Booster Gold #1 (1986)

Booster Gold #1 (February, 1986)
"The Big Fall"
Creator, Plotter & Writer - Dan Jurgens
Inker - Mike DeCarlo
Colorist - Tom Ziuko
Letterer - Agustin Mas
Editor - Janice Race
Cover Price: $0.75

I mentioned the other day that I spent much of the past weekend at the Phoenix Comicon.  While there I conducted interviews and my wife took some photos of cosplayers for DC in the 80s.  While there, I came across... well, one of my absolute favorite comics creators  In case the subject of this review isn't hint enough, that creator is Dan Jurgens.

When I first noticed him I nudged the wife... she's not into comics, but when I told her that he was the fella that killed Superman, she knew how important he was (to the industry in general, as well as myself).

I ambled on over, and introduced myself... you know that feeling when you think about meeting one of your heroes and totally being underwhelmed or disappointed... or maybe you just caught 'em on a bad day?  Well, those fears vanished as soon as I shook his hand.  He was super friendly, and made me feel like he was happy to be meeting me!

I didn't hang around long, as I didn't want to get in the way of any folks buying a commission from him... and unfortunately I didn't have a prearranged/pre-approved interview set with him... however, in our brief time, I'm sure I gushed enough to let him know how much I enjoy his work.

On the drive home, I was kicking myself for not asking any questions.  Here I was standing before one of the folks who literally shaped my perception of comic books... and affected my reading for over twenty-years, and all I did was gush like a dope.

The wife asked why I didn't just buy a commission from him... and I tells ya, if I wasn't driving at the moment... I'da kicked myself as hard as I could!

Anyhoo... Today we're gonna look at one of Mr. Jurgens most endearing character creations, Booster Gold!  Before we move into my normal spoilery synopsis, I just want to extend a huge thanks to Dan Jurgens for his kindness and his time!  

--

We open with Skip Andrews, frustrated Managing Editor for Blaze Comics.  He's looking for the next big thing that will give the company the Boost it so desperately needs.  As if by fate, when he finishes thinking out loud, he sees the latest edition of the Daily Planet, adorned with a headline about the "hottest new hero" in town, Booster Gold.  He's got an idea...

We jump to an Athletic Club where Booster is getting in his workout... while negotiating his take on an upcoming series of Booster Gold feature films.  He plays hardball with his man Conrad, and winds up with a peach of a deal... a ton of cash, some of the back end, and even the starring role!

We get an idea of just how important/well-known Booster's become in his short time in Metropolis.  As he and Conrad head across the facility to the lobby and juice bar several key members of society all greet him... or almost greet him, in the case of a senator who believes his name to be "Buster".  Booster orders a spa shake, and when he is finished the hostess retrieves his glass and hands it off to a shadowy man.

Booster meets with his driver, and has a misunderstanding over just what it means to "shake one's leg".  Inside the car he is lectured by his little robot companion Skeets regarding his need to familiarize himself with expressions.  While in the car, he calls his offices at Goldstar and speaks with his receptionist Trixie.  He asks her if she's made any headway getting in touch with the Justice League of America about becoming a member.

Just then, a large armored vehicle barrels down the street, with several squad cars in tow.  Booster and Skeets hop into action, quickly disabling the vehicle and rescuing civilians.

The armored vehicle opens revealing a crew of green clad henchmen.  After making short work of them, Booster is introduced to the main event... the man called Blackguard.  The two spar back and forth with neither getting the upper hand.

We shift to a penthouse office, where our shadowy fellow (from the juice bar, now known as Myron) presents an even shadowier man with Booster Gold's drinking glass.  They seek to find out Booster's true identity by means of testing his fingerprints.

Back on the street, Booster and Blackguard are still tangled in battle.  Young WGBS news reporter, Jimmy Olsen is on the sidelines reporting.  I believe Jimmy's appearance here is where people have a bit of trouble "placing" this issue.  If Jimmy works for WGBS, it's clearly a pre-Crisis tale... yet, Booster Gold is often referred to as (among) the first post-Crisis characters.  I suppose it doesn't really matter in the long run, but still a neat little "didja know?"

After a bit more tussling, Booster is able to lure Blackguard over to a power terminal, which he punches... electrocuting himself.

Back at Goldstar, Booster's agent Dirk Davis is wheeling and dealing.  Shortly, Skip Andrew of Blaze Comics is making the call to secure Booster's likeness for a comic book adaptation.  Dirk's shocked to hear that they even still make those things!  There's also a cute scene between Trixie and a cat-fearing jerk.

Back on the outside, Booster Gold is soaring through the sky carrying Blackguard's bounty of a S.T.A.R. Labs satellite guidance system.  He calls Trixie again to press the JLA issue, and this is the first time we see that Booster is wearing a Legion flight ring.

Booster arrives at S.T.A.R. Labs and meets with members of the press... much to the disdain of S.T.A.R.'s own Dr. Klyburn.  The SGS was a top secret project... and now thanks to Booster the whole world (or at least those watching the news) knows about it.

The broadcast is interrupted by an attack.  We observe Booster attempting to maintain order and help the civilians to safety... unfortunately, he falls victim to a blast from his next threat... a woman in a peculiar costume.  The reporters are left wondering if Metropolis' latest hero is truly their protector or just a failure...

--

What can I say?  This is a great issue, and a wonderful introduction of a brand-new character entering the DC landscape.  Not only an introduction, but a pretty brave one.  Booster is written as terribly unlikable, and under a pen other than Jurgens would have sunk right out of the gate.  At this point, I don't think we've seen another lead character who was, for lack of a better term "aloof to the reader".  It was brave, creative, FUNNY, and worked like a charm.

There was a fair amount of hinting at Booster's origin here, without going into any level of clarification, and I really appreciate that.  We get a glimpse at the Legion flight ring, and Skeets makes mention of his needing to familiarize himself with "local" languages and customs... but nothing overtly stated.

The big-bad was a great "gimme" for the reader to get a decent exhibition and demonstration of Booster's "powers"... the fight was well done and the cliffhanger is intriguing.  The sub-plot concerning Booster's fingerprints is interesting, and the poor Blaze Comics fella trying to get the rights to Booster Gold was funny "You mean they still print those?" indeed!

If I could change anything, I think I'd have given it a more iconic cover.  Being the first issue and a brand-new character, I'd reckon a more instantly identifiable cover would have been in order.  Not that the given cover is by any means bad, mind you, but it doesn't strike me as "iconic".  I've read this issue many times, and each time this cover strikes me as just not quite right for an issue #1.  I had similar feelings about John Byrne's Superman #1... the yellow one... just didn't feel like a "number one".

Most definitely recommended.  It shouldn't be too difficult to come by, and is worth the hunt.  If you don't mind the black and white art, the whole shebang is also available in a(n apparently out of print) SHOWCASE Presents Volume.  If you're not like me and digital comics don't make your teeth itch, you're in luck... the whole enchilada is available at readdcentertainment.com for $1.99 a piece, and they're well worth it.

Before wrapping up for the day, another big thanks to Dan Jurgens.  It was a thrill and pleasure to meet the man, and I anxiously await reading his upcoming/current run on the legacy-numbered (yup, still matters to me) Action Comics.

--

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Action Comics #581 (1986)

Action Comics #581 (July, 1986)
"Superman for a Day!"
Writer - Cary Bates
Artist - Kurt Schaffenberger
Letterer - Milt Snapinn
Colorist - Gene D'Angelo
Editor - Julius Schwartz
Cover Price: $0.75

Here's a two-fer from the pre-Crisis era!  Not only will (yet) another person figure out Supes' secret identity (seems to happen in most pre-Crisis Superman books I read), but we'll also be introduced to the Man of Steel's official legal counsel.

--

We open with Superman flying past S.T.A.R. Labs while many of Metropolis' citizens look on in awe.  Among them is a young boy named Mark Traynor.  He is watching Superman from the S.T.A.R. Labs building where he is helping a team of researchers conduct a project on ESP.  He (apparently, like so many in the mid-1980's) is an esper.

The doctors enter Mark's room and proceed to hook him up to the requisite machinery.  Mark is super-excited to take part in the project, and promises that today he'll give it his all... after all, he has himself the perfect "focus object".

Mark has the ability to "inhabit" the minds of others, like he projects his consciousness into their minds, and can take a measure of control over the subject... so long as they're within range.  We watch Mark focus with all his might, until he finally makes contact.

The scenes in which Mark inhabits Superman are all done in first-person view, which I feel really adds to the feeling of discomfort.  We're behind Superman's eyes, and are afforded the opportunity to see exactly what he sees.  In this case, what we see is a boat about to go under with a small crew of young people all clinging on for their lives.  Superman easily saves the folks, and returns their boat to the Metropolis docks... er, make that on to the Metropolis docks, whoops.

Next, Mark/we watch as Superman flies straight toward the WGBS building, where Clark Kent is an anchorman.  Superman enters through an open stock-room window, and changes into his Clark Kent togs, all the while Mark is "observing".  It gets worse when Jimmy Olsen gives enters the room and refers to Superman as Clark.  It doesn't take Mark long to put two and two together from this point... he's figured out Superman's secret identity.

Clark and Lois just happen to be set to conduct an interview that afternoon at S.T.A.R. Labs with a Dr. Yarnell.  They hop into a cab (that'll be $5.25, pal!) and are greeted at the facility by a fretting lab assistant.  She informs them that they must reschedule.  Lois, being Lois, doesn't take this too well.  Lucky for her, Yarnell arrives to give them an "off the record" scoop.

Yarnell is the Doctor conducting the ESP experiment with young Master Traynor... who, thanks to the video feed (on a one-hour delay) coming from Mark's projected MMP, now knows he's inhabited Superman's body... and cannot get out!  Lois and Clark view the video of Superman saving the boaters, and without a word... Clark leaves.

He flies to his Fortress of Solitude, Mark-in-tow.  He uses his giant super computer to try to find a way to excise the lad from his consciousness.  Time is of the essence, once the video feed catches up to the discovery that Superman is in fact Clark Kent, the jig will be up.  With the help of S.T.A.R. Labs, Superman manages to slide Mark into his deep subconscious, almost "putting him to sleep" for awhile so that he may maintain complete control.

On the way "back from the Fortress", Superman lets Mark back in as a ship of generic aliens starts an assault on Metropolis.  Superman attacks the ship, however, is too late to stop them from dropping a giant alien bomb on the city.  It lands and completely destroys Metropolis.

This causes Mark to wake up... he's still at S.T.A.R., and the lab seat next to him is occupied by Superman.  He informs the lad that the alien and bomb scenario was simply a "mental fantasy" to facilitate their split.  With Mark awake and healthy... and claiming not to remember Superman's secret identity, all's well that ends well... The secret is safe, and Mark was able to be "Superman for a day".

"Even a Superman Needs a Lawyer!"
Writer - Michael J. Wolff
Penciller - Kurt Schaffenberger
Inker - Dave Hunt
Letterer - Duncan Andrews
Colorist - Gene D'Angelo
Editor - Julius Schwartz

A shady-looking van occupied by a shady-looking man pulls up outside of South Metropolis Savings and Loan.  Inside we join attorney, Douglas Giddings (of Peekskill, Giddings, & Hank) as he uses his high-tech signal watch to receive clearance to a secret office.

As the clock strikes 10:00, Superman enters and they set about tending to some legal affairs.  Things like rights to his name and likeness, as well as some damage-control issues.

Moments later, the shady-van opens its side door revealing a cannon.  A gang of helmeted nerds blow a hole into the bank, and proceed inside.  Too bad for them, Superman is in the house.

After making his presence known, the geeks grab a hostage.  Before they can even finish their threat, Superman has rescued her.  The day is saved... 

Following the skirmish, Superman signs some legal documents for his lawyer, and up, up and aways... 

--

This is the perfect example of an issue that, when I was a kid, would have made me run right to Marvel.  Today, I can appreciate it far more... for what it is.  As a child, however, this is pretty much what I expected from DC Comics.  I thought the villains were all interchangeable, and the threats were weak.  Granted, this is just a one-off easily-digested issue... and, I rather enjoyed my time with it today, just definitely not what I would have been in the market for in my youth.

One thing that kind of stuck with me was in the opening panel, where Superman is thinking to himself how he's actively tuning people out, simply because he's had a hectic day.  That's really not something I'd ever expect Superman to say/do.  This really lends credence to the thought that Superman is somehow above everyone else.  Something, that clearly goes without saying... but yet, should never be said.

Not really a whole lot to say about this one.  It's pre-Crisis Superman... this issue can be read before or after just about any just-before Crisis on Infinite Earths Superman story without losing a step.  It's silly and it's fun... it's well written, and looks very nice as well (the first-person bits were a great touch!).  If you dig Superman, you'll probably dig this.


--

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Justice League of America #224 (1984)

Justice League of America #224 (March, 1984)
"The Supremacy Factor!"
Writer - Kurt Busiek
Penciller - Chuck Patton
Inker - Dick Giordano
Letterers - John Costanza & Todd Klein
Colorist - Gene D'Angelo
Editor - Len Wein
Cover Price: $0.75

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Phoenix Comicon with a Media pass.  This gave me access to many of the comics creators in attendance, including one of my all time favorites, Kurt Busiek.  While I (and I would imagine many others) usually think of Kurt as a "Marvel guy" he most certainly left his mark on the DC Universe... in fact, his creator-owned masterpiece Astro City is currently being published monthly by DC's Vertigo imprint.

One of the things we discussed (in between bouts of my stammering, and trying to get more information on how he was the brains behind Jean Grey's return in Marvel's X-Factor) was this very issue of Justice League of America.  This is one of those issues, instantly recognizable... striking cover... almost one you'd expect on a Marvel book... point is, you know this book when you see it.

I'm am in the middle of transcribing my interview with Mr. Busiek for DC in the 80's, which will hopefully be completed within the next couple of days, schedule permitting.  Without spoiling too much of it, I will say that this issue purposefully evokes the feeling of a Roy Thomas Avengers story... so, if this feels like a Marvel issue... that's by design!

Before we get to the book, I wanna thank Mr. Kurt Busiek for being so gracious and forthcoming during our half-hour chat.  He was my first ever "professional" interview, and made me feel comfortable, confident and at-ease.  Thanks again, Mr. Busiek!

--

We open at an outdoor beer garden/restaurant.  Clark Kent (club soda with a twist of lemon) and Hal Jordan (beer) await the arrival of their Justice League comrades.  Oliver Queen is the next to arrive, and his pals express surprise that Dinah Lance isn't with him.  Ollie claims she had something to attend to and should be along shortly.

We join Dinah in her Black Canary togs as she watches some would be muggers get beaten down by their would be victim.  She is shocked to see the "victim's" finesse and level of skill... she's also affected by the fact that it seems he's taking this beating a bit too far.

She attempts to intervene, and gets thrown judo style for her troubles.  This trench-coated fella appears to have her number.  In desperation, She lets out a canary-cry... and it has no affect on the man.  Lucky for her, Superman's super-hearing picks up on her cry and the Leaguers hop into action.

They arrive on the scene only to find that they are no match for this individual either.  Superman gets launched into orbit with but a punch (he does manage to tear the baddie's pocket off in the fracas).  During the distraction, the foe flees.  The League realizes that this may be their toughest threat yet, and decides to organize a meeting.

On the satellite, the team goes over the events of the afternoon.  In the pocket that Superman tore off the fella's coat there just happened to be a scrap of paper with a formula on it.  The Leaguers pass the scrap around, and none are able to decipher it... until Firestorm gets his hands on it.  The League is surprised that he's able to do so, as they are unaware that Professor Martin Stein is also part of the Firestorm Matrix.

The code, when popped into the computer pulls up the name Dr. Joel Cochin.  The threesome of Firestorm, Black Canary and Green Arrow quickly set out to get to the bottom of this.  Firestorm carries Dinah and Ollie on something of a superhero-swing set... which is something that's just gotta be seen.

Pump your legs, Dinah!

They arrive at Cochin's home, only to find that there are no doors.  As the three approach, the wall opens and the man behind it appears to be using Firestorm's own power to do so.  The man introduces himself as Paragon... and states "anything you can do, I can do better".

No you can't... Yes, I can...

During a brief melee, Paragon uses both Firestorm's and Black Canary's powers to get the better of the Leaguers.  It is revealed that Paragon takes on the powers of whoever is near him... only he can perform them at a higher level.  He makes short work of them, and mounts them on a wall as though they were butterflies behind glass.

Paragon offers that he's been working on a machine.  This machine would seek to eliminate 90% of the world's population... leaving only 10% of the best and brightest, all answering to him.  As luck (for him) would have it, now that Firestorm is his captive, he can simply materialize the parts he needs rather than seek them out.

During his ranting and raving the rest of the League (Superman, Wonder Woman, Red Tornado, Green Lantern) arrives on the scene.  A battle rages on, with Paragon really relying on the powers of Firestorm.  He materializes a kryptonite chain around Superman, and just decimates the rest of the team.  In all his rage, he gives Firestorm the ol' "bang, zoom, straight to the moon" punch.  As he's about to give Ollie the killing blow... he comes to find he sent Firestorm too far out of range to draw upon his powers.

In the confusion, Canary comes up with a plan and begins directing traffic.  She puts Red Tornado and Green Lantern on the offense... which makes perfect sense.  Reddy and Hal's powers are artificial, therefore not mimickable by Paragon.

With Paragon on the ropes, Ollie fires off a gas-arrow which takes it's toll on the villain.  The League takes turns beating on this yahoo, ultimately wrapping up with Black Canary giving him a kick square to the face.

The League are victorious, and stand around their fallen foe.  It is a conditional victory... they may have won this day... but where in the world is there a prison that will hold Paragon?

--

What a fun one off issue!  It seems that issues that boast a guest-writer, especially during this vintage were just inventory stories... nothing that really felt as though it mattered.  This issue, while a one-and-done actually felt like it advanced the characters.

I enjoyed that (all too brief) secret identity get together that opened the issue.  It's so rare we see these characters out of costume, and just taking in the day.  The Justice League book(s) until the Giffen/DeMatteis era seem more heavy on the non-stop action and lighter on characterization... which is to be understood, I suppose... as many of the team members have their own solo book(s) where they can be shown in their day to day life.  I really thought this was a nice touch.

The character of Paragon is a strange one.  I really like the concept, but he feels like one of those foes where the heroes will have to either work out some convoluted plan to stop him each time.  This is likely why he's appeared so few times.  Still an interesting dude, though.  Could definitely serve as a big bad anytime DC needs, would be interested in seeing him show up again.

I know I've reviewed books with Chuck Patton art before, but wow... he is truly incredible.  Don't know why I'm noticing that just now, but he's great!  The faces he draws (Black Canary especially) are fantastic!

As for Kurt Busiek's writing?  Well, I'm a bit biased (Mr. Busiek is definitely in my top 5)... so, if you'll indulge dome gushing... this was wonderfully written, and makes me wish he'd spent more time with these characters during this vintage.  He did do a post-Infinite Crisis run with Superman and Action Comics (including the awesome "Up, Up, and Away!" story arc), an Injustice League story in JLA, and he was the writer on DC's weekly Trinity series with art by Mark Bagley (doesn't get much more Marvel than that!)... and of course, JLA/Avengers with the legendary George Perez.

All told, a really good book and a really good time.  It's too bad we don't get a one-off every now and again these days... after all, how would they get collected in TPB form?  It's sad that that's the way we think in contemporary comics fandom... but it is what it is.

Recommended for certain.  Lots of fun, and can be read on it's own without missing anything.  Before I wrap up... just one more big thanks to Kurt for cutting out a half-hour of his day to chat with me.  It was one of those times where I kept having to remind myself that it was "real"... such a strange sensation!

--

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