Overview

Supersonic, real name Buddy Saunders, was the beloved speedster of the legendary superhero team Payback — Vought’s answer to The Seven before Homelander’s rise. Charismatic, fast-talking, and effortlessly heroic in the public eye, he used his hypersonic speed to save lives, disarm bombs, and deliver snappy one-liners. But behind the smile was a man trapped in Vought’s machine, forced to endorse products and ignore atrocities. His tragic end — murdered by Homelander in a jealous rage — became the catalyst for Soldier Boy’s vengeance and a symbol of Vought’s disposable heroes. Supersonic wasn’t just fast; he was the heart Payback didn’t know it had lost until it was too late.

Personality

Supersonic radiated charm and confidence — the kind of hero kids plastered on their walls and adults trusted without question. He cracked jokes mid-rescue, signed autographs after stopping bank robbers, and never missed a chance to pose for the camera. But in private, he was weary, disillusioned, and deeply loyal to his Payback teammates. He hated Vought’s commercialization but played along to protect his friends. He saw Homelander’s instability early and tried to mentor him — a fatal mistake. His humor masked pain; his speed, a desire to outrun the system he served. He died believing in redemption, even for monsters like Homelander.

Netizen Review

Supersonic’s brief but powerful arc in Season 3 left fans devastated — a perfect blend of charisma, tragedy, and social commentary. Actor Miles Gaston Villanueva (who also played Calhoun) received acclaim for portraying Buddy’s warmth and hidden sorrow. Fans mourned his death as ‘the moment Homelander became irredeemable.’ Online, he’s memorialized as ‘the hero Vought didn’t deserve’ — with fan edits set to upbeat 80s tracks contrasting his gruesome end. Critics praised how his murder exposed the rot beneath Supe celebrity. Though dead, he remains a moral compass in flashbacks, and petitions for a ‘Payback: Supersonic Origins’ spinoff trend yearly.

Famous Quotes

"Fast isn’t just how I move — it’s how I live. No time for regrets, only rescues."

— The Boys S3E2

"You don’t gotta be a god to be a hero, kid. Just show up. On time. Every time."

— The Boys S3E3

"If you’re gonna fly, fly right. Or don’t fly at all."

— The Boys S3E7 (final words)

Hobbies

Collecting vintage sneakers, Karaoke (especially 80s power ballads)

Biography

Rise to Fame

Discovered by Vought in college track meets; marketed as ‘America’s Fastest Hero’ and placed in Payback.

Payback Glory Days

Star of cereal boxes, sneakers, and Saturday morning cartoons — the wholesome face of 80s superheroism.

Homelander’s Mentor

Assigned to guide the young Homelander; tried to instill ethics, unaware of the monster beneath the smile.

Brutal End

Murdered by Homelander in a jealous rage after a failed intervention — body launched into orbit as a warning.

Psychological Profile

Traumatic Events

  • Forced to ignore civilian casualties during Payback missions to preserve Vought’s image (Age 28)

    Developed suppressed guilt and performative optimism to cope with moral compromise.

Defense Mechanisms

  • Humor
  • Sublimation

Phobias

  • Being Forgotten: Seeing his merchandise replaced by Homelander’s

    Manifestation: Overcompensated with public appearances and louder heroics

Cultural Context

Ethnicity
African American
Social Class
Middle (pre-Vought), Transcendent (post-fame)
Religious Beliefs
Cultural Christianity, Heroic Humanism
Language Patterns

Dialect: American English, 80s Pop-Culture Slang

Catchphrases: Catch me if you can — but you won’t!, Fast enough to save your day, slow enough to sign your shirt!

Speech Patterns: Uses upbeat, rhythmic delivery — even in life-or-death situations.

Relationship Dynamics

  • Homelander

    Trust
    40%
    Type
    Mentor
    • Tried to calm Homelander after first public meltdown (Trust +20%)
    • Homelander overheard him questioning his stability (Trust -100%)

  • Soldier Boy

    Trust
    70%
    Type
    Teammate
    • Covered for Soldier Boy’s drunken rampages (Trust +30%)

  • Crimson Countess

    Trust
    85%
    Type
    Romantic
    • Secretly dated despite Vought’s ‘no inter-team romance’ policy (Trust +50%)

Notable Relationships

What was Supersonic’s relationship with Soldier Boy?

He admired Soldier Boy’s strength but quietly resented his arrogance — still, he remained loyal to the team.

Why did Homelander kill him?

Supersonic tried to counsel Homelander against violence; Homelander interpreted it as betrayal and executed him publicly.

How did his death impact Payback?

It shattered team morale and exposed Vought’s willingness to sacrifice heroes — leading to Payback’s eventual disbandment.

Images represent character appearances.

FAQ

Is Supersonic in the original comics?

No — he’s an original character created for the TV series to expand Payback’s lore and Homelander’s backstory.

How fast was Supersonic compared to Homelander?

Slightly faster in pure velocity, but Homelander’s heat vision and flight gave him tactical superiority in combat.

Why did Homelander kill him?

Supersonic represented the moral guidance Homelander rejected — killing him was both punishment and declaration of independence.

Will Supersonic appear in flashbacks again?

Likely — his death haunts Soldier Boy and Homelander, making him a pivotal ghost in the narrative.

Who played Supersonic?

Miles Gaston Villanueva portrayed him with infectious charm and heartbreaking vulnerability.

What’s the significance of his death scene?

It symbolizes the death of old-school heroism — replaced by Homelander’s narcissism and Vought’s ruthless pragmatism.

Supersonic Properties - Dashboard