Mr. Terrific: Year One #1

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. Read Full Review

Mr. Terrific Year One #1 is a strong and promising start to what could be a significant addition to the DC Universe. Al Letson, Edwin Galmon, and Valentine De Landro have crafted a compelling story with striking visuals, offering a nuanced exploration of a hero's emergence. This is a must-read for fans looking for a superhero story with intelligence, social relevance, and genuine artistic flair. Read Full Review

This first issue has a lot of strong moments, even if the ending does rely on a trope that's all too common in superhero comics. But I'm particularly interested in it because it looks to be one of the most honest portrayals of depression and grief in a superhero comic. Very impressive start by the creative team. Read Full Review

Admittedly I have never been overly familiar with Mr. Terrific as I have only read him in Justice League issues. The team on this run has me interested in the opening issue of this new run in the All-In series as Michael's story is heavy and important. If you're looking for a great diving-in point for Mr. Terrific, especially before his debut in the new DC Universe with Superman, then this is the issue for you! Read Full Review

This was a very enjoyable opening round that certainly has me intrigued and ready to see what the creative team has in store next. Read Full Review

Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 is a solid start to the series. For those that are fans of Mr. Terrific, it expands on his origin and for those that are new, it's easy to dive in. The team has delivered some depth to the character with a good focus on Holt's emotional state and where he's at in his life. This isn't the story of a hero learning the ropes, this is a broken man learning to climb out of depression and becoming a hero. Read Full Review

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. Read Full Review

As a fan of Mr. Terrific, Mr. Terrific: Year One #1 is a comic I am rooting for. The story of Michael Holt's past and journey to becoming a hero is intriguing. So far so good on those points. The elephant in the room is how great a role Darkseid and the events of the All In Special will play. Right now, it's a sign of trouble, but we have to give Al Letson room to tell his story before judging it. Read Full Review

Black Comix Universe

May 31, 2025

Reading Mr. Terrific issue 1 sparked a feeling of 90s déjà vu. I’m not sure if it was Valentine De Landro’s art, which feels like an illustrative homage to John Paul Leon of Milestone fame (Static, Earth X), or Al Letson’s story, echoing the origin of Curtis Metcalf, aka Hardware. With these inspirations in tow, Letson delivers a compelling re-imagining of today’s Mr. Terrific, breathing life into a character often portrayed as stoic and emotionally detached.