In Episode 4 of “The Boys” Season 4, viewers caught a glimpse of Billy Butcher displaying what seemed to be new abilities, sparking curiosity about the nature and permanence of these powers. Fans are also wondering if he possesses similar abilities in the comic series.
So, has Butcher become a Supe for life? Are these powers part of his character in the comics?
Comic Vs Series: Billy’s Powers Seems To Be Portrayed Differently
In “The Boys” comics, Billy gains superhuman strength and durability after taking Compound V, which enables him to fight and defeat powerful Supes like Soldier Boy, Stormfront, and Crimson Countess. Unlike the show, Butcher in the comics never uses Temp V and therefore doesn’t develop a tumor.
Additionally, it’s not explicitly stated in the comics whether Butcher’s powers are permanent. However, the show still might choose to make them permanent or temporary, adding drama and suspense to the storyline, as adaptations often change elements from their source material.
The series could use this to set up a more dramatic and high-stakes showdown between Butcher and Homelander, making Butcher a formidable adversary. This approach might also suggest that there are different strengths or versions of Compound V, which could be further explored in future episodes.
Why Butcher’s Powers Is Very Likely To Become Permanent In The Ensuing Episodes Of The Boys?
In Season 4, Episode 4 of “The Boys,” Billy shows signs of having new powers after being choked by Ezekiel. During the struggle, a worm inside his head activates, leading to a vision of Becca encouraging him to not give up. He blacks out, and when he wakes, Ezekiel is dead and disfigured, with Butcher unable to recall what happened.
This blackout, linked to the worm, suggests Billy has new superpowers, likely from injecting himself with Compound V taken from Frenchie’s desk four months earlier in hopes of curing his tumor. Despite not feeling like a Supe and still experiencing tumor symptoms, his encounter with Ezekiel hints otherwise.
Also, the instability of Temp-V, which is lethal after several doses, presents a risk, but the show hints at a solution rooted in Vought’s experiments from the season 2 case of Cindy, Love Sausage, and Kimiko, potentially making his powers permanent. This shift could significantly alter the show’s dynamics, aligning Butcher more closely with characters like Homelander and setting up new conflicts.
Furthermore, while the TV series might avoid Billy’s demise from the comics, his ongoing battle with the supes is central to the storyline, and with a fifth season on the horizon, solidifying his superpowers could extend his life and enhance his capacity to confront Homelander. It is also worth noting that the series is ongoing, so the full impact of his newfound powers on the plot remains to be seen.
