In the gritty and dark world of “The Boys,” superheroes are anything but the epitome of virtue. Among them stands Black Noir, a mysterious and enigmatic character whose mind holds secrets yet to be revealed. In a groundbreaking episode, the creators of the show took an audacious step, allowing Black Noir to see animated characters in his head. This move not only delved deeper into the character’s psyche but also left a lasting impact, showcasing the power of animation in unraveling the complexities of a superhero’s mind.
The Animated Episode: A Bold Choice
“The Boys” has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of traditional superhero narratives, and the episode featuring Black Noir’s animated visions exemplifies this. The decision to use animation to explore a superhero’s thoughts and memories is daring and innovative, as it deviates from the live-action format typically used in such shows. By embracing animation, the creators opened a door to a world of creative possibilities, enabling viewers to venture into the depths of Black Noir’s mind like never before (The Boys: The Instant White-Hot Wild, 2022).
Peering into Black Noir’s Psyche:
Black Noir has always been a mysterious figure in “The Boys,” sporting a dark and enigmatic persona. Yet, it is this very enigma that intrigued viewers, leaving them to speculate about the depths of his mind. In the animated episode, the creators seize the opportunity to reveal the emotional turmoil and traumas that have shaped Black Noir’s character.
Through animation, the audience witnesses an array of animated characters that inhabit Black Noir’s head, each representing different facets of his complex personality. The animated sequences act as a window into his past, showing glimpses of his childhood, traumas, and the events that shaped him into the enigmatic hero he is today. This insight humanizes a character often shrouded in secrecy, generating empathy and a deeper connection with the audience (Fresherslive, 2022).
Importance and Impact of Animation:
Psychological Depth: Animation allows for the exploration of psychological complexities that may be challenging to depict through live-action alone. By presenting Black Noir’s thoughts as animated visions, the show delves into the realm of his subconscious, showcasing the inner battles and dilemmas that define his character.
Creative Freedom: Animation grants creators the freedom to experiment with different art styles, colors, and visual metaphors. The animated sequences in Black Noir’s mind become a canvas for imaginative storytelling, enabling the show’s creators to craft a unique visual experience that enriches the narrative.
Emotional Connection: The animation in Black Noir’s mind strikes a chord with the audience, evoking emotional responses that bridge the gap between viewers and the character. It humanizes Black Noir, making him relatable despite his extraordinary abilities.
Expanding the Narrative: This episode demonstrates the versatility of animation as a storytelling medium, showcasing its potential to expand the narrative beyond the confines of traditional live-action scenes. By incorporating animation, “The Boys” immerses viewers in a whole new dimension of storytelling (Anon, n.d.).
How it related to my practice:
Although what the boys did, is not something out the park but it does remind us again the impact the medium has had in our lives. When I was writing for my thesis film, I visited this episode quite few times to see how malleable the mind actually is and animation is an escape from the harsh truths about reality and used this to my advantage and instead of writing for adults I made a show that everyone can relate to (can be very nostalgic and the stories can translate for all ages). The way animation was used for psychosis makes us empathize with the character and I believe animation has the power to achieve this.
Conclusion:
The animated episode featuring Black Noir in “The Boys” is a pivotal moment that exemplifies the power of animation in the world of superheroes. By exploring the depths of Black Noir’s mind through animation, the show’s creators breathe life into the character, revealing the traumas and emotions that make him a multi-dimensional figure. This bold creative choice not only enhances the viewer’s understanding of Black Noir but also highlights the limitless potential of animation as a narrative tool.
The impact of this animated episode extends beyond the confines of “The Boys,” inspiring a reevaluation of animation’s role in exploring the innermost thoughts and emotions of complex characters across various genres. As we witness the continued evolution of animation in storytelling, we are reminded of its profound ability to humanize, connect, and enrich narratives, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide and this is what I want to achieve with my work.
References
- Anon, (n.d.). ‘The Boys’: Eric Kripke on Black Noir’s ‘Classic Disney’ Animated Origin Story | Decider. [online] Available at: https://decider.com/2022/07/03/the-boys-black-noir-animated-origin-eric-kripke-interview/ [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
Kripke, E., Goldberg, E. and Rogen, S. (2019). The Boys. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11906
- Fresherslive. (2022). What Happened To Black Noir? What Did Soldier Boy Do To Black Noir? Why Does Black Noir See Cartoons? Is Black Noir Schizophrenic? – News. [online] Available at: https://latestnews.fresherslive.com/articles/what-happened-to-black-noir-what-did-soldier-boy-do-to-black-noir-why-does-black-noir-see-cartoons-is-black-noir-schizophrenic-518508 [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- Kripke, E., Goldberg, E. and Rogen, S. (2019). The Boys. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190634/.
- The Boys: The Instant White-Hot Wild, (2022). 8 Jul.
- http://www.youtube.com. (n.d.). The Boys Cartoon || Solider Boy VS Black Noir & Team. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/f726FXkb05I [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
Arsalan Awais 