The Boys: Things Only Comic Readers Know About Queen Maeve

Highlights

Maeve’s design is heavily influenced by Wonder Woman in the satirical comic series, The Boys, offering a twisted take on DC Comics’ superhero.
Queen Maeve‘s complex character in the show differs from the distant and traumatized version in the comics, exploring her sexuality and relationships.
Maeve’s sacrifice to become human by losing her powers in the show adds depth to her character, showcasing her emotional journey and noble acts.

As a longtime fan of The Boys comics, I’ve had the privilege of watching Queen Maeve’s story unfold through the pages. Her journey is one filled with complex emotions and harrowing experiences that have left an indelible mark on me.

As a dedicated gamer and avid comic book fan, I’ve noticed an unmistakable resemblance between Queen Maeve from The Boys and Wonder Woman. Given that The Boys is known for its satirical take on the superhero genre, it comes as no shock that the iconic DC Comics character would make a darker, twisted cameo in this gritty series, crafted by the masterful minds of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

From a devoted fan’s perspective, I’ve noticed some striking resemblances between the Queen Maeve portrayed in the comic books and her live-action version, brilliantly brought to life by Dominique McElligott in “The Boys” on Amazon Prime. As both an avid reader of comics and a dedicated viewer of the show, I can attest that this character is intricately complex and relatively silent. The comic books, however, provide more context as to why she’s wired the way she is and what hardships she has faced throughout her life.

Spoiler warning for Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys and the comics.

10 Bisexual Representation

Maeve’s Relationships In The Comics Were Not With Women

The Boys: Things Only Comic Readers Know About Queen Maeve

From my gaming perspective, I’ve noticed that in the comics, Queen Maeve comes across as more detached and haunted by her past compared to her portrayal in the show. Her sexuality is less defined there, and she mostly engages in fleeting romances with muscular men. However, the show offers a richer perspective of her character. I get to see how her relationship with Elena adds depth to her personality, as well as explore the challenges that come with being a famous superhero.

In the series, Queen Maeve’s most significant and meaningful relationships have been with both men and women. However, her connection with Elena holds the greatest importance. It’s refreshing to witness a character portrayed so thoughtfully on television, one who makes profound choices driven by her desires, rather than serving as a mere source of comedic relief through interchangeable romantic interests each week.

9 Still Has Her Powers

Maeve Never Loses Her Powers To Soldier Boy

In the comics, Queen Maeve dies while still possessing her powers. Contrastingly, in the television series, she is deprived of Compound V during a lethal encounter with Soldier Boy, resulting in the loss of her heroic abilities. This turn of events signifies the end of her superhuman identity for Queen Maeve, which she willingly embraces. It represents an opportunity for her to experience humanity and redefine herself and her relationships by living an ordinary life, deriving uniqueness from being unremarkable.

A more compassionate and humane outcome prevails for Maeve: having relinquished her powers and given her life for those worthy of salvation, she may not receive favorable recognition from Vought, but their opinions hold no weight against the love and gratitude of those she has saved.

8 Alcoholism Caused By 9/11

Substance Abuse Became Common For Maeve After Her Involvement In A National Tragedy

On September 11th in the comic books, The Seven were supposed to intercept a plane and prevent any harm. But things took a turn for the worse as soon as we approached the aircraft. Chaos ensued and I, Queen Maeve, could only watch in horror as a child was sucked out of the plane and disappeared into the sky. Then, just as quickly, Homelander unleashed his powers, bursting the eardrums of the passengers and mercilessly tearing apart the terrorists with his bare hands.

Regrettably, Queen Maeve could only look on as the plane headed towards New York City, powerless to intervene. The panicked cries of the passengers remained echoed in her ears long after she was forced to abandon ship. This incident left an indelible mark on Maeve. Subsequently, she developed a habit of smoking and drinking heavily. Her once compassionate hero became calloused as she immersed herself in the pleasures of Herogasm. The memories of that fateful day extinguished Maeve’s capacity for empathy.

7 Briefly Dated Stormfront

Stormfront And Maeve Were A Brief Item In The Comics

In the comic books, Stormfront is a significantly changed character from the one we know, sharing troubling resemblances through their prejudiced views. The primary distinction lies in their gender and, at one point, their romantic involvement with Queen Maeve, who is female.

In the Amazon Prime series, Homelander is the one who has a close relationship with a female character resembling Stormfront. This duo formed an evil alliance. However, in the comics, it’s Queen Maeve who was depicted having a sexual relationship with Stormfront. The show only hints at this infidelity without delving too deeply into the details.

6 Had A Resurrected Supe Son Called Blarney Cock

Hughie Kills Blarney Cock, A Secret Son Supe

During their relationship, Queen Maeve gave birth to a son named Blarney Cock, fathered by The Legend. Shortly after his birth, Blarny Cock was dispatched to Ireland. At a later stage, he resurfaced as a supernatural being. Maeve had wished for a separation from her son, and it’s uncertain if she followed his whereabouts closely. Given Maeve’s character, it seems unlikely.

I’ve read my fair share of gritty comic books and this story hits close to home. Blarney’s revelation as their lovechild didn’t faze anyone in the community, but that’s because Blarney was a despicable soul. His wicked deeds towards people, himself, and even hamsters left no room for sympathy.

5 Lack Of Care Or Sympathy

Maeve’s Depression And Loss Of Identity Are Key To Her Character

Queen Maeve bears the heavy burden of remorse for her role in the September 11 attacks, a feeling that lingers with her on a daily basis. The fateful encounter with The Seven left an indelible mark on her, transforming her in ways she can’t reverse. Consequently, much of her time is spent apathetically towards The Seven’s activities or neglecting her superhero responsibilities.

As a gamer, I can tell you from my experience in immersive storytelling that one scene in the comic really drives home how detached Maeve becomes after discovering Starlight in distress. In this moment at The Seven’s headquarters, Starlight is weeping and retching following an assault by A-Train, Black Noir, and Homelander. I would have expected her to find comfort and empathy from someone like Maeve, but instead, she’s met with a harsh and dismissive “F off.” In the heat of the game, it feels like a brutal betrayal that only adds to the tension and complexity of their relationship.

4 Tricked Into Sleeping With Black Noir

Homelander Tricks His Then-Girlfriend Into Sleeping With Black Noir

An explanation for why Maeve traitorously acts against The Seven is because Homelander disregards her personal boundaries and privacy. This disrespect manifests in several ways, such as Homelander sharing explicit photos of Maeve with Vought-American executives, and ordering Black Noir to inflict harm upon her.

An pivotal factor leading Maeve to become an informant can be attributed to a particular night: she believed she were spending it with Homelander, but instead found herself in the company of Black Noir. Deceived and blindfolded, Maeve thought she was with her boyfriend until later discovering photographs proving otherwise. The horrific breach of trust and intimacy inflicted upon her by Homelander fueled her deepest hatred towards him.

3 Relationship With The Legend

Queen Maeve And Old Legend Had A Son

Hughie and Butcher pay a visit to a brothel catering exclusively to the unique desires of Supers. The establishment is brimming with intriguing quirks, alas, too scandalous to verbally elaborate. Following an unpleasant incident involving Jack from Jupiter that left some workers distraught, the brothel manager grants Butcher access to a hidden chamber. Inside, he finds records of various superhero exploits on video, in photographs, and in written accounts. It’s entirely plausible that these depictions vary from their live-action portrayals.

Hughie decides to secretly bring Maeve’s file back home without informing Butcher. Upon examining the file, he discovers new information about Maeve that was previously unknown to him. One such revelation was her past association with Old Legend, a comic book store proprietor who possesses extensive knowledge about all Supes and is a friend of Butcher.

2 Becoming An Informant For The Boys

Queen Maeve Was Always The Vought Leak

Disgusted by Homelander’s past actions towards her and his involvement in numerous tragedies, Queen Maeve decides to betray The Seven and secretly assist The Boys. She becomes their confidential source, installing spies and surveillance equipment within The Seven’s headquarters to uncover damaging information for potential use against them.

With Maeve’s early assistance, Billy Butcher and The Boys gained a significant amount of intel about The Seven that they wouldn’t have had otherwise. They eagerly utilized Maeve as their source, and she continued to fulfill this role for them over an extended period. In the series, Maeve served as an informant predominantly for Butcher’s benefit.

1 Killed By Homelander

Sacrificed Her Life For Starlight

As Homelander’s insanity deepens, his scheme to seize control of The White House advances. After using his x-ray vision to uncover Queen Maeve as the suspected informant, she became the source of all his troubles for him.

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase that scene like this: In the new regime set by Homelander, neither Queen Maeve nor Starlight hold any significance. Consequently, he makes an attempt to eliminate us both. With a firm grip on my comrade Starlight, I consider using her as a weapon against him. However, I choose instead to hurl her to safety at the last moment. Then, facing Homelander with grit and determination, I engage in a fierce sword fight. Alas, my efforts are in vain as he delivers a devastating punch that takes off my head. In those final moments, Starlight and I went down fighting, leaving an indelible mark of nobility.

2024-07-15 20:54