Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist & Colorist: Mikel Janín
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Cover Artists: Mikel Janín, Greg Smallwood, Lee Garbett
& Stephanie Hans
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99/$5.99
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Batman was already under a deadline. Infected with a deadly
virus, he had thirty-four hours to investigate. As he returns from Kasnia,
Batman has a day left before he enters quarantine. Bruce Wayne has wounds,
fractures, and broken bones. What he needs is a way to prevent the Lion's fear
virus from stripping him of his inhibitions and impairing his judgment.
But this isn't about him. At all costs, Batman must prevent
Louis King from dispersing his virus on Gotham. As Batman told Mr Terrific, a
city without fear would tear itself apart. Under the gun, and with the clock
ticking on his and Gotham's future, who can Batman turn to for help? Let’s grab
our gasmasks, leap into Detective Comics #1103, and see!
Story
Superman is combating an Intergang attack squad when Oracle
requests help. The Batwing is returning from Kasnia, but Batman isn't
responding to her calls. Superman leaves the soldiers to lick their wounds and
flies off to intercept the Batwing. But to help Bruce, Superman must remove the
canopy. And the cockpit has countermeasures designed to hurt people with
superpowers.
In Detective Comics #1103, twenty-two hours remain before
Batman must go into quarantine. He is eager to continue his investigation.
Batman may be the world's greatest detective, but he knows when to request
expert help. Lois Lane is amenable to working with him, provided Batman lets
her do things her way.
Tom Taylor's story follows Batman and Lois as they follow a
trail of breadcrumbs through Metropolis. As one clue leads to the next, Batman
and Lois discover that their working methods clash more than they mesh. Both
are seasoned detectives who convince people to spill their secrets. But Lois is
slow and methodical, while Bruce doesn't have time to waste. And Lois isn't
staving off a concussion or struggling to breathe from broken ribs.
As much as Lois and Clark care for Bruce, they must also
stand in judgment over him in Detective Comics #1103. Batman may have his
timetable. But that doesn't mean the virus isn't affecting him. And as they
strive to prevent the mass dispersal of the fear virus, the Lion is working
just as hard to put his plan into effect. But how can they find him? The Lion
may claim an association with Gotham. He may own businesses worldwide. But
until a year ago, Louis King didn’t exist.
Art
Superman gets a call from Oracle while battling Intergang.
The soldiers surround Superman in their powered armor, hovering high above the
street and firing at Superman. Like the Kryptonian hero, Mikel Janín paints
them blue with red accents, while the skyline gleams red with blue accents.
Then Superman flies off through a purple and red sky to intercept the gray
Batwing flying above snow-covered mountains.
Light-blue Heads Up displays appear on the Batwing canopy as
white electricity attacks Superman. While his red cape flutters, Superman
ignores the wind as he stands, crosses his arms, and gazes down at Batman. But
Lois Lane dominates the page when Superman and the Batwing land, and Batman
requests their help. Then the Batmobile races through the streets of Metropolis
in Detective Comics #1103. The interior casts pink light on Batman and Lois as
they speed past buildings glowing yellow and orange.
Amid Mikel Janín’s dramatic and energy-packed colored art,
Batman’s thoughts appear as white uppercase letters in gray narrative boxes.
Wes Abbott fills white balloons with black uppercase dialogue, while Oracle’s
off-camera dialogue appears as dark green words in green balloons and boxes. Large,
white letters introduce settings and remind us that soon, Batman will have to
emulate Nero Wolfe. Sound effects erupt in a surprising moment of symmetry,
prompting Batman to make a desperate decision. Thanks to DC Comics for
providing a review copy.
Now, let's take a look inside:
Final Thoughts
Like Green Arrow, Batman isn't a fan of villains who hook
people on mind-altering agents. But like it or not, The Lion infected him with
a virus. And as Batman searches for a cure, he must question every decision he
makes, in case the virus is affecting his actions and choices in Detective
Comics #1103.
Rating 9.8/10
To check out the previous issue, see my review of Detective Comics #1102.
