The following contains major spoilers for Radiant Black #12, available now from Image.
When you're a superpowered being committed to saving the world from any and all threats, it's hard to avoid moving away from the public eye. Some superheroes show modesty. Others don't seem to care what the press says about them. Yet, others still revel in the fame and the number of fans saving the day brings them.
Booster Gold is probably the most well-known of this kind of superhero. His need for fame is so great that it almost brings into question whether saving the day is an act of altruism at all. But a new hero, Radiant Pink, shows us how wanting fame doesn't have to be purely selfish. It can be genuinely altruistic indeed.
Originally a college football superstar from the 25th century, Booster Gold's ended in disgrace when he was caught throwing games for gambling purposes. Unable to find other work, he became a night guard in a museum. There he decided to steal technology and live in the present as a superhero for another chance at fame. Since his 1986 debut in Booster Gold #1 (by Dan Jurgens, Mike DeCarlo, Tom Ziuko, and Agustin Mas), he has often been distracted from the heroics by the promises of fame, branding, merchandising, and personal wealth. Even in his most recent appearance in Blue & Gold (by Jurgens, Ryan Sook, and Rob Leigh) he's seen live-streaming his superheroic adventures as a way to earn money and build his reputation. He does this even if it puts him and the people he's trying to help in more danger than they have to be.
Radiant Pink, another superhero searching for fame, has her backstory explored in Radiant Black #12 (by Kyle Higgins, Meghan Camarena, and Goni Montes). In this issue, we see Eva's everyday life as an online influencer and a streamer. When her equipment breaks down right before an important online event, she freaks out in front of a Best Buy employee. Overwhelmed, she opens up, explaining that streaming is the only way for her to make some difference in a pessimistic world. Despite her small impact on a world full of superheroes, she doesn't want to let fans down. As Radiant Pink, she's committed to fighting criminals and streams to connect and entertain the public she serves at the same time.
While Radiant Pink and Booster Gold are both rare superheroes focused on their brand, their intentions couldn't be any different. Booster Gold's need for fame is extremely superficial and focused on his own selfish needs. In the same way that he pursued fame and wealth for only himself as a football star, he often falls into the same trap as a superhero. His character is akin to someone trying to relive the peak of their life instead of building a new one. It's doubtful he would've become a superhero if he was allowed to continue playing football.
On the other hand, Radiant Pink sees fame as a tool for doing good. For her, streaming is the best way she can make the world a better place. Building her brand means increasing the impact of heroics. Fame and superpowers are just two different tools for making a difference to her.
In this way, Radiant Pink shows that chasing fame doesn't necessarily make you a bad person. Fame is often power. It's the power of building connections, inspiring others, and helping people get through their day a little easier. Unfortunately, Booster Gold doesn't seem to understand this, but if he could use his marketing skills the way Radiant Pink does, he might become a real hero.