The Boys is a comic book series first published in 2006 by DC Comics' Wildstorm, later moving to Dynamite Entertainment. Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Darick Robertson, the series consists of 6 volumes and 72 issues. The story is set in the United States from 2006 to 2008 and follows corrupt superheroes who, driven by fame and power, often harm the very people they're supposed to protect.

In Volume 1: The Name of the Game, the CIA team known as The Boys, led by Billy Butcher, is tasked with keeping these reckless superheroes in check, using any means necessary. The team includes Mother's Milk, the Female, the Frenchman, and Hughie, a newcomer still grappling with his role in this violent world. The series presents a fast-paced, multi-threaded narrative that shifts between different perspectives, highlighting various layers of corruption and moral decay. This fast-paced storytelling keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Garth Ennis is known for his provocative storytelling, and in The Boys, he uses the superhero genre to express his disdain for the very concept of superheroes. Rather than seeing them as symbols of hope or justice, Ennis portrays them as corrupted by fame and power, challenging the traditional ideals often associated with superheroes. The series satirizes the genre, drawing a sharp contrast between the public personas of these heroes and their darker private lives. This irony is central to the narrative, where the "heroes" frequently act with more villainy than the actual villains.

Ennis critiques not only superheroes but also the institutions behind them. Vought International, which manages these superheroes, symbolizes unchecked corporate and government power. Through this lens, Ennis examines how authority figures, when unchecked, can exploit their influence for personal gain. The flashy costumes and heroic public appearances of the superheroes are masks hiding their immorality, reflecting the broader societal issue of appearance vs. reality.

The series also comments on the growing influence of celebrity culture in the 2000s. Superheroes in The Boys are more akin to media figures, idolized and marketed like rock stars or politicians. Ennis highlights how fame distorts the moral compass, turning public figures into commodities rather than genuine protectors. This critique of celebrity worship ties into a broader analysis of power dynamics, fame, and corporate control, providing readers with an enlightened and informed perspective.

Ennis' inspiration for The Boys is rooted in works like James Ellroy's American Tabloid, which explores the dark underbelly of American history. Like Ellroy, Ennis seeks to expose the corrupt forces shaping society, particularly how "bad men" often have a hand in shaping political and cultural landscapes. This darker view of humanity permeates the comic, with the superheroes serving as stand-ins for corrupt authority figures whose true natures are hidden from the public.

More importantly, The Boys questions what happens when individuals or organizations have the power to challenge these corrupt figures. Butcher and his team, while morally ambiguous themselves, represent the possibility of resistance, raising the question of whether the world would be better off if someone could truly hold these powerful beings accountable.

The Boys: The Name of the Game offers a gritty, satirical examination of superhero culture, exposing the corruption and hypocrisy beneath the surface. By focusing on the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, Ennis encourages readers to question the true nature of power and authority, providing an entertaining and amusing reading experience.

The series was later adapted into a successful TV show by Amazon, MGM Studios, and Sony Pictures Television. The show features a cast that includes Karl Urban as Billy Butcher and Antony Starr as Homelander. While the show made some minor narrative changes, Ennis praised its faithfulness to the original comic, emphasizing that it should be seen as a satire rather than a political endorsement of extreme views.