What’s different: Oh so many things. First, Mr. T has a solo book. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. Where’s the JSA? That’s one of the great mysteries of the DC relaunch. Dan Didio has said that the JSA is “on the bench” but that they will be seen again in the future. That seems to contradict the idea of Superman being the first super hero of the new DCU. But then, a lot of things about this new timeline confuse the hell out of me at this point. For now, I’m just going to table the JSA issue until we have more info.
Also, Mr. Terrific has a new look. He’s ditched the jacket in favor of tats on his arms. That seems to be a trend in the new DCU as Superboy is also sporting the arm tattoo. Overall, Mr. T. has a sleeker, more Tron-like look. While I don’t love it, it bothers me a lot less than most of the other redesigns. That’s probably because Mr. Terrific has never had an iconic look so changes are more acceptable.
What’s the same: According to the solicit:
The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson!
Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.
So, he’s still the world’s thrid-smartest man. In the real world, that would be really impressive. But in comics, coming in third in anything makes you kind of an also-ran. They should really just say he’s a genuis and be done with it. Because when they keep pointing out there are 2 people smarter than him, I’m wondering why we’re not reading about them.
Mr. Terrific – He’s a guy with better than average intelligence and arm tattoos that say “Fair Play”! That should sell comics.
The most disturbing part of the solicit is the “most eligible bachelor” part. Really? Who is DC trying to sell here? Is anyone planning to pick up this book to read about Michael Holt’s fantastic love life? I just keep picturing Mr. Terrific trying to decide between giving a rose to Power Girl or Wonder Woman. (Pssst, pick Power Girl!)
Chances for succss: On the roadshow to promote the DC relaunch, DC is reportedly saying that books will be cancelled. This will be one of them. I am a Mr. Terrific fan and I’m going to pick this book up. But without the Justice Society, I don’t like Mr. T’s chances for carrying a solo book.
Plus, the book is written by Eric Wallace. I understand Wallace did a good job on the Tattooed Man book, but I know him from his run on Titans. And Titans is awful.
Final Thoughts: DC better have a plan for how to handle the Justice Society because this book isn’t going to last.
Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1
Well, I’m a JSA devotee and therefore a long-time fan of the Mr. Terrific character. I certainly will not be picking up this book. This effort will ignore or trash the good work done with this character over the 12 years. I am also unhappy with the dreadful re-design of many characters who quite frankly did not require it. And the development of a house-style in terms of costumes is ridiculous. This reboot will end within 2 years. I sincerely hope so.
Who is this guy? really? They headlined him and relegated Power girl to his girl friend and a side character, really? Really?
I am sorry this might be a cool new character, but come on your relegating a main character in power girl as this morons fluff girl friend???
This is a comic I will NOT purchase ever.