Boys #17

I've been reading "The Boys" in issues since #1.  I never, ever read ongoing series.  Sometimes I'll pick up on a series because of an interesting storyline, but drop it after the conclusion of the arc.  However, every time I see "The Boys" on the rack, I grab it without a moment's hesitation.

It's difficult to explain why "The Boys" is so good to someone else.  It's slow moving, the art isn't flashy, and every issue contains something so foul only Garth Ennis could think it up. 

What makes it special is that there is a genuine warmth to the characters, that the relaxed pace gives the characters room to breathe and interact with each other, creating a dynamic that you see more often on good television. 

This issue Hughie and Starlight finally get it on.  We've seen their relationship develop over the past few issues and it's about time.  It turns gross at the end, but that twist brings what otherwise would be a sweet but somewhat cliched sexual encounter back to the reality "The Boys" inhabit and thus preserving the book's overall integrity.

Darrick Robertson is perfect for this book.  His style is rough around the edges, gritty, and human.  In a world of Photoshop/Illustrator/Corel video game designers and Michael Lark copyists, it's nice to see someone drawing comics that look like comics. 

I don't know if this is the best comic book out there, but for what it's worth, it's my favorite and I definitely recommend it.