From shocking moments of violence to over-the-top parodies,The Boyshas earned its reputation for uniquely and brutally reimagining the world of superheroes. However, the series doesn’t just deconstruct the traditional superhero narrative - it unapologetically directs that same brutal critique toward the fanbase. This is seen most clearly inThe Boys #63, whereWonder Womanfans find themselves the target of a particularly savage moment.
The Boys #63- written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Russell Braun - provides a sharp, gory moment that both critiques and parodies a character coded as a celebrity superfan. The scene is not only brutal but alsodarkly references the hero worship and idealization that surrounds fandom culture.
InThe Boys #63, Queen Maeve fights Homelander, who makes it clear he’s going to kill both her and Starlight. During a violent clash,Maeve hurls her superfan and personal attendant at Homelander- a minor character who has appeared throughout, fixing Maeve endless drinks. In the fan’s final moments, he gleefully calls her “the most wonderful woman of all,“just before he’s splattered across Homelander’s chest - a clear nod to DC’s Wonder Woman. This moment is both grotesque and satirical, pointing out the dangers of the parasocial relationships fans often form with celebrities, especially with idealized heroes like Maeve. The sequence isemblematic ofThe Boys' brutal style, where humor and horror collide, exposing the darker side of superhero culture.
The Boys: 15 Most Insulting Versions of DC Characters
The Boys is brutal in its lampooning of the superhero genre and there are plenty of characters that mock some of the DC Universe’s most famous heroes.
Even Queen Maeve’s Most Heroic Moment Emphasizes That She’s a Monster
The Boys#63 - Written by Garth Ennis; Drawn by Russell Braun; Colored by Tony Aviña; Lettered by Simon Bowland
This moment reinforcesThe Boys’ongoing theme of deconstructing idealized heroism. Even as she sacrifices herself to save Starlight, Queen Maeve is revealed to be willing to exploit her fans and even kill them for momentary advantage. Her actions highlight the hypocrisy of her hero persona, especially given thatshe knows it won’t kill Homelander. In this world, heroes are unfailingly corrupted by their fame and come to disdain normal people.
Queen Maeve attacks Homelander with her prop sword, which breaks against his impenetrable skin. This moment hints thatin her final moments, Maeve buys into her own ‘superhero’ persona, despite knowing it’s a sham. However, this still doesn’t stop her from seeing non-Supes as inherently worthless -The Boyspoints out that no matter how hard superfans love their idols, the most they can hope for is to be used in response.
In traditional superhero stories, characters like Wonder Woman are presented as messianic…
The Boys’ Irreverence Toward Superheroes Is An Essential Part Of Its Success
Garth Ennis Exposed The Dark Side Of The Genre
This brutal scene highlights the point of anti-superhero stories likeThe Boys. In traditional superhero stories, characters like Wonder Woman are presented as messianic, often elevated to near-mythical status. However,The Boysturns this convention on its head, exposing the corruption and selfishness that lurk beneath the surface. Once seen as a heroic figure, Maeve is revealed to be willing to exploit her fans and use them as tools for her own benefit, even as they celebrate her as"wonderful.”
By turning beloved superhero archetypes into morally questionable characters,The Boyschallenges the glorified, simplistic narratives that fans often hold dear.It forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable truth that even heroes can be self-serving, manipulative, and dangerous.This bloody, grotesque moment serves as a direct commentary on how traditional superhero stories uplift the most powerful individuals in unrealistic ways while also implicitly treating them as the only ones who matter. Through this,The Boyscontinues its mission to deconstruct and challenge the myths of superhero perfection.
Wonder Woman
TheWonder Womanfranchise is part of the larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU), focusing on Diana Prince, an Amazonian princess and warrior who becomes the superhero Wonder Woman. The franchise began with the 2017 filmWonder Woman, which was a critical and commercial success, followed byWonder Woman 1984in 2020. These films explore Diana’s origins, her role in world conflicts, and her personal journey in adapting to the world of humans. The franchise is known for its strong feminist themes, action-packed sequences, and its portrayal of Wonder Woman as a symbol of peace and justice.
The Boys
The Boysfranchise is a satirical and dark superhero series based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. It explores a world where superheroes, or “Supes,” are corrupt, violent, and morally bankrupt, all controlled by the powerful corporation Vought International. The story centers around two opposing groups:The Boys, a vigilante team aiming to expose and defeat the corrupt heroes, andThe Seven, Vought’s elite team of Supes led by the ruthless Homelander.
