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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Believe it or not, once upon a time, Booster Gold was such a big star that he could sell comics he wasn't in just by appearing on the cover! Backwards!

Take, for example, Secret Origins #32, released 29 years ago today.

art by Eric Shanower

This issue presents the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths origin of the Justice League of America (which was differentiated from the original origin by the substitution of Black Canary for Wonder Woman).

The Justice League International was super hot at the time, so although the only links between the two teams were Canary and Martian Manhunter, the JLI was still given prime cover real estate to sell the story to new readers unfamiliar with DCU history.

There's no reason this strategy couldn't be used to sell old stories to a modern audience today. I speak only for myself, but I'd be much happier buying a comic showcasing Damian Wayne (Robin V) if he appeared only on the cover.

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