AceShowbiz - The latest season of The Boys continues to escalate the brutal conflict between The Boys and the powerful supes of The Seven, especially following the first three episodes of Season 5. With key characters falling and new abilities revealed, fans are re-evaluating who holds the most power in this gripping saga. This ranking examines the top five strongest characters in the series after Season 5, Episode 3, based solely on their demonstrated abilities and strategic importance. Spoilers ahead.

Season 5 opens with shocking deaths, including the premiere’s loss of A-Train and subsequent episodes claiming the lives of other supes. The tension between Homelander and The Boys remains central, with Starlight’s ruthless elimination of Cindy in Episode 3 adding further intensity. Despite these casualties, many of the strongest characters remain active, prompting a fresh look at the power dynamics among them.

5) Billy Butcher

Billy Butcher remains a significant player in the power hierarchy, firmly holding a spot in the top five. While he lacks superhuman abilities comparable to other supes, his relentless determination, physical strength, and the terrifying power granted by his tentacles make him a formidable opponent. Earlier in the series, it seemed likely that Butcher could defeat Ryan Butcher in combat due to Ryan’s limited experience in wielding his powers. However, Episode 3 reveals a more dangerous and skilled Ryan, showing he is becoming increasingly ruthless and capable in battle.

Despite this, Butcher’s blend of combat experience and raw ferocity still allows him to stand toe-to-toe with many supes, including those from Homelander’s bloodline. While one Gen V character, Marie Moreau, may have the potential to inflict more damage on Homelander and his allies, Butcher’s unique combination of traits keeps him relevant and deadly in this brutal world.

4) Marie Moreau

Marie Moreau’s standing remains somewhat uncertain, but she is undoubtedly among the strongest characters in The Boys. Previously ranked second, her abilities are unique and potentially game-changing. Although her combat power does not match the raw strength of Ryan, Soldier Boy, or Homelander, Marie’s capacity to manipulate blood and raise the dead grants her strategic advantages that few others possess.

As the only supe known to have these powers, Marie’s potential to neutralize or weaken other supes, possibly even stripping them of their abilities, places her near the top of the power scale. However, her absence from many of the latest episodes means this potential remains largely untapped for now. If she returns to active play and utilizes her blood manipulation on the V in supes’ blood, she could easily climb back to the top of the rankings. Currently, her long-range attacks and control abilities align her more closely with Butcher than those above her on this list.

3) Ryan Butcher

Ryan’s progression in Season 5, Episode 3, marks a turning point in the power rankings. Previously overshadowed by others due to his youth and inexperience, Ryan shows a new willingness to fight and use his abilities aggressively. His ability to wound Homelander—a feat only Queen Maeve has managed before—signals his growing threat level.

Ryan possesses incredible raw strength and heat vision, but what sets him apart is his emerging combat skill and tactical mindset. Although Butcher remains skeptical about Ryan’s chances against Homelander in the long term, it’s clear that with time and experience, Ryan could rival or even surpass his father. His survival after intense confrontations and ability to land blows on The Seven’s leader highlight his potential, even if he still trails behind Soldier Boy and Homelander in overall power.

2) Soldier Boy

Soldier Boy’s strength is comparable to Homelander’s, making him one of the most powerful supes in The Boys. His capability to kill other supes effortlessly and absorb their powers with radiation blasts makes him a deadly force. Additionally, his strong defense and resilience to attacks set him apart.

Episode 3 introduces an important nuance: Soldier Boy’s blood contains V1, a variant that protects him from Butcher’s supe virus. This immunity could be decisive, potentially placing him ahead of Homelander in terms of survivability. However, Soldier Boy lacks the influence and proven track record that Homelander wields, and he has yet to demonstrate an ability to kill The Seven’s leader.

The two are essentially neck and neck, with Soldier Boy excelling defensively and Homelander maintaining offensive dominance. Should Homelander acquire V1 or if Marie manages to strip it from Soldier Boy, the balance of power could shift again. For now, Soldier Boy’s unique attributes secure him a place just behind the season’s top supe.

1) Homelander

At the summit of the power hierarchy stands Homelander, still the most dominant supe after Season 5, Episode 3. Despite increasing challenges from Ryan, Soldier Boy, and others, Homelander remains unbeaten in direct combat. Neither Ryan nor Soldier Boy have managed to surpass him yet, and Marie has not demonstrated the ability to threaten his status.

Butcher, despite his tenacity, is unlikely to defeat Homelander one-on-one. The primary vulnerability for Homelander lies in the supe virus, but if he obtains V1, which offers immunity, he will become virtually invincible. This continuing threat makes him a terrifying antagonist, maintaining tension and stakes in the series’ climax.

Overall, the power rankings reflect the shifting dynamics as the season progresses and key characters reveal new strengths. Each character’s unique abilities and strategic importance contribute to an evolving conflict that promises a dramatic resolution.

Where do you place each character after these latest episodes? Share your thoughts and join the discussion with other fans in the ComicBook Forum.