Dick Giordano would have turned 84 years old today. If you don't know who he was, you should.

Giordano was the Managing/Executive Editor at DC Comics during the decade that saw Crisis on Infinite Earths, The Killing Joke, and Watchmen. Without him, there wouldn't have been a Booster Gold. Literally.

This is what Booster's creator, Dan Jurgens, had to say when I asked him about Booster's origin in 2010:

Boosterrific: You had not done a lot of work for DC prior to Booster Gold Volume 1. How was it that as a relatively inexperienced writer/artist, you were given such an opportunity as creating a new series for the mainstream DC Universe?

Dan Jurgens: Why was I allowed to do Booster? Well, I didn't make the decision but I do know this: When I first explained it to Dick Giordano and told him the basic idea of what the character could be and who he was, Dick saw him as someone who was entirely different than anyone else in the DCU. I think some of Dick's background as an editor, where he often handled somewhat offbeat characters, may have had something to do with that. But he was attracted to the book and as Managing Editor, gave me the thumbs up and approved the project. Sometimes younger, untested talent, will actually pay off with somewhat different ideas and concepts.

Giordano may have died in 2010, but his legacy lives on. Thank you, sir.

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: dan jurgens dick giordano interviews origins

I love getting emails from The Blot because they usually contain updates about his ever-expanding Booster Gold sketch commissions. His latest message:

Thought I'd share the newest addition to my Booster Gold sketchbook for the website. It's by Mike Zeck and its from Comicpalooza a few weeks ago here in Houston.

Click to see a larger image on Twitter.com

The Blot is headed to San Diego Comic Con International this week. Here's hoping he comes back with a heaping helping of new sketchbook commissions!

You can see more of The Blot's sketchbook at Flickr.com. As always, thanks for sharing, Blot!

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: 2016 blot comicpalooza commissions conventions fan art flickr.com mike zeck

Mark Belkin recently interviewed J.M. DeMatteis for the "DC in the 80s" webzine. When the conversation turned to the JLI, the topic of writing for Booster Gold came up.

Mark Belkin: How was it writing Blue Beetle and Booster Gold?

J.M. DeMatteis: The great thing with those characters — and all characters, really — is when you're in 'the zone', you're not writing them, they're writing you. People say "What made you put Booster and Blue Beetle together?" We didn't! They did it! Blue and Gold were in some scenes together and something sparked. We followed them where they led us and this wonderful relationship developed that exists to this day.

Mark: Are you excited by the Booster Gold and Blue Beetle movie?

JM: Don't know if Blue Beetle will appear in the movie, but I hope he does. It's being written by someone who has become a Twitter friend, Zack Stentz — who's written for the recent Thor and X-Men movies, as well as The Flash TV show. So Booster's in excellent hands.

The whole interview with DeMatteis, covering topics as varied as the writer's spirituality and comedic influences, can be found at dcinthe80s.blogspot.ca.

Comments (2) | Add a Comment | Tags: blogspot.com blue beetle dcinthe80s j.m. dematteis justice league international mark belkin movies zack stentz

Twenty-three years ago today, Booster Gold was still appearing in DC Comics comic books. Specifically, Justice League Quarterly #12.

As you can see, Booster wasn't on his best behavior in this cameo appearance. He and Blue Beetle treated poor Ice quite rudely, laughing at her desire for a companion for her planned road trip through the American southwest. That's not cool, guys. Not cool. (Is that how you'd treat Wonder Woman?)

Ice, if you're still looking, I'm always up for a good road trip.

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: blue beetle ice justice league quarterly

The Silver and Gold Podcast has moved on to Booster Gold #7, the first fight between Booster Gold and Superman. Booster . . . doesn't win.

You can find links to the podcast at splittingatomsblog.wordpress.com.

Comments (0) | Add a Comment | Tags: captainatomblog.com podcasts silver and gold