Booster Gold is set to join James Gunn's new DC Universe in his very own live-action series, which will finally introduce the beloved DC Comics character to general audiences. Also known as Michael Jon Carter, Booster Gold is a time traveler who uses technology from the 25th century to masquerade as a superhero in the present day.
Because of the unpredictable nature of time travel, multiple versions of Booster Gold have popped up throughout the DC Universe, almost all of which exist within a single continuity. These versions differentiate themselves from one another as unique versions of the same character. Nevertheless, some versions of Booster Gold are simply better than others.
10 Legends Of Tomorrow Booster Gold
The final episodes of the Arrowverse's Legends of Tomorrow introduced its own version of Booster Gold who, despite not sharing continuity with DC Comics' iteration of the character, is nevertheless worthy of note. Set up to take a major role in a potential (and ultimately canceled) eighth season, Booster Gold was portrayed by Scrubs' Donald Faison.
While audiences were largely excited to see Faison's version of the character, he ultimately never got the chance to grow into the role after Legends of Tomorrow was canceled. This iteration of the character certainly had great potential, which only makes the show's cancelation all the more painful, as audiences were robbed of what could have been the best version of Booster Gold yet.
9 Tom King's Booster Gold
Tom King took a swing at Booster Gold in the aftermath of DC Rebirth, writing a story wherein the time-traveling hero saves Thomas and Martha Wayne in an attempt to give Batman a break from his unending crimefighting crusade. This naturally doesn't sit well with the Dark Knight once he figures out the truth, leading him to imprison Booster Gold and eventually force him to repair the timeline.
While King's version of Booster Gold certainly makes for an interesting read, its time-travel logic also doesn't really make much sense. Whereas other versions of Gold occasionally tried to develop a cohesive timeline, this one played rather fast and loose with time travel. Additionally, with the DC hero following through on the not-so-great idea of saving the Waynes, this version of the Booster Gold just can't stay out of trouble.
8 Booster Gold Beyond
A little-known version of Booster Gold appears in the same timeline as Batman Beyond, implying that the hero is around during another age of superheroes. This version has very little time in the spotlight but does look somewhat different from other versions of Booster Gold, sporting a blue cape and a bushy mustache.
Less is often more with comedic characters like Booster Gold, making the Beyond version of the character an interesting addition to his DC timeline. While it may not be abundantly clear how he fits into other iterations of the character, Booster Gold beyond's cool look and somewhat more tempered personality is enough to set him apart in all the best ways.
7 Final Booster Gold
Time travel can often be a messy plot device, as this version of Booster Gold so abundantly proves. An iteration of the hero appears in recent DC Comics, looking much older than readers have ever seen him before. Sporting a gray beard, eye patch, and a gauntlet that is revealed to be his robot companion Skeets, this version of Booster Gold may indeed be the latest in the timeline that readers have ever seen.
While this version of Booster isn't as funny as previous incarnations, his dramatically different appearance and more grizzled personality are welcome departures for the character. It is always interesting to see how a typically comedic character changes over the years, and Booster Gold's final form is a terrific exploration thereof.
6 Booster Gold The Father
A surprising twist in Booster Gold's DC Comics history reveals that a version of the hero is the father of the Time Master Rip Hunter. A more sober iteration of the character, Rip's father returns for the Convergence storyline, wherein he sacrifices himself to save the lives of his loved ones.
This version of Booster Gold, while not as popular as others, is an essential piece of the character's abundantly messy timeline. As Rip Hunter's father, this Booster Gold establishes his legacy in the DC Universe and in time travel itself. Moreover, by sacrificing his own life, this Booster confirms once and for all that he is – and always has been – a hero, despite other versions of the character often struggling with imposter syndrome.
5 Booster Gold 3001
As a part of DC's 3001 line, featuring stories set in the 31st century, Booster Gold and his frequent partner-in-crime, Ted Kord's Blue Beetle, are revealed to have been cryogenically frozen for years.
Booster Gold and Blue Beetle team up in the 31st century, embarking in plenty of hilarious missions as they clumsily navigate their new environment.
This version of Booster Gold has many of the same qualities that made the original version of the character in the 1980s so beloved. While the 3001 version of Booster isn't to be taken too seriously, it is difficult not to enjoy his misadventures, especially when they include the beloved Silver Age Blue Beetle.
4 52 Booster Gold
The version of Booster Gold seen in DC's 52 comic (not to be confused with the later New 52 line) begins to explore his relationship with other heroes in more depth. Setting up his friendship with Blue Beetle, membership in the Justice League, and relationship with the Time Masters, this version of Booster Gold never gets the credit he deserves.
While this Booster Gold is goofier than previous incarnations, which can sometimes rub readers the wrong way, he is nevertheless more entertaining. The true nature of this Booster's heroism is also explored, including whether he is saving lives out of selfishness, making him one of the most compelling iterations yet.
3 Justice League Unlimited Booster Gold
Another iteration of Booster Gold who exists outside the mainline DC canon appears in the animated Justice League Unlimited series. Voiced by Tom Everett Scott, Booster Gold shows up in multiple episodes, wherein he tries to make a name for himself as a hero, though he is often unsuccessful.
This version of Booster Gold may not be a main character in Justice League Unlimited, but he does have a surprisingly compelling storyline. Despite starting out as a grandstanding hero seeking fame, he grows into a character who helps others out of the kindness of his own heart, making him one of the best-developed versions of Booster Gold.
2 New 52 Booster Gold
The Booster Gold who appears in DC's New 52 line was different from his counterparts in that he retained some memories of the pre-Flashpoint universe. However, he found himself blinked out of existence for some time, returning after the Convergence storyline made him the DC Universe's main Booster Gold variant. This version carried on in his adventures alongside other superheroes until DC's Rebirth line.
Although the New 52 Booster Gold has one of the messiest timelines out of all his variants, which is quite a feat, he nevertheless remains one of the best iterations of the character. Booster Gold's humor and heroism prove he deserves his own film, building anticipation for his DCU debut.
1 1980s Booster Gold
Booster Gold was originally introduced in 1986 as a time-traveling hero who wants to build fame and fortune for himself by saving the day. Appearing in his own comic series, the original Booster Gold remains one of the best versions ever introduced.
While the original Booster Gold's morality can be called into question by readers, his ambiguity makes him a far more interesting character. It is difficult to deny his heroic deeds, which include saving President Ronald Reagan from an attempted assassination. Nevertheless, the character's selfishness and lust for fortune are a compelling juxtaposition to his actions, making this Booster Gold a surprisingly complex character who would stand as a fan-favorite for decades to come.