The Boys #71 Review


With only 1 issue to go, The Boys #71 does a great job of resolving things. That said, this issue mainly focuses on Hughie and Billy Butcher. With a reduced cast, there is a greater sense of scope to explore the two, resulting in a dialogue heavy issue, but one that’s well worth picking up.

The official description from Dynamite:

High above the streets of New York City, Hughie and Butcher reach the end of the line. There’s blood to be spilled and truth to be heard. The last Boys storyline reaches its conclusion, in the sixth and final part of The Bloody Doors Off.
1 issue till the end!!!

Of course, this isn’t an issue for new readers. With only one issue to go, this is an issue that’s very much for the long time reader. This can be seen in much of the dialogue. Hughie and Butcher make reference to past incidents, rather than focusing on just the very recent. This, in itself, makes the dialogue and writing feel very more natural. There’s a greater sense of history between the two, something that shows the titles success throughout its run.

This is also an issue that’s hard to review without spoiling. Following on from previous issues, its quite clear that there is a final confrontation between Hughie and Butcher. The previous issue turned this on its head, with Hughie being rescued via Butcher. The Boys #71 builds on this greatly, showing greater depth to Butcher in particular. Without spoiling the ending, it may come as even a shock to the longest readers. As the leader of The Boys, Butcher hasn’t been the most emotional or caring; some of his last moments are therefore surprising, but not unconvincing.

Similar to most of the final arc, very little attention is given to the superheroes or ‘supes’ themselves. They’re discussed, of course, but never given much of an appearance. This suits The Boys perfectly. Where most comics feature the average member of public as a backdrop to the superhero, this title has always done the opposite. Its fitting, then, that the main villain is not, in fact, a superhero.

Considering there is only one issue to go, I for one am certainly looking forward to it. Given the current events, its not entirely clear how everything will pan out. If there’s one thing The Boys has proven over time, its that the odd spanner in the works is never out of the question. In short, bring on issue 72.

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