The series about The Boys is one of the most successful series of recent years. This is also due to the exaggerated superheroes who have built a large fanbase. Among them is Soldier Boy. Considering his comic origin, it is a wonder how he has become so popular.
Who is Soldier Boy? In the series, we meet Soldier Boy, played by Jensen Ackles, in the 4th episode of the 3rd season. He wakes up from his cryosleep and becomes an important figure of the season. In the series, he is one of the most powerful Supes in the world and can even hold his own against Homelander. Aside from that, he is also presented as a womanizer and a cool
guy who was the main figure of Vought before Homelander.
His portrayal in the series is quite ironic when compared to the Soldier Boy from The Boys comics. His appearance was quite different.
A coward and Homelander’s lapdog
How was Soldier Boy in the comics? Unlike in the series, there were 3 Soldier Boys in the comics, all of whom were a parody of Captain America. The first Soldier Boy was one of Vought’s first Supe experiments. Unlike Captain America, who seemingly gained tactical understanding and the skills of a leader through the serum, the first Soldier Boy was an unsuitable superhero.
During an operation, he caused the death of his superhero team, the Avenging Squad, during World War II with one decision. The title Soldier Boy
, much like Captain America, was passed down. Not much is known about the 2nd Soldier Boy, except that he led the group Crimefighters Incorporated
.
The most important Soldier Boy in the comics is probably the Third. He leads, like his series counterpart, the Payback team. He takes the parody concept of Captain America to the extreme. Soldier Boy does not curse, does not participate in Herogasm, and is essentially a patriot who wants to do his job well.
His greatest desire is to become a member of the Seven. The comic Homelander is also aware of this and likes to use it to his advantage, always with the promise in the background that he could become a member.
Although he has superhuman strength (less strong than Homelander), he is not suitable for combat. When problems arise, he wants to flee. In one scene in the comics, he even wets himself. Overall, Soldier Boy, aside from being a parody of Captain America, does not play a significant role and ultimately gets killed by Butcher.
This makes it all the more spectacular what the series has made of him.
An example of how to adapt well
Why does the series adapt Soldier Boy so differently? In the comics of The Boys, the author Garth Ennis mainly mocks superhero clichés in a rather brutal way. While the level of violence has been adopted by the Amazon series, it deals with social issues such as capitalism.
While the Captain America parody is taken over, it is addressed somewhat differently. Toxic masculinity is parodied, as can be seen in the last conversation between him and Homelander.
With Jensen Ackles, they have cast an actor who can not only play the perfect superhero parody with his charm but also someone who does not get overshadowed by Anthony Starr’s significant presence as Homelander.
Making him a different character not only made the story more interesting but also provided another counterpoint to Homelander. The comic version was just a side character who showed how powerful and dominant the Superman parody is.
It seems that Soldier Boy is even so popular that Amazon Prime Video is giving him his own prequel series. This will shed light on the past with Stormfront and Vought. You can find more about this here: Vought Rising: Cast, Release, Trailer – Everything about the spin-off in The Boys universe
