The Stop Button

This issue feels more like the regular Boys, even with McCrea and Burns on the art.

Ennis opens the issue with the Boys on their mission–of course, he saves a reveal for the last page. Regardless of the actual reveal, Ennis shows a different hand. He’s intentionally keeping stuff from the reader to pique interest. It’s a common device–and one he might have already used in The Boys–but it feels forced here. Like the misdirection was filler.

Besides the mission, the debauched superheroes get their scenes. There’s a whole new mystery to the JLA stand-ins, which is fine. Ennis comes up with great solutions, even if the intrigue leading up to them is somewhat labored.

The company man gets his scene, of course. This series practically belongs to him. Herogasm might have been smoother if Ennis had made him the protagonist.

It’s okay. Underwhelming, but okay.