While it made more sense in the second read through I thought it could have been simplified. The stretching really wasn't neccessary. And some of it didn't even need to be written.

That was another sore point for me. It just came out of no where. Yes, I realize that's the point but it reminds me of issue 20 where Rips' rather cold just to get Booster to go on a mission he could have told him about without changing the outcome. How is he going to explain this to Booster? "I had to force you to pay for your crimes once I lured you into a false sense of security?" Or is it going to be like 20 where he pretends nothing happened? I would have had a lot more respect for this current direction if it was Boosters' choice.

Doubt it, when asked about tie ins to JLGL Giffin said he doesn't care for them. The death sentence is the main reason I'm dreading this arc. He was supposed to be put to death without a trail for taking the time machine. This reads like only the theft of his equipment is going to be touched upon. Rip might not put his existence on the line but this should put their work relationship on the line. And while we're on the subject of trust--is Skeets just going to float there? Are Michelle and Rani going to move out because Rip tazered Booster? If he did know this was going to happen I hope he gets them out before the time lab is attacked.

The first time I read this issue, but the more I read everyone's reactions to it, the more confused I am!

The mistake with Skeets bugged me the most, out of all the mistakes. I really do hope Giffen and DeMatteis know Booster's origins, and this is the result of the corrupted files. Though, like Erin said, any new fan is going to be completely lost!

I wasn't too upset about the end, because I assumed there was some sort of mind control going on with Rip. Now I'm really confused. I think they used that ending becuase it was a cliffhanger, and that's it. I miss Jurgen's (and Johns's) more subtle approach to plotting.

Now that I have read it, I must say that I think that the changes presented to Booster Gold's origin in the story were intended to be humorous. I honestly don't think this issue represents any attempt by Giffen/DeMatteis to rework Booster's (or Skeet's) origin.

I also don't think that there is a lot here that will confuse new readers (besides Rip's schizophrenic behavior, which I think will be more troubling to longtime readers than newcomers).

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Maybe this is much more subtle than I'm used to with these guys because it just didn't read humorous to me. I can see what the attempt was--but only after looking for it in the second read. I know I said first time readers would get confused but I've already seen long time readers scratching their heads over this. One online review I read said this was the perfect jumping on point because it gives a complete run through of Boosters' "origins".

I don't know I think Michelles' current behavior compared to her behavior under Jurgens reads worse than Rips' behavior. While this version is not as hesitant in doing things that will hurt his father for the greater good there's still something of the master scheme tone present. I think Jurgens is better at showing that Rip doesn't want to do these things without showing too much. Whether it's in a few words or how he draws Rip. Even in Time Masters Jurgens has shady stuff in place with Rip locking up the Linear Men. There's wiggle room with us not getting his POV on the matter. Giffin/ DeMatteis have mainly kept Rip in the background to offer words of wisdom when not providing humor with his exchanges with Rani.

So in regard to this run I kinda agree that his protrayal is uneven. But the schemer element has been strong since Johns revamp. The problem with this version is how out of place with this run it seems. Why is the theft suddenly a problem? Why can't he talk to Booster about it if Booster is already expressing guilt over his past? It just seems like unnecessary overkill.

Your feelings about Giffen/DeMatteis are perfectly clear, Erin. I mean no offense, but I am not the least bit surprised that you found no humor in their story. Their style clearly does not appeal to you. To some degree, this is a case of Giffen's deconstructionist "Ambush Bug" approach to comic storytelling, and I know that his style is not for everyone.

I am sure that you do not share my faith , but I trust Giffen/DeMatteis to make the seemingly bizarre character twist pay off. This sort of thing happens all the time in comic books, and I'm not going to get bent out of shape over it.

As to reading that someone would think this issue is definitive of Booster's origins.... Well, the internet is full of people who have no idea what they are talking about. I'm living proof.

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It's hard to explain but I don't hate their humor. I loved JLI. I hated ICBiNTJL and FKATJL. I liked some of their solo work. Certain beats of their BG issues bugged me but I thought the best gags were the ones that were timed with the artists' skills. Batista in particular conveyed some good ones in #37 that had me laughing despite my feelings on the issue it's self. I felt #38 rang truer to the tone of humor from JLI than the previous issues, I loved it. Like I said if this issue was meant as humor it's not the type I'm used to reading under these guys. I just didn't see it. *shrugs*

I see the potential they have, it's clearly there in their first issue. I just think it's getting lost. I think I'm waiting for them to bring something new. You mean with Rip? I don't so much mind the twist since he masterminds things all the time just how it's going to work given where Giffins' said this will go. If I'm wrong and I enjoyed it I'll freely admit it just as I said that Winick pleasantly surprised me with JLGL. Yeah that's not perfect either but still a surprise.

I have to admit that Winick has been far more good than bad with JLGL. But that's all I'll admit. Hrumph.

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I told Erin before that I think the problem is that they went to the JLI too soon. Keith and JM should have waited, done other stories first, and saved the JLI story for about 6 issues in.

Of course, if its true that Dan is coming back and Keith is purely on this until Time Masters is done (and rumored) Flashpoint begins...

I have heard some rumbles that Dan or Geoff will be returning to Booster when Flashpoint begins, as Booster will be playing a major role, if rumors are true, in the series.

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Author of The Greatest Booster Gold Fan Fic ever written, as proclaimed by members of TV Trope.

I'm not sure who would be better for Booster Gold, Geoff Johns or Dan Jurgens. on the one hand, nobody knows Booster Gold better than Jurgens, but on the other hand Geoff Johns almost guarantees a spike in sales, and that would keep Booster in his own title for a long time, maybe even into the 70's, as good as Jurgens is, he doesn't have the fanbase and clout that Geoff Johns has in current comics. don't get me wrong, I like Jurgens, its just the average fanboy recognizes Johns before Jurgens, which is a little sad considering everything Jurgens has done in comics, but right now, Johns' star power is a bit higher.

Is there any chance that the crimes Booster is going to pay for will be stealing the historical data during Infinite Crisis? I am still confused by what happened when BG left during the OMAC project and returned during IC.

I do hope BG plays a large roll in Flashpoint. I hope Flashpoint is a great success and and entertaining read. I worry that the "Flash-centric" event will marginalize Booster's roll. He needs to be front and center in this thing or his impact as a DCU player will diminish.