Mister Terrific (Michael Holt)

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Mr. Terrific

JSA # 76: Modern Age Mister Terrific by Alex Ross.

Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Spectre (vol. 3) # 54 (Jun 1997)
Created by	John Ostrander Tom Mandrake

Characteristics
Alter ego	Michael Holt
Affiliations	Justice Society of America Checkmate
Notable aliases	White Bishop
Abilities	Formidable intellectual and physical abilities. Cannot be detected by modern technology.

Michael Holt is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe. He is the second character to take up the Mister Terrific mantle.

1 Fictional character history
2 Powers & Equipment
3 Trivia
4 In other media
5 References

[edit] Fictional character history

While contemplating suicide after the accidental death of his wife and unborn child, Holt was met by the Spirit of God's Vengeance, known as the Spectre, who told him about Terry Sloane, the Golden Age superhero known as Mister Terrific. Inspired by Sloane's life story he took the name Mister Terrific and later joined the current Justice Society of America, eventually serving as its chairman.

He initially wore ordinary clothes and a leather jacket with Sloane's "Fair Play" emblem on the back. He currently wears a T-shaped mask composed of electronic nanites, a black and white costume with red trim, and a collarless jacket in the same colors (the black sections of tunic and jacket forming a "T") with "Fair Play" written on the sleeves and "Terrific" on the back.

Holt has a friendly rivalry with Batman, his opposite number in the Justice League of America. Also, Michael Holt has encountered Terry Sloane twice through time travel, with Sloane expressing pride in having so worthy a successor. Holt has been noted as the most intelligent member of the JSA in its history, surpassing his predecessor. He has said he is the third smartest person in the world.

He was part of the team assembled by Batman for an attack on the Brother Eye satellite responsible for controlling the OMACs. He played a critical role as his invisibility to technology allowed him to reach the satellite's propulsion system, sending it crashing to Earth.

As part of "One Year Later", though Holt is still a member of the JSA, he has also become part of the intelligence agency Checkmate. He initially held the position of White King's Bishop, but when the previous White King (Alan Scott) was forced to resign, he became Checkmate's "current" White King, complicating his relationship with Sasha Bordeaux, Checkmate's black queen.

After Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman began discussing the reformation of the Justice League, in regards to Mr. Terrific as a member, Batman said, "I think we can get him." Wonder Woman reminded Batman of Terrific's position of leadership in the JSA, but Batman insisted, "That doesn't matter, we can get him."

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Powers & Equipment

Holt is the third smartest man on Earth^[1]
The current Mister Terrific is aided by his "T-spheres", floating robotic spheres which can do many things, including project holographic images, create laser grids, serve as cameras, link with outside data networks, and hit people. They respond to his mental and vocal commands.
He is also invisible to all forms of electronic detection. This ability is tied to nanotechnology woven into his specially designed mask (which is molecularly bonded to his face) and costume. Mr. Terrific was apparently the only super-hero whom the OMACs could not detect. His mask also protects his face from chemicals and relays mental commands to his T-Spheres by detecting the subtle movements on his face. The mask works in conjuction with an earpiece to acts as a communications system.
He is a master of 5 different martial arts, as well a Polymath who specialized in multiple fields of medical, engineering and scientific application and research.

[edit] Trivia

Holt enjoys Sudoku, and is so skilled at it, he fills the puzzles in with pen, instead of pencil.
Along with teammate and friend Dr. Mid-Nite, Mr. Terrific is one of the two main superhero physicians in the DC Universe, notably participating in the autopsy of Sue Dibny in Identity Crisis.

[edit] In other media

Michael Holt makes several cameo appearances in the animated TV series Justice League Unlimited. He moves into a more prominent role in the series' final season, becoming the League's Coordinator and responsible for assigning tasks to the various heroes after J'onn J'onzz resigns from active duty. The animated Mr. Terrific is voiced by Michael Beach.