What do you think?
Rate this book
Booster Gold (2007)
Booster Gold, Vol. 1: 52 Pick-Up
Booster Gold, the time-traveling super-hero from tomorrow, is back, and now that someone is exploiting the ravaged time stream in hopes of eliminating the world's greatest heroes, only Booster can stop them. Collecting BOOSTER GOLD #1-6 and the origin story from 52 #24!
160 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2008
55 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,718 books2,408 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 22, 2024
I love Booster Gold.
And when I tell people that, I usually get some funny looks. But it's true! And this title is what made me a fan. My love affair started with The OMAC Project project, but 52 Pick-up kinda solidified my feelings.
The gist is that Booster is a newly reformed self-serving glory hound who has only recently gained a smidge of respect from some of the members of the Justice League. Just when it looks like all his dreams are finally within reach, he finds out that he is destined to be The Greatest Hero The World Has Never Known. In order to save the Justice League (and preserve the timeline), he's going to have to make sure history thinks he's just a harmless bumbling idiot.
Rip Hunter is a mysterious time-traveling figure who wants Booster to work with him to fix all the problems that Mister Mind's recent rampage has caused. Earth's timeline is spotted with newly malleable moments and Rip is afraid that, left unchecked, villains could change history to their advantage.
Because he has to continue to act like a grandstanding fool, Booster isn't exactly excited to help Rip. But he eventually agrees with the condition that Rip allows him to go back and save Ted Kord (Blue Beetle) from Maxwell Lord. Rip warns him it can't be done, which leads to a really heartbreaking story about Booster trying to save Barbara Gordon from the Joker's bullet.
Will that stop Booster from saving his friend?
Only time will tell...
Great story about a C-list character that flies under the radar.
Recommended!
And when I tell people that, I usually get some funny looks. But it's true! And this title is what made me a fan. My love affair started with The OMAC Project project, but 52 Pick-up kinda solidified my feelings.
The gist is that Booster is a newly reformed self-serving glory hound who has only recently gained a smidge of respect from some of the members of the Justice League. Just when it looks like all his dreams are finally within reach, he finds out that he is destined to be The Greatest Hero The World Has Never Known. In order to save the Justice League (and preserve the timeline), he's going to have to make sure history thinks he's just a harmless bumbling idiot.
Rip Hunter is a mysterious time-traveling figure who wants Booster to work with him to fix all the problems that Mister Mind's recent rampage has caused. Earth's timeline is spotted with newly malleable moments and Rip is afraid that, left unchecked, villains could change history to their advantage.
Because he has to continue to act like a grandstanding fool, Booster isn't exactly excited to help Rip. But he eventually agrees with the condition that Rip allows him to go back and save Ted Kord (Blue Beetle) from Maxwell Lord. Rip warns him it can't be done, which leads to a really heartbreaking story about Booster trying to save Barbara Gordon from the Joker's bullet.
Will that stop Booster from saving his friend?
Only time will tell...
Great story about a C-list character that flies under the radar.
Recommended!
December 29, 2025
"Michael, what are you doing?" -- Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne
"Living 'down' to expectations. See ya, Bruce." -- Booster Gold, a.k.a. Michael Jon Carter
One of those rare costumed superheroes who did not debut during the Golden / Silver / Bronze ages (1938 to 1985) of comic books - he premiered in early 1986 - the character Booster Gold broke with convention by being a protagonist who intentionally sought publicity with his good deeds. (*That is something you'd never catch Superman, Wonder Woman, or Batman doing even on their worst day.) On the basis of this initial volume, which began in 2007, I'm not sure how long I may stick with this series. While Booster's repartee with his flying pocket-sized robot sidekick was sometimes amusing - as was his drinking contest with guest star Jonah Hex (featuring Booster in a cowboy disguise . . . that unfortunately resembles the outfit of Woody from the cinematic Toy Story adventures) - the time travel / changing outcomes storyline was a bit of a murky drag, and did not always generate the necessary suspense. Cameo appearances by members of the Justice League helped things, but only so much to push the book kicking and screaming into merely 'good' territory.
"Living 'down' to expectations. See ya, Bruce." -- Booster Gold, a.k.a. Michael Jon Carter
One of those rare costumed superheroes who did not debut during the Golden / Silver / Bronze ages (1938 to 1985) of comic books - he premiered in early 1986 - the character Booster Gold broke with convention by being a protagonist who intentionally sought publicity with his good deeds. (*That is something you'd never catch Superman, Wonder Woman, or Batman doing even on their worst day.) On the basis of this initial volume, which began in 2007, I'm not sure how long I may stick with this series. While Booster's repartee with his flying pocket-sized robot sidekick was sometimes amusing - as was his drinking contest with guest star Jonah Hex (featuring Booster in a cowboy disguise . . . that unfortunately resembles the outfit of Woody from the cinematic Toy Story adventures) - the time travel / changing outcomes storyline was a bit of a murky drag, and did not always generate the necessary suspense. Cameo appearances by members of the Justice League helped things, but only so much to push the book kicking and screaming into merely 'good' territory.
January 11, 2018
Oh Michael you are fun!
World: Dan Jurgens art, yes please! The world building is fantastic cause it builds on 52 and allows the entire DCU to be the playground for Booster which is a smart thing that Johns did. The time travel aspects of this world is also great, I can see how Legends of Tomorrow took this premise cause it allows for so much exploration and fun.
Story: Paced well and truly hilarious in a way that's not forcing the reader to laugh but rather enjoy and be amised organically. The premise allows for the multiple cameos which was fun, it really harkens back to the 90s one and done issues. Then there is the beautiful larger arc of Booster and his quest for Ted. That single beautiful gut punch of an issue with Babs was brilliant and Michael is so much more than what first appears. Beautiful stuff.
Characters: Booster is complex and we finally get that from Johns. I like this added layer to the character and his arc is beautiful, especially the Babs issue. The cast of cameos and characters was also great and was great fun. Rex and Rip and all the time characters are solid and offer a good platform for the story to happen.
Fun fun fun.
Onward to the next book!
World: Dan Jurgens art, yes please! The world building is fantastic cause it builds on 52 and allows the entire DCU to be the playground for Booster which is a smart thing that Johns did. The time travel aspects of this world is also great, I can see how Legends of Tomorrow took this premise cause it allows for so much exploration and fun.
Story: Paced well and truly hilarious in a way that's not forcing the reader to laugh but rather enjoy and be amised organically. The premise allows for the multiple cameos which was fun, it really harkens back to the 90s one and done issues. Then there is the beautiful larger arc of Booster and his quest for Ted. That single beautiful gut punch of an issue with Babs was brilliant and Michael is so much more than what first appears. Beautiful stuff.
Characters: Booster is complex and we finally get that from Johns. I like this added layer to the character and his arc is beautiful, especially the Babs issue. The cast of cameos and characters was also great and was great fun. Rex and Rip and all the time characters are solid and offer a good platform for the story to happen.
Fun fun fun.
Onward to the next book!
March 4, 2018
I've been hearing I really have to pick this up so I finally did. Any good? Let's talk about it.
Booster Gold is a royal fuck up. Like, he's a cool guy, but he's also kind of a asshole and plays too much. Ever since we lost Ted though Booster trying to be better. He trying to take his superhero role a bit more serious. On top of that he gets a chance to visit very big moments in other heroes lives and try to change it for the better or fix things. Usually he can, sometimes not so lucky, but this is now his life.
Good: I enjoyed the start, it was campy fun and joyful superhero time. I also liked the Barbara issue a lot, a good lesson to teach someone like Booster. How great is Skeet? Funny little asshole robot worth the lolz.
Bad: The time jumping stuff can get a little too much. I also thought the whole father twist stuff was just a tad boring. Really issue 3-4 were issues with the idea and pacing for me.
Overall pretty fun little comic. I can see why he has such a cult following. I'll def be trying the next volume out hoping it stays entertaining.
Booster Gold is a royal fuck up. Like, he's a cool guy, but he's also kind of a asshole and plays too much. Ever since we lost Ted though Booster trying to be better. He trying to take his superhero role a bit more serious. On top of that he gets a chance to visit very big moments in other heroes lives and try to change it for the better or fix things. Usually he can, sometimes not so lucky, but this is now his life.
Good: I enjoyed the start, it was campy fun and joyful superhero time. I also liked the Barbara issue a lot, a good lesson to teach someone like Booster. How great is Skeet? Funny little asshole robot worth the lolz.
Bad: The time jumping stuff can get a little too much. I also thought the whole father twist stuff was just a tad boring. Really issue 3-4 were issues with the idea and pacing for me.
Overall pretty fun little comic. I can see why he has such a cult following. I'll def be trying the next volume out hoping it stays entertaining.
April 29, 2023
In the aftermath of 52, Booster Gold and Rip Hunter work to save the Justice League from being erased from existence...
52 brought me back into comics after some time off and I was ready for more Booster Gold when the event wrapped. I bought the first couple years of Booster Gold as it was coming out and was thinking about digging the individual issues out of the totes when I saw they were reprinted the trade. Here we are.
I think one of the reasons I liked this so much when it was coming out is that the issues have a pacing more akin to Bronze Age comics. There's no decompression and maybe a little compression. Lots of stuff happens. Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund supply the art and Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz handle the writing chores.
Like I said, each issue is satisfying on its own. Booster and Rip try to fix time anomalies as best they can. Booster talks Sinestro into leaving earth, drinks whiskey with Jonah Hex, and has a heart to heart with Guy Gardner, among other things, all with an eye toward bringing Ted Kord back.
Dan Jurgens on art could easily have felt like a throwback but Norm Rapmund's inks give his pencils a more contemporary look. I'm not a huge Geoff Johns fan but the guy knows how to pace a monthly super hero book. I don't think he'll ever write something the level of Watchmen or Daredevil: Born Again but he's a cut above most monthly super hero writers at this time.
The Booster Gold doing Quantum Leap concept works as well now as it did when it was new. Four out of 5 stars.
52 brought me back into comics after some time off and I was ready for more Booster Gold when the event wrapped. I bought the first couple years of Booster Gold as it was coming out and was thinking about digging the individual issues out of the totes when I saw they were reprinted the trade. Here we are.
I think one of the reasons I liked this so much when it was coming out is that the issues have a pacing more akin to Bronze Age comics. There's no decompression and maybe a little compression. Lots of stuff happens. Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund supply the art and Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz handle the writing chores.
Like I said, each issue is satisfying on its own. Booster and Rip try to fix time anomalies as best they can. Booster talks Sinestro into leaving earth, drinks whiskey with Jonah Hex, and has a heart to heart with Guy Gardner, among other things, all with an eye toward bringing Ted Kord back.
Dan Jurgens on art could easily have felt like a throwback but Norm Rapmund's inks give his pencils a more contemporary look. I'm not a huge Geoff Johns fan but the guy knows how to pace a monthly super hero book. I don't think he'll ever write something the level of Watchmen or Daredevil: Born Again but he's a cut above most monthly super hero writers at this time.
The Booster Gold doing Quantum Leap concept works as well now as it did when it was new. Four out of 5 stars.
November 20, 2016
This was pretty heavy on the time travel. Booster Gold is alright, but I felt biased towards Rip Hunter just because of the show Legends of Tomorrow. The artwork was good and the plot was fine, but I still don't feel any particular way about Booster Gold.
December 14, 2019
Once again Geoff Johns does not disappoint. I was introduced to the character of Booster Gold through the Justice League animated cartoon series. The character was an instant hit for me. The more I investigated the back history to the character the more I wanted to know. Booster is basically the idea of a superhero fan boy wanting to get in on the superhero action. I like the idea that some ordinary guy in the DC universe future who decides to use the technology of his time to come to our present to make himself a superhero. Johns just clearly understands the hero's journey. His take on Booster Gold is just timeless. (No pun intended). Basically Booster Gold finds himself trying to heal from the death of his close friend Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle, see Infinite Crisis. Despite this growing pain in Booster's heart he is recruited by time traveling Time master, Rip Hunter, to go back in the DC universes history and stop an enemy from alternating the Justice League's history. Booster is face with a choice to give up his drive for fame and become an agent/protector of the time stream while remaining the fool of superhero history. Geoff Johns really drives home the real reasons someone becomes a hero. There is plenty of humor and great pacing in this book. The DC comics fan will find a lot of great highlights from the history of DC comics. The artwork is not bad as well. I am definitely going to hunt down more stories featuring Bosster Gold.
April 22, 2022
Pretty fun stuff for Booster in this volume. The humor isn't corny and mostly focuses on Booster pretending to be a moron.
There are also some fun cameos from the DC universe, and I love seeing a multigenerational Blue Beetle team-up.
There are also some fun cameos from the DC universe, and I love seeing a multigenerational Blue Beetle team-up.
December 30, 2012
Great "pick-up" after the 52 storyline. Also is a great example of what DC does best, focusing on lower grade heroes and making us care for them and like them as much as the higher grade heroes. This story takes probably the most selfish hero in comics and turns him into one of the more selfless ones. As you read through the story, you can see the transformation and character development that is taking place within Booster as he exchanges his own self interests and what he believes he is entitled to as a hero. Though the transformation isn't complete in this volume, you'll have to read on to get the big spoiler, which I wont reveal here. But, I know what that spoiler is and knowing it really does enhance my experience watching the scene and dialogue that unfold between the characters. I also really enjoyed the tid-bits of information to other super hero origin stories and how in fact their origins to becoming superheroes is dependent on the actions of the time traveling Booster, but they will never know that. Hal Jordan will never know why he was chosen, first, instead of Guy Gardner. All in all, this title leads you through an evening that is spent where you can't put down the book. And also leads into anticipation on what will happen next.
August 14, 2025
This was my first experience reading a Booster Gold comic. It’s a generic, episodic time travel tale: jump to an era, protect someone from threats, preserve the timeline. Constant shifts hinder emotional connections with the characters. The pacing picks up from chapter 4 to the end with some intriguing moments. It seems aimed at veteran DC fans, not newcomers like me.
February 1, 2024
Realistically I know there's no way saving Ted actually works out but I'm choosing to believe it will.
Side note: why are my favorites always the ones that die?
Side note: why are my favorites always the ones that die?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2012
Booster Gold is a washed up football player from the future. He had visions of being rich and famous but got caught throwing games for cash. Only able to get work as a museum guard Booster decides to steel future tech and travel to the past to strike it rich as a superhero. A laugh to most everyone Booster was a joke, until he became entangled in a dangerous mission with time traveling guardians. Now Booster is on a secret mission to protect all of time from those who have the power to bend it to their own will. No one can know that he is the greatest hero we will never hear of.
Johns and Jeff Katz do an amazing job of capturing the humor and seriousness of Boosters life at this time. Booster wants to be taken serious and Johns shows us how booster is both a changed man and conflicted over his own changes.
The art is by Dan Jurgens which is brilliant as he is the creator of Booster Gold. It is easy to see that Jurgens love for the character is lived out in the detail he gives to the work. Some of his best work.
This is the type of story that shows the extremes of superhero craziness as well as the depths of its emotions.
Johns and Jeff Katz do an amazing job of capturing the humor and seriousness of Boosters life at this time. Booster wants to be taken serious and Johns shows us how booster is both a changed man and conflicted over his own changes.
The art is by Dan Jurgens which is brilliant as he is the creator of Booster Gold. It is easy to see that Jurgens love for the character is lived out in the detail he gives to the work. Some of his best work.
This is the type of story that shows the extremes of superhero craziness as well as the depths of its emotions.
March 26, 2013
I really enjoyed reading Booster Gold in 52, so I was happy to get to read this. Luckily, it is a fun book. Booster has been tapped to help Rip Hunter repair errors in the time stream. By the time the book has come to an end, there's been a big shift in the plot, and there are still plenty of questions left unanswered. I'd be more eager to keep reading, but I'm uneasy about the direction the story has taken. Special kudos goes to the issue where Rip Hunter sets Booster to try to prevent the attack that left Barbara Gordon paralyzed (brutal, but effective) and to Dan Jurgens's art all around.
May 21, 2016
More of a 3.5, but I'm rounding up on this one. Really my only problem is that it piggybacks directly off of Infinite Crisis and 52, both of which I've never read before. Now I have plans to eventually read both of them. I really liked Booster Gold, just the right amount of jerk to hero ratio, and just the idea behind him is a cool concept.
June 28, 2023
After the events of 52, Booster Gold is on the "road" with Rip Hunter stopping anomalies throughout time that will change history. But he can't tell anyone he saved the day, so he plays dumb. He is the greatest hero you'll never know.
Oh, and he is promised after saving a few events, that his best friend Ted Kord (the Blue Beetle) will be saved from death after the work is done. So, knowing he has the chance to stop his best friend from getting murdered, that serves as his motivation for venturing through time, saving the timeline.
This was really fun. Each issue (while they do connect), focuses on a different adventure through time, to stop a villain from attempting to either kill or prevent a future Justice League member from existing. It's real fun stuff and I look forward to reading volume two.
Oh, and he is promised after saving a few events, that his best friend Ted Kord (the Blue Beetle) will be saved from death after the work is done. So, knowing he has the chance to stop his best friend from getting murdered, that serves as his motivation for venturing through time, saving the timeline.
This was really fun. Each issue (while they do connect), focuses on a different adventure through time, to stop a villain from attempting to either kill or prevent a future Justice League member from existing. It's real fun stuff and I look forward to reading volume two.
May 20, 2023
After reading this, I see why James Gunn wants him in his universe.
First time reading Booster Gold, but I'm intrigued and want more. Genuinely funny character with some heart wrenching moments throughout. That Batgirl issue is probably a 5 star issue to be honest, god that's painful. Every moment where Michael talks about Ted is powerful and shows what friendship is about.
Skeets is to die for.
First time reading Booster Gold, but I'm intrigued and want more. Genuinely funny character with some heart wrenching moments throughout. That Batgirl issue is probably a 5 star issue to be honest, god that's painful. Every moment where Michael talks about Ted is powerful and shows what friendship is about.
Skeets is to die for.
May 3, 2023
[3.5/5]
This was a fun book. I like the idea of Booster Gold and the moral dilemmas of being him. I think some of the stories are really good while others are just meh. If anything I’m excited for the TV show.
This was a fun book. I like the idea of Booster Gold and the moral dilemmas of being him. I think some of the stories are really good while others are just meh. If anything I’m excited for the TV show.
January 29, 2025
Can DC let Ted and Booster be officially gay for each other already GOD
Anyway I love booster gold and I love this volume so much 10/10 read
Anyway I love booster gold and I love this volume so much 10/10 read
September 18, 2025
yar har har
March 28, 2024
It made me want to read more DC comics but not any Booster Gold ones
July 11, 2008
Booster Gold, the self-serving, product-endorsing superhero, is recast post- 52 as the guardian of the timestream, along with his sarcastic robot Skeets and bearded mentor Rip Hunter. Booster now jumps through time saving the time stream (and other superheroes' continuity) from other Sons of Doc Brown.
Booster Gold's never been a hero I've cared about, but, like always, Geoff Johns makes him interesting by emphasizing his history and his family. The makeover that started in 52 is complete!
Booster's individual adventures, which have him running into the silver-age Flash, Killing Joke-age Joker, Jonah Hex, and several ages of Blue Beetles, all draw on classic DC universe moments, but are still entertaining and not too jokey.
Booster Gold creator Dan Jurgens draws the book... I'm kind of surprised he took the gig. His star has fallen a bit at DC (he was the guy who masterminded Superman's death), but his art is fine and generic.
Booster Gold's never been a hero I've cared about, but, like always, Geoff Johns makes him interesting by emphasizing his history and his family. The makeover that started in 52 is complete!
Booster's individual adventures, which have him running into the silver-age Flash, Killing Joke-age Joker, Jonah Hex, and several ages of Blue Beetles, all draw on classic DC universe moments, but are still entertaining and not too jokey.
Booster Gold creator Dan Jurgens draws the book... I'm kind of surprised he took the gig. His star has fallen a bit at DC (he was the guy who masterminded Superman's death), but his art is fine and generic.
March 31, 2019
I love anything related to time travel. I also love Booster Gold, even though I haven’t really read much with him, but he’s always a highlight to me whenever I see him in anything. His interactions with any other characters are usually a lot of fun. His interactions with Skeets are the best though!
It’s interesting to see what the consequences are when something in the past is changed or no matter how hard they try to change something the output is still the same. This story was fine. It involved two big event that has happened in DC comics (I’m assuming Ted Kord’s event was big back when it happened). It was entertaining with some pretty good humour and good artwork. I have actually read the following volume (and another one of the later volumes) a good while, but I would love to find the whole run and read it all over.
I enjoyed this and I hope we can get more of him in the future because we all need more Booster Gold in our lives!
It’s interesting to see what the consequences are when something in the past is changed or no matter how hard they try to change something the output is still the same. This story was fine. It involved two big event that has happened in DC comics (I’m assuming Ted Kord’s event was big back when it happened). It was entertaining with some pretty good humour and good artwork. I have actually read the following volume (and another one of the later volumes) a good while, but I would love to find the whole run and read it all over.
I enjoyed this and I hope we can get more of him in the future because we all need more Booster Gold in our lives!
December 10, 2009
Super heroes and time travel! The Reece's peanut butter cup of cool comic book ideas.
Booster Gold, one of the few that came out of the '52' series fixed and better than he had been, is now working with time traveler, Rip Hunter ( who has been fixed up into DC's Doctor Who') to fix all damage done to the time line up the constant messing with the fabric of reality from recent big event stories.
So, they go bouncing around DC comics history, trying to set things straight, or at least not cause more damage.
Couple nice stand alone stories, as well as the set up for an evil version of Booster, who is dedicated to messing with time more.
Nice blend of sci-fi and super heroes, with a bunch of assorted guest stars from DC history.
Booster Gold, one of the few that came out of the '52' series fixed and better than he had been, is now working with time traveler, Rip Hunter ( who has been fixed up into DC's Doctor Who') to fix all damage done to the time line up the constant messing with the fabric of reality from recent big event stories.
So, they go bouncing around DC comics history, trying to set things straight, or at least not cause more damage.
Couple nice stand alone stories, as well as the set up for an evil version of Booster, who is dedicated to messing with time more.
Nice blend of sci-fi and super heroes, with a bunch of assorted guest stars from DC history.
July 6, 2016
Geoff Johns is hands down one of the best comic writers out there. I had recently read the rebirth and he has set the DC nation back in line. Booster Gold is a character I know little about but have came across him during the TV series Smallville. This had incricate stories and characters moving through the issues. Johns can write for any character and he gets them so well. This book rocks and is fun to read without dragging the story out. The book is part of a series I'm eager to finish.
October 21, 2016
First time reading something about Booster Gold and I loves it.
I didn't expect to see Blue Bettle on this one but he only made the story better.
I didn't expect to see Blue Bettle on this one but he only made the story better.
October 29, 2018
(*This volume should be read with Volume 2!!! Arc continues and ends there)
Jumping on point?: Yes. No deep backstory needed to read.
Review: Booster Gold, in his own series. 'Nuff said.
But if you need more, this is the first volume of Booster's adventures. Booster Gold (Michael Carter) is a washout from the 25th century who had the bright idea to travel back in time and become a hero- with the advantage of historical records to tell him how to be in the right place at the right time. He wasn't against earning a little money doing it either...
But Booster's changed a bit since then, and he's lost a lot. He's had his best friend and his sister die, and he's grown a lot. He even saved the universe (not that anyone believes him). But when Rip Hunter, the Time Master, offers him a job protecting the world's greatest heroes from being written out of existence by evil time travelers, he's willing to take on the task, even if it means that everyone, for all of time, will think that he's the same goofy gloryhound he used to be.
But it's not easy, and Booster asks for a price: the chance to go back and save his best friend. He gets this chance, but soon sees the costs of changing the past, even to get the things you want...
This volume is great- I just love Booster, and seeing his development here is great. He's just such a great hero... I mean, every hero risks life and limb for others, but at least they get some thanks for it, or even just respect from their peers. But Booster has to have everyone thinking of him as an idiot just so he can be effective (I mean, otherwise the evil time-travelers could just erase him from history.) He's got no one but Rip and his robot Skeets. Life must suck! So you can empathize with his desire to save at least one person that means something to him.
Just awesome. He is the best!
Jumping on point?: Yes. No deep backstory needed to read.
Review: Booster Gold, in his own series. 'Nuff said.
But if you need more, this is the first volume of Booster's adventures. Booster Gold (Michael Carter) is a washout from the 25th century who had the bright idea to travel back in time and become a hero- with the advantage of historical records to tell him how to be in the right place at the right time. He wasn't against earning a little money doing it either...
But Booster's changed a bit since then, and he's lost a lot. He's had his best friend and his sister die, and he's grown a lot. He even saved the universe (not that anyone believes him). But when Rip Hunter, the Time Master, offers him a job protecting the world's greatest heroes from being written out of existence by evil time travelers, he's willing to take on the task, even if it means that everyone, for all of time, will think that he's the same goofy gloryhound he used to be.
But it's not easy, and Booster asks for a price: the chance to go back and save his best friend. He gets this chance, but soon sees the costs of changing the past, even to get the things you want...
This volume is great- I just love Booster, and seeing his development here is great. He's just such a great hero... I mean, every hero risks life and limb for others, but at least they get some thanks for it, or even just respect from their peers. But Booster has to have everyone thinking of him as an idiot just so he can be effective (I mean, otherwise the evil time-travelers could just erase him from history.) He's got no one but Rip and his robot Skeets. Life must suck! So you can empathize with his desire to save at least one person that means something to him.
Just awesome. He is the best!
March 31, 2018
Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who isn't hopelessly in love with Geoff Johns. What I've read of his stuff thus far is horribly inconsistent.
Green Lantern was shallow fan-wank.
Aquaman was...surprisingly delightful.
Booster Gold is...ok? I mean, it seems like this is something more beneficial to long time DC readers and not so much people like myself who are looking into possible gateways to new titles to read. Aside from that, it's also very sloppily written...
So, yeah...it's ok I guess? Not really a good jumping on point for new readers in my opinion, but long time DC fans would probably get more out of it.
Green Lantern was shallow fan-wank.
Aquaman was...surprisingly delightful.
Booster Gold is...ok? I mean, it seems like this is something more beneficial to long time DC readers and not so much people like myself who are looking into possible gateways to new titles to read. Aside from that, it's also very sloppily written...
So, yeah...it's ok I guess? Not really a good jumping on point for new readers in my opinion, but long time DC fans would probably get more out of it.
June 28, 2023
It's been a few years since I read 52 but I was familiar enough that it wasn't too jarring to read this years later. It picks up in the wake of 52 and Infinite Crisis where Booster Gold, the self-made hero from the future who's kind of a doofus but whose heart is in the right place, has lost his best friend Ted Kord and is trying to get back in the Justice League. Then he's dragooned by Rip Hunter, Time Master, to help stop someone(s) trying to destroy the Justice League's greatest heroes.
When I watched Deadpool 2 I asked, "Who would you trust less with a time machine than Deadpool?" Booster Gold would probably make that list. Fortunately for the universe, Rip Hunter is overseeing his travels so when he goes back a few years and to the Old West, it doesn't destroy all of history. There are actually a few poignant moments near the end as Booster goes back to stop Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) from being paralyzed and is supposed to learn an important lesson. And then tries to save Ted with help from other Blue Beetles.
It's mostly fun with a few touching moments. The character of Booster really comes through as someone who is a screw-up but not the doofus people think he is. He really does want to be good and help people, but his methods to do so while well-intentioned aren't always the best. And his sense of loss for Ted is palpable.
The art is typical for DC in the 2000s. It's not super-realistic but not crummy sketches either. All-in-all it's a decent story, though I don't know how much is still canon after Final Crisis, Flashpoint, Rebirth, Dark Crisis, and whatever. Maybe none of it. Still, it's a good read before the TV show gets made.
When I watched Deadpool 2 I asked, "Who would you trust less with a time machine than Deadpool?" Booster Gold would probably make that list. Fortunately for the universe, Rip Hunter is overseeing his travels so when he goes back a few years and to the Old West, it doesn't destroy all of history. There are actually a few poignant moments near the end as Booster goes back to stop Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) from being paralyzed and is supposed to learn an important lesson. And then tries to save Ted with help from other Blue Beetles.
It's mostly fun with a few touching moments. The character of Booster really comes through as someone who is a screw-up but not the doofus people think he is. He really does want to be good and help people, but his methods to do so while well-intentioned aren't always the best. And his sense of loss for Ted is palpable.
The art is typical for DC in the 2000s. It's not super-realistic but not crummy sketches either. All-in-all it's a decent story, though I don't know how much is still canon after Final Crisis, Flashpoint, Rebirth, Dark Crisis, and whatever. Maybe none of it. Still, it's a good read before the TV show gets made.
September 6, 2025
“You’ll go down in history as an ineffectual and incompetent fraud when in reality you’ll be the greatest hero history has never known”
I LOVE BOOSTER GOLD!!! Might be the recency bias with all the edits of him popping out now, but this read solidifies him in my top 4. Can’t decide if I love him more than Superman but he’s definitely up there close to Nightwing and Batman.
His motivations and story is so unique: A “failure” from the future going back to the past to become a hero for the fame—to growing as a character, sacrificing a position in the Justice League to save his friends despite them ever knowing. This comic is a great introduction to the character. I have yet to read up on his classic tales but the way his origin story is laid out here hooked me in. Never got lost in the story due to the context that was written-in seamlessly.
Booster (and skeets) is also really FUNNY. It’s not even the forced/awkward type of humor. This has to be one of the funniest comics I’ve read so far (could be because of the library I have right now). While there were many funny moments in this read, the tragic themes hit hard when they came.
I wish I owned more Booster Gold comics. Here’s to adding more to the DC backlog soon!
I LOVE BOOSTER GOLD!!! Might be the recency bias with all the edits of him popping out now, but this read solidifies him in my top 4. Can’t decide if I love him more than Superman but he’s definitely up there close to Nightwing and Batman.
His motivations and story is so unique: A “failure” from the future going back to the past to become a hero for the fame—to growing as a character, sacrificing a position in the Justice League to save his friends despite them ever knowing. This comic is a great introduction to the character. I have yet to read up on his classic tales but the way his origin story is laid out here hooked me in. Never got lost in the story due to the context that was written-in seamlessly.
Booster (and skeets) is also really FUNNY. It’s not even the forced/awkward type of humor. This has to be one of the funniest comics I’ve read so far (could be because of the library I have right now). While there were many funny moments in this read, the tragic themes hit hard when they came.
I wish I owned more Booster Gold comics. Here’s to adding more to the DC backlog soon!
Read
April 7, 2021I didn’t care for Booster Gold before 52 but warmed up to him by the end. This follows the events of 52, with Rip Hunter tapping Booster to fix errors in the time stream. Each issue more or less focuses on a different character/event - Sinestro, Jonah Hex, Flash, Barbara Gordon - leading to Booster preventing Ted Kord’s death in the last issue. I have mixed feelings about this. Blue Beetle’s death was a major, weighty event and Booster’s desperate need to bring him back to life invalidates that. The next volume promises a team-up with Booster and the newly alive Ted; I’m guessing it’ll end with Ted going back to being dead and Booster learning acceptance.
Beyond that, this book is pretty fun. There’s sometimes too much text but the story moves along well enough, with plenty of timey-wimey shenanigans. Dan Jurgens’ art is great as always. It’s nice to see him return to the character he created.
Beyond that, this book is pretty fun. There’s sometimes too much text but the story moves along well enough, with plenty of timey-wimey shenanigans. Dan Jurgens’ art is great as always. It’s nice to see him return to the character he created.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews