The Boys # 23 - We Gotta Go Now, part one

          I feel as though I need to preface this review with the following statement: I think The Boys is one of the best series I've read - and I wish more comics would get as gritty as The Boys does. That said, I feel as though the plot has hit a bit of a lull for a while. I understand that it is necessary to provide the readers with some background knowledge about what brought about the creation of The Boys, but at the same time - I want to get back into the action. I absolutely loved the first trade paperback of The Boys, and it does look like the story line is headed that way once again. However, it seemed as though this issue could have been condensed down to about three pages worth of panels or so, and the plot could have been nibbled at a bit more. Without giving anything away - which is not hard as nothing really happened TO give away - the only real redeeming aspect to this issue is on the last two pages. It seems to me that almost the rest of the issue could have been done away with - to the same general effect. I hesitate in drawing the comparison, but I think it is a valid one - I have started to feel as though The Boys is on the verge of conforming to the joke about Dragon Ball Z, (How many characters from DBZ does it take to screw in a light bulb? Just one, but it will take about 20 episodes.) in that they have whole comics full of great illustrations, but very little plot.
          As I said in the title, The Boys do seem as though they are going some where; I just hope it happens soon. In fact, as I sit here reflecting on it a bit more - perhaps the writers are aware of this issue as they have The Female sitting quietly moping about not having hurt anyone recently. The closing of this issue does give me hope that, if nothing else, 24 will be... entertaining.