This review originally appeared on Goodreads on November 21, 2012.

The Boys, Volume 1: The Name of the Game

By Garth Ennis (Writer), Darick Robertson (Artist) – Dynamite Entertainment – April 21, 2008

Review by Robin Marx

This comic exists in a similar sort of realm as Alan Moore's Watchmen. Superheroes exist, and they are flawed human beings. Sometimes extremely so. When young Scotsman Hughie's girlfriend is carelessly and callously killed by a Flash-like superhero, he gradually becomes involved with a CIA-sponsored anti-superhero group known only as “The Boys.” Who watches the Watchmen? The Boys.

This being a Garth Ennis comic, there's quite a bit of gore and depravity. DC also dropped this series fairly on in its run for its relentlessly negative take on superheroes, but you'd think they'd know what they were getting into. Some bits are over the top, but I have no problem rolling with it. I see the Ennis name on the cover and adjust my expectations accordingly, but there are always some people who get upset by gratuitous sex and violence, so if that's not your thing, this comic book will also not be your thing.

The artwork is excellent. The only distracting thing is that Hughie's appearance is based on actor Simon Pegg. This decision was made before he became the international star he is today, and is acknowledged in the book's introduction, but it's still a little strange.

This first volume is a little slow moving, as Ennis takes his time introducing the characters and their motivations. The series is headed in a very interesting direction, however, and I'm eager to see what happens next.

★★★☆☆

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