Week Fifteen

I always thought that Booster Gold was a character with a great deal of potential. We’ve seen glimpses of it throughout the years. During the fight with Doomsday, he was one of the first to step up toe-to-toe with the monster (he was also one of the first to be clobbered into the stratosphere). Harbinger once told that green sumbitch Martian Manhunter that Booster Gold was one of the Chosen, for crying out loud (just look at the picture). She’s dead now and so is Booster. So is Booster’s old grab-ass partner Blue Beetle. Blue and Gold were always treated as something of a joke by most of the writers who worked on them, but the difference between their deaths is that Ted actually realized his potential, whereas, with Michael, well, not so much. I’ve gotta say that I’m disappointed, even though I know we’re all supposed to hate Booster because he’s selfish and quick to run out when the going “gets tough,” but I’m disappointed because I thought that after the events of the Countdown, Booster would finally get a chance to redeem himself and make a name for himself in the name of true heroism. Sure, he helped take down Brother Eye in the Crisis, but it’s not enough. Giving him one of the top spots in “52” should’ve given them an easy way to make him a heavy player. Instead, he went out like a chump.

Given the fact that I’m still compelled to buy “52” every week (and write a review of it, no less), it’s safe to say that I enjoy this series quite a bit. So, even though what I’m about to say sounds negative, keep in mind that I still am, like McDonald’s, lovin’ it. It’s just that a lot of stuff isn’t adding up in my head. The Question, although currently away on a mission, declared in the first issue that he’s the new protector of Gotham. But Gotham’s now being protected by the mysterious Batwoman. And Harvey Dent? Where is he? He should play into “52” somehow, shouldn’t he? In addition, Booster Gold and Supernova have been looking out for Metropolis in Superman’s absence. So, how come at the beginning of One Year Later, Supes has Supergirl at his fingertips? It’s week fifteen, and I feel as if these are two important issues that aren’t going to be addressed. I mean, let’s face it, if they wait nearly a year to bring this stuff up, who’s going to remember it anyway? I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast. Oh, wait, yeah I do. Jack Daniel’s and generic grape soda. Breakfast of Champions.

Oh yeah, by the way, thanks to the origin of Steel story in the back of the issue, we now know that Steel’s gonna bounce back, battle adversity, and fight “harder than ever for the good of the common man.” After last issue, they had me wondering.

The last thing I’ll leave you with is this. Ralph Dibny is insane. Booster Gold is dead. Two out of the five main characters of “52” are done dealing, folks. Let’s hear those bets on who’s gonna step it up and join the big leagues in the thirty-seven weeks to come. Oh, yeah, and this post contained spoilers.

See ya in seven.