5 Mr. Terrific Comic Moments the DCU Needs to Adapt (Especially One Where He Humbles Batman)

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One intriguing twist from this summer’s blockbuster movie, “Superman,” was that its most beloved character turned out not to be Superman himself, but rather the extraordinary Mr. Terrific. It’s only natural that some of Mr. Terrific’s popularity, particularly among fans who are familiar solely with the DC cinematic universe (DCU), stems from his debut in the movie. However, for those well-versed in the world of DC Comics, his exceptional abilities both on and off the battlefield have long been known. Although he doesn’t have the same level of fame as Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman, he has consistently demonstrated himself to be a dependable top-tier hero who can handle enemies with intellect, strength, or technological assistance just as effectively.

Despite the intriguing portrayal of Mr. Terrific in the Superman series, fans have expressed their desire for more. With the announcement of a Superman sequel, and upcoming Supergirl movie and Green Lantern TV series, DC Studios head James Gunn has ample chances to increase Mr. Terrific’s role within the expanding DC Universe. If this occurs, several pivotal moments from the DC Comics saga could serve as an ideal way to acquaint DCU viewers with the legendary exploits of Mr. Terrific, as longtime comic book aficionados are already aware.

5) The Terry Sloan Effect

Although Mr. Terrific is often linked with modern technologies, it’s important to note that he originates from the Golden Age of comics. In the comic “The Spectre” issue 54 (1992), we discover that before Michael Holt came into being, there was Terry Sloan. Similar to Holt, Sloan was a brilliant and affluent businessman who also excelled in athleticism.

Feeling aimless and unsure of his life’s direction, Sloan discovered his true vocation in an unforeseen situation. One day, a group of aspiring thugs tried to assault him, prompting a critical choice. Driven to prove that glamorizing criminal acts was not the way forward, Sloan transformed into a masked guardian. His mission was to offer young people a more positive role model, demonstrating that heroism can be achieved without superpowers.

In a new identity as Mr. Terrific, Sloan rose to prominence among the most accomplished non-powered superheroes of his time, working alongside the Justice Society of America (JSA). Tragically, he met his end when, under possession by the Spirit King, he was fatally struck down by the Flash.

In a similar vein, the backstory of Holt’s Mr. Terrific shares some parallels with Sloan’s hero: Both are intelligent, wealthy martial artists who experience profound loss when their spouses die in car accidents. Feeling life has no purpose, they reconsider their existence. However, an unexpected run-in with rowdy street gangs and the Spectre gives them a new lease on life, inspiring them to continue Sloan’s legacy as a contemporary Mr. Terrific. Significantly, in the JSA comic from 1999 (issue #70), their paths cross due to an intricate time-travel plotline. Although this tale doesn’t directly tie into a specific Superman narrative, it is essential for grasping Mr. Terrific’s character and mental state. As his role may expand in Gunn’s DCU, it would be vital to include a comprehensive flashback or solo exploration for character development.

4) Leading the Justice Society of America

Within just a few years of starting his superhero career, Mr. Terrific quickly ascended to one of the most prestigious roles in the field – joining the Justice Society of America (JSA), one of the oldest superhero teams in comic books. Remarkably, not long after he became a member, as shown in JSA #27 from 1999, he was elected as its chairperson – a position that only a select few have held throughout the organization’s lengthy history.

Past occupants of this prestigious role are some of the most legendary figures in heroism, such as Jay Garrick’s Flash, Carter Hall’s Hawkman, and Alan Scott’s Green Lantern. This position is highly valued, given to a hero who has demonstrated exceptional talent, earned high regard among their peers, and shown leadership skills in managing a team of powerful alpha individuals. Notably, Mr. Terrific held the position for longer than any other member except Hawkman, who served for more than ten years.

This narrative portrays Mr. Terrific as a character with significant importance and weight, unlike how he was depicted in the Superman movie. Emphasizing this in future DCU stories could explain why he appeared so powerful in the film. Many viewers were surprised to find a new character so impactful and polished, particularly in his scenes with Superman. Featured prominently as the leader of JSA in upcoming DCU projects would demonstrate that his abilities in handling threats, leading heroes, and confronting authority aren’t just unusual traits but essential skills he possesses.

3) Mr. Terrific and the Terrifics

An intriguing approach to learning about Mr. Terrific’s past is by following his escapades with The Terrifics, a team that he established post the Dark Nights: Metal crossover. He united this group in pursuit of a signal he detected emanating from the Dark Multiverse.

This team stands out from others due to its unique composition: it’s made up of four individuals – Mr. Terrific, Plastic Man, Phantom Girl, and Metamorpho. They are connected by a shared experience following a devastating incident, which necessitates them staying close together. If they were to part ways, they could potentially lose their powers and even their lives. This extraordinary circumstance pushes them towards an unconventional fighting style that demands trust and harmony in abundance, traits that not all members readily possess. In the course of their exploits, Mr. Terrific excels as both leader and benefactor, taking advantage of the greater freedom for improvisation compared to a team like the JSA.

Exploring a standalone film or TV series featuring The Terrifics, alongside Superman’s initial introduction, could be intriguing within the DC Universe. It would provide an excellent platform to further explore the relationship between Mr. Terrific and Metamorpho, as well as introducing Plastic Man, one of DC’s most identifiable characters, which would undoubtedly boost its popularity.

Mr. Terrific, despite not having his full team, has some standout scenes from the “Terrifics” series that could make him a significant character in DC Universe. A compelling way to present this would be by emphasizing his unique ability to turn science into a superpower, which is a key aspect of the show. This highlight would not only underline the innovation in his technology but also bring something original to the superhero movie scene. Integrating elements from his time with the Terrifics would also demonstrate his skill at handling eccentric personalities and could lead to a more interstellar, sci-fi adventure-a nod to his inventor persona.

2) Mr. Terrific’s Role in Checkmate Reform

During the chaotic Infinite Crisis, Checkmate’s integrity was compromised. To restore order and rejuvenate the organization, the clever Mr. Terrific stepped in as a reformer. Initially, he functioned as an advisor to the heads of administrative and diplomatic departments. However, when Alan Scott retired, Mr. Terrific ascended to the position of White King. In both roles – advisor and leader – he utilized his intellect and technological prowess to strengthen Checkmate, breathe new life into it, and instill his principles of fairness. This was an intriguing phase for a man who sees the world in stark contrasts, but found himself navigating a realm shrouded in moral ambiguity.

Including a chapter of Mr. Terrific’s life centered around espionage and covert operations within the DC Universe could provide an exciting foray into the world of spies, a subject that Gunn, given his fondness for intricate characters like Peacemaker, would likely find intriguing to delve into. This narrative shift would offer insights into Mr. Terrific’s personality beyond his intellectual prowess, showcasing his strategic thinking, social skills, and the lengths he might go to uphold moral principles above his own rules. By weaving this storyline into the DC Universe, it would infuse spy-thriller elements while elevating Mr. Terrific’s character from a merely brilliant mind to a cunning tactician.

1) Putting Batman in his Place

Mr. Terrific’s exceptional abilities stem from his ordinary human nature, as he leverages his wealth, athletic prowess, and cutting-edge technology to achieve feats usually associated with supernatural beings like superhumans, metahumans, deities, and extraterrestrials. It’s not hard to see a resemblance to a famous character from the DC Comics realm. If Batman embodies the aristocratic essence of superheroes, then Mr. Terrific can be likened to a dynamic entrepreneur in the superhero world – innovative, intelligent, and boldly contemporary.

On the contrary, Batman is thought to have a distinct edge over Mr. Terrific due to his extensive experience. He seldom ventures into a situation without thoroughly analyzing his adversary, the surroundings, and the context beforehand. His battles are waged primarily when the odds of victory are favorable, and perhaps notably, he rarely acknowledges defeat.

It might come as a shock in Superman Up In The Sky #6 by Tom King and Andy Kubert, but surprisingly, Superman thinks Mr. Terrific is the more intelligent member of their team when evaluating potential threats. Given that Mr. Terrific is often regarded as one of the smartest characters in the DC Comics universe, Superman’s statement isn’t just a compliment. This notion is further supported by Lex Luthor – who claims to be the world’s smartest man – in Infinite Frontier: Secret Files #4. Here, Luthor admits he joined forces with Mr. Terrific because he considers him “smarter and more capable” than himself, something Luthor wouldn’t have said casually if he didn’t believe it was true.

In Superman, Mr. Terrific’s intelligence shines brightly, but these scenes offer crucial insights into the depth of his genius – a brilliance that goes beyond mere boasting or arrogance. Future representations in the DC Universe will highlight that Mr. Terrific is no flash-in-the-pan hero. He’s a character acknowledged as intellectually matching, if not surpassing, Batman – one of the most intelligent characters in the DC Comics universe.

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2025-09-11 00:41