Screen Rant Interview with Scott Snyder and Wes Craig: The Spotlight on Booster Gold
Screen Rant recently had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable interview with Scott Snyder and Wes Craig, where they discussed DC’s forthcoming ALL IN initiative. This initiative is set to redefine Booster Gold as the universe’s most pivotal hero, a notable shift for a character often regarded as morally ambiguous and comedic. The question arises: Why is Booster Gold so special that DC plans to anchor years of storytelling on him?
Unveiling the ALL IN Initiative: Booster Gold’s Elevation
In a YouTube announcement in July, led by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, it was revealed that a central element of the ALL IN initiative is the creation of the Absolute Universe. While specifics are still emerging, it has been confirmed that Booster Gold will serve as the link between the main DC Universe and the Absolute Universe. This role will elevate the time-traveling hero to unprecedented significance within the DC realm.
Fans can anticipate gaining deeper insights into Booster’s role when the ALL IN Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, Daniel Sampere, and Dan Mora is released on October 2, 2024. In the interim, Scott Snyder has shared transformative insights regarding Booster Gold’s new role as the MVP within the DC Universe.
Understanding DC’s ALL IN Initiative
The Movement Set to Revolutionize DCU Storytelling
Before diving into the specifics of Booster Gold’s new role, it’s crucial to grasp what the ALL IN initiative and the Absolute Universe represent. Launching this October, DC’s ALL IN initiative is neither a reboot nor a retcon, but a fresh beginning designed to offer both veteran and new readers an accessible entry point into DC’s ongoing series. With two years of storytelling already planned, this initiative aims to rejuvenate DC’s narratives without rewriting or disregarding past events. The events of ALL IN are set to commence 52 days after the conclusion of DC’s ongoing crisis event, Absolute Power, with the Absolute Universe’s formation following shortly.
The Absolute Universe: A New Dimension
The creation of the Absolute Universe follows a major battle between the newly minted Justice League and Darkseid. This will result in DC’s heroes being isolated from the multiverse, leading to the coexistence of only the DCU and the Absolute Universe, with dual versions of each character existing concurrently (e.g., a standard Batman and an Absolute Batman). Fans can liken the Absolute Universe to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. A significant distinction between the DCU and the AU is that while the DC Universe has been based on “Superman Energy,” the Absolute Universe will be founded on “Doomsday Energy.” Consequently, the Absolute Universe will present wilder, more chaotic, and dangerous iterations of beloved characters.
Scott Snyder’s Revelation: Booster Gold’s Pivotal Role
Time-Traveling Powers and Future Knowledge Elevate Booster’s Status
According to Snyder, Booster Gold holds a unique position in both the DCU and the Absolute Universe. As a time traveler well-versed in the Superman-inflected Legion of Super-Heroes, he possesses a perspective unmatched by others. His understanding of events in the present, compared to their outcomes in his timeline, allows him to comprehend the implications of the timeline’s alterations, particularly concerning the Absolute Universe’s formation and related events. Thus, Booster, typically seen as comic relief, emerges as the only character truly aware of the situation’s gravity and its potential repercussions.
“We considered various characters you wouldn’t expect on the new Justice League roster, from Ambush Bug to whoever. But it was clear that Booster offers a powerful viewpoint,” Snyder explains. “As someone who has not only traveled through time but is also familiar with the Legion’s resplendent, Superman-inflected future, he understands this moment in the DCU narrative. He recognizes its significance. If he initially seems like the comical character, you start to appreciate why he’s there, as he knows the timeline’s trajectory should follow a certain path. When it deviates, he grasps the seriousness of why and the potential fallout.”
This unparalleled perspective positions Booster as the Justice League’s MVP, allowing him to provide invaluable insights to its typical leaders—Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. However, Booster’s role is likely to go beyond mere advisory duties; he is expected to participate actively, particularly since he is identified as the bridge between the Absolute Universe and the DC Universe. Although specifics remain unclear, it is assumed that his time-traveling abilities will be central to his function as this interdimensional bridge.
The Transformation of Booster Gold’s Legacy
From Comic Relief to A-List Justice Leaguer
This newfound understanding of the situation’s gravity, coupled with his role as the bridge between the DCU and the Absolute Universe, places unprecedented responsibility on Booster’s shoulders—responsibility he has not previously experienced. DC seems to be setting the stage for a significant transformation of this character, potentially altering fan perceptions. Currently, Booster is often viewed as a second-rate, wannabe hero with narcissistic inclinations, frequently the subject of jokes. However, if DC centers the DCU and AU events around Booster Gold as suggested, they have a chance to shift fan perception and elevate his status as a serious hero.
DC’S ALL IN SPECIAL #1 will be available on October 2, 2024, from DC Comics.