The Terrifics #15 // Review

Starting on their brand new run with the title, Gene Luen Yang and Stephen Segovia pick up where Jeff Lemire left the series and create a flavor all their own. The duo delivers a brand new jumping on point for readers while still using elements from the previous run. Focusing more on the character beats and less about the high concept material proves to be lucrative for this blossoming run. With this title standing as the last of DC’s New Age of Heroes, it’s up to this new creative team to keep this beloved title alive.

With Mr. and Ms. Terrific out on a date, the issue focuses on their bizarre relationship, adding the character beats that weren’t always previously used. The date is interrupted by a new villain making a small cameo before disappearing. As Stagg industries ventures into and new dangerous technology, a group of marines from their VR video game breach into reality leaving the team to once again take action. As the pieces fall together, the team sees they are dealing with something of biblical proportions and must take on a much higher authority before the issue closes out.

The Terrific duo is used with more care as their new relationship continues to bloom, while on the other hand Plastic Man and Phantom Girl remain supporting characters at best, used more as comedic relief than anything actually meaningful towards the plot. Metamorpho comes off as a stoic robot at times, not adding much to the story himself either. Outside of one fun moment with Plas, Metamorpho too is relegated to the shadows with the remainder of the team. Gene Luen Yang focuses his efforts on developing the new couple while the rest of the cast seem to fall to the wayside as supporting characters.

Stephen Segovia continues to deliver beautiful artwork for DC, shining brightest with the absolute power he imprints onto the page with his action sequences and fun use of characters like Metamorpho and Plastic Man. Though the majority of the issue is the quiet moments between the characters, it allows the opportunity to fully render his other more dynamic pages. Protobunker adds their signature sheen colorwork across the pages, the clean shine aesthetic adds a severe tone fitting for this chapter.

With this new run still only just beginning, the differences are felt and welcomed. As a more character focus starts, the run sets itself apart from its predecessor and tends to create a new layer for the young team’s burgeoning mythos.

Grade: A