The Boys is known for parodying classic superhero stories, and season 4 indirectly resolves DC’s Batman vs. Superman dispute with a clear winner. It’s no secret that The Boys books are inspired by franchises like Marvel and DC, with characters like Homelander and The Deep imagining what popular heroes would look like as antagonists.

Amazon’s adaption depends heavily on the sarcastic take on well-known superheroes, and it appears to be cranking it up. The Boys’ fourth season brilliantly parodies Marvel and DC with Vought’s V52 Expo, which makes apparent allusions to the MCU and DCU.

The 43 Vought movies teased at The Boys’ in-universe event are outlined in a bracketed picture that bears a striking resemblance to the MCU release calendar. The titles also include references to Marvel and DC films, such as The Tek Knight (a play on The Batman) and G-Men: Days Past From the Future (a spoof of X-Men: Days of Future Past). Many of the Supes in The Boys have power sets and costumes similar to Marvel and DC heroes. And The Boys season 4, episode 6 features the Amazon series’ Superman and Batman interacting, with one clear winner emerging.

The Boys Season 4 Picks Superman In The Decades-Old Batman Vs. Superman Debate

Homelander Is More Powerful Than Tek Knight

DC fans have debated whether Superman or Batman is more powerful for decades, and The Boys season 4 sides with Superman. Homelander is clearly the Superman of The Boys’ universe, as his speed, strength, and laser vision all mirror the DC character’s abilities. He also wears a similar suit, and he’s supposed to be a beacon of hope — though the latter is where he diverges from the hero he’s parodying. Meanwhile, Tek Knight is an obvious stand-in for Batman. His wealth, lack of powers, and butler are references to the caped crusader, and Vought’s movie bracket drives the connection home.

In The Boys season 4, episode 6, Tek Knight and Homelander interact while Homelander and The Seven attend one of Tek Knight’s Federalist Society gatherings. Homelander wants to carry out his and Sister Sage’s plans to infiltrate the White House. However, he makes it obvious from the start that Tek Knight is beneath him. Tek Knight refers to himself and Homelander as “the two top heroes,” a claim the latter promptly dismisses. Homelander tells him that they are “not equals,” then mocks the fact that the other Supe cannot even fly.

“It comes down in favor of Superman, as Homelander’s words suggest that both he and Superman are more powerful than Tek Knight and Batman.”

With Homelander and Tek Knight parodying Superman and Batman, The Boys season 4 settles the major DC debate in its own universe. It comes down in favor of Superman, as Homelander’s words suggest that both he and Superman are more powerful than Tek Knight and Batman. Homelander also survives “Dirty Business,” while Tek Knight isn’t so fortunate.

Tek Knight’s Connection To Homelander Ultimately Gets Him Killed In The Boys Season 4

The Boys’ Batman Parody Meets An Early End

Tek Knight’s conversation with Homelander ends with a clear winner, and The Boys season 4 drives home his inferiority by 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing him off at the end of episode 6. When Tek Knight brings Hughie — who’s disguised as Webweaver — to his “Tek Cave,” The Boys are forced to intervene. Starlight and Kimiko arrive to save their friend, and they easily overpower Tek Knight. Without his suit, he is incapable of fighting them. And it’s questionable whether he’d be able to defeat two smarter, stronger Supes, even with better preparation.

“Tek Knight is simply a pawn in Homelander’s game, while Homelander is the one wielding all the power in The Boys season 4.”

Tek Knight is assassinated by his butler, Elijah, after admitting to his complicity in Homelander and Sage’s plot, rather than by The Boys. Elijah refers to him as “entitled” and expresses his animosity before informing The Boys that he will “make it look like an accident.” Ultimately, Tek Knight’s link to Homelander leads to his death, as Elijah is inspired to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 him after learning about the coup. Tek Knight is merely a pawn in Homelander’s game, whereas Homelander wields full power in The Boys season 4.

But Wait, Tek Knight Didn’t Have Prep Time…

He Knew His Party Had Been Infiltrated After Unmasking Hughie

One could argue that Tek Knight was defeated because he was caught off guard and did not have time to prepare. However, this is not technically correct. Tek Knight believes his party has been infiltrated the moment he unmasks Hughie. Supe should have expected reinforcements, but Tek Knight focuses on taunting Hughie instead of preparing for defense. This is why he is so easily overrun by Starlight and Kimiko, and why he is powerless to defend himself against his butler’s assault.Season 4 of The Boys shows that Tek Knight, unlike Homelander, is not threatening.