It was a great month for Michael Holt. He made his big screen debut with Superman (2025), played by actor Eddie Gattegi. If you are participating, this series will split the story into two timelines. Now, The Terrific records his early steps in heroes, all special and past, the mystical rifts of energy associated with fallout from DC. In this third issue, writer Al Letson places the world’s third smartest man in a serious gauntlet. Does Holt come out from the other side of the intact or even better, will it be converted?
DC
This issue opens up quickly where we left off and climbs up from the fragments of the collapse of the last issue. But survival is just the beginning. Tensions quickly raise ratchets, especially as they continue to reveal the eerie connection between these clefts and Holt’s history. Once Monstrous Hellhound returns and completes what it started, Rift is activated again, carrying both the man and the beast to an astonishing (and oddly familiar) place. You might recognize it from Flash #798–799. If not, treat yourself and read. They are some of the best Mr. I’ve ever remembered recently.
Much of this issue has been done in the past, with Letson providing another outstanding segment, providing deeper technical, testing and tensions that have shaped Terifice. These early missions are as personal as they are dangerous, and Letson nails the atmosphere of the classic “fire trials.” I especially loved how central Holt’s intelligence was. He is not just a person with gadgets, instead he is a man with a purpose. DCU connective tissue is woven smartly here, teasing guest stars in the next issue, as they ground the story in the larger universe. For fans of this miniseries, it’s stronger with callbacks and continuity.
DC
Visually, Valentine’s Day Delandro and Marissa Louise are delivered in past times. Their noir-heavy aesthetics create rough, almost cinematic tension in the past. The intrusion sequence is full of fear and you can feel how high the interests of Holt’s first major case are. These are more than just criminals. These are the people who want him to die, and that shows.
Meanwhile, Edwin Garmon deals with current art in a smooth, high-energy style that contrasts beautifully with the past. The new location after teleporting looks wild, and Garmon captures chaos perfectly. A bit of humor in that section is a sudden change in Hellhound’s loyalty. After all, when things get weird enough, even monsters know who the cleverest man in the room is.
DC
Overall, Mr. Greatific: Year One #3 continues to gain momentum with powerful character creations, original visuals and a growing sense of mystery in the universe. DC is laying the foundation for something big here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Holt became one of the key players in the next thing. Don’t sleep in this series – it’s a smart and stylish read with real weight.
Mr. Triffy: Year 1 #3 continues to be impressed by the innovative storytelling, emotional depth and sharp visuals that split the time into two important times on Michael Holt’s journey. While celebrating the character’s legacy, Al Letson pushes him into new mystical realms, creating a story full of tension, craft and appetizing DCU bonds. Using a strong binding thread to past events and future promises, this issue proves that Terrific is not just a background player, but a central figure worth investing in. If you haven’t read this series yet, it’s time for Holt to catch up before he goes above and beyond us.
‘Mr. Amazing: Year 1’ #3 Review: Gateway City Kid
Mr. Triffy: 1st year #3
Mr. Triffy: Year 1 #3 continues to be impressed by the innovative storytelling, emotional depth and sharp visuals that split the time into two important times on Michael Holt’s journey. While celebrating the character’s legacy, Al Letson pushes him into new mystical realms, creating a story full of tension, craft and appetizing DCU bonds. Using a strong binding thread to past events and future promises, this issue proves that Terrific is not just a background player, but a central figure worth investing in. If you haven’t read this series yet, it’s time for Holt to catch up before he goes above and beyond us.
Past/present stories provide readers with a rich, layered understanding of Mr. Triffey’s evolution
Strong artistic contrast from the era when Edwin Garmont injects vivid energy, while Valentine’s de Landro and Marissa Louise bring about a gritty noir aesthetic.
Author Al Letson is woven into references to his adventures with Flash and larger DCU events without overwhelming new readers
The cleavage is important, but the connection between their true nature and Holt’s past remains somewhat vague
