural home town and re-visiting his past. What also entails is a great character study with a harsh (but realistic?) look at the hypocritical way we treat people according to gender. But the main thrust is about whether you can go backwards to go forwards. A bit off-kilter in this series, but for some a welcome breather before the manic final three volumes, all with a delectable twist at the end. A very strong Three Star, 7.5 out of 12.
2022 read
Next up was a volume dedicated to Hughie as he sought to come to terms with what happened in the previous volume in The Boys, Volume 8: Highland Laddie. This volume feels like it has been bit padded out, even though it is an intelligent, thought provoking, and as ever darkly comedic look at an urbanised Hughie returning to his rural home town and re-visiting his past. What also entails is a great character study with a harsh (but realistic?) look at the hypocritical way we treat people according to gender. But the main thrust is about whether you can go backwards to go forwards. A bit off-kilter in this series, but for some a welcome breather before the manic final three volumes, all with a delectable twist at the end. A very strong Three Star, 7.5 out of 12.
2022 read
January 4, 2020
Well, I think The Boys may've finally stopped teetering over the edge of the toilet and fallen all the way in. I honestly hated this volume. Hated it. Throughout my reviews of this series I've pointed out how often it vacillates from being pointed satire to being completely disgusting for no reason other than shock value. Well, in this volume, there is absolutely zero satire worth a damn, and instead we're treated to Hughie, the hero of the entire series furiously calling his girlfriend a "whore," "bitch," and a few more escalated nouns because he finds out she was sexually assaulted at work. Cool! What a great guy to root for!
And it's not some isolated incident that Hughie learns from, or an attempt to show that even though Hughie is a good guy at heart, he has some blind spots (though this would be one hell of a blind spot). Over half of this volume is devoted to this bullshit, and it is very clearly Ennis's own opinions being filtered through Hughie here. There has yet to be a single ounce of nuance in this series, so why would he start here?
Also, this isn't some "it was a different time" shit, either. This was published in 2010, when people were plenty aware of how women can be abused in the workplace. So that's no excuse, either.
To expand, because I think it's important, I'll need to SPOIL (ALL CAPS, BABY) something that happens on basically the first page of Volume I. So, nothing huge, but here goes:
Hughie's girlfriend Starlight, way back at the beginning of the series, was promoted to being a member of The Seven, basically this world's Justice League. However, on her first day, three of her bosses tell her that if she doesn't, um, go down on them, she'll be fired. So, against her will, she is forced to do it or lose her job. She is obviously not in the wrong here, and is clearly a victim.
Cut to this volume, when Hughie sees video footage of the incident, complete with sound, so he would know how everything went down. He sees the love of his life being forced to fellate three of her superiors so as to keep her job. So what does he do? Does he feel furious at these men for putting her in this situation? Does he vow vengeance for her, and then comfort her? Hell no! He storms up to her, calls her a whore, and tells her he never wants to see her again! He says it's because only a whore would be willing to do what she did to keep her job, but like, what was she supposed to do?! God, I hated this.
And Ennis's writing for Starlight is no better. Rather than defend herself or tell Hughie that she did it against her will, she tells him he deserves to be upset. She then apologizes to him. Repeatedly! Now I'm not saying that that's 100% unbelievable. I'm sure complete asshole boyfriends out there behave this way about things from their girlfriends' pasts, and then their girlfriends feel the need to convince them that it's all ok, just to calm them down. But Hughie is supposed to be a kind and caring dude! We have never seem him be emotionally abusive or manipulative to Starlight. And, again, he is the hero of the story.
So Hughie calls Starlight this hideous collection of names and then breaks up with her even though she was raped. So what happens next? Do we see how this was a huge mistake and he should've been more open? No! We follow Hughie on a boring-ass, horribly drawn bout of ennui as he goes back to Scotland to feel sorry for himself. It sucks.
First of all, we learn that Hughie's childhood friends are a gigantic trans woman (played for laughs of course) and a dude who for some reason wears a gas mask all the time. They are all insanely weird. Now, Hughie is supposed to be exceedingly normal. His whole backstory up till now has been that he's a normal dude who got pulled into a crazy life. But then we learn all these facts about his life that prove that his childhood was utterly bonkers. So which is it, Ennis? Is he a normal guy pulled into a difficult situation, or is he bananas? Ugh.
Then, of course, Starlight follows him to Scotland and begs him to take her back. We get issue after issue of her begging this complete piece of shit to forgive her and start their relationship again. She keeps saying the reason is because "he said he loved her," but like, who cares? He's a monster? She's also a smart, kind, gorgeous superhero who is trying to hold on to a tiny, weak buffoon who broke up with her because he bore witness to her sexual assault. Never has it been more clear that a book was written by a man.
Anyway, I've gone on long enough. This book sucks. It's a total male fantasy that is written mostly in barely-readable Scottish dialect. There is nothing good in here. I guess I'll finish the series since I'm close, but I think this volume fully lost me.
And it's not some isolated incident that Hughie learns from, or an attempt to show that even though Hughie is a good guy at heart, he has some blind spots (though this would be one hell of a blind spot). Over half of this volume is devoted to this bullshit, and it is very clearly Ennis's own opinions being filtered through Hughie here. There has yet to be a single ounce of nuance in this series, so why would he start here?
Also, this isn't some "it was a different time" shit, either. This was published in 2010, when people were plenty aware of how women can be abused in the workplace. So that's no excuse, either.
To expand, because I think it's important, I'll need to SPOIL (ALL CAPS, BABY) something that happens on basically the first page of Volume I. So, nothing huge, but here goes:
Hughie's girlfriend Starlight, way back at the beginning of the series, was promoted to being a member of The Seven, basically this world's Justice League. However, on her first day, three of her bosses tell her that if she doesn't, um, go down on them, she'll be fired. So, against her will, she is forced to do it or lose her job. She is obviously not in the wrong here, and is clearly a victim.
Cut to this volume, when Hughie sees video footage of the incident, complete with sound, so he would know how everything went down. He sees the love of his life being forced to fellate three of her superiors so as to keep her job. So what does he do? Does he feel furious at these men for putting her in this situation? Does he vow vengeance for her, and then comfort her? Hell no! He storms up to her, calls her a whore, and tells her he never wants to see her again! He says it's because only a whore would be willing to do what she did to keep her job, but like, what was she supposed to do?! God, I hated this.
And Ennis's writing for Starlight is no better. Rather than defend herself or tell Hughie that she did it against her will, she tells him he deserves to be upset. She then apologizes to him. Repeatedly! Now I'm not saying that that's 100% unbelievable. I'm sure complete asshole boyfriends out there behave this way about things from their girlfriends' pasts, and then their girlfriends feel the need to convince them that it's all ok, just to calm them down. But Hughie is supposed to be a kind and caring dude! We have never seem him be emotionally abusive or manipulative to Starlight. And, again, he is the hero of the story.
So Hughie calls Starlight this hideous collection of names and then breaks up with her even though she was raped. So what happens next? Do we see how this was a huge mistake and he should've been more open? No! We follow Hughie on a boring-ass, horribly drawn bout of ennui as he goes back to Scotland to feel sorry for himself. It sucks.
First of all, we learn that Hughie's childhood friends are a gigantic trans woman (played for laughs of course) and a dude who for some reason wears a gas mask all the time. They are all insanely weird. Now, Hughie is supposed to be exceedingly normal. His whole backstory up till now has been that he's a normal dude who got pulled into a crazy life. But then we learn all these facts about his life that prove that his childhood was utterly bonkers. So which is it, Ennis? Is he a normal guy pulled into a difficult situation, or is he bananas? Ugh.
Then, of course, Starlight follows him to Scotland and begs him to take her back. We get issue after issue of her begging this complete piece of shit to forgive her and start their relationship again. She keeps saying the reason is because "he said he loved her," but like, who cares? He's a monster? She's also a smart, kind, gorgeous superhero who is trying to hold on to a tiny, weak buffoon who broke up with her because he bore witness to her sexual assault. Never has it been more clear that a book was written by a man.
Anyway, I've gone on long enough. This book sucks. It's a total male fantasy that is written mostly in barely-readable Scottish dialect. There is nothing good in here. I guess I'll finish the series since I'm close, but I think this volume fully lost me.
July 30, 2023
This fourth volume is not bad. The story hasn't progressed on the main plot (The Boys vs. Vaughn and the Seven), it's just laying the groundwork for an acceleration in the next issue. The two stories told in this volume focus more on the characters of Hughie and Annie, in my opinion those who embody the best of humanity described by Ennis.
It seems like a transitional number, but one that allows you to get to know these two characters more and gives some breathing space (not so much) from the numerous twists and shocking scenes. Nothing to say about the graphics, always excellent, my rating on the series has not changed.
A character from the Boys' past has been introduced that could provide a larger insight into the story. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next two issues!
It seems like a transitional number, but one that allows you to get to know these two characters more and gives some breathing space (not so much) from the numerous twists and shocking scenes. Nothing to say about the graphics, always excellent, my rating on the series has not changed.
A character from the Boys' past has been introduced that could provide a larger insight into the story. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next two issues!
October 5, 2020
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 4 collects The Boys issues 39-47 and The Boys: Highland Laddie issues 1-6.
After Billy Butcher learns that Hughie has been dating Annie (aka Starlight), he wonders if Billy is a mole secretly working for The Seven. Billy take him off the case as has him investigate Super Dooper. Super Dooper is a parody of the Legion of Superheroes and is the laughing stock of the superhero community. Eventually Annie comes clean to Hughie that she is also Starlight. Hughie completely freaks out and travels to his native Scotland to rethink his life.
I was actually enjoying the Super Dooper arc. They were such lovable losers. But I absolutely despised Hughie's reaction to Annie coming forward. It was incredibly sexist and may have actually ruined the comic for me as Hughie and Annie's relationship is why I was still reading this series. I was so turned off that it took me close to three weeks just to read those last 6 issues.
After Billy Butcher learns that Hughie has been dating Annie (aka Starlight), he wonders if Billy is a mole secretly working for The Seven. Billy take him off the case as has him investigate Super Dooper. Super Dooper is a parody of the Legion of Superheroes and is the laughing stock of the superhero community. Eventually Annie comes clean to Hughie that she is also Starlight. Hughie completely freaks out and travels to his native Scotland to rethink his life.
I was actually enjoying the Super Dooper arc. They were such lovable losers. But I absolutely despised Hughie's reaction to Annie coming forward. It was incredibly sexist and may have actually ruined the comic for me as Hughie and Annie's relationship is why I was still reading this series. I was so turned off that it took me close to three weeks just to read those last 6 issues.
February 10, 2021
Hughie and Annie’s relationship becomes the hot topic of this volume. While Butcher becomes suspicious, Hughie ends up in a “super” situation and how this group of young supers aren’t jerks, just misunderstood. However, he learns about Annie being part of the Seven, one of which killed his previous girlfriend, and is unable to accept it. He decides to visit his home in a Scottish town to get away from his woes, but still can’t get away from the craziness. A- (91%/Excellent)
November 29, 2020
This is the spoiler free review of The Boys omnibus volumes 4 through 6. If you would like to read about how this series ends including every disgusting graphic detail please visit https://amanjareads.com/2020/11/25/th...
After reading the first three volumes of The Boys I had to take a break. I just couldn't binge read something this heavy and dark. I'm very glad I read a few lighter things at the halfway point because the second half gets even darker.
The Boys as a series is smart. It's intense and graphic but it definitely has a strong commentary to make. It's all about capitalism and how power corrupts. It's about the need for goodness to balance out the evil but how easily evil can win out.
The problem is that in order to portray this commentary it requires the presence of a lot of very objectionable characters. Characters that I did not want to keep returning to. It made it very difficult for me to want to keep picking this book up.
Ultimately, I'm glad that I finished the series but I can't say I enjoyed every second of it. The final omnibus volume is spectacular. It's incredibly fast paced and really pays off the effort of the rest of the volumes.
The 4th and 5th volume however, drag. The volumes include some repetitive blackmail heavy plots as well as way too many flashbacks and history lessons.
The most meaningful flashback story is told by Butcher about his late wife. This one has substance and a profound effect. The others, I could honestly do without.
Annie, aka Starlight, continues to be the only tolerable character in the whole book and I consider her woefully under-utilized. I was also disappointed that we never really got a backstory for The Female. Just a couple hints.
Many of the characters progress in ways that make them even worse as people. A necessary evil for this plot but, once again, not a fun one.
The Boys is not light reading. It is not an easy graphic novel to plow through on a weekend. It requires thought and emotional energy. This is not a bad thing by any means, just something I wish I had been more aware of going in.
Overall I believe the ending makes it all worthwhile. I love it when a series has a plan from the beginning and is able to actually stick to it throughout. I recommend sticking through the sagging middle volumes to see the final showdown in volume 6. You won't regret it.
After reading the first three volumes of The Boys I had to take a break. I just couldn't binge read something this heavy and dark. I'm very glad I read a few lighter things at the halfway point because the second half gets even darker.
The Boys as a series is smart. It's intense and graphic but it definitely has a strong commentary to make. It's all about capitalism and how power corrupts. It's about the need for goodness to balance out the evil but how easily evil can win out.
The problem is that in order to portray this commentary it requires the presence of a lot of very objectionable characters. Characters that I did not want to keep returning to. It made it very difficult for me to want to keep picking this book up.
Ultimately, I'm glad that I finished the series but I can't say I enjoyed every second of it. The final omnibus volume is spectacular. It's incredibly fast paced and really pays off the effort of the rest of the volumes.
The 4th and 5th volume however, drag. The volumes include some repetitive blackmail heavy plots as well as way too many flashbacks and history lessons.
The most meaningful flashback story is told by Butcher about his late wife. This one has substance and a profound effect. The others, I could honestly do without.
Annie, aka Starlight, continues to be the only tolerable character in the whole book and I consider her woefully under-utilized. I was also disappointed that we never really got a backstory for The Female. Just a couple hints.
Many of the characters progress in ways that make them even worse as people. A necessary evil for this plot but, once again, not a fun one.
The Boys is not light reading. It is not an easy graphic novel to plow through on a weekend. It requires thought and emotional energy. This is not a bad thing by any means, just something I wish I had been more aware of going in.
Overall I believe the ending makes it all worthwhile. I love it when a series has a plan from the beginning and is able to actually stick to it throughout. I recommend sticking through the sagging middle volumes to see the final showdown in volume 6. You won't regret it.
February 7, 2020
Found this one better than the last volume, it feels like its going somewhere, and that we are actually getting closer to that destination. I really appreciated the Irish way of speaking, and the glimpse into Hughie's life.
August 1, 2021
I was just insanely bored and it’s still disgusting and problematic.
July 1, 2024
Now that I have been reading the original ‘The Boys’ graphic comics, I think the Amazon Video series is definitely capturing the essence of what the comic’s creators were doing creatively in thinking about a world of “supes” and how the typical corruptions of Humanity would interact with super-powered beings. Of course, the “supes” and the characters who are controlling/marketing/using them are simply metaphorical comic-book fantasy stand-ins for real-life people who think they are supermen. Like real-life businessmen, leaders of religious cults, politicians, many members of the military services, celebrities, idealogues, tech bros, etc. etc. etc., who believe they not only are above the law and above the masses, but they deserve to be.
I think both forms of the story, comic book and video series, are satirical and apocalyptic, written with a shitload of bitterness and anger about real-life corruption exploding off the pages. The graphic over-the-top violence might seem gratuitous, and maybe it partially is, but it also feels like it’s a statement of rage and hopelessness and horror that such things happen all of the time in the real world. There is very little we can seem to do about it but laugh in wonder at all of the horrible vices of human nature. Bitter wonder.
Yet Hughie, one of the main characters, keeps trying to savor the moments of peace, love and community he finds. Hughie is always opting for that option, to savor those moments of niceness and hope, even when the writers blow it all up a few more pages ahead in the script. He also suffers from a lot of masculine insecurities which make his personal relationships unnecessarily fraught. He still often falls into the trap of feeling women are either saints or sinners, Madonnas or whores, knee-jerk blind to their lack of ability to choose their fates. The men around him fill him with disgust by their displays of hypermasculinity. Yet, there it is in his own heart.
It’s interesting the writers keep having Hughie returning to his inner centering place of hoping this time a little kindness and love will make a difference despite the dreadful things that happen to him and his friends. Is he a fool? Yeah, he is. As are most of us.
I think both forms of the story, comic book and video series, are satirical and apocalyptic, written with a shitload of bitterness and anger about real-life corruption exploding off the pages. The graphic over-the-top violence might seem gratuitous, and maybe it partially is, but it also feels like it’s a statement of rage and hopelessness and horror that such things happen all of the time in the real world. There is very little we can seem to do about it but laugh in wonder at all of the horrible vices of human nature. Bitter wonder.
Yet Hughie, one of the main characters, keeps trying to savor the moments of peace, love and community he finds. Hughie is always opting for that option, to savor those moments of niceness and hope, even when the writers blow it all up a few more pages ahead in the script. He also suffers from a lot of masculine insecurities which make his personal relationships unnecessarily fraught. He still often falls into the trap of feeling women are either saints or sinners, Madonnas or whores, knee-jerk blind to their lack of ability to choose their fates. The men around him fill him with disgust by their displays of hypermasculinity. Yet, there it is in his own heart.
It’s interesting the writers keep having Hughie returning to his inner centering place of hoping this time a little kindness and love will make a difference despite the dreadful things that happen to him and his friends. Is he a fool? Yeah, he is. As are most of us.
September 19, 2022
I'm gonna be honest here, this volume was a tad boring... Like not much happened, excluding the obvious...
The first part, with Superduper, was an alright read, purely for the fact that I knew what was building and things were gonma come out later on.
The reveal about Annie/Starlight came out, Hughie knows, but it felt like it wasn't some big reveal... Plus, I feel Hughie acted very out of character, with slut-shaming and the vile reaction he had to that reveal. Hughie was always the ditzy, adorable guy, so his reaction felt not like him.
Throughout this whole omnibus, I just felt like it was filler? Especially when Hughie went back to Scotland after the what happened with Hughie. But saying that, I did not see that other little reveal at the end, so I'm looking forward to the next omnibus.
The first part, with Superduper, was an alright read, purely for the fact that I knew what was building and things were gonma come out later on.
The reveal about Annie/Starlight came out, Hughie knows, but it felt like it wasn't some big reveal... Plus, I feel Hughie acted very out of character, with slut-shaming and the vile reaction he had to that reveal. Hughie was always the ditzy, adorable guy, so his reaction felt not like him.
Throughout this whole omnibus, I just felt like it was filler? Especially when Hughie went back to Scotland after the what happened with Hughie. But saying that, I did not see that other little reveal at the end, so I'm looking forward to the next omnibus.
July 11, 2022
The main subject of this volume is Butchers suspicion of Hughie, as well as the relation(hard)ship of Annie and Hugh. Story came to a halt for this one, but it felt like it gave us time for the characters to work things out before it all inevitably goes south.
Also bless Super Duper, those poor, dangerous super kids, bless their V'd up hearts.
Also bless Super Duper, those poor, dangerous super kids, bless their V'd up hearts.
February 25, 2020
"the strange thing was he knew she was right. Without being exactly sure why, he knew he was making the wrong choice. But he dreaded up what he needed to keep going. To put one leaden foot in from of the other.And the words came out like a lament."
This was a great volume, lots of dialogue, lots of story development, still crass and crude but great. I fell it is all coming together now and hopefully the last 25 or so issues will all lead up to the finale. Butcher is becoming a tad more likable. Also, it has just dawned on me that Hughie adds nothing to the team, what does he do, he just spies a little from time to time? I am intrigued by the Homelander, I want to know more about him...
"Det an' Bobby'd never treat me like this, I should just fuck off an' be wi' my real mates. I should go home. What am I doin' here, anyway, really...?"
Initially I thought this was going to break up the flow of the main arc, just as it was getting started, and it did, but I enjoyed it. It gave an origin to Hughie and a mini origin for Annie. The characters were a little too outlandish, the should have toned it down a bit for this, it just felt like the same shit was going on in Scotland as NY. Never the less, it was OK and the change in artist was good too, not the best but less sloppy. Now, back to the main event...
This was a great volume, lots of dialogue, lots of story development, still crass and crude but great. I fell it is all coming together now and hopefully the last 25 or so issues will all lead up to the finale. Butcher is becoming a tad more likable. Also, it has just dawned on me that Hughie adds nothing to the team, what does he do, he just spies a little from time to time? I am intrigued by the Homelander, I want to know more about him...
"Det an' Bobby'd never treat me like this, I should just fuck off an' be wi' my real mates. I should go home. What am I doin' here, anyway, really...?"
Initially I thought this was going to break up the flow of the main arc, just as it was getting started, and it did, but I enjoyed it. It gave an origin to Hughie and a mini origin for Annie. The characters were a little too outlandish, the should have toned it down a bit for this, it just felt like the same shit was going on in Scotland as NY. Never the less, it was OK and the change in artist was good too, not the best but less sloppy. Now, back to the main event...
July 25, 2024
Don’t fucking care about hughie in Scotland and that is like half this.
August 8, 2022
Volume 7: The Innocents
Man, this was TENSE and the perfect example for screaming at the characters to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!! One of the most frustrating tropes of all time is when all the issues could be resolved by two characters just having an honest conversation.
Anyhoo, here we have Hughie watching a bunch of Supes who seem more like idiotic kids. Naturally, they're wholesome idiots and even though they do the most ridiculously stupid stuff, you still kinda find yourself rooting for them. Butcher has somehow become the Bad Guy this issue, so it was interesting to see the group dynamics shift a little.
Also loving the direction Homelander seems to be headed - I am ready for some major sh*t to go down.
Another fantastic installment, and I can feel the series getting darker. Keener than ever to get through it!
* * *
Volume 8: Highland Laddie
LOVED this one!
This one detours from the chaos of the Boys and Supes and heads to Scotland with Wee Hughie, who is still reeling from recent events.
I really enjoyed this dip into Hughie's past, and I loved the reflection on changing relationships. Hughie's friends are not the comfort he remembers, and that was a really interesting dynamic. We also meet his parents, and learn a bit more about his childhood.
Hughie really is a character you can't help but feel sorry for, but somehow he still manages to figure things out and see a bit of silver lining. Here, we see him at his lowest, and I really enjoyed the realness that came with that. There's the same vulnerability he's always had, but suddenly he's not bouncing back like he always has and it's a bit of a shock to the system.
There's also background happenings to add a bit of narrative to Hughie's trip home, so that created some fun, too.
All in all, I really loved how this one strayed from all the crass and wallowed in Hughie's misery for a little bit. It's not all doom and gloom, but it's a valuable glimpse into the workings of our unlikely hero, and it strengthens our feelings for him.
Now, back to work.
Man, this was TENSE and the perfect example for screaming at the characters to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!! One of the most frustrating tropes of all time is when all the issues could be resolved by two characters just having an honest conversation.
Anyhoo, here we have Hughie watching a bunch of Supes who seem more like idiotic kids. Naturally, they're wholesome idiots and even though they do the most ridiculously stupid stuff, you still kinda find yourself rooting for them. Butcher has somehow become the Bad Guy this issue, so it was interesting to see the group dynamics shift a little.
Also loving the direction Homelander seems to be headed - I am ready for some major sh*t to go down.
Another fantastic installment, and I can feel the series getting darker. Keener than ever to get through it!
* * *
Volume 8: Highland Laddie
LOVED this one!
This one detours from the chaos of the Boys and Supes and heads to Scotland with Wee Hughie, who is still reeling from recent events.
I really enjoyed this dip into Hughie's past, and I loved the reflection on changing relationships. Hughie's friends are not the comfort he remembers, and that was a really interesting dynamic. We also meet his parents, and learn a bit more about his childhood.
Hughie really is a character you can't help but feel sorry for, but somehow he still manages to figure things out and see a bit of silver lining. Here, we see him at his lowest, and I really enjoyed the realness that came with that. There's the same vulnerability he's always had, but suddenly he's not bouncing back like he always has and it's a bit of a shock to the system.
There's also background happenings to add a bit of narrative to Hughie's trip home, so that created some fun, too.
All in all, I really loved how this one strayed from all the crass and wallowed in Hughie's misery for a little bit. It's not all doom and gloom, but it's a valuable glimpse into the workings of our unlikely hero, and it strengthens our feelings for him.
Now, back to work.
March 15, 2022
This review contains very light spoilers.
I gave this one a relatively lower ranking because it felt unnecessarily mean-spirited at times. I appreciate the clever satire that's driving this series, but I think there's sometimes a fine line between satire and cruelty, and I am uninterested in reading the latter. I will say that the story didn't do a full cannonball into the realm of the cruel, but it did tip its toe into that stream, for sure.
The kernel of the entire premise of The Boys has always been this intriguing question: how can simple human beings be trusted to behave honorably when they're blessed with powers and skills that far exceed those of other people? Who can possibly prevent those gifted individuals from doing dangerous and stupid things to others, if they themselves are smitten with the potential of their power? Volume 4 of the series explores this concept in a variety of fascinating ways, contrasting genuinely good people against evil souls and comparing simple people who have noble motivations with petty individuals who have ill intent. Those sections were thoughtful and intriguing and really got to the core of what this series is about.
Finally, there were some important evolutions between some of our favorite characters. Things aren't the same as they've been through the early volumes of the series. These changes definitely make the story interesting, but I don't feel the way some of these characters react to the new situations is consistently true to what we've already learned about them. Pausing to say "Wait. Does that really feel like how that person would react?" took me out of the story on a couple occasions.
Overall, I'm still very interested in the series and am looking forward to tackling the fifth Omnibus volume.
I gave this one a relatively lower ranking because it felt unnecessarily mean-spirited at times. I appreciate the clever satire that's driving this series, but I think there's sometimes a fine line between satire and cruelty, and I am uninterested in reading the latter. I will say that the story didn't do a full cannonball into the realm of the cruel, but it did tip its toe into that stream, for sure.
The kernel of the entire premise of The Boys has always been this intriguing question: how can simple human beings be trusted to behave honorably when they're blessed with powers and skills that far exceed those of other people? Who can possibly prevent those gifted individuals from doing dangerous and stupid things to others, if they themselves are smitten with the potential of their power? Volume 4 of the series explores this concept in a variety of fascinating ways, contrasting genuinely good people against evil souls and comparing simple people who have noble motivations with petty individuals who have ill intent. Those sections were thoughtful and intriguing and really got to the core of what this series is about.
Finally, there were some important evolutions between some of our favorite characters. Things aren't the same as they've been through the early volumes of the series. These changes definitely make the story interesting, but I don't feel the way some of these characters react to the new situations is consistently true to what we've already learned about them. Pausing to say "Wait. Does that really feel like how that person would react?" took me out of the story on a couple occasions.
Overall, I'm still very interested in the series and am looking forward to tackling the fifth Omnibus volume.
March 9, 2020
Viewers of the Amazon Prime show will find a lot to recognize in this volume, which includes three stories. The first find Hughie being assigned by Butcher to check out a teen of superheroes called SuperDuper. The members of the team are far from the normal supes The Boys have to handle with. The SuperDupers are special are actually really focused on trying to help people. They are also have special needs. As Hughie is investigating them, Butcher is also checking out him. He has become suspecious about whether Hughie has become a supe sympathizer, particularly now that Butcher knows about Hughie's secret romance.
After the case with the SuperDuper reachines a conclusion, The Boys find themselves checking out the BELIEVE Festival, which brings together the evangelical superhero community. Starlight, the newest member of the Seven, has long been popular among this community, and she has been assigned to be a part of things. She is reluctant because recent events (since she has joined the Seven) have left her questioning her faith and being a superhero. This doubt spills over into her personal life as she decides that she needs to share with Hughie that she is not just Annie January, but also a superhero.
The shock of Annie's announcement and his recent experiences of violence with The Boys lead Hughie to head home to Scotland to gather his thoughts. He finds himself in his hometown of Auchterladle reconnecting with his adoptive parents and his two best childhood friends. As with everything, many things have changed a lot since the last time he was in town. While the visit is filled with chaos and some trauma, Hughie does get a chance to reassess where his life has taken him and the direction he might want to go in the future.
This was a refreshing read that did a nice job of pulling humanity back into the stories of The Boys. The last volume seemed to shoot more for shock value and a purposeful attempt to just be offensive. These tales had a lot of heart and made me want to care about the characters again. Definitely worth a read!
After the case with the SuperDuper reachines a conclusion, The Boys find themselves checking out the BELIEVE Festival, which brings together the evangelical superhero community. Starlight, the newest member of the Seven, has long been popular among this community, and she has been assigned to be a part of things. She is reluctant because recent events (since she has joined the Seven) have left her questioning her faith and being a superhero. This doubt spills over into her personal life as she decides that she needs to share with Hughie that she is not just Annie January, but also a superhero.
The shock of Annie's announcement and his recent experiences of violence with The Boys lead Hughie to head home to Scotland to gather his thoughts. He finds himself in his hometown of Auchterladle reconnecting with his adoptive parents and his two best childhood friends. As with everything, many things have changed a lot since the last time he was in town. While the visit is filled with chaos and some trauma, Hughie does get a chance to reassess where his life has taken him and the direction he might want to go in the future.
This was a refreshing read that did a nice job of pulling humanity back into the stories of The Boys. The last volume seemed to shoot more for shock value and a purposeful attempt to just be offensive. These tales had a lot of heart and made me want to care about the characters again. Definitely worth a read!
June 22, 2020
This is a very hit and miss title. While the premises is great, and the ideas of Super Heroes not really being the nicest people around had me hooked from the get go, its execution is bogged down in its own self interest to shock its readers. The Homelander has to be one of the nastiest villains around. The Believe arc in which super Heroes are forced to participate in a a kind of Super Heores for Christ picnic day was really original and very funny, but the subtext underneath was just vile. Some things that come arcoss as amusing on the first read leave a nasty taste upon reflection for example Oh Father and the sidekick tweleve, simply this is not an easy read, and if you are sensitive some of the art work can be pretty graphic, that's just a warning. I will continue with this series. I don't own it I got it from the library. To be fair this was the first volume I read of the series, but I read some background on it before I started here. Worth a read, but be warned...defiantly for a mature reader.
September 24, 2019
Takes the foot off the gas pedal a bit.
December 31, 2019
As good as ever. 5 stars.
December 13, 2021
A fun story grinds to a halt. This volume adds some psychological depth to the characters; Hughie, our Everyman, is becoming hard to read. Ennis dedicates a little mini-arc here “Highland Laddie,” to him, exploring his background, which is welcome for a book like this— but it’s slow paced. And on my earlier comment about how he’s “hard to read,” Hughie’s characterization kind of goes all over the place throughout this series. I can’t tell if I find him to be charming or insufferable.
The sections with Superduper were very amusing.
The sections with Superduper were very amusing.
September 23, 2020
The Boys keeps getting better. The character development is great. But the subject matter is uncomfortable to read, which is the point, but I keep being like "no, they can't be implying that" and then I flip to the next page and then I'm like "nope, not implying it, blatantly rubbing our faces in it". It's good but cringey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
This volume started off strong and this collapsed into abysmal as the story progressed. Hughie finalized realized that Annie was part of the 7, a group he was sworn to destroy. He's either a major dummy or has facial blindness to not recognize he's dating a world famous superhero. Butcher can't believe Hughie can be that thick and suspects he's a spy. He assigns him to tail a group called Superduper, a ragtag collection of rejected superheroes. It was a little sad considering they were either mentally disabled or just had crappy powers. I felt bad for them and I wonder if they'll make it into the show. Once the Superduper volume was finished, the rest of the book was so boring. Who knows what will happen in the future now that Hughie broke up with Annie. They even referenced Godolkin and alluded to premise of the new Gen V show about the supe collegiate crew. These comics are gnarly, but they're fun to read in between episodes of the tv shows. I never know what to expect other than something totally bonkers.
June 18, 2024
This will go down as one of my Herculean task of media consumption
December 9, 2025
3.5 stars
May 25, 2020
An excellent volume in The Boys saga! Highland Laddie slowed the pacing, but the importance of the arc is firmly rooted in place.
February 7, 2020
Overall I find myself enjoying the television adaptation much more than the comic book series it is based on. Though I have to admit I laughed way more at the source material. One of the major things that is different in the television show is that The Boys don’t have any super powers. (With the exception of the female.) This is a huge difference considering it makes it much more tense and interesting when the Seven catches up with them. I don’t know how they are going to keep this up in the tv show, but for now the writing seems to be more unique and fun in the Amazon Prime Video Original. Also I enjoy them taking the piss out of the MCU / Justice League films in the television show. It is a more modern take on the problem with super heroes and that jives well with me of course. I am curious to see how the second season goes since right now it is very different from the comic books. (Especially how season one ended.) The books are satisfying for what they are, they do scratch the itch left behind from that crazy cliffhanger we got at the end of season one.
March 5, 2020
The continuing adventures of my new favorite comic book group.
This covers issues 39-47 and the Highland Laddie six-issue series.
The relationship between Hughie and Annie/Starlight is a main focus in this book, as well as a growing mistrust within The Boys group and the "Believe" get-together. There's also a story with Hughie and his involvement with a "special" group of superheroes. Then, the Highland Laddie series covers Hughie's trip back to his hometown.
The goings-on in this volume were a bit of a letdown with all the wild stuff going on in Volume 3, but they were still very enjoyable. The Highland Laddie was a bit of a departure, but shed some light on Hughie's psyche and upbringing.
Some good stuff as usual, whetting my appetite for the last two volumes.
This covers issues 39-47 and the Highland Laddie six-issue series.
The relationship between Hughie and Annie/Starlight is a main focus in this book, as well as a growing mistrust within The Boys group and the "Believe" get-together. There's also a story with Hughie and his involvement with a "special" group of superheroes. Then, the Highland Laddie series covers Hughie's trip back to his hometown.
The goings-on in this volume were a bit of a letdown with all the wild stuff going on in Volume 3, but they were still very enjoyable. The Highland Laddie was a bit of a departure, but shed some light on Hughie's psyche and upbringing.
Some good stuff as usual, whetting my appetite for the last two volumes.
March 30, 2020
Reading all the volumes of THE BOYS. This omnibus was less bloodly and less sexual in many ways more personal. Hughie's humanity shines through and his frustration with all that he has experienced and all the hurt and pain. Volume Four packs in a lot of story for Hughie and in many ways he has to find a way to either be a hero (which he is--even if he doesn't believe it) and to do what he knows is right from wrong.
Hughie is a good guy and this volume tells it all. We get to see his heart and fears and bravery--even if he does get his ass kicked.
Hughie is a good guy and this volume tells it all. We get to see his heart and fears and bravery--even if he does get his ass kicked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews