52

ARTISTS

Writers: Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid
Pencillers: Eddy Barrows, Keith Giffen
Inker: Rob Stull
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Stephen Wacker

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CHARACTERS & SETTINGS

heroes: Booster Gold, Supernova I
villain: Mister Mind
supportinges: Clark Kent, Skeets II

Setting: 21st-century Metropolis, DCU, USA

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ISSUE SUMMARY

Cover Description: John Henry Irons (Steel III) appears in a parody of a socialist propaganda poster for Lex Luthor's Everyman Project. (No Booster Gold.)

Brief Synopsis: New heroes are arriving in the world.

Costume Worn: MARK I.v2 power-suit

Issue Notes: Booster begins to lose his grip on top of the world.

Story Notes: Like most issues of 52, this week's story title, "Thief," can apply to a majority of the storylines within the book. In Booster Gold's case, it applies to Supernova stealing the glory and admiration of the citizens of Metropolis from Booster Gold.

This story has been reprinted in the following issues:
52 Omnibus (2012)
52 Volume 1 (2007)

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ISSUE ANNOTATIONS

Page 9, panel 3
"Week 8, Day 3." This is the 52nd day of the events of 52 and features the first appearance of Supernova, a new hero in Metropolis. Supernova displays powers of teleportation as he saves citizens from a number of natural disasters.

Page 10, panel 3
EXTRA, EXTRA: Booster Gold appears on the cover of the Daily Planet newspaper with the accompanying headline "Gold Tarnished." (This is libel! Gold does not tarnish unless alloyed with other metals.) Booster is furious that the spotlight and admiration of Metropolis has turned so quickly to the newcomer, "Captain Newguy," Supernova. Booster throws a tantrum in a crowded city street as a number of bystanders look on, including Skeets II and reporter Clark Kent, who promises to find out more about Supernova. Following the revelation that Booster had been hiring villains in the previous issue with his tantrum before a reporter in this issue, it would appear that Booster is unwisely self-destructing his own reputation.

For more annotations from this issue which occur at a different point in Booster Gold's chronology, click here.

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ISSUE REVIEW

Boosterrific Review: The first hints of the mysterious new Supernova. A disgraced Booster Gold. Clearly the fight for the heart of Metropolis' citizens is just beginning.

It is particularly impressive that the writers of this series work together so well as to create themes for each of these stand alone issues that still allow for the intertwining of the tales of disparate heroes. The theme of misunderstanding and jealousy in the Booster Gold vs Supernova story is mirrored in the situation of Steel vs his niece, Natasha, and the dialogue of Green Arrow. Each week, 52 manages to be something more than just another episodic soap opera as so many comic books published on a much more relaxed schedule are. Congratulations are due to everyone involved at DC for what they have been able to achieve.

Boosterrific Rating:

• Currently 4.0/5 Stars.

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