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Homelander from The Boys and Superman from DC Comics share similarities, although they might seem different. Both characters are incredibly strong, can fly, and have the ability to shoot heat rays from their eyes. They appear almost impossible to defeat. However, while Superman is often seen as a symbol of hope and justice, Homelander hides a darker side beneath his heroic facade.
The Boys humorously shows how having great power can lead people to make terrible choices. These two characteristics can be compared to demonstrate how similar traits can result in positive and negative outcomes. Many shows and comics highlight these similarities through subtle scenes and storylines.
Looking at these examples, we can better understand how their previous experiences, abilities, and societal expectations influenced their identity.
**Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.**
Here is the list of Homelander from The Boys vs. Superman: 10 parallels you might’ve missed:
10. Superhuman abilities
Superman and Homelander possess similar superhuman abilities, like X-ray vision, strength, flight, invulnerability, thermal vision, speed, and improved hearing. They are formidable allies due to their strengths in their respective contexts. In The Boys, audiences see Homelander get his power and abilities from Vought's Compound V, whereas Superman gets his power from his Kryptonian bloodline and the Earth's yellow sun.
The audience might have missed one of Homelander’s abilities while robbing a bank in the first episode of The Boys Season 1. He leisurely marches forward through the gunfire, rounds missing him, and uses his vision to deal with any hazard ahead. Homelander is presented as powerful and unbeatable, much like Superman saving people in a bank robbery scene in Superman & Lois season 1, episode 9, who can easily end criminal activity.
9. X-Ray vision limitations
Superman and Homelander can see through solid objects because of their X-ray vision. However, they have one limitation in common, i.e., lead is invisible to Superman, and zinc blocks Homelander’s vision. Audiences might have missed a scene in The Boys Season 1 when Homelander mentions that being in zinc means he can’t see because it absorbs the X-rays he relies on for sight.
The weakness this limitation causes becomes important in the series since it makes Homelander less invincible. Similarly, Superman has been depicted as unable to sense lead in comic books and adaptations.
8. Use of heat vision
Superman and Homelander have the same ability to shoot eye beams, known as heat vision. This ability allows them to protect themselves, cut things, and intimidate people. Superman tries to control it, but Homelander tends to use his heat vision cruelly.
The Boys reveals this point in Episode 5, Season 2. After seeing the crowd turn against him, Homelander imagines using his heat vision to destroy everyone. Check out the scene at Amazon Prime Video YouTube Official:
The incident highlights Homelander's tendency to act quickly and recklessly, distinguishing him from Superman. Heat vision is featured in other films, too, such as Man of Steel, where Superman uses it to stop dangerous foes and carries himself with duty.
7. Iconic costume design
Superman and Homelander both wear costumes that represent their characters. Audiences are familiar with Superman's attire - his blue suit, crimson cape, and eye-catching "S" emblem, which stands for justice and hope. Homelander wears a blue outfit and a cape that resembles the American flag, just like Superman.
Although national flags are prohibited from being worn as suits, it is noteworthy that Homelander's cape is similar to the American flag. This shows how he cleverly uses symbols to his advantage. On the other hand, Superman's outfit has changed over time, but it always shows his dedication to keeping the public safe.
6. Leadership roles
Homelander leads The Seven, while Superman leads the Justice League. Superman is commonly in charge of the Justice League and steers heroes such as Batman and Wonder Woman. Homelander, like him, is in charge of The Seven, which includes key players A-Train and Queen Maeve.
In The Boys season 1, Homelander steps up as a leader by speaking confidently before the crowd next to his teammates. Furthermore, Superman's power is based on their fear of him. This disparity is brought to light in a moment where Homelander threatens The Deep, establishing power by compulsion rather than inspiration.
5. Public perception
The DC and Justice League fans view both the characters as symbols of justice and optimism. Superman’s character comes from his actions of heroism and good morals. Meanwhile, Homelander keeps up his heroic reputation using the hero promotion programs at Vought.
Homelander gives a speech at the memorial to acknowledge a recent tragedy in the second episode of The Boys. Most people don't know he was involved in the incident, even though they find his comments touching. This is consistent with Superman's public speeches, in which he sincerely uplifted and consoled people. The distinction lies in the fact that Superman is truthful, whereas Homelander's actions are a mask for his true self.
4. Romantic relationships
Homelander and Superman each enter major relationships that show off what’s important to them. The love between Superman and Lois Lane is based on respect, trust, and true feelings. On the other hand, Homelander is quite harsh with Stormfront and aspires to be stronger than her. Their connection is formed by having common ideas and strong emotions. They are always attempting to control each other to help them deal with their bad habits.
An example of this similarity appears in The Boys season 2, episode 5. Stormfront urges Homelander,
"Do it. You know you want to"
provoking Homelander to use his heat vision, and the two get caught up in a strong and fierce fight. Superman acted gently with Lois in Superman: The Movie (1978). The film depicts the two as deeply attached and warm.
3. Superhuman stamina
Homelander and Superman maintain their strength and vitality in any circumstance because of their extraordinary strength. On account of his body, Superman reaches his highest level of performance, whether fighting criminals or flying around the world. Homelander possesses similar endurance, having been boosted by Compound V and being able to perform multiple occupations and confrontations without tiring.
Fans of The Boys should revisit a sequence in season 2, episode 5, where Homelander and Stormfront engaged in a physically taxing interaction following a brutal brawl. The scene reveals his capacity for rapid recovery and sustained high energy. Homelander's smooth transitions between heroic deeds highlight his unwavering endurance and dedication to his position as a protector. It is reminiscent of scenes in past Superman adaptations.
2. Invulnerability
Superman and Homelander are powerful figures in their realms because they are almost impervious to injury. Superman's invulnerability originates from his Kryptonian physiology, which makes him resistant to most forms of injury except for certain weaknesses, such as Kryptonite. Similarly, Homelander's tenacity is due to Compound V, which gives him tremendous durability.
In The Boys Season 3, Episode 6 (Herogasm), viewers might have missed a scene where Homelander confronts Soldier Boy, who succeeds in bruising him. This moment reflects instances in Superman's stories where his invulnerability is challenged, such as when he is exposed to Kryptonite, which significantly weakens him. Such parallels remind us that their strength can be turned against them in the right circumstances.
1. Mirrored origin stories
Homelander and Superman share the same background. Kal-El was from the planet Krypton. After he was sent to Earth, he was brought up by the Kents in Smallville and developed human values and kindness. Homelander grew up in a lab created by Vought International, away from others. So, he is very complicated.
In the "Wisdom of the Ages" episode of The Boys, Homelander revisits the lab where he was raised, confronting the scientists responsible for his upbringing. This scene shows the results of Charles’ early years in isolation.
Superman's story often begins with his upbringing, which is shown in many movies, comics, and shows. He was raised by a couple named the Kents, who taught him important values and morals. The way they brought him up really shapes how he acts and who he is as a person.
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It is concluded that comparing similarities between Homelander and Superman side by side revealed that both have similar qualities, but took very different directions. Due to growing up with love and good advice, Superman used his abilities to help and encourage others. In comparison, Homelander grew up in a lab lacking emotion and a caring mentor, which led him to control with fear. Superman is admired by many for his benevolence and temperance, whereas Homelander's desire for justice stemmed primarily from his loneliness and vanity.
The scene of Homelander at the memorial and his blast of heat reminded me of Superman stories, but these scenes meant the opposite. When we examined their clothing and endurance, we saw that the way heroes are built depends largely on their origins and values. Ultimately, their differences proved as significant as their similarities, demonstrating that a hero is not defined by their use of power alone.
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