This final episode of the first season of "The Boys: Diabolical" is confirmed as being the only one that tells a supporting story directly in the world of the main series, this being an insight into one of
Homelander's early missions and the origin of his personality disorders.
Announced as Vought's most accomplished hero since Soldier Boy, The Homelander (Anthony Starr) is introduced to an optimistic public. Madelyn Stillwell (Elizabeth Shue) spies an opportunity to tie herself to the new star but warns him to be wary of fellow Hero, Black Noir. Homelander's first mission is a hostage situation at a power station and though advised to wait for Noir's arrival, the hero spies an opportunity to impress.
Initially designed to be watched before season three, this episode does take on some deeper resonance having watched that season and seen what happens between Noir and Homelander, in particularly why Homelander assumes that Noir will always be with him.
The animation style is more akin to something like Amazon stablemate "Invincible" in that I found it serviceable if perhaps lacking in flourish and the vocal performances are generally done by the initial actors, with Anthony Starr, Giancarlo Esposito and Elisabeth Shue returning to voice their roles.
It doesn't perhaps give us anything that we don't already know about the characters, this was unlikely given the fact that not everyone who watches "The Boys" will also watch this, but in a series that was a mixed bag, this was one of the better ones.
