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!

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: adam hughes back issue chris sprouse conglomerate costumes j.m. dematteis joker justice justice league international keith giffen

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!

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: costumes facebook.com michael foster shanay cobb skeets tumblr.com

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

Now that's Boosterrific!

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: costumes halloween holidays missagamede twitter.com

Booster Gold returned to action this weekend, by which I mean Cartoon Network's Justice League Action.

The plot of the episode, titled "Phased and Confused," concerned Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman needing the help of Booster Gold to escape the Phantom Zone. All that was really just an excuse to get Booster Gold alone in the watchtower so he could do this:

While I always look forward to seeing Booster Gold in action, I have to say that I found his antics in this story to be so immature that I was left wondering why the Justice League would tolerate him. (Yes, "Time Out" established that Booster is still a time master in the JLAction universe, but the Justice League doesn't know that.)

That said, I'm not going to complain too much about a children's cartoon not meeting my adult expectations. Besides, whatever other faults the episode might have had, it was fun to see Booster pulling a Risky Business in Batman's costume.

Justice League Action has been a lot of fun, and I hope that there will be many more seasons to come.

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: justice league action phased and confused

We opened the week looking at how fans draw Booster Gold. Let's close with a peek at how Booster's creator does it.

This Dan Jurgens' sketch of Booster (and Skeets!) was commissioned by Martin Taing who uploaded it to ComicArtFans.com. Thanks for sharing your Boosterrific art, Martin.

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: comicartfans.com commissions dan jurgens martin taing skeets