“The Boys“ showcases the cynical and corrupt underbelly of superheroes, all orchestrated and under the thumb of the immoral Vought Corporation. The series does give a glimpse into Vought’s extensive power and reach, though its focus remains on the eponymous characters’ struggle to take down Vought and the Corp’s prized Seven superheroes. “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” further explores the different corners of the universe through an eclectic series of bite-sized animated shorts, ranging in art styles and tone. All adhere to the core series’ brand of unhinged humor and violence in an impressive, breezy, and entertaining way.
Each of the eight episodes runs roughly ten to twelve minutes long, mainly unrelated to the parent series. Executive producers Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen kick the series off with a short they penned that follows the antics of a Vought-created laser baby, directed by Crystal Chesney-Thompson and Derek Thompson. The light-hearted episode evokes nostalgia with a classic animated style and mostly dialogue-free exploits of laser baby escaping into the world, with violence constantly befalling everyone in the baby’s orbit.
From there, the series runs the gamut in tone and style. Justin Roiland brings his “Rick & Morty”-like aesthetic and warped sense of humor in “An Animated Short Where Pissed-Off Supes Kill Their Parents.” Awkwafina pens and voices an anime-style episode that sees her character discover a superpower that brings her turds to life. Yes. “Diabolical” uses the format to get as weird and demented as possible. Andy Samberg writes the most heartfelt episode of the bunch with “John and Sun-Hee,” a Korean horror drama styled short that grounds body horror with a tender look at an aging couple.
Save for two episodes that tie directly into “The Boys,” “Diabolical” cuts its all-star team of voice actors, writers, and directors loose in the wicked, messed up world, free from any canon or existing plotlines. The anthology constantly enlists voices already well versed in the universe, too. Garth Ennis writes a delightfully gory episode that features familiar characters, and Aisha Tyler makes new characters feel right at home in the universe with a suitably off-kilter, violent style of humor.
The anthology makes for an accessible entry point; you don’t need to be caught up with “The Boys” to enjoy this spinoff. It also allows for maximum creativity that offers welcome unpredictability. You want to hit play because you have no idea what’s next. In true anthology style, enjoyment of each episode will vary based on tastes, but the bite-sized format means even the episodes that don’t resonate don’t overstay their welcome.
“Diabolical” is an irreverent toe-dip into “The Boys” universe. It’s fun, frequently violent, and hilarious, an animated binge for adults. It never gets too deep or impactful and doesn’t contribute much narratively to the parent series beyond entertainment. And it definitely excels at entertaining. “Diabolical” is meant for fans of the universe, by clear fans and creators of the universe, an ambitious and lighter antidote to the more cynical and dark parent series. The diverse animation styles only enhance the unpredictable storytelling, gags, gore, and fun.
“The Boys Presents: Diabolical” premieres exclusively on Prime Video on March 4.
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