The Comic Book Thread

[BurningDoom]

http://scifi.about.com/od/comicbooks/a/ ... o-Work.htm

Booster Gold as a Series: How's That Going to Work?
Syfy and Berlanti face a fascinating challenge with this glory-hound of a hero



Booster Gold is obnoxious and insufferable even for a superhero. But then, that's sort of the point.

In his original conception, the DC hero and Justice League member from the future was conceived by Dan Jurgens in the mid-1980s as an answer to the perfectly reasonable question, What would happen if somebody got powers and -- instead of getting all angsty about the burden of great power and great responsibility and all that jazz -- just wanted use his abilities to, yes, do the heroics and the rescuing, but while he was at it get some glory and fame and the gleaming life of a celebrity? Maybe that would be both more relatable in some ways than the godlike Superman (on whose escapades Jurgens also worked), and a way of casting the capes' nobility in relief (and maybe wryly commenting on it as well).

Getting Booster

Understanding that Booster has these dual aspirations is the key to understanding (not to mention liking) his character, as his creator pointed out in a 2006 interview. "Let's say that we had a situation where there was a tremendous fire that had broken out in a brownstone, somewhere in the city," Jurgens explained. "So, you know, most guys, if we're talking about superheroes, most guys would just charge off, and perform the rescue mission, and, theoretically put out the fire, and everything would be taken care of. Booster would be more likely to, on the way there, place that call to a couple of media sources to say, you know, 'Booster Gold is on the way, you might want to come film it,' and that kind of thing, but that delay might have cost him the ability to save much of the building from fire as any other hero would have. So, I think that we do have to recognize that he got in his own way sometimes."

"In terms of what kept him interesting," Jurgens went on, "is that what often isn't recognized is that, yeah on the surface, we all know, Booster like the fame, and the money, and the glory, that could come with doing the job the way he did it. He would just be one to say, 'So, I take a few bucks from a corporate sponsor, so what? I'll still do the job,' but he liked the fame and the money that went with it. But, deep down, he also wanted to do the right thing."

Planning the Series: A Harbinger

So now the real question is whether the series now being planned for Booster, from Syfy and producer Greg Berlanti, will be able to balance the character's showboating demeanor and his heart of gold. The condensed storyline, as conveyed by THR, described Booster as a has-been athlete from the future who travels back to the present time in hopes of becoming the best super hero ever.

Smallville viewers have already gotten a taste of this tale: Booster, played by toothy Days of Our Lives alumnus Eric Martsolf, showed up during season 10 as one of the last DC characters dragged into the show by the ears. It made for a good episode, with Booster trying to horn in on the Blur's historically established heroics only to completely mess things up. In the end, the chastened hero was still cocky enough to toss Clark Kent a Booster Gold tee shirt ("You're an XL, right?").

So on the TV screen, Booster worked well playing off of a "proper" hero -- Superman. But will it work with Booster as the main character? The danger will be falling between the two stools of Booster's brashness, which writers might fear audiences won;t be able to take in quantity, and the temptation to paint him with conventional heroics and nobility, in which case it could be anybody in tights. It can be done -- there's enough complexity to the character to present him in a multifaceted and appealing way -- but boy, will it have to be done carefully.

Superhero Experience

Berlanti, of course, knows from superheroes, having co-scripted Green Lantern and headed up No Ordinary Family and Eli Stone (which explored superhero-as-prophet as a premise). Fringe's Andrew Kreisberg, who collaborated with Berlanti on Eli Stone, is on board to pen the script and executive produce.

Syfy's track record with the heroes is less promising, the prominent feature on that landscape being Flash Gordon -- though its recent success with Alphas is probably more relevant.

Interestingly enough, ComicBook.com has already settled on their own choice of casting for the pilot, starting with James Roday from Psych in the lead role (yep, that works), setting aside Eric Martsolf only because he's a little old for the full origin story treatment, and Joel McHale as too comical. No matter who's cast, the real key here -- more than for any other superhero, perhaps -- is just the right tone. Here's hoping Berlanti and company can pull it off.

Can't freaking wait to see this one!

[jmbarnes101]

I don't buy single issues unless their older and I don't foresee a HC coming. Things like Checkmate, Vigilante, Manhunter (Mark Shaw), Force Works, etc... that I end up having bound into HC.

Used some credit I had and so on their way to me are
Mickey Mouse by Floyd Gottfredson Volumes 1 & 2
Carl Barks' Donald Duck

These have got to be the three books I've been wanting the longest. Based on seeing it I can highly recommend the first and I know the Barks' book will have a strong chance at winning reprint of the year for it's excellence. At $25 it's an absolute steal.

Also as a year-in-review type thing I nominate the following HC's for awesome goodness.
Hellboy Library Vol. 4
B.P.R.D.: Plague of Frogs Volumes 1 & 2
Flash by Geoff Johns Omnibus Vol. 1
Creepy by Bernie Wrightson
Captain America by Jack Kirby Omnibus (70's)
Atlantis Attacks Omnibus (Guilty pleasure)
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight - Marshall Rogers
Jack Kirby Omnibus featuring Green Arrow
Steve Ditko Omnibus Starring Shade the Changing Man
100 Bullets Book 1
Fables Deluxe Edition Vol. 3
Thor by Walt Simonson Omnibus
Marvel Premiere Classic Rocket Raccoon: Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant (favorite character and early Mignola)

There is probably a bunch of other stuff but this is what I can think of off the top of my head.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Sorry to necro-bump....

Did any of yous collect the Marvel trading cards? I have a bunch still at my parents' house and was looking to finally sell them, probably as a lot on Craigslist. Off the top of my head, I know I have a complete '94 Spiderman set, complete '90 Marvel set, almost complete '91 Marvel set (missing holograms), and several others.

These worth anything, or are they in demand at all? Information on the interbutts is pretty slim.

[pakopako]

Did any of yous collect the Marvel trading cards?...
These worth anything, or are they in demand at all? Information on the interbutts is pretty slim.

Find the right buyer. Probably still only worth a few dimes a card, a few dollars for the holograms. (I kid you not, those were the Wizard's quoted prices in the 90s.) You could probably get an easier sale if you sold them in sets.

Try seeing if anyone on mahasamatman.com or any of the other card trading sites is up. Or throw a high-ball figure on eBay. (Man, I miss mahasamatman -- my account's long expired and I just found over 900 Ani-Mayhem cards in a crate. Yes, crate.)

[BurningDoom]

Sorry to necro-bump....

Did any of yous collect the Marvel trading cards? I have a bunch still at my parents' house and was looking to finally sell them, probably as a lot on Craigslist. Off the top of my head, I know I have a complete '94 Spiderman set, complete '90 Marvel set, almost complete '91 Marvel set (missing holograms), and several others.

These worth anything, or are they in demand at all? Information on the interbutts is pretty slim.

I still have a bunch, quite a few full sets, even. I'd hang on to them if you have any nostalgia at all for them. Because I can assure you they aren't worth much and they aren't in demand anymore. My comic shop where I've been a regular for years with a subscription box wasn't interested in the slightest. I've also tried to sell them on eBay and came back with 0 bids. At the same time I was able to sell a stack of Shadowhawk, Cyberforce, and Stormwatch comics. So that's got to tell you something.

[The Last Horseman]

I can't find back order singles for shit...

[BoneSnapDeez]

Sorry to necro-bump....

Did any of yous collect the Marvel trading cards? I have a bunch still at my parents' house and was looking to finally sell them, probably as a lot on Craigslist. Off the top of my head, I know I have a complete '94 Spiderman set, complete '90 Marvel set, almost complete '91 Marvel set (missing holograms), and several others.

These worth anything, or are they in demand at all? Information on the interbutts is pretty slim.

I still have a bunch, quite a few full sets, even. I'd hang on to them if you have any nostalgia at all for them. Because I can assure you they aren't worth much and they aren't in demand anymore. My comic shop where I've been a regular for years with a subscription box wasn't interested in the slightest. I've also tried to sell them on eBay and came back with 0 bids. At the same time I was able to sell a stack of Shadowhawk, Cyberforce, and Stormwatch comics. So that's got to tell you something.

You know, that's is what I've been hearing from so many people. I wonder why they're worth so little money, the sure look like something that could be collectible. They have no nostalgic value, I haven't been into Western comic books since I was 13 or so. I'll try to sell these after the holidays, starting with craigslist and then ebay if I have to.

[BurningDoom]

I can't find back order singles for shit...

Comic Collector Live is your best friend. Best selection and best prices on the web in one place:

http://www.comiccollectorlive.com/Default.aspx

And if anyone is wondering, no, it's not my website, and no I'm not selling comics there. I'm just a big fan of collection software they provide and the awesome comic shopping there.

[BurningDoom]

So many of you know that I'm a huge Green Lantern fan. I'm also a longtime member at the Comic Collector Live boards. I was nominated to be the "Guru" of Green Lantern on the website, so I made a Green Lantern Essentials list. If you're a Green Lantern fan, check it out. It has key issues, a storyline issue checklist, and some character profiles:

http://www.comiccollectorlive.com/forum ... 031#545031

[BurningDoom]

http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/news/first-look-at-avengers-x-sanction-1

First Look at AVENGERS: X-SANCTION #1

The opening salvo in the upcoming war between the Avengers and X-Men is fired in next week's Avengers: X-Sanction #1 from the chart topping team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness! The time-traveling mutant known as Cable, has returned from the future with 24 hours to save the world…by destroying the Avengers?! What makes Earth's Mightiest Heroes such a threat to a better tomorrow? Cable's on a mission to prevent the tragedies that lead to the events of Avengers VS X-Men…and every move he makes irrevocably changes the direction of the Marvel Universe!

"On the eve of the biggest Marvel event—maybe ever—Ed McGuinness and I are thrilled to be the lead-in for Avengers VS X-Men," said Loeb. "Hopefully longtime fans and first time Cable, X-Men and Avengers readers will be excited by a story that can be read entirely on its own -- and at the same time has lots of stocking stuffer-esque surprises just in time for the holidays."

It all begins with Cable versus Captain America…and only one will emerge victorious! The Avengers and X-Men are on a collision course…and the first steps towards war are taken in Avengers: X-Sanction #1, available in comic stores and on the Marvel Comics app next Wednesday!

Retailers: Please note that Marvel is rush printing a second printing of Avengers: X-Sanction #1 due to expected demand and its relationship to Avengers vs X-Men. Check the Marvel Mailer and Diamond Daily for more details.

AVENGERS: X-SANCTION #1
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
ON SALE – 12/14/11