Mr. Terrific: Year One

by Al Letson, Edwin Galmon (Illustrator)

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Science Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, and those who enjoyed the character in James Gunn's Superman movie will no doubt dig it... but I didn't need the clumsy then and now framing device illustrated by two very different artists.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.2 stars

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid with cool change of art, but don't think the plot had enough to keep this one interesting a long time. I like the characters but the villain and overall pacing didn't do enough for me. A 3 out of 5.

[Frédéric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Or rather so-called Year One since a part of the story takew place in the present, which does create a link with All In but somewhat strays from the original concept of a Year One book.

That said, I didn’t really understand much of the present-day storyline, which was weighed down by pretentious thought bubbles that were all hot air to boot.
The real Year One part is much more conventional in its approach, but features a fairground villain who appears out of nowhere yet is linked to Apokolips, which is supposedly connected to the death of Terrific’s wife (?) but not his son (??), who is apprently alive..., as supposedly seen in Flash 799. And those who haven’t read said issue 799 only all they have left are their eyes to weep with.
For a so-called Year One, it’s decidedly not new reader-friendly!

The real - and only - highlight is Valentine De Landro. I remember his debut on Peter David’s X-Factor and finding it mediocre, but he’s come on in leaps and bounds and is now very close to a John Paul Leon-style of quality.

[Gerard Vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

[7.5] Mr. Terrific: Year One creates a compelling story with great emotional moments that explore the core of being a superhero, even if its multiple connections to the present universe and cliffhangers kind of break the Year One of its title.

[Utkarsh Bansal · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Year One should be self-contained.

[Joshua Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun re-introduction to Mr. Terrific. Not the same as the Mr. T in Superman (don’t want folks disappointed) but really interesting back story and a somewhat more likable hero.

[Rory Wilding · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you saw last year’s summer blockbuster that was James Gunn’s Superman, one of the best aspects was Edi Gathegi’s performance as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific, who delivered the best action set-piece from that movie. No doubt this character has left enough of an impression for audiences that we could see more from Gathegi in that role, but until then, there is a bunch of comics to read that showcase the genius intellect of Michael Holt, including Mr. Terrific: Year One.

Although the character has popped up in numerous media, I haven’t read a lot of comics on Mr. Terrific, though he left a big impression as a supporting player in Strange Adventures by Tom King, Doc Shaner and Mitch Gerads. The purpose of a Year One limited series is that it serves as an introduction to a DC superhero as we see the origin story that spans over the course of a year. This comic does exactly that but also ties with the events of DC All-In Special, published in 2024.

The first issue opens with Holt investigating how Darkseid suddenly appeared in the Justice League Watchtower, as shown in the aforementioned Special. Through his investigation, there is a connection from his past when he struggled to find purpose following a devastating tragedy. Having sold Holt Industries to the tech company Prescott Industries, whose CEO Athena Prescott has been taking advantage of his advanced technology that is actually harming the people of Gateway City, Holt seeks redemption through a journey of heroism.

While Year One storylines tend to be self-contained, writer Al Letson takes big swings by using numerous characters from all corners of the DC universe, whether it is fun cameos like Lex Luthor or the always delightful presence of Batman and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne who gets to show off some scientific knowledge. However, there is a whole issue with Holt interacts with The Spectre, and whilst I understand that it’s all about coming in terms with grief through a debate of ideologies, scientifically and spiritually, I felt you could have Holt gone through this arc without turning into a Sandman issue.

When we do focus on Holt and his origin into becoming Mister Terrific – named after the original Mister Terrific, Terry Sloane, of the Justice Society of America – this is where the book finds its strength, showing how Holt goes from despair to heroism, despite the rocky journey where his genius IQ doesn’t always help him get out of sticky situations. Considering Mister Terrific is defined by his lack of emotions, Letson finds the emotional content where no doubt Holt feels like he is consumed by recent tragedies, and yet the friends and unexpected allies who helped him along the way feel satisfying.

Whilst you have Edwin Glamon bringing modern and vibrant visuals to the few pages that showcase the present day that lean hard to superhero and cosmic territory, Valentine De Landro draws the majority of the six issues where there is a grit to his art-style with an emphasis of thick outlines. And yet with a bold use of colouring and multi-panel layouts, De Landro’s action is kinetic and violent, but never the sake of edginess. It does get heavy with the superpowers in the later issues, but once you start evoking the New Gods, I’m obviously going to like it.

Although it is overly ambitious by doing more than a self-contained origin story, this six-issue series works best when it is being just that as Mr. Terrific: Year One is a fun introduction for those want to get into the third-smartest man in the world.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aún sabiendo que este personaje parte de mantener un legado de uno de los tantos personajes de fondo de la Golden Age comiquera adscrita a DC comics, puede sorprender que su andadura editorial sea realmente "reciente". Iniciando a finales de los 90" en la cabecera de The Spectre para ir arañando presencia en la JSA más moderna. Y hoy en día hasta forma parte activa en todo evento del Multiverso DC y hasta es secundario en la última película de Superman. Es un buen momento para otorgarle a Mr. Terrific un "Año Uno" que reevalúe su genésis para lectores veteranos y profanos, y Al Letson es quien realiza esta propuesta en una miniserie que aún retrotrayéndose al pasado del personaje, parte y enlaza todo a lo referente a la situación post DC ALL IN. Sabemos por varias colecciones, que Mr. Terrific es el mayor investigador de la cuestión de la energía Omega residual tras ese ataque y aparente deceso de Darkseid en la nueva Atalaya. Pero parece que Michael Holt ya se había topado con una primera forma de amenaza de esta peligrosa forma de energía en su año de origen de superheroíco. Cuando tras el fatal fallecimiento de su esposa y co fundadora de la empresa tecnológica en común, se encuentra en un estado depresivo que provoca una conducta casi suicida, en la que la presencia del Espectro y una intriga política en su ciudad al permitir unas peligrosas pruebas por parte de la dueña de la compañia que adquirió la empresa de Holt y cierta patente, azuzan a Michael a abrazar un espíritu heroíco que ya impulsaban sus mejores amigos (uno de ellos siendo Black Lightning).

Mr. Terrific: Year One divide su historia en la actualidad y pasado. Siendo este último evidentemente lo más interesante con un apartado gráfico que casi recuerda al estilo de Jorge Fornés. El ver nacer y definir el Mr. Terrific que busca ser Michael Holt respecto al original de la Golden Age es el mayor punto de interés de la miniserie. Por supuesto, todo lo concerniente a la actualidad se entrelaza estrechamente con los eventos pasados (hasta la narración), presentando una nueva amenaza que veremos hasta qué punto tendrá repercusión en todo el entramado villanesco del DC KO o cualquier otro enemigo terráqueo.

Es cierto que Al Letson no reformula de forma totalmente sorpresiva la génesis del personaje. Manteniendo incluso esa escena con El Espectro, lo cual teniendo en cuenta la actitud y pensamiento hiper racional de Michael, hace introducir mejor todo el conjunto más fantástico de la narrativa super comic book. Pero quizás habría merecido más la pena dejar que todo eso quedase a la hora de coincidir el pasado y el presente con el personaje de Athena y su nueva "relación laboral".

En el panorama de nuevas cabeceras post ALL IN, Mr. Terrific: Year One resulta interesante tanto por saber dar continuidad a toda esta nueva narrativa como por ofrecer su propia historia anexa pero paralela (algo que muchas otras propuestas no ofrecen).

[Tony Laplume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Terrific is one of the more interesting new characters to show up at DC in the past quarter century, but for whatever reason he hasn’t been given a lot of opportunities to star in his own material. He had a New 52 series, and then last year, while costarring in Superman, this…and that’s it.

The New 52 take was one of the short-lived titles. It came and went with no impact. After I caught up on it, it was one of the very rare titles from that era where I agreed that the creative energy wasn’t really there. Very, very unfortunately, the same is true in this follow-up.

Al Letson has plenty in his background, but writing comics isn’t really one of them. Other than participating in a DC workshop nearly a decade ago, nothing, really. So it’s disappointing that DC gave him a project that might’ve finally given Michael Holt the breakthrough he so desperately needs.

The storytelling is depressingly one-dimensional. Letson attempts to be clever, playing essentially three different timelines at once: the present, Mr. Terrific’s origin, and somehow giving the tragic death of his wife shortest shrift. And the result of all this is dropping a son into his life. I don’t know how deep into the lore Athena Prescott goes, but as a villain she’s thin material, and her poisoning of Gateway City equally sketched…

I’m glad this exists, and very glad to see Valentine De Landro again (half the reason the Future State Mister Miracle was such a delight), so for me the art is the only real reason to celebrate this one, but it could’ve been better. And the fact that it isn’t only hurts the title character. At the moment DC keeps doubling down on its known commodities, risk-averse to anything new (the market for the company has been rejecting such notions for years). You’d think Mr. Terrific has enough tenure at this point to have earned better. Not yet, alas.

[RunningRed NightBringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd kinda stopped buying DC Comics in general cause they stopped telling stories in favor of shoveling out marketing hype. So it's rare I'd actually pick something up.

I thought I'd give this a chance and...actually liked it.

It's an origin comic for the legacy character. Michael Holt was a genius, athlete, good at everything and fell into a spiral of depression after the death of his wife and unborn child.
In his grief he sold off his tech company's assets to another firm and finds out they plan to technobabble some stuff that threatens the city.

He's motivated/pushed to get off his ass and do something with the encouragement of his friends and a pep talk from the Spectre who tells Michael of the Golden Age Mr Terrific who was also a genius athlete who became a hero with the motto "Fair Play."
Michael takes up the name and the motto and kicks some ass.

The story alternates between a current case of weird technobabble and flashbacks to his origin. Each has a different art style so it's easy to tell when it switches between present and past.

Overall I liked it a lot. Terrific is an unpowered hero and the comic shows the struggle he has in accepting the responsibility of being a hero in a world of flying bricks and speedsters.

He's got his intellect and his determination.

My main nitpick is the "present day" material kept referencing events from other comics which made it feel like the usual marketing gimmick to get readers to buy other comics to get more context...but I'll be generous and just say it's establishing the story in the context of the current continuity...before the next time DC's marketing team decides it's time for another reboot/crisis event.

But yeah I'm glad I got it.

[Darik · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... I was really excited to properly dig into this character after his scene-stealing appearance in James Gunn's Superman! But unfortunately... this book turned out to be a big disappointment.  

A "Year One" story SHOULD be, like, a baseline introduction to the character, right? Something that lays the emotional groundwork to connect with a protagonist, allowing new readers to bond with them? Yeah, this ain't that. In fact, it seems overtly HOSTILE to new readers-- refusing to properly establish important backstory until late into the book, throwing out a TON of cameos and interconnections to other stories, and opening with a present-day framing device that's a direct continuation of the DC All In Special. This thing seems to have been written EXCLUSIVELY for hardcore fans; if I was some kid picking this up because I thought Terrific was cool, I would be completely lost.  

Also, the storytelling here is completely shot; there is a LOT of telling rather than showing happening here. Letson is willing to set several pages an issue in the present day, but he's NOT willing to write a single flashback scene between Michael and his wife to establish SOME kind of emotional connection so that her death and his subsequent emotional spiral can MEAN something to us? It's the inciting incident of the whole story! Why not set it up?  

I dunno... I guess I was hoping for a story that could stand on its own two feet, but this thing just reads like a tie-in miniseries to a crossover event I'm not reading.

[Norman Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

2026 Eisner Award finalist - Best Cover Artist (Mateus Manhanini)

This is a nice, if somewhat uninspired, origin story of the DC Universe's smartest man. It's told in flashbacks with art by Valentine De Landro. The short framing sequences set in the present are drawn by Edwin Galmon. The two styles are quite different, so it's easy to tell the two timelines apart, a good thing. As with many things DC, Darkseid is the driving force (albeit here unseen), which of course ties into the current All-In crossover event. I've always had a soft spot for Mr. Terrific, a scientist who uses his intelligence to fight for good. Nevertheless, there are several physical battles and encounters with superhuman beings. Al Letson falls into a familiar trap when writing about a character like Mr. Terrific—it's hard to write about a super-intelligent person who can technobabble his way out of almost any situation. Letson fortunately focuses on Mr. Terrific's personal, emotional struggles as Michael Holt, making this at least an interesting, if not memorable, story.

[Ya Boi Be Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more. Maybe I should've paid more attention to it being a Year One. The story is a slow burn. But by the end I was invested enough with its slight thriller elements. Overall its Mister Terrific getting out of his funk and slowly donning a cape identity to avenge his friend’s murder and take back from what he gave up after his wife died. It was nice but very slow and not the most interesting to me. I guess I wanted to see more of Mister Terrific just kicking straight ass. But it is a Year One so it's on me. Sometimes it also feels less like a Year One and more like a team-up book with The Spectre, Batman, and Black Lightning's inclusion.
Similar to the story, the art is a slow burn. The first three pages are taking place in the present and drawn by Edwin Galmon. It looks phenomenal. The rest is drawn by Valentine De Landro in a very line-y blocky strike-y style (or maybe vice versa I forget). It reminds me of the artist for the graphic adaptation novel of Kindred by Damian Duffy and John Jennings. It works well in close-ups where we really get to see faces and more detail. It’s super great with the coloring in the more sci-fi moments that make it feel alien and otherworldly which makes sense with the nature of the sci-fi elements. But I usually wanted more from the artist or a different one.

[Roman Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent miniseries that updates Mr. Terrific's origin for a new generation. The series starts off with Michael investigating a familiar energy signature after the events of DC All-In. The story then diverges into parallel journeys as we follow both present-day Mr. Terrific and the past version of Michael Holt.

I enjoyed reading this however, I wish it had been standalone and set entirely in the past. The way it's written intrinsically ties the book to events in current continuity (DC All-In, Darkseid, Ram V's New Gods, and Flash 799). It's not an evergreen book you can read in isolation like previous Year One titles (Batman: Year One, Black Lightning: Year One etc). The full picture for this story requires context provided in other books, and that's to the detriment of this one.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Certainly does not feel like a new beginning- I am not really familiar with the character outside of the new Superman movie and occasional appearances in other DC books. I still feel like I don’t really know him at all, he doesn’t parlay his intelligence into something that makes me feel like he’s this super genius- just feels like a bit of a regular guy (in comparison to lex Luthor), I just never really got sold on his core beliefs or even his powers. It just felt all a little too CW, like easy and not very engaging. I would probably read more Mr. T but I wouldn’t seek it out.

The weakest DC title I’ve read this year. The final battle is totally leading to a new gods war but Mr. Terrific is going to be tangentially important in that story and it kind of starts in his book!

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, more like a 3.5. An interesting little origin story. Finally figured out how he got the rather strange title: Third Smartest Man in the World. Now I know. It was not a bad story. It had some really strong moments. I don't know. Maybe I was hoping for more? This is a hero with so much potential. I really want to like the guy, but he needs better stories. Not his fault. He doesn't write them. Again, there was nothing intrinsically wrong with this story, I was just hoping for more.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how memorable this will be to me later, but not bad. I liked the way the relationship between Jeff and Michael was portrayed - the last few issues were particularly good. I wish they'd kept the whole book in the past, though - the future bits were kind of just a mess of words until the end.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

sometimes you're just called to do or be something. sometimes the one calling is yourself, your soul, what makes you tick can force you to do things you might not expect or even want yourself to do. and as the fourth, least popular, Beatle once said "You get by with a little help from your friends"

[Gabriel Rojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in single issues.
Compared to things like Lemire's JSA, this is Steinbeck. Still, it peters out towards the end, and the overuse of Apokolips and its ties to the current mess of continuity also prevent it from being something memorable.

[Justin Biondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is was the best time this book could’ve come out. Superman’s recent film def helped this book a ton in Sales and I’m all for DC giving Al Letson the reigns to an ongoing with Terrific. He has a perfect voice for an often overlooked character

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

i need to read The New Gods now.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read issue by issue

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

flashback to the original of Mr terrific becoming a costumed hero.

it was a little touching, a little exciting, nothing too inventive.
worh a read.

art was fine.

[Dylan Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.4/10.

[Mateusz Nowowiejski · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 - 2025

[Angela T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

[Archos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This puts lots of respect on Mr. Terrific as a hero whose superpower is using his brain. That's what iam talking about.

[Jerome Livsey-Herd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! I wish it was a maxi-series.

[Sadiel Giron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up the first issue when it came out and thought it was really good. it's a really good modern origin story. Great artwork in both the current and past timeline.