Jonny Michel, who shared some artwork with Booster boosters back in October, got in touch with more commission news.

I recently got engaged to the wonderful lady who purchased me these Chris Giarrusso commissions.

In celebration, I went nuts. I did something I normally never do. I went out and purchased a semi-expensive commission off of eBay.com from one of my favorite DC artists, Ethan Van Sciver.

On top of the amazing sketch card I received in the mail, Ethan also filmed the entire sketching process and commentary and posted it on his Youtube channel! So, not only do I have this beautiful Booster Gold drawing (with an excellent *classic* popped collar and Ethan's take on Skeets), but I also have a 45 minute video of how he made it! Seriously, how cool is that?

Unfortunately, upon watching the video, I learned the one devastating blow this sketch is to the Booster Gold community. In this video, we learned that Booster Gold ... is one of Ethan Van Sciver's least favorite DC characters ... and I was the goof that asked for the commission.

Please, hold back your screams of shock and terror. I know. It's crazy.

Ethan actually offers a really good reason why this is though. Basically, he hasn't gotten the chance to get into Booster Gold by drawing and learning about his story. Luckily, by the end of the video, I feel like he was kinda getting into it, especially when he started drawing the collar.

See? The collar is important!

Congratulations on your new commission, Jonny. (And congrats on your engagement, too! I predict many years of happily married commissions in your future.)

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It was announced over the weekend that Action Comics #1000 will restore Superman's red trunks.

I think it's great that DC is finally restoring the traditional Superman look most strongly associated with the character. Say what you will about looking to the future, but when you've been wearing one costume for the better part of 80 years, people sort of expect to see you wearing that costume. Truth and Justice don't change, so I don't see why the American Way should, either. Right is right if nobody's right, and Superman's red trunks are just right.

Now that we've fixed Superman, we can we move on to more important things. Like restoring Booster Gold's long-lost high collar!

(Conglomerate leather jacket is optional.)

Don't worry, oblong Skeets. Once we get the collar back, you're next.

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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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Back in May, I mentioned here on the blog that I was really taken by a Skeets knit hat worn by a cosplayer.

My friend Michael heard my plea, and as an early birthday present, he gifted me with a Skeets to call my own!

The hat was knitted by the very talented Shanay Cobb who had only the photo from my previous post to work with. You can see more of Cobb's work at StarvinArtSC.Tumblr.com and Facebook.com/StarvingArtistSC.

Thanks, Michael and Shanay. My ears are sure to be well protected this winter now that Skeets is on the job!

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I trust everyone had a happy Halloween yesterday? Twitter's MissAgamede sure did.

Now that's Boosterrific!

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