It’s long past time, but thanks to DC’s All In initiative, we’re finally getting some great new series and miniseries, and fortunately, Mr. Terrific is one of the characters getting his due. Michael Holt, the second Mr. Terrific, has been a fantastic addition to the DC Universe, with standout moments in the first volume of JSA and even rising to become the team’s chairman. Now, writer Al Letson dives into Holt’s origin story in a modern retelling that promises to reveal “all the secrets, sorrows, and triumphs” that shaped one of the DCU’s most brilliant minds. But how much will Letson reveal about the grief and genius that forged the third-smartest man in the DCU?
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The issue begins with a clean, sharp introduction to who Mr. Terrific is today, thanks to some slick art and color work by Edwin Galmon. This opening montage hits on some of his “greatest hits” before smoothly transitioning into the past, where artist Valentine De Landro and colorist Marissa Louise take over. Their visual style is a sharp contrast, but in the best way. It gives the flashbacks a retro vibe, which is a more grounded feel that suits Holt’s lowest point and that era of comics. There’s even a touch of Tom Mandrake’s moody aesthetic in De Landro’s lines, which is fitting, since Holt first appeared in The Spectre (Vol. 3) #54. If you haven’t read that issue, it’s worth tracking down to see how far this character has come.
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De Landro does a powerful job capturing the anguish in Holt after the tragic loss of his family. His body language and facial expressions are raw and devastating, matching Letson’s script beat for beat. The supporting characters are fleshed out enough to make us care and worry about their fates. At the same time, the new antagonist feels cold, calculated, and ideologically opposed to Holt’s pre-tragedy view. There are also some fun Easter eggs and tech teases that longtime fans will appreciate, hinting at the T-Spheres and tools that will define Mr. Terrific’s future.
What’s refreshing is that Letson doesn’t rehash Holt’s defining tragedy in full just yet, but he doesn’t ignore it either. Longtime fans will recognize its shadow hanging over the story, and newer readers may be in for a gut-punch when the moment eventually arrives. If the creative team continues with this level of emotional weight and world-building, Mr. Terrific: Year One could be something special. There’s a real sense that Holt’s secrets are just beginning to unravel, and that they may tie directly into his hometown’s growing darkness. It’s a strong, thoughtful start that sets the stage for triumph, trauma, and transformation.
Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 delivers a powerful and grounded look at Michael Holt’s early days, blending grief, genius, and growing tension in a story that respects the character’s legacy while setting up something fresh for his origin. Al Letson’s script pairs beautifully with intense art from Valentine De Landro that highlights the emotional weight of Holt’s journey, and the hints of future tech and new threats make this a compelling first chapter for longtime fans and new readers alike to witness the rise of an excellent character in the DCU.
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