Warning: Spoilers for DC All In Special #1The DC Universe has entered a bold new era, and Superman is ready for anything it will bring... or is he? With the start of DC's "All In" initiative, every hero is on deck to stop a sinister threat, but there are causes for concern as a mysterious world makes itself known. There's a new order to the universe, and one hero's warning makes even Superman fear what the future has in store.

DC All In Special #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Alejandro Sánchez, and Steve Wands kicks off the next chapter for DC's heroes, beginning with the inception of a dark new universe. Darkseid's death spawns the Absolute Universe, and Mister Terrific fills the Justice League in on the situation. When Superman asks him about the chaotic vibrations emanating from this Absolute Universe, Mister Terrific responds with a shocking ission: "I don't know." These three words terrify Superman, which he reveals when he says, "You saying that is one of the scariest things I've ever heard." Superman clearly respects Mister Terrific's intelligence, and when he doesn't know something, that means the situation is dire. This all goes to show how invaluable Mister Terrific has become, not only in Superman's estimation, but to the Justice League as a whole.

Mister Terrific Has Proven He's One of DC's Smartest Heroes

Superman Recognizes Mister Terrific's Brilliant Mind

Mister Terrific has long been considered Michael Holt makes his first appearance as Mister Terrific in 1997's The Spectre #54 by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, in which he prepares to take his life after the tragic loss of his wife and unborn child. Then, before he can go through with it, muggers confront him and the Spectre intervenes to save him. The Spectre later tells Michael the story of Terrance Sloane, the first Mister Terrific, which inspires Michael to follow in his footsteps and take on the mantle.

The original Mister Terrific, Terrance Sloane, died in 1979's Justice League of America #171 by Gerry Conway and Dick Dillin.

Michael Holt boasts a number of scientific achievements to his name. He's earned fourteen PHDs and runs a research company called Terrifitech that specializes in technological advancements beyond what most humans are capable of. Perhaps his most iconic inventions are his T-Spheres. These high-tech spheres hover around Mister Terrific and obey his commands. They can protect, attack, and more. Considering his astounding intellect, Mister Terrific itting to not knowing something is a stark contrast to what his Justice League teammates have come to expect from him.

Superman's Words Confirm Terrific s A Key Member of The New League

From ing Teams to Leading His Own, Mister Terrific Makes His Mark

As a member and ally of the Justice League, Mister Terrific has fought countless battles with them, cementing himself as a reliable teammate. Now, as the Mister Terrific being a leader in the Justice League is the logical next step for him.

The Justice League isn't the only team that Mister Terrific has been a part of in DC's canon. He's been the chairman of the Justice League hip cards and providing crucial intel about threats that affect the entire universe. From here on out, there's no Justice League without Mister Terrific, and DC's most recent crisis has solidified his importance to the team.

Mister Terrific's on a Role, Saving The Justice League in Absolute Power

Mister Terrific Helps Superman And His Fellow Heroes Beat Amanda Waller

In the Absolute Power miniseries by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, Mister Terrific proves beyond any doubt that he's the Justice League's greatest asset. When the heroes' hideout in free Jon Kent from the villains' control after he was turned into a cyborg puppet for the Brainiac Queen, and his plan prevails with help from the Amazons.

Mister Terrific also helped save Superman's life after a bullet nearly killed him in Absolute Power #1. To learn more, check out Superman #16 by Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell, available now from DC Comics!

Mister Terrific's biggest contribution to the Justice League's cause - and arguably what wins the war against one of Earth's Green Lanterns, and he has a costume that allows him to turn into radio waves that can then be transmitted. In Absolute Power #4, Mister Terrific modifies this suit to let Air Wave transmit Waller's words across the planet and expose her manipulation, thus ending the persecution of DC's heroes. Waller is defeated, and much of that victory is owed to Mister Terrific.

If Mister Terrific Doesn't Know This Answer, The DC Universe Is In Trouble

Superman Knows the Absolute Universe Is Worth Fearing

At the end of Absolute Power #4, the main DC Universe shuts itself out from the rest of the multiverse permanently, so the birth of the new DC Absolute Universe sparks plenty of questions for Superman and the other heroes. Mister Terrific's lack of answers to such inquiries is cause for concern, since he usually has an answer for everything. If Mister Terrific is stumped, then the Justice League has entered uncharted territory. With this in mind, Superman is understandably wary of the Absolute Universe as he discusses options with the rest of DC's Trinity.

Not much is presently known about the Absolute Universe, but readers have just been given a first look at the Absolute versions of the Trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Fueled by Darkseid's chaotic energy, their universe is much more grim than the one the pre-existing heroes are used to. Mister Terrific's confusion cements how ominous this change to DC's canon is, with even Superman dreading the implications. Mister Terrific will surely be integral in preparing the Justice League for what this era holds, and Superman is right to trust in his judgment.

DC All In Special #1 is available now from DC Comics.