"The Greatest Hero You've Never Heard Of!"
That is the tagline on the cover of "Booster Gold" No. 3 and it is absolutely true of the character in so many ways - at least as written in this series.
Because, truth be told, many comic enthusiasts have never heard of Booster Gold. For those who have, I doubt many would describe him as a great character, especially not in a DC comic universe that includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and the Flash.
The key is that writer Geoff Johns has come up with a way to give the character - and title - a unique purpose.
Previous incarnations of BG have largely portrayed him as an egotistical, self-centered moron who stood out from the mostly selfless heroes of the DC Universe.
However, Johns showed he could write the character as brave and sincere in "52." The twist in this series is that while performing amazing feats, Booster Gold learns he must let everyone think he's a loser and a jerk.
The reason, as explained by Rip Hunter, Time Traveler, is that because of the recent "Infinite Crisis," the past is like wet cement. There are open wormholes all over the timestream and history is vulnerable to manipulation.
According to Hunter, heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman are most in danger of having their histories altered and Booster is the perfect hero to make sure the timestream is not altered. Why Booster? Because "everyone already thinks you're an idiot," he tells him.
So, we get to see Booster downing shots in the Old West with Jonah Hex while trying to prevent the death of Jonathan Kent's great-grandfather, which would result in a premature death for the Man of Steel.
Heck, even Spider-Man could count on the people he helped to spread the word about his good deeds when public opinion was against him.
This is one of the freshest, most enjoyable books I have read in a long time and one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.
While often compared to "Quantum Leap," the added twist of having the hero have to keep his good deeds quiet and have everyone think he's an ass is a unique twist. Even if Booster doesn't appreciate it.
'Wolverine' to slice in May 2009
Hugh Jackman's long-awaited solo Wolverine movie now officially has a title and release date.
Variety reports that 20th Century Fox has chosen May 1, 2009 - the lucrative, first official weekend of summer - to release the film, titled "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."Variety also reports that Liev Schrieber is in final talks to play a younger version of William Stryker, a character portrayed in "X2" by Brian Cox.
Long line for 'League' aspirants
The Hollywood Reporter reports that casting for the "Justice League of America" was a virtual Who's Who of young actors looking for roles as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter.
The list of those who read for director George Miller included Michael Angarano ("Sky High"); Adam Brody ("The O.C."); the rapper Common; D.J. Cotrona ("Windfall"); Joseph Cross ("Running With Scissors"); Teresa Palmer ("The Grudge 2"); Max Thieriot ("Nancy Drew") and Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("Grindhouse"). *
E-mail comicsguy@phillynews.com
