Hey can you infodump to me about Booster Gold
I've only heard his name in passing and I'd like to know more
oh my GOD gladly i will
booster gold spoilers ahead!! although it’s a 40 year old comic so… read at ur own risk ig
also i’ve only read the 1986 run and the blue and gold limited series from 2021. i’ll get to justice league international and booster gold 2007 eventually but i only have so many hours in a day.
Booster Gold is a superhero created by Dan Jurgens in 1986. he was born michael jon carter in the year 2442, in Gotham City along with his twin sister michelle. his father was absent, and often spent the family’s money gambling, so michael and michelle grew up very poor. luckily, michael grew up to be a killer football player with a promising professional future. he played for gotham university, and both his mom and his sister were counting on his success to lift the family out of poverty.
unfortunately that would never happen, bc michael was discovered to be betting on games, and was expelled and kicked off the team for it. in addition to losing his future career, he also alienated his remaining family by losing his chance to the very same thing that had driven his father from the family.
he studied history and started working at a museum in metropolis, where they kept a collection of superhero memorabilia from the 20th century. one day, michael had the bright idea of swiping a bunch of superhero gear(namely a legion flight ring, a force field belt, some blasters, and a suit that gives the wearer super strength), stealing the time machine that’s also on display, and going back in time to make himself a superhero. he also takes a museum security bot/ tour guide named skeets to be his crime-fighting buddy in the 20th century.
after saving ronald reagan’s life(unfortunate booster L) michael, though meaning to introduce himself to the american people as the superhero goldstar, accidentally fumbles and says his old college nickname Booster instead. reagan mishears his mistake and introduces him as booster gold. and thus a hero is born.
booster is materialistic, which is unsurprising given his financially insecure upbringing, but his drive for money and fame often rubs other heroes the wrong way. in my opinion, this drive comes from a lifetime of working and grinding for success and stability, only to have it slip away at the last moment. he craves recognition and respect and struggles a lot with his own self esteem. but no matter what, he always puts other people first. when faced with the choice between his more materialistic desires and the greater good, he will always make the right decision.
he's definitely a little immature, too! but i personally think that helps with his appeal. he's not afraid to speak his mind or crack jokes at inopportune moments and it really endears him to the reader
anyways. all this is very surface level and really doesn't dig as much into his motivations and relationships as i’d like too, but i haven’t read that far yet. i just find him deeply compelling. i can't wait to read more and learn more about him.
if this sounds interesting at all to you, i do recommend poking through his comics!! they’re funny and engaging and i had a lot of fun with the 86 run!

















