calliopes_pen (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
calliopes_pen) wrote2005-09-20 12:29 pm
calliopes_pen) wrote2005-09-20 12:29 pm
Entry tags:
Booster Gold (Michael Jon Carter) /Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)
This is also being posted at ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
ship_manifesto.
Title: Blue And Gold
Author:faith_of_borg
E-Mail: julia_hoffman2003@yahoo.com
Fandom: DC Comics
Pairing: Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)/Booster Gold (Michael Jon Carter)
Spoilers: Just to be safe, anything up through Countdown to Infinite Crisis and OMAC, as well as Wonder Woman #219.
Notes: I would like to thankcanonistas and beetlemania for helping to explain the Kooey Kooey Kooey storyline. Thanks go out to edward_hyde, for posting the "Boostle Mega Post Of Doom" over at scans_daily. Thanks to seandc for the banner after the LJ cut. Special thanks also go out to all of my beta readers. They include: seandc, heykidzcomix, covenhouse_cat, and edward_hyde.
*Booster Gold shows up unexpectedly, and helps save Blue Beetle from a gang. Beetle is then helped up by Booster.*
Blue Beetle: What about the commercial? What about Miami? And the costume? I thought you said--
Booster Gold: Yeah, I figured—what the hell. Soon as I stepped off the plane I knew where I needed to really be. So here I am.
Caption: Finally the laughter stops.
--excerpt from Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
Introduction
Michael Jon Carter, aka Booster Gold: a man from the future, living and learning in the past; Blue Beetle, aka Ted Kord: an inventor who owns his own company, and also happens to be a hero. When one merely looks at the surface, one would assume that these two individuals have absolutely nothing in common. Those who assumed this would be wrong.
Ted Kord/Blue Beetle II
Ted Kord is many things. He was an inventor, superhero (despite a heart problem), as well as an industrialist. His first step into the superhero department came when he discovered that his archaeology professor, Dan Garett, was the first Blue Beetle. When the professor died in battle, he vowed to carry on his legacy, at his request.
Without the enhancement of any superpowers to fall back on, Ted relied on his wits, humor and numerous inventions to aid him.
He was human. He had to avoid certain foods, or he gained a lot of weight–there were even issues devoted to that very problem. And even when he was faced with a debilitating heart condition, he still saved lives when he could. Even though he wasn’t the best fighter, he would still help out whenever his friends were in trouble.
Then along came Countdown to Infinite Crisis. A grand conspiracy was unraveled by Blue Beetle, coming to light when he realized his company was mysteriously losing money. Soon he discovered that someone was out to destroy all metahumans. Slowly the puzzle was put together, and Ted followed the trail. He was aided by Booster Gold—the only one who believed that someone was behind everything that was going on. Booster helped him every step of the way...until Checkmate blew up Ted’s home, landing Booster in the hospital. While he was out of commission, Ted was on his own.
Even when faced with his own death, Ted refused to join the villain of the piece. And then, came the final offer.
Maxwell Lord: All I want is to put Earth’s destiny in the hands of humans, not people pretending to be human, Ted. In the hands of people like me…and people like you.
Blue Beetle: You want me to join you? That’s why you’re telling me all this? Join me or die time, is that it?
Maxwell Lord: That’s it, exactly.
Blue Beetle: Rot in Hell, Max.
*Max shoots him*
--From Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
He stuck to his beliefs, and stayed a hero to the end, refusing to join Checkmate. Unfortunately, the scene ended with Maxwell Lord shooting and killing him. And unfortunately, there is no way to say that he might still be alive, as his body was then thrown into the incinerator.
Understandably, fans are outraged. Most fans seem to be in denial. I’m probably one of those fans, too. That’s what fanfic is for, though. It helps the fans keep their fingers in their ears, humming, until things are back to normal. (No offense intended—just a funny image.)
Michael Jon Carter/Booster Gold
Michael Jon Carter. His reasons for traveling to the 20th century were not what you would call “altruistic.” He had a craving for fame, and decided to be a superhero. Besides fame, he also wanted money, and women--everything that went along with fame, as long as he could keep himself situated firmly in the spotlight.
Carter was originally a football star in the 25th century. After destroying his own career due to illegal gambling, and throwing games, he was thrown out of the sport. Desperate for money, he took a job as a night watchman. The man didn’t really last that long at his job, before he came up with the “brilliant” idea of becoming a superhero. He decided that they were much more popular in the late 20th century, and promptly stole a time machine (belonging to Rip Hunter; it was on display at the museum), special equipment, as well as a flight ring. After stealing all the necessary equipment and items from the nearby display cases, he (along with Skeets, the security robot from the museum) went back in time to the late 80’s.
Shortly after he first appeared in the 20th century, Maxwell Lord suggested that the Justice League accept him as a member. He proved his worth after helping defeat the Royal Flush Gang, and was accepted at that time. Booster Gold purposely shaped how the others viewed him. That carefully crafted persona was believed to be a buffoon. It certainly didn’t help matters when he would mess up royally, either.
The best example of this tendency is when Booster accidentally sent everyone to Hell. Literally. While forced to serve and/or flip burgers for all eternity, he proved that he did, in fact, have a functioning mind. Much to Blue Beetle’s horror. (Granted, it was a horrendously stupid idea to play around with the mystical artifacts in Dr. Fate’s quarters. For all Booster knew, rather than ending up with him and his friends in Hell, he could have unleashed Hell on Earth!)
In a strange twist, Booster Gold was the one who managed to figure out that there was a good chance that they could get them out of Hell. Of course, trying to bring up the fact he had an idea was a big shock to Beetle.
Booster: I’ve been thinking—
Beetle: No, you haven’t. You’re incapable of independent thought.
Booster: Just because I act like a mindless idiot, doesn’t mean that I’m completely brain dead!
Beetle: It doesn’t?
Booster: Now really think about it: We make one little mistake…and we’re condemned to burn forever? Where’s the justice in that?
Beetle: There is no justice, Booster! The universe is random chaos! It’s nonsense! Sound and fury signifying nothing!
Booster: Do you actually believe that?
Beetle: Uh…no. Oh, my GOD.
Booster: What’s the matter?
Beetle: You’re actually making sense.
--From JLA Classified #7.
And now, back to his time before his joining the Justice League. In Justice League Quarterly #10, much of his past is shown: how he was a famous football star in his time, and had it all; how he ended up losing everything; how his mother found out about his illegal activities and ended up disowning him. Then he reveals how he believes that it was all because of one man: a crime boss named Rubenico. Due to the fact that this man in the future will eventually ruin his life, he decides to kill the man's ancestor living in the present.
Of course, if he does that, then the man’s great (insert numerous greats here) grandfather will never be born—meaning Booster’s life was never ruined, and he never traveled into the past. Basically, it’s the Grandfather Effect. (Confused yet? Time travel hurts the brain.)
Showing concern for the man, Blue Beetle talked him out of the act. Booster still felt guilty about the fact that he almost killed the guy. Later, Beetle got through to him by telling him how much he had changed.
Blue Beetle: What you did back when you were a quarterback—you screwed up. There’s no question about that. But then you balanced the scales. You became a hero.
*Beetle grabs him and points him toward the window.*
Beetle: Look out there, man. For every light in New York, there’s someone whose life you’ve saved…either as Booster Gold or as a Justice Leaguer. You took a road that changed everyone’s life for the better. And whatever your past sins…that more than makes up for them. Earlier tonight, you said you’d been given a second chance…and you were right. But not to punish the Rubenicos. To stop punishing yourself. If you’re looking for forgiveness, Booster, there’s only one man who can give it…
*points to Booster’s reflection, which he’s been staring at.*
Beetle: …and you’re looking at him.
That basically sums up just how much the man has changed over the years. That and this one last fact from Countdown to Infinite Crisis. He had a chance to chicken out, leave town and become a star again in commercials. He heard that Ted was in trouble, and needed help, and went to him. He stuck by him, trying to help him figure out what was going on until he was put in the hospital when Ted’s house was blown up.
He proved he was a true friend, even though he was physically unable to be there when Ted died.
Other Media
Currently, the only place to see Booster Gold is in the series Justice League Unlimited. One episode centers on Booster: The Greatest Story Never Told. For the rest of the series, he can often be glimpsed in the background on the Watchtower.
In particular, during the last couple of seasons whenever there is a large group of heroes in the background.
However, due to certain copyright issues, it would seem that Blue Beetle will not be teaming up with Booster in any adventures in the future of this show. The copyright issue stems from the fact that there was an old Blue Beetle radio show back in the 1940’s. Strangely enough Ted Kord was not the Blue Beetle in this radio show—Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle, was. In the section of General related links, look at Comics 101: Beetlemania, for more information about that first Blue Beetle.
Fans can only pray for the day when that copyright expires, and Ted can be allowed on Justice League Unlimited. Rumor has it that the expiration date for the copyright could be soon--this is currently unconfirmed.
Together
This duo has always had an odd chemistry, and a wild friendship. Over the course of their relationship, they’ve played countless bizarre pranks. Who can forget the time the two stole J’onn’s cookies, hid them, and caused J’onn to go on a rampage? Or the time they faked a transporter accident?
There were quite a few get-rich-quick schemes developed over the years as well, most of which were disasters, and most of which would take a while to attempt to explain. A classic example of their get-rich-quick schemes going horribly, horribly wrong: Kooey Kooey Kooey. (The Kooey Kooey Kooey debacle ran through issues 33-35 of Justice League of America.) The name of this island can still make many within the Justice League (at least from the time of Beetle and Booster) cringe in remembrance. Basically, Ted and Booster secretly emptied the League’s bank account, started a resort on Kooey Kooey Kooey, lost all the money, and managed to start an international incident.
As a sidenote, one can assume that during the time Booster and Beetle were with the Justice League, J’onn nearly lost his mind (which the Martian himself does not hesitate to tell anyone who’ll listen). His patience was incredible, and he deserved a medal.
The subtext was practically text during the course of their relationship. They bickered so often, that they more than likely missed their arguments if they were separated.
Blue Beetle: Get a grip, Booster. You’re acting like some jilted lover.
Booster Gold: Well, that’s what it feels like!
*Beetle has a wary look, while Booster simply looks horrified that he admitted to that.*
--An argument between Booster and Beetle, from Formerly Known As The Justice League.
A good snapshot of how they felt for each other was when the Justice League had to fight Doomsday for the first time—Ted fought alongside his friends, was put into a coma, and Booster refused to leave his side. He talked to him, hoping he would wake up.
Booster Gold: We spent all this time joking our way through life and when the chips were down…look what happened. We paid a real price. We’re wearing arm bands in someone’s memory. Well, you better keep fighting, friend! If I have to put on an arm band with a beetle on it—I—I…I don’t know what I’ll do.
*Booster leans over Ted, crying.*
--from Justice League of America #70.
That quote is even worse in retrospect once you know what eventually happens to Ted.
And in Countdown to Infinite Crisis, it was shown that they have and always will (or did) work best as a team. Together they tracked down the reason for the strange incidents in Ted’s company.
My Feelings For This Pairing
Booster and Beetle. Up to a point in recent years, they seemed to be complete opposites. As I said: Up to a point. (What with Beetle maturing and becoming patient, and Booster still being immature.) They are actually the best of friends, and were always there for each other. In Countdown to Infinite Crisis Booster was the only one who didn't abandon him.
Back when they first met, they were more pranksters than anything else. Over time, that relationship evolved. What did they gain from each other?
On Booster's side, he matured quite a bit, even if he was great at hiding it. He learned loyalty, and stuck by Ted as best he could. I personally think that if he hadn't ended up severely injured and stuck in the hospital, he would have gone with Ted into Maxwell Lord's lair. He would have done his best to save him--even if it meant that he would have ended up dying with him.
On Beetle's side, I think he really learned something about infinite patience. And to never, ever underestimate someone. He was very protective of Booster, and I think it made him a little mad when anyone else insulted Booster. He was loyal to his friends to the end, and used his life to try to save everyone.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop Countdown...or the whole OMAC debacle. Or Maxwell Lord. Wonder Woman snapping Lord’s neck? That may have made Booster stop and think, but I don't think he would have killed Max if he had been there. He would have wanted him stopped, but he would have known how Ted would feel about anyone else dying because of something that happened to him. Ted’s feelings mattered most to him.
Recommended Trade Paperback And Comics
Justice League: A New Beginning. This trade includes the first meeting between Booster and Beetle. The first time they beat a foe together, Beetle thinks there might actually be an interesting friendship ahead of them.
Formerly Known As The Justice League. This trade is wonderful, even if you don’t like the pairing of Boostle. Booster and Beetle fight like an old married couple, and nearly start an intergalactic war.
Martian Manhunter #24. This story involves Booster and Beetle hiding all of J’onn’s cookies. J’onn goes on a rampage. This is the height of their bizarre hijinks. Worth reading for the hilarity, and a lot of Boostle subtext. (Let’s be honest—more text than anything, what with Booster letting Beetle ride around on his back.)
Justice League of America #’s 33-35. This is the previously mentioned Kooey Kooey Kooey storyline. Booster and Beetle start up an island resort—from there, things go horribly wrong.
Justice League of America #70. After being pummeled by Doomsday, Ted is in a coma. Booster stays by his side, and begs him to wake up.
Justice League Quarterly #10. Booster Gold tells about how his life was in the future. He decides to kill a guy who will eventually be related to someone that ruins his life in the future. Blue Beetle manages to talk him out of it.
Countdown To Infinite Crisis #1. This tale is the final pairing of Boostle as a team, and possibly more. (You can see proof of that in the quote included at the beginning of this essay.) A sad ending—with Booster being the only one who believes Ted when something suspicious occurs. And if you’ve read this far, you more than likely know how things end. This is not in trade paperback form as of yet, but it will be included in the OMAC Project trade which goes on sale around November 2nd.
I Can't Believe It's Not The Justice League. This trade paperback will be released in November. It collects JLA Classified #’s 4 through 9.
Justice League Unlimited #5. This issue is a very funny solo story revolving around Blue Beetle at the Watchtower.
Extreme Justice #’s 1-18. While it is not the best in regards to art, it is a great spot to find slash between Booster and Beetle.
Secret Origins v.2 #2. Great introduction to Ted, along with his history in relation to Dan Garrett.
Birds of Prey #’s 39-41. This is the storyline that dealt with Ted’s heart condition.
Death of Superman. While this trade shows Superman's death, you can also find some interaction between Booster and Beetle--you just have to look carefully.
Websites
General
Blue Beetle II Profile.
Blue Beetle Wikipedia Entry.
Booster Gold Wikipedia Entry.
Booster Gold Comixfan Bio.
Comics 101: Beetlemania.
Fanfic Related
Until Countdown to Infinite Crisis, there really wasn’t any fanfic to be found for this pairing. Now, there seems to be a veritable explosion of stories based on the concept of Boostle. (The LJ groupboostle is highly recommended for finding fanfic of this sort.)
Road Rage, written by LM. Justice League International is needed at the United Nations. Things quickly go completely out of control—the Batmobile is accidentally hijacked by Booster and Beetle, at one point. A very funny story.
Booster and Gold: The Other Dynamic Duo. This is more an interview of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle than an actual story. The two of them are interviewed by Clark Kent, and reminisce about events that have happened to the duo throughout their years working together. Countdown to Infinite Crisis is not mentioned, as this appears to have been written before that was released.
Closeted. This story is written bycapedcrusader92. Booster and Beetle get locked in the supply closet, and can’t get out for a while. They can’t do much except talk. Feelings are brought up.
Boostle. This fanfic was written by_ticketyboo. Sue follows through on a threat she made in JLA: Classified. She tells Booster’s wife that he’s with Ted. Nobody is surprised.
In Memoriam. This story was written bymusexmoirai. Booster thinks about Beetle and how the memorial service should be done. Post-Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
Warning: The Pool Is Contaminated. This story was written byalba_aulbath. I believe the story is still in progress. All the parts can be found over at boostle. After Countdown to Infinite Crisis, The Question finds out that Ted has a different fate in store. The story may also be found here.
Fan Art
heykidzcomix (Creates hysterical comics based on Boostle and other DC characters.)
Beetle stares at Booster; byd0wn_on_paper.
Boostle Mood Theme. This was made bypoisonivory.
Tons of even more wonderful fan art can be found atboostle. The place to go for all of your Boostle needs, I have discovered.
Booster/Beetle Related Groups
beetlemania
boostle
comicslash
dcfic_index
dcu_slash_index
jl_fic
scans_daily
blueandgoldunlimited.
Booster and Beetle Coalition.
ship_manifesto.Title: Blue And Gold
Author:
faith_of_borgE-Mail: julia_hoffman2003@yahoo.com
Fandom: DC Comics
Pairing: Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)/Booster Gold (Michael Jon Carter)
Spoilers: Just to be safe, anything up through Countdown to Infinite Crisis and OMAC, as well as Wonder Woman #219.
Notes: I would like to thank
canonistas and beetlemania for helping to explain the Kooey Kooey Kooey storyline. Thanks go out to edward_hyde, for posting the "Boostle Mega Post Of Doom" over at scans_daily. Thanks to seandc for the banner after the LJ cut. Special thanks also go out to all of my beta readers. They include: seandc, heykidzcomix, covenhouse_cat, and edward_hyde.*Booster Gold shows up unexpectedly, and helps save Blue Beetle from a gang. Beetle is then helped up by Booster.*
Blue Beetle: What about the commercial? What about Miami? And the costume? I thought you said--
Booster Gold: Yeah, I figured—what the hell. Soon as I stepped off the plane I knew where I needed to really be. So here I am.
Caption: Finally the laughter stops.
--excerpt from Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
Introduction
Michael Jon Carter, aka Booster Gold: a man from the future, living and learning in the past; Blue Beetle, aka Ted Kord: an inventor who owns his own company, and also happens to be a hero. When one merely looks at the surface, one would assume that these two individuals have absolutely nothing in common. Those who assumed this would be wrong.
Ted Kord/Blue Beetle II
Ted Kord is many things. He was an inventor, superhero (despite a heart problem), as well as an industrialist. His first step into the superhero department came when he discovered that his archaeology professor, Dan Garett, was the first Blue Beetle. When the professor died in battle, he vowed to carry on his legacy, at his request.
Without the enhancement of any superpowers to fall back on, Ted relied on his wits, humor and numerous inventions to aid him.
He was human. He had to avoid certain foods, or he gained a lot of weight–there were even issues devoted to that very problem. And even when he was faced with a debilitating heart condition, he still saved lives when he could. Even though he wasn’t the best fighter, he would still help out whenever his friends were in trouble.
Then along came Countdown to Infinite Crisis. A grand conspiracy was unraveled by Blue Beetle, coming to light when he realized his company was mysteriously losing money. Soon he discovered that someone was out to destroy all metahumans. Slowly the puzzle was put together, and Ted followed the trail. He was aided by Booster Gold—the only one who believed that someone was behind everything that was going on. Booster helped him every step of the way...until Checkmate blew up Ted’s home, landing Booster in the hospital. While he was out of commission, Ted was on his own.
Even when faced with his own death, Ted refused to join the villain of the piece. And then, came the final offer.
Maxwell Lord: All I want is to put Earth’s destiny in the hands of humans, not people pretending to be human, Ted. In the hands of people like me…and people like you.
Blue Beetle: You want me to join you? That’s why you’re telling me all this? Join me or die time, is that it?
Maxwell Lord: That’s it, exactly.
Blue Beetle: Rot in Hell, Max.
*Max shoots him*
--From Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
He stuck to his beliefs, and stayed a hero to the end, refusing to join Checkmate. Unfortunately, the scene ended with Maxwell Lord shooting and killing him. And unfortunately, there is no way to say that he might still be alive, as his body was then thrown into the incinerator.
Understandably, fans are outraged. Most fans seem to be in denial. I’m probably one of those fans, too. That’s what fanfic is for, though. It helps the fans keep their fingers in their ears, humming, until things are back to normal. (No offense intended—just a funny image.)
Michael Jon Carter/Booster Gold
Michael Jon Carter. His reasons for traveling to the 20th century were not what you would call “altruistic.” He had a craving for fame, and decided to be a superhero. Besides fame, he also wanted money, and women--everything that went along with fame, as long as he could keep himself situated firmly in the spotlight.
Carter was originally a football star in the 25th century. After destroying his own career due to illegal gambling, and throwing games, he was thrown out of the sport. Desperate for money, he took a job as a night watchman. The man didn’t really last that long at his job, before he came up with the “brilliant” idea of becoming a superhero. He decided that they were much more popular in the late 20th century, and promptly stole a time machine (belonging to Rip Hunter; it was on display at the museum), special equipment, as well as a flight ring. After stealing all the necessary equipment and items from the nearby display cases, he (along with Skeets, the security robot from the museum) went back in time to the late 80’s.
Shortly after he first appeared in the 20th century, Maxwell Lord suggested that the Justice League accept him as a member. He proved his worth after helping defeat the Royal Flush Gang, and was accepted at that time. Booster Gold purposely shaped how the others viewed him. That carefully crafted persona was believed to be a buffoon. It certainly didn’t help matters when he would mess up royally, either.
The best example of this tendency is when Booster accidentally sent everyone to Hell. Literally. While forced to serve and/or flip burgers for all eternity, he proved that he did, in fact, have a functioning mind. Much to Blue Beetle’s horror. (Granted, it was a horrendously stupid idea to play around with the mystical artifacts in Dr. Fate’s quarters. For all Booster knew, rather than ending up with him and his friends in Hell, he could have unleashed Hell on Earth!)
In a strange twist, Booster Gold was the one who managed to figure out that there was a good chance that they could get them out of Hell. Of course, trying to bring up the fact he had an idea was a big shock to Beetle.
Booster: I’ve been thinking—
Beetle: No, you haven’t. You’re incapable of independent thought.
Booster: Just because I act like a mindless idiot, doesn’t mean that I’m completely brain dead!
Beetle: It doesn’t?
Booster: Now really think about it: We make one little mistake…and we’re condemned to burn forever? Where’s the justice in that?
Beetle: There is no justice, Booster! The universe is random chaos! It’s nonsense! Sound and fury signifying nothing!
Booster: Do you actually believe that?
Beetle: Uh…no. Oh, my GOD.
Booster: What’s the matter?
Beetle: You’re actually making sense.
--From JLA Classified #7.
And now, back to his time before his joining the Justice League. In Justice League Quarterly #10, much of his past is shown: how he was a famous football star in his time, and had it all; how he ended up losing everything; how his mother found out about his illegal activities and ended up disowning him. Then he reveals how he believes that it was all because of one man: a crime boss named Rubenico. Due to the fact that this man in the future will eventually ruin his life, he decides to kill the man's ancestor living in the present.
Of course, if he does that, then the man’s great (insert numerous greats here) grandfather will never be born—meaning Booster’s life was never ruined, and he never traveled into the past. Basically, it’s the Grandfather Effect. (Confused yet? Time travel hurts the brain.)
Showing concern for the man, Blue Beetle talked him out of the act. Booster still felt guilty about the fact that he almost killed the guy. Later, Beetle got through to him by telling him how much he had changed.
Blue Beetle: What you did back when you were a quarterback—you screwed up. There’s no question about that. But then you balanced the scales. You became a hero.
*Beetle grabs him and points him toward the window.*
Beetle: Look out there, man. For every light in New York, there’s someone whose life you’ve saved…either as Booster Gold or as a Justice Leaguer. You took a road that changed everyone’s life for the better. And whatever your past sins…that more than makes up for them. Earlier tonight, you said you’d been given a second chance…and you were right. But not to punish the Rubenicos. To stop punishing yourself. If you’re looking for forgiveness, Booster, there’s only one man who can give it…
*points to Booster’s reflection, which he’s been staring at.*
Beetle: …and you’re looking at him.
That basically sums up just how much the man has changed over the years. That and this one last fact from Countdown to Infinite Crisis. He had a chance to chicken out, leave town and become a star again in commercials. He heard that Ted was in trouble, and needed help, and went to him. He stuck by him, trying to help him figure out what was going on until he was put in the hospital when Ted’s house was blown up.
He proved he was a true friend, even though he was physically unable to be there when Ted died.
Other Media
Currently, the only place to see Booster Gold is in the series Justice League Unlimited. One episode centers on Booster: The Greatest Story Never Told. For the rest of the series, he can often be glimpsed in the background on the Watchtower.
In particular, during the last couple of seasons whenever there is a large group of heroes in the background.
However, due to certain copyright issues, it would seem that Blue Beetle will not be teaming up with Booster in any adventures in the future of this show. The copyright issue stems from the fact that there was an old Blue Beetle radio show back in the 1940’s. Strangely enough Ted Kord was not the Blue Beetle in this radio show—Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle, was. In the section of General related links, look at Comics 101: Beetlemania, for more information about that first Blue Beetle.
Fans can only pray for the day when that copyright expires, and Ted can be allowed on Justice League Unlimited. Rumor has it that the expiration date for the copyright could be soon--this is currently unconfirmed.
Together
This duo has always had an odd chemistry, and a wild friendship. Over the course of their relationship, they’ve played countless bizarre pranks. Who can forget the time the two stole J’onn’s cookies, hid them, and caused J’onn to go on a rampage? Or the time they faked a transporter accident?
There were quite a few get-rich-quick schemes developed over the years as well, most of which were disasters, and most of which would take a while to attempt to explain. A classic example of their get-rich-quick schemes going horribly, horribly wrong: Kooey Kooey Kooey. (The Kooey Kooey Kooey debacle ran through issues 33-35 of Justice League of America.) The name of this island can still make many within the Justice League (at least from the time of Beetle and Booster) cringe in remembrance. Basically, Ted and Booster secretly emptied the League’s bank account, started a resort on Kooey Kooey Kooey, lost all the money, and managed to start an international incident.
As a sidenote, one can assume that during the time Booster and Beetle were with the Justice League, J’onn nearly lost his mind (which the Martian himself does not hesitate to tell anyone who’ll listen). His patience was incredible, and he deserved a medal.
The subtext was practically text during the course of their relationship. They bickered so often, that they more than likely missed their arguments if they were separated.
Blue Beetle: Get a grip, Booster. You’re acting like some jilted lover.
Booster Gold: Well, that’s what it feels like!
*Beetle has a wary look, while Booster simply looks horrified that he admitted to that.*
--An argument between Booster and Beetle, from Formerly Known As The Justice League.
A good snapshot of how they felt for each other was when the Justice League had to fight Doomsday for the first time—Ted fought alongside his friends, was put into a coma, and Booster refused to leave his side. He talked to him, hoping he would wake up.
Booster Gold: We spent all this time joking our way through life and when the chips were down…look what happened. We paid a real price. We’re wearing arm bands in someone’s memory. Well, you better keep fighting, friend! If I have to put on an arm band with a beetle on it—I—I…I don’t know what I’ll do.
*Booster leans over Ted, crying.*
--from Justice League of America #70.
That quote is even worse in retrospect once you know what eventually happens to Ted.
And in Countdown to Infinite Crisis, it was shown that they have and always will (or did) work best as a team. Together they tracked down the reason for the strange incidents in Ted’s company.
My Feelings For This Pairing
Booster and Beetle. Up to a point in recent years, they seemed to be complete opposites. As I said: Up to a point. (What with Beetle maturing and becoming patient, and Booster still being immature.) They are actually the best of friends, and were always there for each other. In Countdown to Infinite Crisis Booster was the only one who didn't abandon him.
Back when they first met, they were more pranksters than anything else. Over time, that relationship evolved. What did they gain from each other?
On Booster's side, he matured quite a bit, even if he was great at hiding it. He learned loyalty, and stuck by Ted as best he could. I personally think that if he hadn't ended up severely injured and stuck in the hospital, he would have gone with Ted into Maxwell Lord's lair. He would have done his best to save him--even if it meant that he would have ended up dying with him.
On Beetle's side, I think he really learned something about infinite patience. And to never, ever underestimate someone. He was very protective of Booster, and I think it made him a little mad when anyone else insulted Booster. He was loyal to his friends to the end, and used his life to try to save everyone.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop Countdown...or the whole OMAC debacle. Or Maxwell Lord. Wonder Woman snapping Lord’s neck? That may have made Booster stop and think, but I don't think he would have killed Max if he had been there. He would have wanted him stopped, but he would have known how Ted would feel about anyone else dying because of something that happened to him. Ted’s feelings mattered most to him.
Recommended Trade Paperback And Comics
Justice League: A New Beginning. This trade includes the first meeting between Booster and Beetle. The first time they beat a foe together, Beetle thinks there might actually be an interesting friendship ahead of them.
Formerly Known As The Justice League. This trade is wonderful, even if you don’t like the pairing of Boostle. Booster and Beetle fight like an old married couple, and nearly start an intergalactic war.
Martian Manhunter #24. This story involves Booster and Beetle hiding all of J’onn’s cookies. J’onn goes on a rampage. This is the height of their bizarre hijinks. Worth reading for the hilarity, and a lot of Boostle subtext. (Let’s be honest—more text than anything, what with Booster letting Beetle ride around on his back.)
Justice League of America #’s 33-35. This is the previously mentioned Kooey Kooey Kooey storyline. Booster and Beetle start up an island resort—from there, things go horribly wrong.
Justice League of America #70. After being pummeled by Doomsday, Ted is in a coma. Booster stays by his side, and begs him to wake up.
Justice League Quarterly #10. Booster Gold tells about how his life was in the future. He decides to kill a guy who will eventually be related to someone that ruins his life in the future. Blue Beetle manages to talk him out of it.
Countdown To Infinite Crisis #1. This tale is the final pairing of Boostle as a team, and possibly more. (You can see proof of that in the quote included at the beginning of this essay.) A sad ending—with Booster being the only one who believes Ted when something suspicious occurs. And if you’ve read this far, you more than likely know how things end. This is not in trade paperback form as of yet, but it will be included in the OMAC Project trade which goes on sale around November 2nd.
I Can't Believe It's Not The Justice League. This trade paperback will be released in November. It collects JLA Classified #’s 4 through 9.
Justice League Unlimited #5. This issue is a very funny solo story revolving around Blue Beetle at the Watchtower.
Extreme Justice #’s 1-18. While it is not the best in regards to art, it is a great spot to find slash between Booster and Beetle.
Secret Origins v.2 #2. Great introduction to Ted, along with his history in relation to Dan Garrett.
Birds of Prey #’s 39-41. This is the storyline that dealt with Ted’s heart condition.
Death of Superman. While this trade shows Superman's death, you can also find some interaction between Booster and Beetle--you just have to look carefully.
Websites
General
Blue Beetle II Profile.
Blue Beetle Wikipedia Entry.
Booster Gold Wikipedia Entry.
Booster Gold Comixfan Bio.
Comics 101: Beetlemania.
Fanfic Related
Until Countdown to Infinite Crisis, there really wasn’t any fanfic to be found for this pairing. Now, there seems to be a veritable explosion of stories based on the concept of Boostle. (The LJ group
boostle is highly recommended for finding fanfic of this sort.) Road Rage, written by LM. Justice League International is needed at the United Nations. Things quickly go completely out of control—the Batmobile is accidentally hijacked by Booster and Beetle, at one point. A very funny story.
Booster and Gold: The Other Dynamic Duo. This is more an interview of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle than an actual story. The two of them are interviewed by Clark Kent, and reminisce about events that have happened to the duo throughout their years working together. Countdown to Infinite Crisis is not mentioned, as this appears to have been written before that was released.
Closeted. This story is written by
capedcrusader92. Booster and Beetle get locked in the supply closet, and can’t get out for a while. They can’t do much except talk. Feelings are brought up.Boostle. This fanfic was written by
_ticketyboo. Sue follows through on a threat she made in JLA: Classified. She tells Booster’s wife that he’s with Ted. Nobody is surprised.In Memoriam. This story was written by
musexmoirai. Booster thinks about Beetle and how the memorial service should be done. Post-Countdown to Infinite Crisis.Warning: The Pool Is Contaminated. This story was written by
alba_aulbath. I believe the story is still in progress. All the parts can be found over at boostle. After Countdown to Infinite Crisis, The Question finds out that Ted has a different fate in store. The story may also be found here.Fan Art
heykidzcomix (Creates hysterical comics based on Boostle and other DC characters.)Beetle stares at Booster; by
d0wn_on_paper.Boostle Mood Theme. This was made by
poisonivory.Tons of even more wonderful fan art can be found at
boostle. The place to go for all of your Boostle needs, I have discovered.Booster/Beetle Related Groups
beetlemaniaboostlecomicslashdcfic_indexdcu_slash_indexjl_ficscans_dailyblueandgoldunlimited.
Booster and Beetle Coalition.
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