Why Homelander's Costume On The Boys Makes No Sense
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Fans of "The Boys" TV series know that Homelander (played by Anthony Starr) is the story's main villain, although the public within the show sees him as a superhero savior comparable to both Superman and Captain America in image. Homelander is supposed to be an American hero who helps everyone and upholds democracy, but he displays moral bankruptcy with almost every action he takes. Remember the airplane rescue in the first season, in which Homelander realizes he and Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott) won't be able to save everyone so he decides to save none to protect his image? Even when Queen Maeve begs him to at least help her save the children, he refuses, and everyone on the flight perishes. It's only one of Homelander's many despicable acts, both in the graphic novel by Garth Ennis and on the TV series.
Like Superman and Captain America, Homelander's costume is comprised of American colors — primarily red and blue, with symbolism that suggests the United States as an influence. However, Homelander's costume defies the American ideology of democracy, liberalism, and free expression.
Homelander's costume contains fascist imagery
Homelander's costume features blues and reds in tactical fabric and is adorned with golden eagles on his shoulders, belt buckle, and boots. Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon told "Prime Rewind: Inside 'The Boys'" — Season 1, Episode 7 "The Bloody Doors Off" — that the production team researched fascism throughout history to incorporate some of its symbols into Homelander's costume design.
"(We) had a great moment in our camera tests when all the actors were together," Shannon said. "You know, he has this tactical fabric. And then all of a sudden, Erin (Moriarty) looked at him, and she said, 'Oh, my gosh, those are eagles!' Because his tactical fabric is a repeat of these fascist eagles as well." The eagle pattern isn't easily identifiable in most scenes, but, as Shannon said, "It's like, once you see it, you can't unsee it."
While Homelander is meant to be an American superhero, his costume should be a hint that he's not what he appears. Rather, he's a massive supervillain with no loyalty to any country or anyone but himself.