So, this is it – the final issue of The Boys. Its been a hell of a run, and the final issue isn’t what anyone would expect. Its.. calming and almost happy. This sounds bad, but there is a certain pleasing tone to it. For a series that’s always been somewhat aggressive to the nature of superheroes, its interesting to see The Boys #72 come to and understanding with both this and itself.

First, the official description from Dynamite:

FINAL ISSUE!!! The long day closes on the Brooklyn Bridge, as our hero finally meets his destiny. There’s one last deal to be done, As Stillwell finds out the real cost of doing business, and one last surprise for Rayner too- as she begins her long-dreamed of political career. The Boys’ story comes to an end in this final issue containing 24 pages of story!!!
Contains 5 pin-up pages of brand-new art as well as a complete cover gallery!!!
“Job done. The end of a long, long road, and I have to say I enjoyed every step along it.” – Garth Ennis
“We told you it was going to hurt!” – Darick Robertson

Since everyone else is more of less out of the picture, this issue mainly works as an epilogue for Wee Hughie. He’s been the at the centre of the series for its entire run, and its a very rewarding pay off for fans to see his last moments. There’s a certain transformation that shows well in the writing, with Hughie having a certain sense of confidence.

This is best shown through the actual plot and his final decisions about superheroes and near enough everything, but that would be spoiling the conclusion. In short, it might not be overtly shocking or outrageous, but it does feel right in an odd sort of way.

The various epilogues go through various motions, there’s tension, a lot of humor and some occasional resolutions. Obviously, this is something the long-time fans are going to get enjoyment out of, and it certainly pays off. There isn’t any action, however, but that only adds to its charm; The Boys has never been one for quiet moments, making this stand out.

All in all, The Boys has been an excellent run and I’ll be sorry to see it go. But it was fun whilst it lasted, and it made the impact it wanted too. Very few titles can say they’ve done that as well as The Boys.