His superior Madelyn Stillwell, who has been sexually abusing and manipulating him, warns him of Black Noir, the "Homelander before Homelander", claiming that he will seek every opportunity to destroy him.[10][11] Assigned to tackle a hostage situation at a chemical plant ahead of Noir as his first mission as a superhero, Homelander attempts to peacefully resolve things before accidentally killing several hostages and eco-terrorists after lasering one of the latter's guns. After Black Noir arrives on the scene, Homelander attempts to explain his actions before resolving to kill Noir to cover up his actions. However, after Noir tricks Homelander into blowing up the compound, he gains his trust by mercy killing the last witness to Homelander's murders in its aftermath, and writes him an excusatory speech to provide to the press outside, claiming the eco-terrorists had a bomb.