Al Letson, Valentine De Landro, and Edwin Galmon’s Mr. Terrific: Year One #4 throws Michael Holt into a trial by fire situation, and he barely makes it out alive. The issue chronicles the fallout of his first, disastrous outing as Mr. Terrific and the unexpected turn his life takes when a certain Caped Crusader comes calling.
The story hits the ground running, with Michael and his surprisingly charming Apokolips hellhound already in the thick of a cosmic mystery. The action is just as compelling, flashing back to a brutal, nearly fatal fight between Michael and Cormorant. Michael’s near-defeat and subsequent rescue by a timely appearance from The Spectre is a powerful moment that perfectly captures the sense of a hero in the making.
While Michael grapples with his destiny, the broader DC universe collides in a brilliant verbal showdown between Batman and Lex Luthor, a dynamic that’s as engaging as any physical fight. Moreover, tying the cosmic threat to an environmental crisis in Gateway City caused by the Nexus Engine gives the story a much-needed sense of real-world consequence, solidifying the issue as a character-driven story with some epic superhero action added for good measure.
The artistic partnership between Valentine De Landro and Edwin Galmon continues to impress. The use of color is particularly striking, with vibrant bursts of pinks, yellows, and purples creating an intense, fiery atmosphere. De Landro’s detailed, grounded backgrounds give the world a noir-like feel, serving as a powerful backdrop for Michael’s personal journey, while Galmon’s artwork brings the epic action energy of a comic book. And, of course, it’s impossible to discuss the art without mentioning Dan Mora’s fantastic cover. It’s a simple but extremely cool image of Mr. Terrific wearing his signature “facial recognition blocking” red T-shades.
Despite these intriguing elements, the issue’s biggest weakness is its lack of forward momentum. The plot inches along, and the focus is clearly on setting up future conflicts. Ultimately, this is a bridge issue, laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
Overall, Mr. Terrific: Year One #4 is a solid entry in the series. It may not be an action-packed thrill ride, but it’s a deeply character-driven story that fleshes out Michael Holt in fascinating new ways. The superb art and rich dialogue make this a must-read for fans of the character, confirming that while his first outing was a “failure,” Mr. Terrific’s journey is just getting started.
‘Mr. Terrific: Year One’ #4 Review: Shows a Hero in the Making
Mr. Terrific: Year One #4 is a solid entry in the series. It may not be an action-packed thrill ride, but it’s a deeply character-driven story that fleshes out Michael Holt in fascinating new ways.
