A new behind-the-scenes snap from James Gunn’sSupermanmovie showcases perhaps the most faithful comic-to-film costume I’ve ever seen. The design shows that Gunn understands what makes the DC Universe so special and, crucially, its big difference to Marvel. That’s really important if Gunn’s DCU is going to find its own identity and place in a market ruled by the MCU.
There’s a reason that comic fans like me are so thrilled to see that writing on his arm.
In a post shared on X, Gunn wishes happy birthday to Edi Gathegi, who is playing Michael Holt - akathe super-genius Mister Terrific- in the upcomingSupermanmovie, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
The image attached shows Edi Gathegi in anear-perfect recreation of Mister Terrific’s comic costume, complete with the ‘FAIR PLAY’ motto emblazoned across his jacket and his black, T-shaped mask. The image speaks volumes about how Gunn’s DCU can define itself separate to the MCU, as well as showing respect to a character whose costume is way more important than it seems. There’s a reason that comic fans like me are so thrilled to see that writing on his arm.
The DCU Mister Terrific Gets His Most Powerful Weapons In Dark Fan Art
Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific has been imagined with his most powerful weapons in new fan art ahead of his debut in the DCU’s Superman reboot.
Mister Terrific’s Costume Is a Secret Supercomputer
There’s a Precise Reason for Every Part of Mister Terrific’s Design
Mister Terrific is one of the smartest men in the DC Universe, fulfilling a similar role to Marvel’s Reed Richards - the scientist every other hero calls when they need expert help. Holt has worked with the Justice Society of America, Justice League, and with his quartet team the Terrifics, as well as being hired by Batman as a sort of internal affairs for superheroes, investigating Adam Strange in 2020’sStrange Adventures. 2025 will see Terrific get his ownMister Terrific: Year Onecomicfrom Al Letson and Valentine De Landro, showcasing how the genius athlete became a costumed crime-fighter.
Superhero movies have come alongway from being clearly embarrassed by their source material…
Like other superheroes, Mister Terrific’s costume is vital to his crime-fighting, but it’s not just the usual body armor. Holt’s costume and mask are composed of self-designed nanotechnology,turning his outfit into a secret supercomputer. Thanks to the costume - and his floating T-Spheres, themselves controlled via the costume - Mister Terrific is invisible to all forms of electronic detection and can wield various gadgets, including holographic projections. When Mister Terrific shows up to help, he shows up effectively wearing a mobile workshop of his own making.
Mister Terrific has also created costumes for other superheroes. Most recently, he and Flashoutfitted Nightwing in a bulletproof costume.
10 Biggest DCU Questions We Still Have 1 Year After James Gunn Announced The Reboot
It’s been a whole year since James Gunn announced DC Studios' plans to reboot the DCEU into the new DC Universe, but many questions remain.
Mister Terrific’s ‘FAIR PLAY’ Motto Is Key to Adapting the DC Universe
Gunn Has Shown Fans a Lot by Including That Detail
For a longtime comic fan like me, the most reassuring thing about Gunn’s Mister Terrific costume is thatit captures the mix of cool and kitsch that often defines the DC Universe. DC comics are intensely interested in their own history, with legacy as a major focus for the characters. Indeed, Mister Terrific’s ‘FAIR PLAY’ logo is significantly older than the Michael Holt character - it’s an in-world tribute to Terry Sloane’s Mister Terrific, introduced in 1942. DC characters often call back to earlier character or earlier eras, making it clear how long-lived and interconnected its stories are. There’s a reason that comic fans celebrate wheneverBatman goes back to wearing blue- it ties his latest stories back to one of his most beloved eras.
Whilesuperhero movies have come alongway from being clearly embarrassed by their source material, one thing previous MCU and DC movies have failed to capture is the tone of knowing kitsch that defines so many superhero comics. Modern superhero movies often reimagine iconic characters in believable fabrics and with militaristic redesigns, even if it means cutting out iconic aspects of the character. Over in the MCU, Sam Wilson’s Redwing went from a trained bird to a drone. Sure it’s more realistic, but Sam Wilson is a way better character when he’s actively concerned for his pet… although even I’ll agreemaking Redwing a vampirein the comics was a weird move.
Mister Terrific’s goofier design touches make him a more impressive hero. Think of how Steve Rogers sells the idea of ‘Captain America’ as an unironic identity.
DC Officially Confirms 1 Justice League Genius Is Smarter Than Batman
Many think Batman is the smartest person in the DC Universe, but the Penguin points out that one Justice League member is even smarter.
James Gunn’s DCU Seems Set to Adapt the Part of Superhero Comics That Movies Ignore
Comic Fans KNOW Superheroes Are Silly… And So Should the DCU
There’s a reason that comic fans love the coolandgoofy aspects of superhero characters, and movies often adopt a more self-serious tone to their detriment. James Gunn’sSupermanbringing in his dog Kryptowas celebrated by comic fans - not just because the Kryptonian canine is beloved, but because Clark’s relationship with his childhood dog is part of the character worth keeping around and exploring. The same is true for Batman taking his son (adopted or biological) along with him to fight crime - an irresponsible decision made by a character who, while heroic, only sees one way to help people who crave vengeance: give it to them.
James Gunn understands the ingredient which - at least so far - has been missing from big-budget superhero adaptions…
Likewise,Mister Terrific’s mix of cool and kitsch are an important part of Michael Holt- it’s a major aspect of the character that he chooses to wear a seemingly old-fashioned motto literally on his sleeve and goes by a potentially goofy codename, yet is so capable and respected that he manages to sell it. Think of how Steve Rogers makes you believe in the idea of ‘Captain America’ as an unironic identity.
Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific costume is huge news for comic fans, showing thatJames Gunn understands the ingredient which - at least so far - has been missing from big-budget superhero adaptions. Here’s hoping thatSupermanlives up to its clear promise when the movie arrives this July.
Mr. Terrific: Year One #1is coming Mary 2025 from DC Comics.
