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The Boys # 1
From: Wildstorm
Writer: Garth Ennis
Art: Darick Robertson
Review by Koben Kelly
I've read claims that this series is supposed to out-Preacher Preacher. After actually reading the first issue, I have to say those claims are on the money. Delightfully so. With a first page splash of a masked face being pulped by an unidentified combat boot, you get a good idea of where this series is going.
Garth Ennis can be a bit of an acrophile when it comes to situations and actions taking place in his comics work. While I sometimes enjoy his work on Punisher, the extreme violence can get repetitive. I can't begin to tell you how out-of-place I felt the subject matter was in Fury. A new perspective... sure. But would Nick Fury really have an orgy with a group of prostitutes? Not the Fury that I know. Now, don't think I'm some conservative prude who shies away from adult subject matter. For example, I loved Preacher, and I thought Veitch's Bratpack was genius. For Garth to fully be let loose on comicdom, he's needed a self-contained title for some time now. Well, get ready, 'cause here it comes.
In this first issue, we are only introduced to two of the five characters who will make up the book's titular team. The Butcher, a darkly clad beefcake of a man, strolls into the office of an agency he has worked with in the past. Before any reason or purpose is presented, a hate-fueled sexual escapade is shown in all its shocking glory. After things have calmed down, the Butcher offers his services to deal with the escalating problem of the world's superhero population. It seems that society has no means to defend itself should the meta-powered decide they have outgrown their humanity. Many already act as if there are no rules or laws that apply to them. It is agreed that he will gather a team, most of whom he has worked with before, to go black ops on the supers should the situation demand it.
Also introduced is a man known as Wee Hughie. Without giving too much away, Hughie is suddenly experiencing life like never before. For the first time in his life he is loved back. Everything makes sense. That is, until a giant mass of flesh and bone hurtled at super-speeds comes crashing through his life, leaving him holding on to two disembodied hands. The world comes to a stop. Hours later, he still can't let go. His life has no purpose or justice, so he doesn't mind mind being conned into not taking any action against those responsible. But, someone knows about his misery. Some massive mountain of a man with a mad-on for killing supers.
Darick Robertson has produced the best work of his career for this book. Unlike many of his peers, he gives every character a distinctive look, a personality conveyed by the intricate detail and linework. It seems like Robertson has decided to commit himself fully to this book, not being satisfied with acceptable artwork. Every scene is masterfully planned, every panel shows his effort. In the past, I have noticed a tendency to get sloppy with lesser titles. Whether this is due to boredom or time-constraints, I have no idea. For example, I believe he was simply not on his game when drawing the adventures of a certain fuzzy, blue mutant. Could Garth's enthusiasm and perversity have coaxed Robertson into bringing his best to the table? If every issue from here on is this gorgeous, we've got a match made in Heaven. The thing that cracks me up, though, is the fact that Darick has decided to use me as a model for Wee Hughie. (Only kidding, of course. To see what I'm on about, visit http://www.myspace.com/kobenkelly)
I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the team. According to the next issue blurb, we get to meet more individuals who hate supers with every ounce of black passion in their hearts.
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