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Showcase Presents #46
Showcase Presents: Booster Gold, Vol. 1
Over 500 pages of classic adventures are included in this value-priced volume!
From the distant future comes Booster Gold, one of the heroes of 52, in this massive graphic that collects his 1980s solo series. This former football star comes to our era accompanied by his computerized companion Skeets, aiming to use Skeets' knowledge of history to make himself famous and wealthy. But Booster's motives ultimately make him a hero.
This volume features appearances by Superman, the Justice League of America and more heroes.
624 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2008
10 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Dan Jurgens
2,245 books285 followersDan Jurgens is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday, Hank Henshaw, and Booster Gold. Jurgens had a lengthy run on the Superman comic books including The Adventures of Superman, Superman vol. 2 and Action Comics. At Marvel, Jurgens worked on series such as Captain America, The Sensational Spider-Man and was the writer on Thor for six years. He also had a brief run as writer and artist on Solar for Valiant Comics in 1995.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 23, 2024
Nice collection of this characters beginning adventures. Fun read. Recommended
December 10, 2013
While this comic book works better in color (Seriously, there's a two-parter based around a color-based villain, so reading it in black and white is a little ridiculous :) ) this collection is a great introduction to one of the more unique superheroes in DC's stable. He's faliable, self-centered and partly in the superheroing gig for the fun and the money. But he's also someone who genuinely does like to do good and has a pretty solid, if different from normal heroes', sense of right and wrong. He's brave, he's dedicated to his friends, and if he's a little too addicted to his Q rating, well, at least he's a lot of fun to watch while doing so. Definitely recommended if you like fun superhero action.
December 11, 2023
3.5 Stars
This seemed to be a labor of love for Dan Jurgens, who wrote and drew the entire series and created the character. Booster went on to be a major DC character, and these early stories were pretty interesting. Not as sophisticated as modern comics, but a fun read. (Although it did have dark moments as well.) Overall not a bad 80s series for an interesting character.
This seemed to be a labor of love for Dan Jurgens, who wrote and drew the entire series and created the character. Booster went on to be a major DC character, and these early stories were pretty interesting. Not as sophisticated as modern comics, but a fun read. (Although it did have dark moments as well.) Overall not a bad 80s series for an interesting character.
December 28, 2008
Occasionally, I tell myself that I need to branch out with my superheros. With an attempt to forget my blind teenaged loyalty to Image comics, I am a Marvel Comics boy through and through. I've made half-assed attempts at diving into DC titles; but every time I try, I'm confronted with decades' worth of ridiculously convoluted continuity spanning across countless parallel universes. However, unlike that found in the Marvel Universe, its continuity and backstory that I'm not really familiar with.
Yes, everyone knows the basic story behind Batman and Superman, but not many others within the DC Universe. So, when I ran across this Booster Gold collection -- which starts with Issue #1: the introduction of the character into the DC Universe -- I decided to give it a shot. I knew enough about the city of Metropolis (where Booster resides) to fake whatever I didn't know, and everything else would be filled in by artist/writer/creator Jurgens.
I'm glad I took the chance.
This was a solid title throughout -- art as well as writing. It got a bit tricky towards the end of the collection, once the title itself started taking part in company-wide crossovers and whatnot, but it was manageable. However, if the editors of this collection can include the corresponding issue of Action Comics that led into the Booster Gold clone storyarc, I don't understand why they couldn't include some of the corresponding Millenium cross-over issues to help fill in some of the gaps with that storyarc.
Oh well, I'll just dock them one star for that one.
[more forthcoming]
Yes, everyone knows the basic story behind Batman and Superman, but not many others within the DC Universe. So, when I ran across this Booster Gold collection -- which starts with Issue #1: the introduction of the character into the DC Universe -- I decided to give it a shot. I knew enough about the city of Metropolis (where Booster resides) to fake whatever I didn't know, and everything else would be filled in by artist/writer/creator Jurgens.
I'm glad I took the chance.
This was a solid title throughout -- art as well as writing. It got a bit tricky towards the end of the collection, once the title itself started taking part in company-wide crossovers and whatnot, but it was manageable. However, if the editors of this collection can include the corresponding issue of Action Comics that led into the Booster Gold clone storyarc, I don't understand why they couldn't include some of the corresponding Millenium cross-over issues to help fill in some of the gaps with that storyarc.
Oh well, I'll just dock them one star for that one.
[more forthcoming]
August 16, 2024
A masterpiece of its time!
Lots of more recent superhero media love tackling the idea of superheroes selling out. This book has them beat by decades! This book beautifully details a superhero doing just that or is he really? The amount of care with ego in Booster makes him fascinating to read!
Can't believe Dan Jurgens was writing and drawing all of this, what a magnificent brainchild this series is!!!
Honestly couldn't get enough, Dan Jurgens was firing on all cylinders to make this all time great!
Lots of more recent superhero media love tackling the idea of superheroes selling out. This book has them beat by decades! This book beautifully details a superhero doing just that or is he really? The amount of care with ego in Booster makes him fascinating to read!
Can't believe Dan Jurgens was writing and drawing all of this, what a magnificent brainchild this series is!!!
Honestly couldn't get enough, Dan Jurgens was firing on all cylinders to make this all time great!
March 27, 2018
Y'know, if they re-issued this series in a better format, I'd buy it again. It's not bad stuff. Jurgens has never been a strong writer, but he's a great idea man. If his dialogue has some clunky spots, he makes up for it with a great sense of pacing and plotting. A few of the twists are a little goofy - such as the Rainbow Raider (worst villain ever) a) blinding Booster, and then b) giving up the victory over Booster to save paintings from a fire in a museum. The twist followed the story's logic, but it was a weak, easy-to-see coming twist. Booster's sister Michelle was somewhat underdeveloped and I found her death underwhelming, and the final two issues seemed to be derailed by the Manhunter/Millennium crossover.
Otherwise, honestly, this was a fun series. I love the original high concept for Booster Gold, a superhero who takes endorsement deals and accepts the fame that comes with his public life. Jurgens does a good job balancing Booster's crassness against his altruistic nature, preventing him from becoming too likeable or too obnoxious. There's a great scene in the Rainbow Raider story where someone tries to buy Booster's services, and Booster says that he'll do endorsements, but his heroic actions are not, and never will be, for sale. The supporting cast is solidly portrayed, and the twists are mostly well done. The first fifteen issues are very good. The last ten have some awkward spots, which veer a little too close to superhero cliche.
The art starts off a little clumsy, but gets stronger and more assured as it goes. The format sucks. I hate these Showcase books.
Otherwise, honestly, this was a fun series. I love the original high concept for Booster Gold, a superhero who takes endorsement deals and accepts the fame that comes with his public life. Jurgens does a good job balancing Booster's crassness against his altruistic nature, preventing him from becoming too likeable or too obnoxious. There's a great scene in the Rainbow Raider story where someone tries to buy Booster's services, and Booster says that he'll do endorsements, but his heroic actions are not, and never will be, for sale. The supporting cast is solidly portrayed, and the twists are mostly well done. The first fifteen issues are very good. The last ten have some awkward spots, which veer a little too close to superhero cliche.
The art starts off a little clumsy, but gets stronger and more assured as it goes. The format sucks. I hate these Showcase books.
May 17, 2017
I read these issues first time round in the 80's, loved them then and still love them now. Have they dated a little? Sure, but then Booster Gold was always meant to be of his time.
Before Booster became half of the Blue and Gold comedy duo with Blue Beetle, a player in the Justice League, and a policeman of the DC timestream he was the ultimate yuppie.
Dan Jurgens designed a hero for the times, a superhero sure, but one that was happy to make money and fame from his exploits. A yuppie hero. That became both the strength and weakness of the book. Its strength in the sense it gave the book a unique identity, its weakness in the sense Booster was at times not the most likeable of people.
Jurgens wrote and drew a solid run, with good storylines, great guest stars, and just brought some fun back into comics.
This book is good value for money, though the black and white does detract a little.
Good fun, recommended by me.
Before Booster became half of the Blue and Gold comedy duo with Blue Beetle, a player in the Justice League, and a policeman of the DC timestream he was the ultimate yuppie.
Dan Jurgens designed a hero for the times, a superhero sure, but one that was happy to make money and fame from his exploits. A yuppie hero. That became both the strength and weakness of the book. Its strength in the sense it gave the book a unique identity, its weakness in the sense Booster was at times not the most likeable of people.
Jurgens wrote and drew a solid run, with good storylines, great guest stars, and just brought some fun back into comics.
This book is good value for money, though the black and white does detract a little.
Good fun, recommended by me.
April 30, 2023
En este momento de coleccionista haciendo arqueología luego de encontrar los 25 números de la serie de Booster Gold, conozco cuál fue la idea de Dan Jurgens, que luego explotaría en la JLA con la mejor amistad con Blue Beetle. Viajes en el tiempo, su momento como millonario dueño de una corporación. Diferentes enemigos, historias que sin pretensiones de grandeza se dejan leer. La totalidad de los episodios dibujados y escrito x su creador en uno de sus primeros trabajos en DC antes de Superman. Se deja leer y va rápido
March 22, 2017
Hey I like Jurgens and I like Booster! A good combination! Nothing too fancy, but I like the character and he does have to fight some internal battles or morality, so that's nice.
Silliest part of this collection:
Showcase Presents collections are in black and white and there is a story where Booster has to fight against a character named Rainbow Raider, whose powers are color based. There's a part of the story where he turns Booster completely white and there are several panels where his friends try to recover his original color by cycling through random colors until he's restored, but on the page it just looks like the exact same panel 7 times. Haha, I say!
Silliest part of this collection:
Showcase Presents collections are in black and white and there is a story where Booster has to fight against a character named Rainbow Raider, whose powers are color based. There's a part of the story where he turns Booster completely white and there are several panels where his friends try to recover his original color by cycling through random colors until he's restored, but on the page it just looks like the exact same panel 7 times. Haha, I say!
March 6, 2018
Before he was a comedic character he was just a yuppie fame-whore desperate to make money. I can see why this didn’t really catch on, he’s fairly unlikeable here and doesn’t really have a great villain. Still interesting to see his origins, but he became more interesting later.
March 25, 2014
A character that has shown up in various DC animated series is Booster Gold, a fame-hungry and money-hungry superhero. He's also been portrayed in various elseworld and event comics as even more unflattering.
So who is this real Booster Gold? This book gives clues as it contains all 25 issues of his original series by Dan Jurgens from 1986-88, plus a crossover with Superman in Action Comics #594, and an entry from Secret Origins #35.
The book is actually quite good. If you associated the 1980s with the darker Batman stories or John Byrne's often disturbing take on Superman, this book is different in many ways.
Often times, Booster Gold in battle reminded me a bit of the Silver Age Marvel characters with wise cracking characterization. Indeed, in battle , he's as good as any other superhero.
It's once the action fades that Booster's problems appear. Booster is focused very much on the bottom line of money, fame, and women. This isn't to say that's his sole purpose, but he's concerned about image and fame.
Six issues in, Booster's origin is revealed and it turns out to be a doozy. His supersuit was stolen technology from the 25th century where he worked at a museum at a security guard and stole a time machine to come back to the 20th century and become a superhero. In some ways, this quest could be seen as a quest for redemption. He had been a promising college football quarterback for Gotham City in the future but had thrown it away in a point shaving scheme.
By the time I reached the end of the book, I'd begun this differently. It wasn't so much an effort to make up for his mistake as it was to reclaim the type of life he'd wanted had he made it to the NFL, which makes for a character who is extremely flawed.
This isn't helped by him trying to make his way in Metropolis as a competing superhero to Superman and Superman clearly doesn't approve. I do have to admit that this does leave me feeling a little sorry for him. And Booster does care genuinely about several people, though way too often, he puts concern for others in the backseat of his own ego and career
Whatever, you think of Booster, the stories are solid with a mix of superhero action, time travel, and human drama as Booster is put through his paces. The one bad thing about the book was that the last two issues (Issue 24 and 25) come as weeks 3 and 7 of DC's Millennium Event, so a lot of stuff is disconnected and we don't fully know what's going on.
The book does make me curious to learn more about some DC comics from this era particularly Blue Beetle and Justice League International. As for Booster, he's like a lot of people in real life in that he's doing a lot of the right things for all of the wrong reasons. In real life, it is doesn't much, but with superhero comics, it definitely does which is why the character has a limited appeal.
So who is this real Booster Gold? This book gives clues as it contains all 25 issues of his original series by Dan Jurgens from 1986-88, plus a crossover with Superman in Action Comics #594, and an entry from Secret Origins #35.
The book is actually quite good. If you associated the 1980s with the darker Batman stories or John Byrne's often disturbing take on Superman, this book is different in many ways.
Often times, Booster Gold in battle reminded me a bit of the Silver Age Marvel characters with wise cracking characterization. Indeed, in battle , he's as good as any other superhero.
It's once the action fades that Booster's problems appear. Booster is focused very much on the bottom line of money, fame, and women. This isn't to say that's his sole purpose, but he's concerned about image and fame.
Six issues in, Booster's origin is revealed and it turns out to be a doozy. His supersuit was stolen technology from the 25th century where he worked at a museum at a security guard and stole a time machine to come back to the 20th century and become a superhero. In some ways, this quest could be seen as a quest for redemption. He had been a promising college football quarterback for Gotham City in the future but had thrown it away in a point shaving scheme.
By the time I reached the end of the book, I'd begun this differently. It wasn't so much an effort to make up for his mistake as it was to reclaim the type of life he'd wanted had he made it to the NFL, which makes for a character who is extremely flawed.
This isn't helped by him trying to make his way in Metropolis as a competing superhero to Superman and Superman clearly doesn't approve. I do have to admit that this does leave me feeling a little sorry for him. And Booster does care genuinely about several people, though way too often, he puts concern for others in the backseat of his own ego and career
Whatever, you think of Booster, the stories are solid with a mix of superhero action, time travel, and human drama as Booster is put through his paces. The one bad thing about the book was that the last two issues (Issue 24 and 25) come as weeks 3 and 7 of DC's Millennium Event, so a lot of stuff is disconnected and we don't fully know what's going on.
The book does make me curious to learn more about some DC comics from this era particularly Blue Beetle and Justice League International. As for Booster, he's like a lot of people in real life in that he's doing a lot of the right things for all of the wrong reasons. In real life, it is doesn't much, but with superhero comics, it definitely does which is why the character has a limited appeal.
November 3, 2015
What a fun ride! Booster Gold, the so-called "corporate crusader," is really captured in this great starter collection.
For those who don't know, Booster is a superhero from DC comics (Batman, Superman etc.) who comes from the future, and using his knowledge of what is his time's history and a supersuit, he plans to win fame and fortune. Booster's really interesting to read- he's very different from other heroes. He's very concerned about his public image and living the good life, while at the same time being honestly concerned about being a good superhero. This book collects all his first adventures, as well as a few team-ups with the Justice League and... shall we say, confrontations with Superman himself (after all, Booster stations himself in Metropolis.)
This book was really fun, although towards the end I could tell there was a lot of information and storyline that must've been covered in other comic books, not Booster's, so we just had to guess what happened. This book shows a lot of sides of Booster, including how he got to our time, his family life, his past, and also his truth as a hero. He really shows himself to be a hero- although it's funny when he works with Superman, since they don't really like each other. Definitely a good read, very fun (and clean, no problems here.)
Recommended for anyone who loves a good hero story, and both for those who like Booster and for those who've never heard of him.
For those who don't know, Booster is a superhero from DC comics (Batman, Superman etc.) who comes from the future, and using his knowledge of what is his time's history and a supersuit, he plans to win fame and fortune. Booster's really interesting to read- he's very different from other heroes. He's very concerned about his public image and living the good life, while at the same time being honestly concerned about being a good superhero. This book collects all his first adventures, as well as a few team-ups with the Justice League and... shall we say, confrontations with Superman himself (after all, Booster stations himself in Metropolis.)
This book was really fun, although towards the end I could tell there was a lot of information and storyline that must've been covered in other comic books, not Booster's, so we just had to guess what happened. This book shows a lot of sides of Booster, including how he got to our time, his family life, his past, and also his truth as a hero. He really shows himself to be a hero- although it's funny when he works with Superman, since they don't really like each other. Definitely a good read, very fun (and clean, no problems here.)
Recommended for anyone who loves a good hero story, and both for those who like Booster and for those who've never heard of him.
December 22, 2009
Fun adventures of a guy that becomes a super hero in order to become rich and famous. Also to help people and fight evil, but that tends to be secondary to merchandizing deals.
Decent series. Nothing but straightforward super hero stuff. Booster's origin is clever and I like the friction between him and Superman.
Towards the end, the series tended to wander and it felt like Jurgens was either losing interest or was unsure what to do.
Then of course, Booster joined the JLA got turned into a joke and it was a decade before he was salvaged as a decent character.
Nice art. Dan Jurgens never became a super star, but always did nice, solid art.
Decent series. Nothing but straightforward super hero stuff. Booster's origin is clever and I like the friction between him and Superman.
Towards the end, the series tended to wander and it felt like Jurgens was either losing interest or was unsure what to do.
Then of course, Booster joined the JLA got turned into a joke and it was a decade before he was salvaged as a decent character.
Nice art. Dan Jurgens never became a super star, but always did nice, solid art.
October 5, 2011
SO THAT WAS FUN. It took me a while to get into this monster of a collection, but taking it an issue or three at a time proved to be a great idea. Despite getting just a bit (a bit? A LOT) goofy in places, Booster Gold was oodles of fun. The art wasn't stellar, but it wasn't godawful. Booster is a really fascinating concept for a superhero, and I while I can see why he may not be everyone's cup of tea, he pushed all the right buttons for me. There were facepalm-worthy self-absorbed idiot moments aplenty. (And it certainly helps that I know he gets character development later. Eventually, I will read 52 and the later BG series.)
November 18, 2009
I find these Essential/Showcase Presents volumes are a bit much for a casual read. Although I love superhero comics, I don't feel like anyone should read more than say, six in one sitting... and there are like 30 odd issues of Booster Gold collected in this book.
From what I can tell, the series was really a product of the 1980's with it's hero being just as much about raking in money from product endorsements as fighting villains. It's lightweight fun with consistent artwork and storytelling throughout.
From what I can tell, the series was really a product of the 1980's with it's hero being just as much about raking in money from product endorsements as fighting villains. It's lightweight fun with consistent artwork and storytelling throughout.
August 9, 2009
Picked up this tome because I wanted to read more about Blue Beetle. Sadly, there is very little Blue Beetle in this book, but it is chock-full-a high octane Boostery action. The artwork is excellent, the stories are great, and it has really nice flow. I'm really quite happy that I picked up this collection. Definitely worth the read.
June 2, 2011
This was quite the book to tackle! I struggle reading old black and white comics, but I'm glad I finally finished this. Booster Gold is my favorite DC hero after Batman. He's arrogant and money hungry, but also childish and caring. Reading his origin story gives me a great appreciation as I read about him in current DC events :)
August 9, 2010
Booster Gold is a unique type of hero, seemingly in it just to make a quick buck and to regain his former glory. It is an interesting motivation for a hero and one that makes almost perfect sense. If you had superpowers wouldn't you want fame and fortune?
August 30, 2011
This is a big read, the first appearance of Booster Gold. His character changes from a chancer to a real hero. The reader does start to feel sorry for him, especially with Superman not liking him. A really good read, surprising because I didn't expect it to be.
February 21, 2015
I really like Booster Gold, but this compilation is a little disappointing because the comics are presented in black and white. I'm guessing this is typical of the Showcase volumes. What other books does Booster show up in?
November 27, 2014
A good collection of the 1980's themed superhero.
The stories are at their best when Jurgens isn't trying to make some lame political point. Jurgens villains are lackluster too.
Still, I really enjoyed this. Better than most of what would come later.
The stories are at their best when Jurgens isn't trying to make some lame political point. Jurgens villains are lackluster too.
Still, I really enjoyed this. Better than most of what would come later.
August 5, 2011
A fun book with a disjointed ending, but the setup for a great character. Find out what Booster was all about before he broke out during Infinite Crisis and 52.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews