#compound v logistics

[deliciouskeys]

This is a very minor detail/quibble, but if the virus’ spike protein cannot bind to compound V1 because it has no receptors… why did Soldier Boy get sick at all?

Also, they spoke about it like compound V has receptors but that doesn’t really make sense… viruses use receptors to gain entry into cells. Is compound V a bunch of exogenous cells floating around in your body and that’s what the virus enters and reproduces in?

I’ll shut up now, it really doesn’t matter, but they drew a picture on a whiteboard so they forced me to think about it 🤨

[deliciouskeys]

What does it mean that Homelander is the only supe that has Compound V incorporated into his DNA? And that he can pass it down to progeny?

A short essay no one asked for (but inspired by @saintmathieublanc ‘s poll about whether HL and Ryan can be depowered)

Reading 1: literal

His DNA consists of Compound V. Which means that Compound V is a nucleotide analogue, a proteinaceous component of histones around which DNA wraps and gets packed into a chromosome, or some kind of non-organic chemical that binds to DNA (DNA intercalators). I actually kind of like the idea that Compound V is a part of histones, because you could handwavely imagine it gets incorporated haphazardly and affects the expression of random genes, turning them on or off, hence its varied effects.

Reason 1 none of these seem likely: DNA replicates constantly, not only during embryonic development but throughout your life. Having DNA be modified but not requiring a constant influx of new Compound V means that the DNA would eventually dilute out to become normal.

Reason 2 these aren’t likely: a proteinaceous histone component injected into infants wouldn’t really exert any effects. Wouldn’t even go into cells. A nucleotide analog or a DNA intercalator chemical could go into cells and effectively act as a DNA damaging agent (this is how some chemo works, in fact). Hard to imagine how randomly damaging DNA would result in gaining of abilities, but I guess formally possible if the damage is somehow directed. The randomness of powers gained could potentially be compatible with “random damage”. But what would then be the difference between Homelander and other supes? The Compound V would then be “part of the DNA” in both cases

Reading 2: which I favor

Compound V is a hormone. Hormones are something one could inject into a baby to exert profound effects, even if only done once. What’s not clear of course is why the hormone exerts such different effects in different babies. One handwavy model is that, unlike testosterone or estrogen or melatonin or adrenaline, with defined programs being triggered, Compound V is a hormone that creates artificial stresses in the body that tissue will respond to adaptively, and that this process is stochastic/random. This would be consistent with Compound V being better as something taken as a child- more tissue plasticity.

What does it mean that Homelander’s DNA “contains Compound V” in this schema? Hormones aren’t part of DNA. But they could have engineered a gene that encodes an enzyme (or a set of genes encoding a set of enzymes) that generate Compound V out of a common steroid precursor like cholesterol. They may also have encoded whatever receptor in the human body binds Compound V to be expressed more highly or in specific tissue in the body, but this is less crucial. This would even be somewhat realistic for 1981 era biotech. In this scenario, Homelander has been exposed to Compound V throughout embryonic development (earlier than everyone else), and has the ability to make more all the time. This would be consistent with it being heritable: Ryan didn’t need any exogenous Compound V, he had the genes to generate it himself.

If Soldier Boy’s radiation undoes the effects of Compound V out of people who have had one exposure, this would mean his radiation would be less effective on Homelander and Ryan: they would eventually generate more Compound V and with time presumably regain their powers. And that’s my final answer to @saintmathieublanc ‘s poll 🧐

[deliciouskeys]

I’ve been thinking about how season 5 is going to end vis a vis Compound V. And I was sure I knew the answer until I realized Gen V will continue (or is slated to continue at least) past the boys s5 which has made me far less sure. I do assume Vought will be dismantled, but what of the supes they made?

1. Compound V is: A. Still allowed B. Legally banned C. Impossible to make anymore because…. Handwavy “precursor no longer available explanation”

2. These Supes are depowered: A. No one (HL dies, other “evil” supes also just killed). B. Evil ones get depowered (by Soldier Boy?) C. Every supe is depowered somehow, including Kimiko, Annie, and Ryan

What happens at the end of The Boys S5

1. A; 2. A

1. A; 2. B

1. A; 2. C

1. B; 2. A

1. B; 2. B

1. B; 2. C

1. C; 2. A

1. C; 2. B

1. C; 2. C

None of the above, Vought remains, only Homelander dies (pretty jaded ending)

None of the above, Vought remains, Homelander remains, evil prevails 😈

None of the above, something else (comment!)

Voting ended onAug 3, 2024

[deliciouskeys]

I don't necessarily want you to post what I send in ask, I just want to talk to some people and your thoughts on some things really intrigue me (sorry if that sounds weird I know I am weird) or spark my own mind to think. But I do know how long winded or annoying I can be and I got some issues and really really bad anxiety, especially social.

And it doesn't matter if the interaction is good or bad, it can still cause me an unreasonable amount of stress. At the same time, sometimes I feel like I might explode if I don't get certain thoughts out. I remain anonymous because it helps me with this even if a small amount, it's just comforting for me. But I don't mean to make it seem like I'm taking anything out on you or wanting you to do things for me.

I don't necessarily want to go back and forth either, sometimes I just like to know peoples' thoughts on my thoughts whether I disagree or not cause it can give me more to think about. But I'm not great with self expression either or I guess explaining exactly what I mean how I mean it. It always makes sense in my head but I know for others my head tends to be a mess and I know fully just how much of a mess I am.

I like the ask boxes because they let me express these thoughts directly to the people I am curious to know the thoughts of, and the anonymous feature helps bring me some comfort with the amount of anxiety I get from social interaction. But even with the anon feature, 9 times out of 10, I don't ask the questions I have and chicken out because of how bad the anxiety is or because of how stupid and unproductive I convince myself my thoughts are to the conversation.

I swear I don't mean any harm and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable in any way.

That being said, I didn't mean to make it seem like I was emphasizing the telomeres. I mentioned them because they are the part of the DNA/chromosomes that shortens and causes aging/genetic damage over time? I think that's the simplest way to explain it. I'm a little rusty on this stuff but probably too well versed in the sci-fi fantasy nerd stuffs. And also not enough.

Fuck my life.

But. I did think they were worth the mention in the whole grand scheme of things. The aging too. I think for obvious reasons being Antony Starr is a well aged man, it's not easily defined in the show, but for consistency sake, I do think it makes more sense to assume Homelander isn't aging/stopped aging at a certain point. (They chose Soldier Boy as the donor for a reason, Stormfront emphasizing Homelander being 'perfect', Vought definitely wanting that to be a trait of their perfect 'Superman', it being part of the whole Superman archetype, etc.)

I dunno, just some things it had at least me thinking about. Also, I did specify V being like an extra chromosome for Homelander/Ryan specifically but something more like a non-contagious virus for other supes. It's definitely not the same between them and other supes though (and even temp V) and I could go into that but it is so much easier just to say comic book science.

Also, I feel like you didn't really read what I wrote and I really wanted to know your thoughts on that!

I do think it is probably elements of both genetic/chromosomal and hormonal though since Ryan ended up getting Homelander's exact powers (possible genetic markers for each power on a 24th chromosome that was passed down??). But I was most curious about what you might say about the Doomsday/Apocalypse thing. That one I really can't stop thinking about.

I also don't think Madelyn was lying when she said that there wasn't a weapon that hadn't been used on Homelander. And I do think that includes nuclear (this would actually be a leg up on Superman for Homelander).

You don't have to post or add this to the post. I genuinely just wanted to give my thoughts and know some of yours, and answer your question in regards to why I choose to be anon. I would greatly appreciate a response but I'm happy to just drop it here even if you don't feel like responding, that is perfectly valid and I get it.

And maybe one day, I'll hopefully be bold enough to break out of my shyness and respond more directly or join conversations outside of the ask boxes and irrational comfort I get from the anon feature. I'm still working on convincing myself just sending this in is a win for me, so it's slow but I'd like to think it's progress at least.

But also... To be completely honest... There is a huge part of me that greatly throbs with delight whilst lurking around and keeping people guessing but being a complete nutjob like the Norman Osborn and Frollo and Mandy obsessed anon which I adore observing the interactions of with others as well as the confessions of.

Please do not ask me why. I could not explain it. I apologize in advance if my mention happens to summon this anon in some form (super valid reason not to post this right there, I cannot make guarantees but if you do not want that to happen please do not post this). I am in the wrong with this. I understand that and fully accept it. I suck. But I cannot not throb with delight at lurking and Norman Osborn antics.

I'm sorry.

Dear Anon,

I don't necessarily want you to post what I send in ask, I just want to talk to some people and your thoughts on some things really intrigue me (sorry if that sounds weird I know I am weird) or spark my own mind to think. But I do know how long winded or annoying I can be and I got some issues and really really bad anxiety, especially social. And it doesn't matter if the interaction is good or bad, it can still cause me an unreasonable amount of stress. At the same time, sometimes I feel like I might explode if I don't get certain thoughts out. I remain anonymous because it helps me with this even if a small amount, it's just comforting for me. But I don't mean to make it seem like I'm taking anything out on you or wanting you to do things for me. I don't necessarily want to go back and forth either, sometimes I just like to know peoples' thoughts on my thoughts whether I disagree or not cause it can give me more to think about.

I don’t know if you realize, but here’s my predicament. Because you are sending these as anon asks, I either have to post this publicly in order to let you know my thoughts on your thoughts, or I have to just ignore the message. I have no other options. Have you considered that this actually gives me anxiety? I don’t want to ignore you, I feel it’s rude and now you’re telling me you have social anxiety so me not replying could exacerbate it. Tumblr gives you the option to have private chats. We could conduct this in private- which would seem much less social anxiety inducing to me…?

Also, I feel like you didn't really read what I wrote and I really wanted to know your thoughts on that! I do think it is probably elements of both genetic/chromosomal and hormonal though since Ryan ended up getting Homelander's exact powers (possible genetic markers for each power on a 24th chromosome that was passed down??). But I was most curious about what you might say about the Doomsday/Apocalypse thing. That one I really can't stop thinking about.

Your assumption that I did not read your post is incorrect. Perhaps I answered too glibly. Let me dissect what you are saying then: what does compound V being a chromosome explain or solve? The fact that Homelander is sterile, like a mule? To be accurate, if he has an extra pair of chromosomes (48 instead of 46), his meiosis 1 and 2 will be fine, and he should be fertile, and it’s Ryan who could be sterile because he has 47 chromosomes. The fact that compound V in most supes is viral (tiny genome… are you saying it’s dsDNA? ssDNA? dsRNA? or ssRNA?) while in HL it’s presumably a large dsDNA piece with telomeres and all is…. Fine? But what does it explain? Viral DNA gets permanently incorporated too. So all supes would have permanently incorporated the …. Genes that make up Compound V? I’m just not clear on your model here, sorry.

Don’t get me wrong, my explanations were handwavy but I was mostly attempting to provide an alternative to the “since Ryan is a natural born supe, that means HL’s DNA consists of compound V” idea that’s been floating around in fanon, one that would be more biologically realistic.

I have a confession to make: I don’t know that much about Superman or Doomsday. I think it’s plausible that Homelander gained powers from being under stress and that Compound V itself is a stressor. I don’t disagree with that but don’t have much to add.

I don’t really agree that we’re supposed to assume HL doesn’t age just because SB doesn’t. SB literally looks younger than him. They could have cast someone younger if they wanted to imply HL was immortal/preternaturally long lived. But that’s just like my opinion man, and you can hc something different. Just don’t see any evidence in the show mentioned that would imply he’s not aging at normal rate.

[deliciouskeys]

Do you think supes could be genetic chimeras?

Meaning the blue compound V liquid contains cells that settle into your body? And those cells give you superpowers?

I mean it’s possible. Doesn’t exactly explain why A Train takes it as a PED, but I suppose it could be an elixir of cells and other stuff. My question is, the cells are from what other animal? Why do they result in different abilities (tbf, no agent can really explain this adequately). And if you’re referring to how the virus targets and eradicates supes, if they mean “eradicates supes” in the sense they have their chimeric cells killed and stop being supes, then maybe. But hard to imagine how killing a subset of “extra” cells would kill you. Maybe HL and Ryan are the only ones who’d actually die (if their chimeric DNA is incorporated in every cell).

Anon, I highly doubt Garth Ennis thought this all the way through, let alone the TV show writers room. So we can rack our brains all we want and nothing will really make complete sense. It’s biomagic written by nonbiologists 🤷‍♀️