10 Hated Comic Book Characters Who Became Fan Favourites

Given his reputation in the DC Universe for being a self-aggrandizing, money forward hero, it’s hardly surprising that readers didn't warm to Booster Gold.

Strange as it is though, Booster’s reputation was completely intentional when he was first created by Dan Jergens in1986. Inspired by the 1980s “Greed is Good” cultural vibe, Jergens had sought to introduce a hero that was motivated not by altruism, but by riches and fame.

In this sense, Booster not only stood out as one of the first new DC characters to be introduced since Crisis on Infinite Earths, but as a new interpretation of the ideal superhero. Unfortunately, the small following that Booster maintained with his 1980s solo series wasn’t enough to prevent its eventual cancellation in 1987.

For quite some time afterwards, Booster would then remain on as a regular Justice League member. This portrayal saw Booster relegated to comedy, where his entrepreneurial mentality outshined his heroic development.

Booster Gold didn’t improve much popularity-wise until entering his “the hero you never heard of” period. This is where Booster begins to resonate as a multi-layered character that’s misunderstood in his community, yet beloved by fans that know him to be a hero, despite his public image.