The series is set between 2006–2008 in a world where superheroes exist. However, most of the superheroes in the series' universe are corrupted by their celebrity status and often engage in reckless behavior, compromising the safety of the world. For this reason, a superpowered CIA squad, known informally as "The Boys", is charged with monitoring the superhero community. Ennis has said that the series would "out-Preacher Preacher", presumably referring to the extreme violence and sexuality that were that series' hallmark, and that the series would end with its seventy-second issue.