DC Comics: The History of Superman’s Mister…

Mister Terrific: The Unsung Hero in James Gunn’s Superman

James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film features unexpected characters. Among them is Mister Terrific, a lesser-known superhero from DC Comics. With the role portrayed by Edi Gathegi, this hero stands apart from more familiar faces like Hawkgirl and Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Despite being a relatively new addition to the DC universe, Mister Terrific’s uniqueness piques interest. So, who exactly is this hero with the bold “T” mask, and why is he so intriguing? Before exploring his DCU future, let’s dive into his comic book past.

Mister Terrific: A Legacy Hero

The current Mister Terrific, Michael Holt, carries on a legacy. Originally, Terry Sloane bore the title during the Golden Age of Comics. Sloane, a "Mystery Man" hero, appeared in 1942’s Sensation Comics #1. His character had neither powers nor originality, simply excelling at everything. This concept carried weight in the ‘40s. A child prodigy, he graduated college at 13 and adeptly mastered fighting. The decision to combat crime seemed natural. Sporting a less-than-intimidating costume emblazoned with “Fair Play,” Sloane briefly joined the Justice Society of America before fading into obscurity. DC revived him in the 1979 Justice League/Justice Society crossover, only to kill him off.

Michael Holt Redefines Mister Terrific

In 1997, DC resurrected Mister Terrific’s name with Michael Holt. Introduced in The Spectre by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, Holt emerged as a genius millionaire. Birth bestowed him with exceptional intellect, akin to Terry Sloane. With 14 PhDs and a gold-medal athletic career, Holt epitomized success, even selling a tech company to Bruce Wayne. Despite his triumphs, tragedy struck when his wife, Paula, died in a car crash after a church dispute over religion. Devastated, Holt met the Spectre, a divine agent, who inspired him to adopt the Mister Terrific moniker. Honoring the original hero, Holt’s costume also bears "Fair Play" in bold letters.

Leading the Justice Society and the Terrifics

Mister Terrific soon joined the Justice Society of America, ascending to chairman. He earned the title "Third Smartest Man in the World," trailing Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor. Holt’s character became a staple in the DC universe, engaging in major crossover events like Infinite Crisis and Blackest Night. Although his solo series in the 2011 New 52 reboot was short-lived, he remained prominent. Recently, Mister Terrific led The Terrifics, a group of cosmic adventurers. Metamorpho, Plastic Man, and Phantom Girl joined him in their homage to Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Though the series ran for 30 issues from 2018-2020, its acclaim sustains the team’s presence.

Mister Terrific’s Unmatched Abilities

Despite lacking superpowers, Mister Terrific boasts an array of skills. A master in every fighting style, Holt rivals Batman’s human competence. His intellectual prowess is nearly unparalleled, acting as JSA’s counterpart to the JLA’s Dark Knight. His signature T-spheres serve as his primary tools, capable of projecting energy blasts, hacking systems, and crafting holograms.

From Comics to the Screen

Beyond comics, Mister Terrific has graced various media. He appeared in Justice League Unlimited and made cameos in Beware the Batman and Justice League Action. On television, the character Curtis Holt—an LGBTQ hero—appeared in Arrow, sharing traits with the comic version. However, James Gunn’s Superman will debut Michael Holt’s live-action portrayal.

A Promising Future in the DCU

According to James Gunn, Mister Terrific plays a crucial role in Superman, not just a minor appearance. Gunn describes him as central to the plot among the heroes. The trailer hints at a scene where Mister Terrific uses a force field against an attack. Although Gunn emphasizes that Superman isn’t a mere setup, the inclusion of Metamorpho, Holt’s Terrifics teammate, suggests potential expansion plans. Regardless, Mister Terrific’s prominence in the DCU looks promising.