Gold Boost has a reputation as “the greatest hero you've never heard of,” but despite his relative obscurity compared to giants like Superman and Batman, he's spearheaded many great stories over the years. He began as a solo hero and joined the founding cast of Justice League International, leading an improved new era for the classic team. Now, Booster Gold is joining James Gunn's DCU, finally putting this forgotten hero on the map.
With Booster Gold's DCU debut on the horizon, there are certain stories that should inform how he was written, as they encapsulate his essence more than any other. From his original travels to his tenure on different iterations of the Justice League, Booster Gold's decades-long history of superhero endeavors is filled with potential inspiration for his television adaptation. Here are 6 Booster Gold comics that DC should study closely for reference when bringing this underrated icon to life in live action.
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Gold Boost Marks the beginning of this hero's story
Creators: Dan Jurgens, Mike DeCarlo, Tom Ziuko and Agustin Más
Original by Dan Jurgens Gold Boost the 1985 series serves as the titular hero's introduction to DC lore. Spanning 25 issues, this original series chronicles the adventures of Michael Jon Carter, a former football star from the 25th century who traveled back in time after being caught up in a gambling scandal. In the 20th century, he uses his knowledge of the future to become the superhero Booster Gold in search of new fame.
These early stories feature Booster as he conducts his ambitious get-rich-quick scheme, including his first stunt where he saves Ronald Reagan's life and earns his hero's name. Accompanied by his robot companion Skeets and aided by various artifacts that allow him to feign superpowers – including his Legion of Super-Heroes flight ring – Booster Gold's first comic lays the groundwork for him to become the lovable – if sometimes misguided – icon he is today.
Creators: Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis, Kevin Maguire, Al Gordon, Gene D'Angelo and Bob Lappan
Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire Justice League International assembles an unlikely team of heroes to lead DC's flagship team. When most think of the Justice League, they tend to imagine the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman at the forefront. That is, until this revamped roster flipped the script on what the Justice League could be. Maxwell Lord brings together this ragtag lineup of underdogs, with Booster Gold at the center.
Booster Gold may have debuted in his solo series, but his role in Justice League International is an iconic part of his story that has defined his legacy to this day. It is on this team that Booster meets Ted Kord's Blue Beetle, who becomes his best friend and closest ally. Booster Gold reuniting the Justice League International in live action would be a perfect return to this cult classic roster.
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Booster Gold: 52 pickups Transform this underrated icon into a master of time
Creators: Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, Dan Jurgens, Norm Rapmund, Hi-Fi and Rob Leigh
Dan Jurgens returns alongside Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz for Booster Gold's second solo series. In the aftermath of 52 Event, he struggles with Blue Beetle's untimely death while becoming a time-traveling hero. Booster Gold is recruited by Rip Hunter – with whom he may have a secret connection – to traverse the DC Universe timeline and prevent the elimination of all superheroes.
Along the way, Booster Gold is joined by his own supporting cast outside of the Justice League. Among these colorful characters is his sister, Michelle, who also goes by the hero name Goldstar. With Goldstar and Rip Hunter helping him, Booster leaps through time and space to keep time flowing as it should. The DCU would be remiss not to include Booster Gold's time travel feats in its vision of the character.
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Justice League: Lost Generation Gather Booster Gold with your allies
Creators: Keith Giffen, Judd Winick, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Hi-Fi, Sal Cipriano
Giffen, Winick and Lopresti bring Booster Gold back to the main DC team in Justice League: Lost Generation. Years after the disbandment of Justice League International, a mysterious enemy begins attacking them, and they must join forces again if they want to save themselves and their former teammates. It turns out that the mastermind is none other than Maxwell Lord, and only Booster and his fellow JLI heroes remember that he existed.
Although modern stories tend to treat Justice League International as a joke due to the team's comedic habits, Lost Generation instead, it treats them – and Booster, by extension – with refreshing sincerity.. Booster's fight with Maxwell Lord shows his emotional maturity as he faces the man who took his best friend from him. Booster Gold was reduced to a joke again in the years following this comic, so DC should learn from his portrayal here.
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Blue and Gold Highlights Booster Gold's greatest friendship
Creators: Dan Jurgens, Ryan Sook and Rob Leigh
Dan Jurgens and Ryan Sook tackle DC's fan-favorite bromance in this Blue and Gold miniseries, starring Booster Gold and Blue Beetle. Ted may have been killed off in pre-Crisis continuity, but he's since been resurrected post-Flashpoint, and is back and better than ever alongside Booster in this hilarious story. Booster Gold returns to his roots in search of glory by becoming an online influencer with his best friend.
No depiction of Booster Gold in comics, television, or otherwise would be complete without emphasizing the importance of his bond with the Blue Beetle. The two friends are nearly inseparable throughout their stories, with a friendship strong enough to last even after the Blue Beetle's initial death. If the DCU plans to integrate Booster in the near future, Ted Kord's Blue Beetle shouldn't be far behind. DC All In Special #1 Kicks Off Booster's Next Adventure
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DC everything special #1 Makes Booster Gold DC's Most Important Hero
Creators: Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Alejandro Sánchez and Steve Wands
DC everything special #1 is an ambitious flip-book that kicks off the All In era of the DC Universe with a bang, and Booster Gold plays a prominent role in the story “Alpha” by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, and Daniel Sampere. As the Justice League reunites after a long hiatus, Superman recruits Booster Gold to finally join the team's ranks in what should be a cathartic moment. Instead, however, Booster feels a foreboding.
Booster Gold's fears come to fruition when Darkseid attacks, and through his shocking death, he spawns a new universe that changes the trajectory of DC's future. Booster decides to visit this universe on behalf of the Justice League, and is then trapped there while the continuity's main heroes forget his existence. Gold Boost was officially set to be more important than ever, just in time for his DCU debut.