MR. TERRIFIC YEAR ONE #5: The Harder the Fall

Michael Holt is in a race against time to stop Athena’s Nexus engine. He relies on Bruce and his own wallet to fund what they can as he builds his way towards becoming Mr. Terrific.

Creative Team:

Al Letson (WRITER) Valentine De Landro (ART) Marissa Louise (COLORS pg 4-20) Edwin Galmon (ART/COLORS p1-3 and COVER) Lucas Gattoni (LETTERS)

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

As always, we start with a flash to the present time, and this particular snippet brings about immense intrigue. Mr. Terrific is at the cusp of time, and there are cracks in the space-time continuum. There is a cliffhanger at the end that had me at the edge of my seat and dying to know how it all ties together.

As for the flash to the past, this issue has equal amounts of action and emotion. Introducing Black Lightning was an incredible surprise. I enjoyed how Al lets the moment between Jefferson and Michael have its moment and bring Michael towards becoming the hero he is meant to be. The issue culminates in such amazing fashion as Michael finally embraces who he is and we even get the line “I’m god damn Mr. Terrific.” Al is doing an incredible job at telling this year one story and hitting these key moments.

The Art:

The art by Edwin in the beginning is full of powerful pinks and yellows as the cracks flash all around Michael, and it starts this issue strong visually. Going back to the past, Marissa and Valentine bring the heavy action as they bring Michael’s rise into his hero boots to life. They capture the emotional details in the conversation between Jefferson and Michael that really bring out the emotions of the scene, matching the conversation as Lucas writes it. Tying Mr. Terrific’s costume together at the end brings this story full circle and triumphantly all at the same time.

Final Thoughts:

Mr. Terrific Year One #5 brings Michael’s heroic backstory to its climax as we see him rise p and become the hero we know and love. This issue packs a strong punch both emotionally and artistically as we finally get god damn Mr. Terrific.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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