The Terrifics #1
Arguably the most anticipated title from DC’s ‘New Age of Superheroes’ imprint, The Terrifics #1 from artist Ivan Reis (Blackest Night) and writer Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer) finally hits shelves this week. This issue wastes no time, as Mister Terrific arrives to help Simon Stagg and Metamorpho with closing a portal to the Dark Multiverse. Instead, in typical comic fashion, Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, and the Plastic Man egg are sucked within the portal and sent onto their maiden voyage together into the Dark Multiverse.
The Terrifics is by far the title steeped the most heavily within the Dark Knights: Metal event coming out of the new imprint. Although Metal isn't an absolutely necessary read for this title, it will still add a large amount of missing context within this debut issue. Reis and Lemire hit the ground running with this issue and also continue to place a large importance on fan-favorite Plastic Man, keeping in line with Dark Knights: Metal.
Easily the star of this issue, Plastic Man is a revolving door of great moments in this debut outing from his powerset to his unique brand of humor. While on their journey within the Dark Multiverse, the trio run into a couple of familiar faces that older fans will happily recognize leaving room for more potential members to join this unofficial team. Although the group has yet to officially suit up as a team, The Terrifics promises to be a great title with an interesting and unique line-up currently missing from comics.
A-list artist Ivan Reis brings his top quality pencils to the page and breathing new life into even the most mundane of characters. Once again, Plastic Man absolutely shines brightest, displaying Reis’ pencil skills with an outlandish use of Plas’ powers for each situation. While Plastic Man is portrayed best by Reis’ pencils, Marcelo Maiolo’s colors add a level to Metamorpho, placing him head and shoulders above previous incarnations. Maiolo makes sure to keep each character’s bright costumes and colors at the forefront, even while traveling within the dreary, depressing Dark Multiverse.
This issue moves quickly and covers a lot of ground fast, all while keeping the pacing natural. The Terrifics has the perfect balance of using continuity as a tool rather than a crutch, making it a great book for new and old readers alike. Hands down the best title from 'New Age of Superheroes’ imprint, The Terrifics is certain to be a fan favorite and a title not to be missed.
