CBR News: This issue marks your one-year anniversary with "Booster Gold" as both writer and artist of the new series. Do you feel the character has changed since you first introduced him in 1986? Have you changed?
Dan Jurgens: The character has definitely changed. When we ended the series all those years ago, we made it clear in the last issue that Booster would one day evolve to a point where he'd play a substantial role in the DCU. I think we're clearly in the midst of that now. Booster is continuing to get a handle on the idea of being a protector of the time stream.
As for me changing, yeah, it goes without saying. When I first wrote Booster I was pretty green, having only written a few issues of "Sun Devils." "Booster Gold" was something of a learning process and I'm much more on top of it now.
CBR News: I guess it goes without saying, but you must be pleased to see your creation once again becoming a driving force in the DCU. With the book tying in to "Blackest Night" for the next few issues, do you see that as a great opportunity to share what you're doing with an even larger audience, or is it more a burden as you need to more closely mesh Booster's story into the larger DCU?
Dan Jurgens: Not a burden at all. Tying into an event is easily done if it fits the parameters of the title in question and works for the character. Fortunately, we were able to cobble something together that is a real natural for Booster. "Booster Gold" editor Mike Siglain, "Blackest Night" editor Eddie Berganza, Geoff Johns and I worked hard to make sure we had something that would fit well for Booster.
CBR News: The issues see Booster face off against Black Lantern Ted Kord. With Blue and Gold being one of the most beloved of DCU partnerships, what can long-time fans of this dynamic duo expect from this storyline?
Dan Jurgens: It's a bit of a trip down memory lane while also being a bit of a heart wrenching story at the same time. While Booster had come to grips with Ted's death, he certainly won't deal well with the idea of seeing his [friend's] body pulled up out of the grave and reanimated.
CBR News: What is it about the Booster/Ted relationship that has resonated with fans over the years, and why do you think they play off of each other so well?
Dan Jurgens: First of all, it harkens back to a time when Booster and Blue Beetle flew in the face of a strong direction in comics that was taking everything in a darker direction. We all remember those 'grim and gritty' years, of course.
The "Justice League" book sort of countered that with a fun approach that really built on what was happening with those two characters. In addition, it's worth noting that while buddy movies have typically been a strong genre, it's something that is rarely capitalized on in comics.
CBR News: You've also been able to incorporate the new Blue Beetle into Booster's universe this past year as that relationship develops, as well. What are the major differences between a Booster/Jaime teamup and a Booster/Ted teamup?
Dan Jurgens: History. Ted Kord and Booster shared a lot of years, episodes, stories and practical jokes together. That isn't easily replaced, though Jaime Reyes and Booster clearly have a good relationship.
Thanks to Booster's time traveling ways, the Booster/Ted story has been the benefit of some additional chapters the last few years. Any chance we'll see a "Blue Beetle: Rebirth" coming out of "Blackest Night?"
Never say never.
CBR News: In the DCU, there are multiple Flashes and multiple Green Lanterns, heck even multiple Batmans. Is the DCU big enough for two Blue Beetles?
Dan Jurgens: The DCU is probably big enough for multiple Blue Beetles, if other universes count. But that's all a story destined to unfold over time.
CBR News: The January solicitation reveals that "after the shocking events of 'Blackest Night,' Booster Gold finds himself lost in time!" Can you share any details about the next arc and maybe tease what may be ahead for Booster in 2010? Is this the year that we're introduced to the "greatest" time traveler of them all?
Dan Jurgens: Hmm... without giving anything away, I can only say that Booster gets confronted with a great historical dilemma. If you're really in charge of protecting the timestream and events that have happened in the past, how does that balance with the cost of human life?
CBR News: Will we be seeing more of Michelle Carter soon?
Dan Jurgens: Absolutely. Sooner than you think, perhaps.
CBR News: Are you working on anything else these days?
Dan Jurgens: Yes, but, sadly, it's too early to talk about it.
