The Boys Season 4: Exploring 6 Biggest Series Changes From The Comics

Kimiko’s backstory

In the original comic series of The Boys, Kimiko’s character was developed further by the writers and Karen Fukuhara, yet she initially went by an unnamed moniker, “the Female of the Species.” Her primary role was in combat scenes, without a detailed backstory being established.

In the TV version, the writers delved further into the character’s past and named her Kimiko. Her background will be explored in more depth during season 4. In contrast, in the original books, Kimiko was kept as a captive in a laboratory after being exposed to Compound V as a child. However, in the show, it is depicted that Kimiko developed her mutism due to being forced to fight other children in cages by Shining Light soldiers. This silence became a tool for her to endure.

A-Train’s character dynamics

In both the comics and the series, A-Train’s character initiates similarly by taking the life of Robin Mawhinney, girlfriend of Hughie Campbell. This tragic event leads Hughie to join The Boys. However, in the comic books, A-Train swiftly moves past his remorse and is portrayed as a disturbing figure who irritates even the Supes with his careless behavior and self-centered attitude. Eventually, Billy Butcher manages to confront him, resulting in Hughie taking A-Train’s life.

In the show, Hughie’s (Jack Quaid) character reveals his anxious personality, leading him to betray Homelander and the Supes by becoming an informant for The Boys. A-Train reconciles with Hughie in season 4. By the finale, Hughie is in hiding from Homelander’s vengeance. Quite a turn of events.

Firecracker’s introduction is original to the series

In the original comic books, only Queen Maeve and Starlight are among the Seven female superheroes, with Starlight taking over for Lamplighter. However, following Maeve’s apparent demise, it was just Starlight left. On the other hand, in the television adaptation, new female Supes have been introduced to the Seven. These include Stormfront, who was originally a male character and has undergone a gender flip, Jessica Bradley, also known as Sister Sage, who is an original character reimagined as a superhero, and Firecracker, portrayed by Valorie Curry. Unlike in the comics, Firecracker is an established character within the show.

Billy Butcher’s new power?

In the comics, most major characters were given superpowers right from the start. However, the TV series took a unique approach by distinguishing between those with powers, referred to as “The Seven,” and those without, called “The Boys.” Except for Kimiko, this division remained consistent until Billy and Hughie consumed Temp V, which grants temporary superpowers. Initially, Butcher gained powers akin to his comic character, including enhanced strength and durability, as well as Homelander’s invulnerability and heat vision.

In the fourth season, his character underwent a significant shift when he developed ominous symptoms of a tumor caused by Compound V. Yet, in an unexpected twist, during the season finale, this mass transformed into an extraordinary ability, manifesting as powerful tendrils bursting from his chest. This is quite unlike the source material.

Victoria Neuman?

In the comic books, Victor Neuman, later known as “Vic the Veep,” is a character who gains prominence after unexpectedly becoming president. In the television series adaptation, Victoria Neuman is introduced as a determined character with deliberate ambitions to ascend to the presidency. However, towards the end of season 4, Homelander exposes her as a superhuman (supes) when she seeks assistance from The Boys, fearing danger for herself and her daughter. The sole similarity between the comic book and series versions is that both characters meet their demise as tensions escalate.

Ryan Butcher becomes the central arc

In the comics, Black Noir behaves inappropriately toward Billy’s wife, resulting in her pregnancy with their child. Sadly, she passes away during childbirth in the source material. However, in the show, it was actually Homelander who caused Becca’s death, leaving her and their child alive until her tragic demise in a moving scene. Meanwhile, Ryan Butcher was secretly looked after by Vought, and later by Butcher himself. Eventually, Homelander discovers him and takes him under his wing.