The next Superman movie in 2025 won’t just focus on Iron Man. Among the heroes sharing the screen with him is Mr. Terrific, also known as Michael Holt.
Although Mr. Terrific has appeared on other occasions outside of the comics, this will be a great opportunity on the big screen. This inclusion suggests that the film and the DC Shared Universe take inspiration from different sources. For many, it will be their first time encountering this important but often underrated character.
The Golden Age of DC
Mr. Terrific has its roots in the Golden Age of comics, but originally not as Michael Hoult, but as Terry Sloane. Beginning with Mood Comics #1 by Charles Reisenstein and Hal Sharp, Sloane was a master and master of all things. Disillusioned by his lack of problems, he becomes a vigilante after saving a young girl from jumping off a bridge. With a bright green and red outfit and the catchphrase “fair play,” Mr. Terrific battled youth gangs. Although he doesn’t have superpowers, his skills in various fields have earned him the title of “Man of 1,000 Talents.”
Holt debuted in Specter #54 with John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, making it even more exciting than before. An Olympic athlete and holder of multiple doctorates, Holt becomes Mr. Terrific after a series of personal tragedies. He was devastated by the death of his brother and his wife Paula in a car accident. His interaction with The Specter inspired him to take on the mantle of Mr. Terrific, using his intelligence and gadgets like the “T-Sphere”.
A prominent member of the Justice Society
In the 90s, DC revived the Justice League, including Holt as part of the team. As president, Holt joined the dynamic of the group, although he had no direct relationship with his predecessor. Like Stargirl and Dr. Her friendships with heroes like Mid-Nite and her role in organizations like Checkmate have shown her importance in the DC Universe. Despite his paralysis, he remains a prominent member of the JSA.
In the year In 2011, the New 52 reboot changed the character’s history significantly. In his own short series, Holt traveled the galaxy taking on business rivals, even though he fell foul of the Justice Society. Although he kept the same origin story, his ties to Terry Sloane and The Specter were removed, making him an independent hero.
The lead in horror during DC’s rebirth
In the year In 2016, DC Rebirth restored much of the pre-New 52 continuity, including the history of the Justice Society. Michael Holt leads a new team called The Terrifics, which includes Phantom Girl, Plastic Man and Metamorpho in a series reminiscent of Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Together, they face off against a wide range of adventures and characters from outside the DC Universe.
Starting in 2022, DC introduces the Justice Society like never before, retracing its history and adding new members. Among them, Michael Holt’s unborn son Jeffrey Holt emerges as a new hero named Fairplay. Additionally, Mr. Terrific has been instrumental in the JSA’s new adventures by recruiting former villains such as Icicle.
Adaptation in television and cinema
In series such as Justice League Unlimited and Arrow, the character has appeared in various forms. In Archery, Curtis Holt, Holt’s adaptation of Mr. Terror, excels as hackers and Olympic athletes. This version shows him as a gay man, showing the diversity of his character.
Holt’s version will be based on James Gunn’s Superman movie post-Crisis and post-Flashpoint comics. His costume and demeanor reflect modern stories, contrasting with the optimistic outlook of David Cornish’s new Superman. Gunn also hinted at the formation of The Terrifics in the new DCU, so fans will have to wait until 2025 to see how these narrative threads play out.
With a rich history and deep connections in the DC universe, the classic hero is always ready to get the recognition he deserves. Although the road is complicated, the future promises to be fair for this amazing hero.