Mr. Triffy: #4 of the first year begins with a flashback to Holt’s father. Always treat challenges like a game and don’t accept defeat. This is a memory that resonates throughout the problem, giving weight to every choice of Holt. In fact, framing reminds us that Michael’s story is more than a gadget or costume. That’s legacy, resilience and refusal to quit, even when the odds stack up against you. Artistically, this sequence also plant seeds. Holt walks towards the mysterious figure rendered in the shadows, leaving one of the biggest questions in question. Who is this mysterious being?
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From there, the story returns to the year’s timeline. Holt faces a battle that he cannot win and is forced into desperate gambling for survival. It’s not a flashy victory. Instead, it’s the type you’d expect from the early days of superheroes. It is a life-humble struggle based on his humanity, and he finds himself painting in thoughts and water. The timing is great. Return to lessons from Holt’s father and move on when someone is ready to stop. Thematically, it’s a smart connection. Holt has his father’s voice in his head, but now he’s subtle to keep playing the game.
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Speaking of the army on the ground, Batman shows him, but it’s Bruce Wayne who leaves the bigger mark. Rather than swooping as Gotham’s Cap Crusader, Bruce provides Holt’s resources and support, rekindling Michael’s passion for science and problem-solving. It’s a great touch to remind us that Holt is more than a fist, while highlighting the human side of the Blues. His real weapon is his heart.
Meanwhile, our math villain Athena Prescott begins to show a crack. A mysterious voice untook her by calling her “daughter,” and the word choice of words causes a lot of speculation about the identity of the speaker. If this is not darkseid, who is it? That uncertainty sharpens tension, and the fate of Athena’s seemingly fate at the end of the matter feels not like a fall, but a set-up for dangerous rebirth. Can her trajectory go back to the shadowy figure from the opening page? Letson clearly plant seeds for something bigger.
What makes this series work so well is the consistent connection between the story and the visual. The art team nails the transition between periods with flashbacks, struggles, and styles and layouts that distinguish between larger than life moments without breaking the flow. The expression in particular sold both Holt’s fatigue and his resolve, and the action sequence exploded with energy and stakes. Mr. Therific: Year One #4 proves that this is not just a retelling of origin, but an extension. Letson and his collaborators have transformed hidden gems into one of DC Comics’ most persuasive year projects over the years, weaving threads that feel doomed to matter in the larger universe. If this problem is any indication, Holt’s future in the DCU is likely to be very interesting.
Terrific: Year 1 #4 continues to explore Al Letson’s Michael Holt’s journey, weaving in the memories, struggles and mystical powers that shaped his rise. The question begins with Holt reminding him of his father’s lesson. Treat life like a game and not accept defeat. This framing sets the tone as Michael faces both physical battles and emotional intersections. A hopeless battle will almost end with disasters until God’s intervention arrives. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne intervenes, who governs Michael’s passion for science, and reminds readers that Holt’s greatest power lies in his intelligence. On the villain side, Athena Prescott begins to unravel as the mystical voice seduces her, raising speculation about her identity, hinting at a bigger thread of the universe.
‘Mr. Amazing: Year One’ #4 is an attractive extension of Michael Holt’s journey
Mr. Triffy: 1st year #4
Terrific: Year 1 #4 continues to explore Al Letson’s Michael Holt’s journey, weaving in the memories, struggles and mystical powers that shaped his rise. The question begins with Holt reminding him of his father’s lesson. Treat life like a game and not accept defeat. This framing sets the tone as Michael faces both physical battles and emotional intersections. A hopeless battle will almost end with disasters until God’s intervention arrives. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne intervenes, who governs Michael’s passion for science, and reminds readers that Holt’s greatest power lies in his intelligence. On the villain side, Athena Prescott begins to unravel as the mystical voice seduces her, raising speculation about her identity, hinting at a bigger thread of the universe.
The powerful theme framing that echoes through the story of Holt’s father’s influence
I’m pleased that it wasn’t just an appearance by Batman, as Bruce Wayne’s involvement emphasizes Holt’s brilliance beyond the superheroes
Athena’s dismantling and mystical “daughter” bullying continues to persuade the villain’s plot
