Few comic book adaptations have sparked as much debate as The Boys. Originally a graphic novel series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys was a no-holds-barred, ultraviolent, and deeply cynical take on the superhero genre. When Amazon Prime adapted it into a live-action show in 2019, many fans were skeptical about whether the series could capture the comic’s brutal, darkly comedic essence.

Four seasons in, The Boys TV series has not only been a massive hit but has arguably surpassed its source material in several ways. But is it better than the comic? That’s where things get interesting. Let’s break down the major elements of both versions to see which one comes out on top.

1. Story and Themes: Subtlety vs. Shock Value

At its core, The Boys is a deconstruction of superheroes, asking: What if superpowered individuals weren’t noble defenders of justice, but instead corrupt, self-absorbed, and above the law? Both the comic and the show explore this, but they do so in different ways.

The comic is extreme, often prioritizing shock value over nuance. Garth Ennis is known for his no-filter approach, and The Boys comics revel in depravity—excessive violence, graphic sexual content, and moments designed purely to push boundaries. While this makes for a unique reading experience, it also means the comic can sometimes feel juvenile, like it’s trying too hard to be edgy.

The show, on the other hand, maintains the same themes but refines them. It still delivers over-the-top gore and wild sex scenes, but it balances them with deeper social and political commentary. Issues like corporate corruption, media manipulation, and the dangers of unchecked power are explored in a way that feels more relevant and sophisticated than in the comics.

Winner: The TV Show

The show takes the comic’s core message and presents it in a way that’s both shocking and thought-provoking. It retains the chaos without feeling as gratuitous.

2. Characters: More Depth or More Insanity?

Billy Butcher

In both versions, Billy Butcher is a ruthless, charismatic antihero hellbent on destroying Homelander. The comic book version is even more sadistic—he has almost no moral boundaries, kills without hesitation, and even turns against his own team at one point. He’s fun to read but hard to root for.

The TV version, played by Karl Urban, is more complex. He’s still brutal, but we see more of his emotional struggles, particularly with his late wife Becca and his surrogate father relationship with Ryan. He’s given moments of vulnerability that make him a more compelling protagonist.

Hughie Campbell

Comic book Hughie, visually based on actor Simon Pegg, is a timid, often clueless everyman who stumbles his way into The Boys. While he does develop over time, he remains relatively static compared to the show’s version.

TV Hughie (Jack Quaid) is given more depth. His struggles with masculinity, self-worth, and morality make him a more engaging character. His relationship with Starlight is also more nuanced, providing a strong emotional core to the series.

Homelander

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two versions is in Homelander. The comic version is terrifying, but he’s also more predictable—he’s just a sadistic, monstrous villain with no real internal conflict. The show’s Homelander (Antony Starr), however, is one of the most chillingly complex villains in modern TV. He’s terrifying, yes, but also insecure, needy, and desperate for love and validation. This makes him far more unpredictable and engrossing to watch.

The Rest of The Seven

Characters like The Deep and A-Train, who were mostly one-dimensional in the comics, are given actual arcs in the show. The Deep, in particular, goes from a generic perverted side character to a deeply pathetic, manipulated figure whose story is often tragic and darkly comedic.

Winner: The TV Show

The show elevates almost every major character, making them more complex and engaging. While the comic’s versions are entertaining, the show’s depth and development win out.

3. World-Building: Satire vs. Social Commentary

The comic builds an interesting world, but it’s primarily there to serve as a playground for violence and debauchery. It mocks superhero culture, but it doesn’t go much deeper than that.

The show, however, fleshes out the world considerably. It explores the intersection of superheroes and corporate branding, PR spin, political influence, and even religious fanaticism. Vought International is a far more developed entity in the show, feeling like a disturbingly realistic mega-corporation. The show’s take on superhero celebrity culture, propaganda, and misinformation feels eerily relevant to the real world.

Winner: The TV Show

The show expands the world in ways that make it feel more immersive, timely, and unsettling.

4. Action and Gore: Which One Goes Further?

Make no mistake—the The Boys TV show is gory as hell. The exploding heads, laser eye massacres, and gruesome fights all push the boundaries of what mainstream television can show.

That said, the comic is even more extreme. Some of the most shocking moments in the series, such as Herogasm (a depraved superhero orgy event), are even more explicit in the comics. The comic’s action sequences are pure carnage, with bodies ripped apart in horrific detail.

While the show has toned some of this down (or at least made it more narratively justified), it still delivers plenty of jaw-dropping violence.

Winner: The Comic

If you want the absolute most unfiltered, over-the-top gore, the comic takes the crown.

5. Adaptation Choices: What the Show Changes for the Better

Not everything from the comics made it into the show, and for good reason.

• In the comics, The Boys themselves all take Compound V early on, giving them superpowers. This makes them far more physically capable, but it also reduces the tension of them going up against superpowered foes. The show smartly delays this, making their fights with Supes much more desperate and strategic.
• The show adds completely original characters and subplots, like Victoria Neuman, the secret Supe politician, which adds a new layer of intrigue.
• Some of the comic’s most immature elements—like Hughie’s constant bad luck with bodily fluids—are toned down, making the show more digestible for mainstream audiences.

Winner: The TV Show

The changes made in the adaptation almost all work in the show’s favor, making for a more engaging and unpredictable experience.

Final Verdict: Is the TV Show Better?

While the comic is a groundbreaking and entertaining read, the The Boys TV show improves upon it in almost every way. It retains the dark humor, the action, and the shocking moments while adding more depth to its characters, expanding its world, and delivering sharper social commentary.

That’s not to say the comic isn’t worth reading—it absolutely is, especially if you’re a fan of ultra-violent satire. But if we’re talking about which version tells a better story, creates stronger characters, and delivers a more impactful experience, the TV show wins hands down.

Winner: The Boys TV Show

Now, with The Boys continuing to dominate pop culture and spin-offs like Gen V expanding the universe, the question remains: How much further can the show push the limits? If the past seasons are any indication, the best is still yet to come.