With the finale just around the corner, Mr. Terrific: Year One #5 does exactly what a penultimate chapter should: it raises the stakes, sharpens the character work, and leaves you itching for the last act. Writer Al Letson continues to chart Michael Holt’s journey toward heroism with an organic, believable touch. Holt is a man who knows what must be done but wrestles with doubt, and that tension makes his rise all the more rewarding. Add in a well-earned guest spot from Black Lightning, and you’ve got an issue that blends introspection with electricity.
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As usual, the story opens in the present, dropping Terrific into a dire showdown with an unknown enemy. Even his own tech advises retreat, underscoring just how dangerous this opponent is. Letson’s use of inner monologue captures Holt’s grit perfectly. Yes, there’s doubt, but it comes from a place of growth, not weakness, and I love it. For continuity hawks, there’s a sly nod to The Flash #799, which pays off here in a clever way, threading Holt’s story into the broader DC Universe.
The shift to the past highlights Terrific’s renewed passion for science and engineering. Here we see him organizing, problem-solving, and networking to protect his city from Athena Prescott’s reign of terror. His suggestion that Bruce Wayne buy out Prescott Industries is both funny and smart, echoing Wayne’s cinematic bailout of the Kents’ farm. These beats don’t just show Holt as a lone genius; they position him as a collaborator, a connector, and, ultimately, this lays the foundation for him to be the kind of leader who has chaired the JSA.
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On the art side, Valentine De Landro delivers sharp, tense visuals that balance action with emotion. Black Lightning’s appearance is a particular standout; his charged exchanges with Holt crackle with both power and unease, hinting at a friendship worth exploring further in modern stories. The clash of ideals and eventual reveal between them feels earned and impactful, a reminder that Terrific’s growth comes as much from his relationships as from his intellect. This creative team has consistently delivered strong performances across the series, and #5 is no exception. It’s thrilling, heartfelt, and thoughtful in equal measure. Which is why it’s bittersweet: as much as I’m eager to see how it all ends, I don’t want this ride to be over.
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