Michael Holt has been a major power in the DC Multiverse for decades. As Mr. Terrific, he has led both the JSA as Chairman and Justice League Unlimited as Mission Coordinator. He’s also recognized as the third-smartest man on Earth-Prime. Despite this, he remains relatively obscure outside of comic-reading and cartoon-watching circles. That’s about to change with his major role in the upcoming DCU Superman movie, making this an ideal time to boost his profile in the comics. Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 does this, offering a perfect introduction to Michael Holt.
The first issue opens with a brief interlude that profiles Mr. Terrific as he is now. The artwork teases the many lives he’s lived in the multiverse, including the time he was dating Power Girl on Earth-2. This sets the stage for a new origin, which reconciles the many conflicting backstories Michael Holt has received over the years.
The story begins in earnest with Michael Holt not feeling terrific. It’s been two years since his wife and child died in an accident and he’s lost all motivation to create new inventions. Indeed, he hasn’t left his apartment for more than an hour at a time for six months. His depression has been further fueled by the questionable actions of the tech magnate to whom he sold his company. However, it is not until he is contacted about her crimes that he takes his first steps to becoming Mr. Terrific.
Mr. Terrific: Year One perfect intro to Michael Holt
Al Letson walks a fine line between exposition and action throughout Mr. Terrific: Year One. There are quite a few tropes here, like the best friend motivating Michael Holt by reminding him who he is. (“You gotta get that old Holt drive back. You need a cause.”) This works, however, because the dialogue is natural and doesn’t seem like it’s purely there to inform newcomers of his accomplishments. It also does a good job of portraying Michael’s depression and justifying his reasons for not getting involved.
Thankfully, the issue offers glimpses of the Mr. Terrific Michael will become. There’s a fun nod in the art to his original costume, which featured wraparound red sunglasses. He wears the same glasses here, but they are smart glasses that enhance his vision and control his smart car.
The artwork is all around excellent. The present-day scenes by Edwin Galmon offer a solid, traditional take on Mr. Terrific in the here and now. By contrast, the sequences set in the past resemble the rougher, more gritty comics of the 1990s where Michael Holt first appeared. The work of Valentine De Landro and Marissa Louise resembles a lost comic from the Milestone Media. Both styles are good, yet distinctively different.
In the end, Michael Holt is many things, from an athlete to an inventor. Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 does a fine job of showcasing him as one of DC’s most underrated heroes. Whether you’re a new fan curious after seeing the Superman trailer, or an old one wondering what his story is now, this comic is worth reading.
Grade: 8/10
Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
