Phillip Creary May 28, 2025

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Al Letson and Valentine De Landro’s Mr. Terrific Year One #1 is a sharp and visually striking introduction to a character brimming with potential in the modern DC landscape. This debut issue immediately grabs your attention with its confident storytelling and a fresh take on the brilliant and capable Michael Holt.

The comic opens with a concise recap of Mr. Terrific’s established place in the DC Universe, immediately highlighting his defining characteristic: “his true power is his mind.” We’re reminded of the recent events from the DC All-In special #1 before being whisked away to Gateway City, the place where it all began. The artwork in this opening sequence, by Edwin Galmon, is great: vibrant, and full of energetic superhero flair.

However, the undeniable strength of this issue lies in Al Letson’s writing as we transition to the past and the core of this “Year One” story. Letson masterfully avoids the typical tropes of a superhero’s early days, instead focusing on the established genius and burgeoning social consciousness of Michael Holt. We don’t see a stumbling novice; instead, we encounter a man already at the peak of human intellect and physical prowess, grappling with the profound loss of his wife and child.

Thankfully, he has his good friend Dre, who serves as a catalyst for change, bringing breakfast and a much-needed pep talk. Letson excels at setting the stage and the emotional stakes. We see a man so deeply mired in grief that his only options seem to be moving forward or succumbing entirely. The dialogue is crisp and insightful, revealing layers of Holt’s personality, his confidence shaken, yet a fundamental desire to create and do good still flickers within him, even if past decisions weren’t always the best.

Credit: DC Comics

What truly makes Mr. Terrific Year One #1 stand out is its focus on the “why” behind the hero. It delves into the motivations of a man who seemingly had everything: wealth, intellect, fame, and explores what drives him after he gives it all up in the wake of devastating loss. The comic ends in a chilling way, a moment that feels like the precise catalyst Michael needs to begin his transformation into the hero we know today.

The comic then introduces the threats: Prescott Towers and Athena Prescott, who may be misusing assets from Michael’s former company and potentially poisoning the city. Letson skillfully conveys the stakes here, hinting at the larger issues of systemic injustice and corruption that this series will likely explore, promising a story that transcends typical superheroics. 

Valentine De Landro’s artwork in these flashback sequences is compelling. His style is dynamic and gritty, perfectly capturing the urban environment and the raw intensity of Holt’s emotional state. De Landro’s paneling is inventive, creating a sense of movement and visual interest that keeps the reader engaged. The use of shadow and light adds a layer of visual depth and moodiness, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. While not as flashy as some superhero comics, the coloring feels grounded and effective, contributing to the realistic tone of this part of the story.

Credit: DC Comics

This first issue primarily lays the groundwork for Holt’s journey, and it does so with remarkable skill and intrigue, but the ending does feel abrupt, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment. However, there’s a palpable sense of urgency and purpose in Letson’s writing, complemented by the visual energy of both Galmon and De Landro’s art, making this a truly exciting debut.

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.

Phillip Creary May 28, 2025

• Facebook
• X
• Reddit
• Instagram

Al Letson and Valentine De Landro’s Mr. Terrific Year One #1 is a sharp and visually striking introduction to a character brimming with potential in the modern DC landscape. This debut issue immediately grabs your attention with its confident storytelling and a fresh take on the brilliant and capable Michael Holt.

The comic opens with a concise recap of Mr. Terrific’s established place in the DC Universe, immediately highlighting his defining characteristic: “his true power is his mind.” We’re reminded of the recent events from the DC All-In special #1 before being whisked away to Gateway City, the place where it all began. The artwork in this opening sequence, by Edwin Galmon, is great: vibrant, and full of energetic superhero flair.

However, the undeniable strength of this issue lies in Al Letson’s writing as we transition to the past and the core of this “Year One” story. Letson masterfully avoids the typical tropes of a superhero’s early days, instead focusing on the established genius and burgeoning social consciousness of Michael Holt. We don’t see a stumbling novice; instead, we encounter a man already at the peak of human intellect and physical prowess, grappling with the profound loss of his wife and child.

Thankfully, he has his good friend Dre, who serves as a catalyst for change, bringing breakfast and a much-needed pep talk. Letson excels at setting the stage and the emotional stakes. We see a man so deeply mired in grief that his only options seem to be moving forward or succumbing entirely. The dialogue is crisp and insightful, revealing layers of Holt’s personality, his confidence shaken, yet a fundamental desire to create and do good still flickers within him, even if past decisions weren’t always the best.

Credit: DC Comics

What truly makes Mr. Terrific Year One #1 stand out is its focus on the “why” behind the hero. It delves into the motivations of a man who seemingly had everything: wealth, intellect, fame, and explores what drives him after he gives it all up in the wake of devastating loss. The comic ends in a chilling way, a moment that feels like the precise catalyst Michael needs to begin his transformation into the hero we know today.

The comic then introduces the threats: Prescott Towers and Athena Prescott, who may be misusing assets from Michael’s former company and potentially poisoning the city. Letson skillfully conveys the stakes here, hinting at the larger issues of systemic injustice and corruption that this series will likely explore, promising a story that transcends typical superheroics. 

Valentine De Landro’s artwork in these flashback sequences is compelling. His style is dynamic and gritty, perfectly capturing the urban environment and the raw intensity of Holt’s emotional state. De Landro’s paneling is inventive, creating a sense of movement and visual interest that keeps the reader engaged. The use of shadow and light adds a layer of visual depth and moodiness, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. While not as flashy as some superhero comics, the coloring feels grounded and effective, contributing to the realistic tone of this part of the story.

Credit: DC Comics

This first issue primarily lays the groundwork for Holt’s journey, and it does so with remarkable skill and intrigue, but the ending does feel abrupt, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment. However, there’s a palpable sense of urgency and purpose in Letson’s writing, complemented by the visual energy of both Galmon and De Landro’s art, making this a truly exciting debut.

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.