‘Soldier Boy’ Prequel Revitalizes ‘The Boys’ with Compound V Boost

The critically acclaimed franchise The Boys continues to expand its universe with a new prequel series titled Vought: Rising. This upcoming show will dive into the compelling backstories of the shadowy corporation’s origins, featuring two of the series’ most notorious characters, Soldier Boy and Stormfront. Fans can expect this prequel to provide deeper context to the world of the Seven, focusing on the company Vought and its historical foundation, thereby adding layers to the already complex narrative of the franchise.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Boys is its satirical take on various themes and eras. Vought: Rising is set to carry on this tradition by offering political commentary on the 1950s. This era, often romanticized through the lens of nostalgia, is ripe for exploration and subversion. By mocking the ideals and attitudes of the decade, the show aims to parody and critique historical and political contexts, thereby enriching the backstory of Vought.

The original series had touched upon the dark origins of Vought, but a significant gap remains unexplored from its birth as a Nazi program to its current status as a global conglomerate. Characters like Soldier Boy and Stormfront, who have been central to the main storyline, will now offer viewers a chance to witness the evolution of these sinister personas in a different light. This new context could potentially bridge the narrative gaps between different eras, expanding the horizon for future storylines within The Boys universe.

For those who have followed The Boys, the prequel offers a unique opportunity to delve into the foundation of Vought, whose horrific origins were briefly revealed in the second season by Stan Edgar. Created as a Nazi science project aiming to glorify eugenics, Vought was later repackaged as an American enterprise. The series has used its characters to build a satirical, yet horrifying, depiction of corruption and power.

While the main timeline explored Homelander’s journey, sometimes touching upon sensitive themes, questions about figures like Friedrich Vought and Liberty (Stormfront’s former alias) remain. Vought: Rising promises to answer these lingering questions and uncover previously untold stories, allowing viewers to see how the company transformed into the corporate juggernaut it is today.

On a more intimate level, the series teases a deeper look into the lives of Soldier Boy and Liberty in the decades following World War II. Confirmed aspects of their relationship, such as the creation of Herogasm in the 1950s and rumors of a romantic involvement, provide fertile ground for narrative exploration. Given the opportunity to explore their complex dynamics further, the show could offer a rich and character-driven storyline that sheds light on these enigmatic figures.

While The Boys is known for its satirical take on modern superheroes, Vought: Rising could serve as a unique parody of the Golden Age of heroes. By setting the story in the 1950s, an era marked by McCarthyism and the Atomic Age, the series can delve into the political and social commentary of that time. The Cold War and its implications might play a significant role, questioning the ethics of using heroes as tools for geopolitical power. The franchise’s dark humor and sharp critique have always been its strength, and this prequel seems poised to maintain that tradition.

In addition to political critique, the cultural aspects of the 1950s provide ample material for the series to explore. Soldier Boy’s inherently racist and sexist attitudes, drawn from that era, highlight the stark contrast between past and present societal norms. These views, although used for dark comedy, serve to underscore the era’s attitudes and provide a lens through which modern audiences can examine past prejudices.

The transformative journey of Vought over the decades is another intriguing aspect for the prequel to explore. From the 1940s Nazi project to the global entity it becomes, the evolution of Vought can offer viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the corporation’s rise. By chronicling its journey across various decades, the series might reveal important moments like the formation of Payback and the smuggling of Compound V.

Liberty’s role during Vought’s transformation is particularly fascinating. Her quiet retirement in 1979 and the underlying reasons behind it, including the shift in Vought’s ideology, can provide critical insights. Watching these changes through Liberty’s eyes, and seeing how the company evolved under the reigns of Stillwell and Edgar, can add depth to the storyline.

With Gen V having already established a strong connection to The Boys while also standing on its own, Vought: Rising has the potential to do the same. By providing a rich backstory and exploring different eras, the prequel can serve as a bridge to the main series, enriching the overall narrative and offering new perspectives to both longtime fans and newcomers.

All four seasons of The Boys are available for streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Source: Collider