If you were buying DC Comics in the mid-90s, you might remember the company's trend of having a single story conceit linking all their summer annuals. In 1996, the theme was "Legends of the Dead Earth," a series of Elseworlds-style imaginary stories considering how DC's heroes might live on in the far future.

Most of these stories featured legacy heroes, but Justice League America Annual #10 took a different tack. While its story, "The Alliance" by Christopher Priest, did take place in the far future, its central hero and villains were all active Justice League members of the time. Max Lord, Captain Atom, and, yes, Booster Gold all play central roles, as illustrated in original art from the issue that is now being sold on eBay.com for a very reasonable price.

Pencils by Sergio Cariello, Inks by Nick J. Napolitano

Given that the big bad is Maxwell Lord and the Justice League of the future were "volunteers" with altered DNA, this annual might have been more than a little influential in stories that would come along years later in Countdown to Infinite Crisis and Justice League 3000.

It is also the first time Booster wore a costume with an asymmetrically placed star!

For either of those reasons, it might not be a bad issue to own some original art from.

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As we continue the march to the milestone Action Comics #1000, it's probably worth noting that Booster Gold was seen in previous anniversary issues.

Booster had only been in comics for 2 years when he was included in Action Comics #600, released 30 years ago today. Booster's role was a small one, appearing in a pin-up of the Justice League International by Linda Medley and Art Adams.

That's a happy bunch. Obviously Booster is pleased to be beside his best bud Blue Beetle, but everyone else seems to be enjoying the occasion as well. Everyone but Guy Gardner. Does that guy ever smile?

Will Booster be reunited with his Justice League pals in Action #1000? I guess we'll find out in April.

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While I like most Booster Gold comics, I love some more than others. Among my favorites is Justice League Quarterly #1, the first appearance of the Conglomerate, released on this date in 1990.

Written by J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen; Art by Chris Sprouse, Bruce Patterson, Gene D'Angelo; Cover by Adam Hughes

The issue's story, "Corporate Maneuvers (and leveraged buyouts)," was a logical counterpoint to the Justice League International era. Unwilling to sit back and let the nations of the world monopolize influence on the activities of formerly independent super heroes, the major international corporations of the DC Universe developed their own team: the Conglomerate. It was only natural that the original Corporate Crusader himself would lead them into battle.

The Conglomerate went on to much early success which created tension with Booster's friends in the JLI, especially Blue Beetle. I probably don't need to tell you that the two teams have to overcome their jealousy of one another to save the day, but it's very satisfying when the inevitable finally happens.

You probably won't see this issue on any "must read" list for new Booster Gold fans. I admit that it's mainly a Justice League International story. However, Booster Gold does have a starring role, and the story does directly address the dichotomy of Michael Jon Carter's "shallow" public persona versus his more noble self-identification. For that reason alone, I think it's worth a look for people interested in the evolution of my favorite character.

Besides, who doesn't love that leather jacket?

In honor of the issue's anniversary, here's Adam Hughes' original pencil work for the cover — an homage to Kevin Maguire much duplicated "crowded elevator" cover for Justice League #1 — as published in Back Issue #2 (February 2004). As you can see, an uninvited guest crashed this party! Click the image to embiggen.

Here's to the good old days!

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After I asked last Monday about what your Booster Gold shrines looked like, Aaron Hale got in touch with me via Facebook. His office is like a museum for Booster Gold original art!

Check out these pics of some of his framed pieces. (Click any for a larger image.)

Dan Jurgens splash page from Booster Gold #10

Mark Waid and JG Jones signed issue and cover art from 52 Week 15

Marc Campos art from Justice League America #90

Aaron Lopresti signed cover art (with corrections) from Justice League International #1

Kevin Maguire commissions with Justice League International #8

Wow.

Just wow.

Aaron, I bow down to you. Thanks so much for sharing.

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Last week, Kevin Maguire unveiled the full wraparound cover for the upcoming hardcover Justice League International Omnibus cover on Twitter. It's a doozy!

You can click the pic above to go to Twitter for a bigger pic, but I've cropped the best bit for you here:

When it was originally solicited waaaay back in March as the Justice League by Giffen and DeMatteis Omnibus, it looked like this collection would reuse Maguire's famous "crowded elevator" cover from Justice League #1. I'm glad they changed it. While the cover to JL #1 was great, it wasn't golden!

The omnibus will collect most of the first four years of the Justice League International era, including many classic Blue and Gold hijinks. You'll find it in your Local Comic Shop on October 17.

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