Exploring the Erosion of Superhero Narratives: What if Homelander Were a Woman Another Man?

The popular superhero narrative has long been dominated by male protagonists, often leading to certain tropes and biases. A thought experiment can reveal interesting and sometimes unsettling changes when we consider the 'what if' scenario: what if Homelander, the antagonist from The Boys, were a woman instead of a man? Let's dive into a thought-provoking analysis of this hypothetical scenario.

Political and Social Implications

One of the primary implications of Homelander being a woman would be the changes in the political and social landscape of The Boys. Without Ryan, Becca would likely remain with Billy, who would never become a member of the Seven and would not form the subsect of anti-Supes known as the Boys. As a result, Hughie would likely take the payout from Vought following Robin's death and fade into obscurity.

Another significant alteration is the fate of the latter A-Train. If he had passed away from his heart failure, the truth about Stormfront would not be leaked, leading to her increasing power and influence within Vought. The absence of the Boys would also mean the Seven would open up, potentially to Maeve. Without the Boys, Starlight’s heroism might have been less prominent due to her relationship with Hughie, leading to a more jaded and cynical character reminiscent of Maeve's later persona.

The Impact on Vought and Edgar's Agenda

Edgar’s desire to leave the hero business entirely would be crucial in determining the future of the series. With Homelander as a woman, she would likely maintain her "only Supes matter” mindset and attempt to take over Vought until she hears about Edgar’s plans to withdraw from the business. This shift would bring an invincible female antagonist to the forefront, creating a different kind of thrill and tension.

Ironically, the Boys' presence in the story would remain influential but in a less direct manner. Without disrupting the narrative, the Boys would continue to exacerbate the conflicts but on a more indirect level, leading to a more nuanced exploration of power dynamics.

Visual and Physical Considerations

The visual aspects of Homelander as a female also come into play. The suspension of reality would be visible even more dramatically. For example, a character who is thin and attractive would have to perform feats that seem entirely impossible with high heels. The "high-heeled person” trope would be so absurd that it verges on the unbelievable, contradicting the suspension of disbelief that makes superhero narratives bearable.

One potential solution to this problem is the consideration of practical wardrobe choices. For instance, a more form-fitting uniform could include a thong, much to the delight of some fans, who might imagine the effect of bullets bouncing off her butt. This solution would also eliminate the issue of up-skirt photography, though it raises questions about modesty and appropriateness. Another intriguing option would be a cape that could cover everything, potentially even including some form of sports bras or other undergarments.

For those who take a suspension of reality seriously, the question of Homelander's physical capabilities becomes a comedic one. Would a woman with her bufsize still be able to punch four bad guys at once, with each hand and each boob, while maintaining grace and composure? The answer might be left to the imagination, but the possibility hints at the fantastical nature of the series.

Lastly, the period. This topic might be too sensitive to broach, considering the current societal norms around gender and privacy. Let's keep the discussion on a more ethical and inclusive note.

In conclusion, the hypothetical scenario of Homelander as a woman presents a complex web of changes that would ripple throughout the The Boys universe. Such a shift would not only alter the dynamics of the main characters but also affect the broader narrative and the suspension of disbelief that makes superhero stories captivating.