It’s been a terrific month for Michael Holt. He’s just made his big-screen debut in Superman (2025), played by actor Edi Gathegi, and now we’re diving into the latest chapter of Mr. Terrific: Year One. If you’re joining in, this series splits its story across two timelines: the present, where Mr. Terrific investigates mysterious energy rifts connected to the fallout from the DC All In Special, and the past, chronicling his early steps into heroism. With this third issue, writer Al Letson puts the world’s third-smartest man through a serious gauntlet. Will Holt come out the other side unscathed, or even better, transformed?
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The issue opens right where we left off, with Mr. Terrific climbing out from the debris of last issue‘s collapse. But survival is just the beginning. The tension ratchets up quickly, especially as we continue to uncover the eerie connection between these rifts and Holt’s history. Just as the monstrous Hellhound returns to finish what it started, the rift activates again, transporting both man and beast to a surprising (and oddly familiar) location. You might recognize it from The Flash #798–799; if not, treat yourself and read them. They’re some of the best Mr. Terrific appearances in recent memory.
The bulk of the issue takes place in the past, and Letson delivers another standout segment, providing a deep dive into the tech, trials, and tension that shaped Mr. Terrific. These early missions are as personal as they are dangerous, and Letson nails that classic “trial by fire” vibe. I especially loved how Holt’s intellect takes center stage; he’s not just a man with gadgets, instead, he’s a man with purpose. The DCU connective tissue weaves in smartly here, teasing next issue’s guest star while grounding the story in the larger universe. For fans of this miniseries, the callbacks and continuity make it stronger.
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On the visual front, Valentine De Landro and Marissa Louise deliver in their era, taking place in the past. Their noir-heavy aesthetic gives the past a gritty, almost cinematic tension. The break-in sequence is full of dread, and you feel how high the stakes are for Holt’s first major case. These aren’t just criminals; these are people who want him dead, and it shows.
Meanwhile, Edwin Galmon handles the present-day art with a slick, high-energy style that contrasts beautifully with the past. The new location post-teleportation looks wild, and Galmon captures the chaos perfectly. A bit of humor in that section is the Hellhound’s sudden shift in allegiance. Turns out, when things get weird enough, even monsters know who the smartest guy in the room is.
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All in all, Mr. Terrific: Year One #3 keeps the momentum going with strong character work, inventive visuals, and a growing sense of cosmic mystery. DC is laying the groundwork here for something big, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Holt ends up as one of the key players in what’s next. Don’t sleep on this series – it’s a smart, stylish read with real weight.
Mr. Terrific: Year One #3 continues to impress with its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and sharp visuals that split time between two pivotal eras in Michael Holt’s journey. Al Letson crafts a story that honors the character’s legacy while pushing him into new, mysterious territory, rife with tension, tech, and tantalizing DCU ties. With strong connective threads to past events and future promises, this issue proves that Mr. Terrific isn’t just a background player, but he’s a central figure worth investing in. If you’re not reading this series yet, now’s the time to catch up before Holt gets too far ahead of the rest of us.
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