Strangest Facts About Your Favorite Superheroes: Booster Gold and Green Lantern

Superheroes are often thought of as strong, cape-flying, crime-fighting individuals that inspire awe and admiration in fans. However, there are some strange and surprising facts hidden within the rich histories of these iconic characters. In this article, we will explore some of the most intriguing stories about Booster Gold and Green Lantern. These facts will give a deeper and more nuanced understanding of these beloved characters and their complex backstories.

1. Booster Gold AKA Mike “Booster” Carter

One of the most unexpected and intriguing facts about Booster Gold is that he is currently being trained by his own future son, Rip Hunter. This fascinating revelation occurs in Booster Gold Vol 2 1000000 (2008), where Rip Hunter, the legendary Time Master, reflects on a strange interaction he had.

Rip Hunter speaks to himself after watching his mentee Booster Gold leave via Time Sphere, marking an unknowing revelation about his identity. It turns out that Rip Hunter is a Carter from the future, and to protect his family’s identity, he had his name changed. Rip mentions that he was once taught the lessons he now imparts to his own future son, Booster Gold, who is now his teacher.

It is also noteworthy that Rip Hunter made a note to call his own father while speaking to Booster Gold. This was as early as Time Masters Vol 1 2 (1990), indicating that this revelation has been there for a while. This unusual family dynamic at the confluence of time travel and generational teaching suggests a complex narrative that intertwines the past, present, and future in an unexpected way.

2. Green Lantern AKA Alan Scott

The Green Lantern, and particularly the original Alan Scott, harbors a rather unconventional and somewhat disturbing secret about his romantic life. It was later revealed that his love interest, the Red Lantern, is none other than his greatest enemy: Johnny Ladd. This revelation is not only a surprising twist but also adds an element of tragedy and complexity to the character's history.

In Alan Scott: The Green Lantern Vol 1 3 (2024), it is disclosed that Johnny Ladd, whom Alan Scott had a romantic relationship with before becoming the Green Lantern, is actually Vladimir Sokov in disguise. Ladd was a Soviet spy and used his engineer guise to win Alan's affection while also trying to gain the advantage in a race against the United States to acquire the Crimson Flame. The Soviet Union was in a desperate race to harness the power of the Crimson Flame, a legendary power source, which turned fatal for both parties.

The mission ultimately failed, and instead, the Crimson Flame killed Sokov, only to resurrect him with full control over its power. After discovering Ladd's true identity, the Soviets tasked him with becoming the first Red Lantern, using the Crimson Flame to fight against Alan Scott and the Green Lantern.

This twist not only adds a layer of mistrust and betrayal to Alan Scott's trust in his past love but also creates a profound conflict within the story. It challenges the audience's perception of the characters and the nature of evil as embodied by the Red Lantern.

I included this "strange fact" about my other favorite hero for good measure. I hope you enjoyed this dive into the unexpected and intriguing aspects of two beloved superheroes. Thanks for reading!