Mr. Terrific: Year One #3, written by Al Letson with art by Valentine De Landro and Edwin Galmon, continues to deliver a compelling exploration of Michael Holt’s journey to becoming the hero we know. This issue shines, seamlessly blending action, character development, and a fascinating dual narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The comic opens with Mr. Terrific jumping straight into action, investigating a mysterious rift from the previous issue. However, things take a wild turn when he’s attacked by an Apokoliptian hellhound, leading to an abrupt, almost magical, dimension-hopping sequence. While the transition felt a little jarring, it moves the present-day story forward. Galmon’s art in these present-day scenes is a vibrant, high-energy spectacle, perfectly capturing the fast-paced, modern comic book feel.
DC Comics
The real heart of this issue, though, lies in the past. Letson continues to explore the emotional and intellectual crucible that forged Michael Holt into Mr. Terrific. Propelled by a new sense of purpose and a clear target for his vengeance, we see a much less experienced Mr. Terrific don his first makeshift superhero costume. He’s on a mission: to lay siege to Athena Prescott’s tower. This past plotline reads like a thrilling spy espionage story here, showcasing Holt’s genius for surveillance and counter-surveillance. He even uses a hologram of his best friend, Dre, to distract a security guard: a sweet and clever way to keep Dre’s presence in the comic.
However, it’s not all just a walk in the park. Armed with his prototype T-Spheres, Mr Terrific finds himself in a very real fight. It’s a stark reminder that even one of the smartest men in the world can’t always out-think a bullet from behind. De Landro’s art in these past sequences is brilliant, delivering a gritty, noir-like aesthetic that captures the raw, unpolished beginnings of our new hero and the dangerous stakes he faces. The fight sequences are particularly well-rendered, showcasing Holt’s growing but still developing physical prowess.
DC Comics
Finally, Michael officially takes on the name “Mr. Terrific” in this issue, leading to a fantastic showdown with Cormorant (the military enforcer working for Athena Prescott), and their fight is full of witty banter, even dropping a Mr. T reference. And since Cormorant is also responsible for Dre’s death, he could easily become Mr. Terrific’s primary antagonist down the line. We also get a fun, sassy exchange between Athena Prescott and Lex Luthor, with Athena accusing him of trying to steal her Nexus Engine.
Mr. Terrific: Year One #3 impresses with its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and sharp visuals that seamlessly transition between two pivotal eras. With strong connective threads to both past events and future promises within the DCU, this series solidifies Mr. Terrific’s position as a central figure worth investing in. If you’re looking for a series that combines intellectual challenges with thrilling action and deep character exploration, Mr. Terrific: Year One should definitely be on your pull list.
‘Mr. Terrific: Year One’ #3 Review: Unleashes a New Kind of Hero
Mr. Terrific: Year One #3 impresses with its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and sharp visuals that seamlessly transition between two pivotal eras. With strong connective threads to both past events and future promises within the DCU, this series solidifies Mr. Terrific’s position as a central figure worth investing in. If you’re looking for a series that combines intellectual challenges with thrilling action and deep character exploration, Mr. Terrific: Year One should definitely be on your pull list.
