Detective Comics #1103 Review

 

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.