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The Justice League of America has been around for quite a long time, first appearing way back in 1960. As the team gained and lost members it morphed into many different incarnations over the years, some of which were more popular than others. One of the more interesting (and groundbreaking for its time) was the Justice League International. Debuting in 1987, the JLI featured many of the second-string heroes of the time and offered a decidedly comedic tone departing greatly from other titles of the time.
One of the members of the JLI was the time-traveling hero and entrepreneur Booster Gold. Originally hailing from the 25th Century, Michael Jon Carter had a failed football career and worked as a janitor in a museum devoted to superheroes of the past. With nothing to lose, Carter “borrowed” artifacts from bygone ages that turned him into a superhero and then used a time travel device to relocate to the 20th Century where he could make money on endorsements. While not the most chivalrous of all heroes, Booster Gold (as he became known) would go on to become a great hero and play a key role in several major DC Comics events.
Booster Gold is one of four figures in the second series of Justice League International figures. He comes packaged in a heavy-duty clamshell, held in a plastic tray in front of a cardboard insert. The front of that insert is decorated with a comic book image of the JLI leaping into action, with a lineup of its members in headshots across the top.
The back of the insert describes the team and its members, with a photograph of the second series heroes Booster, Blue Beetle, Fire, and the Martian Manhunter on the right-hand side. But, that’s not all. The insert opens to reveal more cross-promotions: Justice Society of America Series 1, History of the DC Universe Series 1, and History of the DC Universe Series 2.
Booster Gold has no powers of his own, but employs various technological items. His suit provides super strength, while there are blasters on the wrists and a force field projector in the belt. He can fly thanks to a stolen Legion of Super-Heroes flight ring, and the hero’s goggles include infrared vision and magnification. All of that is cool, but what makes it iconic is Booster Gold’s style. His suit is fairly simple in design, form-fitting with additional elements in the boots, wrist bands, a massive collar, and wraparound facemask with goggles. Wanting to stand out (even from crowd of other 20th Century heroes), Booster is eye-catching in bright blue and gold. The Booster Gold figure brings the hero to life, with a special emphasis on his happy go lucky attitude made famous during the JLI run.
At 6 ¾ inches tall, Booster Gold has a very good sculpt, even if it’s mostly covered up by his bold uniform. He has tons of muscle definition, including massive thighs, an inhuman 8-pack, and more. Booster’s suit is more detailed than it looks at first glance too, with sculpted edges around the boots, yellow shoulder pads, and wrist and hand parts. Both hands are sculpted in “thumbs up” gestures, and on the right middle finger is even the Legion of Super-Heroes flight ring! Of course, the most “Booster Gold” element of the figure is his head, complete with waving hair, goggled eyes, and perfect smile.
As usual for DC Direct figures, Booster Gold has an excellent paint job. He’s dominated by blue and gold, and there is nary a spillover where the two meet. The colors are bright and vibrant, and really pop. The hero’s blonde hair is a different shade of yellow with darker accents, and his face adds a flesh tone, bright blue eyes, and gleaming white teeth. Also of note is the translucent yellow plastic used on Booster’s goggles.
If there’s one thing that DC Direct figures trade for their amazing sculpts and paint, it’s articulation. Booster Gold has 11 points of articulation, with joints at the neck (ball), shoulders (ball), elbows, wrists, T-crotch, and knees. This is not bad, and indeed Booster is decently poseable especially in the arms. There may be less “action” in this figure, but he looks great standing on display and posed with his two thumbs up. To facilitate this, Booster Gold comes with a standard clear oval display base emblazoned with the Justice League International logo.
The JLI Booster Gold figure is an excellent representation of the character that emphasizes his positive attitude and flamboyant style. He’s a must-have for BG fans, and fits perfectly with the other Justice League International figures, especially his partner in crime Blue Beetle. There are several other Booster Gold figures on the market right now, but this one really offers something different.http://2009reviews.figures.com/showgallery.php/cat/661
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Review and Photos by Scott Rubin
Review Sample Courtesy of DC Direct