Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Boys #47
Dynamite Comics
Ennis, Braun & Robertson
The confrontation that has been building for a few years finally occurs in this issue. Armed with the knowledge of how Annie aka Starlight got herself into the "Seven", Hughie lets her have it. However, the issue offers more than a couple having a very angry and bitter argument. Butcher also plays a role in the mood that Hughie finds himself in just prior to the blowup. It's a very good issue and doesn't disappoint even in the slightest. When you consider this moment was inevitable from the beginning I would say living up to the build up means the comic earned its top billing. This was a very good issue to read.
The issue begins with Hughie barfing in a toilet over the images he's just seen of exactly how his girlfriend, Annie, got herself inducted into the "Seven". Butcher offers a sympathetic, but deliberate, ear.
Butcher manipulates Hughie in what can only be described as genius. The character finds the pieces of the situation that might cause Hughie the most angst and just runs with them. His agenda is clear, as it always has been; he wants the super heroes dead. Hughie being in love with one of them isn't going to help. However, simply killing her or having them break up won't really do the trick either. Butcher needs Hughie to fall out of love and end up despising her. Of course he must do this without looking like this is his agenda.
The bulk of the comic ends with Hughie arguing with Annie. Annie, obviously, tries to explain her actions, while Hughie is fueled with some extra hatred, helped along by Butcher's words from earlier in the issue. While reading this part of the comic I did find that some of the dialogue that Hughie says to Annie just doesn't seem right coming from him. However, when thinking about either a) a breakup or b) being in love; I would think people tend to do things out of character and may even act irrational. Hughie seems to fall into this category.
As if all of this isn't enough the issue also contains some more reasons to hate the super heroes. It would seem that once Butcher receives the report on the "Believe" event, he'll be ready to accelerate the next moves against them.
When you consider this issue was mostly emotional discussions (or arguing) the artwork really told a terrific story. Braun creates a new array of expressions for Hughie and Annie as their relationship is taken to new depths. Braun also manages to play up the coy and choice words that Butcher sends Hughie's way. Studying the reactions to the dialogue really brings this issue to a whole other level.
This arc has been a very big payoff to a long running subplot in the book and conclusion doesn't disappoint at all. Ennis proves that while his strengths may be over the top humor or disgusting and shocking acts, he excels in character interactions. Whether it was Preacher, Hitman or now, The Boys, Ennis knows how to make his characters push each other's buttons and nails this issue with perfect dialogue. This is a special issue in this series.
5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
