‘The Boys’ Author Garth Ennis Is Actually Not Such a Big Fan of Satire in Fictional Works

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As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of superheroes and comics, I must say that Garth Ennis‘ interview with CBR.com was quite enlightening. His perspective on satire in fiction, particularly in his new work “Babs,” is both surprising and refreshing. Unlike some creators who seem to prioritize satire above all else, Ennis views it as just one part of the storytelling process.

“The Boys”, which is based on a popular comic book series, has become one of the world’s most acclaimed superhero shows. This gritty adaptation of the superhero genre has garnered significant attention on Amazon Prime and continues to push the envelope in terms of what can be depicted on television.

With the series gearing up for its fifth and concluding season, we’ve chosen to re-examine the source material since Garth Ennis, the creator of the original comics and presently marketing a fresh project, shared intriguing insights with CBR.com.

Among the things discussed in the interview was Ennis’ stance towards satire. We know that The Boys heavily relies on social and political satire – both the comic book series and the TV series – but what Garth Ennis said about satire might actually surprise you, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

Presently, Garth Ennis is enthusiastically showcasing his fresh comic creation titled “Babs“, which unfolds as a captivating sword-and-sorcery fantasy, centering around a powerful female protagonist. During this discussion, he not only talked about the comic but also shared insights on satire in literature. However, when queried about his stance on satire in fiction, his response could catch you off guard: a man known for elevating political satire in superhero series to unprecedented levels offered an unexpected perspective on this subject.

Does sword and sorcery literature naturally have a serious tone due to some of its absurd elements, such as chain metal bikinis, requiring an air of gravity to be digestible? Given this, might it lend itself well to satire, similar to your successful approach with Mork and his companions? Or do you believe that stories with a more realistic setting are better suited for satirizing real-world events?

As a storyteller, satire isn’t typically my primary focus when creating a project. Often, it seems like the term is used excessively, giving the impression that a story becomes something more significant than mere entertainment just because it’s labeled as satirical. For me, the essence of any narrative lies in the conviction that it’s worth sharing, that it has value. Satire is simply one aspect among many in the grand tapestry of the tale. At best, poking fun at things that bother you can provide a momentary sense of relief, and I hope it does the same for those who share your perspective.

As a fan myself, I’ve often portrayed characters similar to Mork and his crew in my comics over the past three decades. However, there seems to be an additional racial undertone in their criticism of Babs’ friend choices that I can’t help but notice. Could this new aspect be a response to the escalating anti-immigration sentiments recently seen in England?

It would indeed be challenging to depict those riots accurately since they took place prior to our product’s release in late 2022. I penned this entire series at the start of 2023. The themes here are a response to certain harmful ideologies that have been circulating, which were significantly amplified following the events of 2016 like Brexit and Maga movements.

Source: CBR.com

You’d think the creator of “The Boys” would offer a warm response, but this approach is intriguing too.

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2024-09-22 13:43