Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #1103

In this review of Detective Comics #1103, with less than 24 hours before the no-fear virus makes him contagious, Batman recruits Lois Lane to help him find the connection between The Lion and dangerous experiments at the S.T.A.R. Labs in Metropolis.

DETECTIVE COMICS #1103
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art and Main Cover: MIKEL JANÍN
Variant Covers: GREG SMALLWOOD, LEE GARBETT, STEPHANIE HANS
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 11/26/25

This review contains spoilers 

Detective Comics #1103 begins in Metropolis as Superman foils a group of armed and armored Intergang soldiers when he receives a call from Oracle that sends him on an intercept course with the Batplane. The pair catch up on the way to Metropolis as Superman assesses the various injuries the semi-conscious Batman received during his encounter with The Lion. Batman has less than 24 hours to complete his mission before he becomes contagious with the no-fear virus.

Superman flies off to The Lion’s collapsed base in Kasnia in hopes of finding clues, while Batman enlists Lois’ help to uncover the connection between The Lion and the local S.T.A.R. Labs, since Lois had previously written articles investigating their “rogue projects”. The pair zoom off in a spare Batmobile that he stashed in the city (for emergencies).  At S.T.A.R. Labs, Lois does a soft sell and gets access to the project head, Doctor Lee, only to be undercut when Batman appears out of the shadows, scaring the doctor and pissing off Lois.

Lois interviews Doctor Lee and discovers that the scientists who worked on the so-called “Project Courage” died while performing extreme stunts, indicating they were exposed to the no-fear virus. Batman and Lois track down the remaining scientist to his home, and encounter Intergang. Batman dispatches them quickly, but the scientist flees by leaping out a window. Batman grabs him in mid-air and realizes that the scientist was working with Intergang.

Detective Comics #1103 ends as Batman discovers a crucial link between Project Courage and work by Jonathan Crane (the Scarecrow), while in an undisclosed cornfield, The Lion confronts a helpless Crane, who is propped up on a post like his namesake. In Metropolis, Lois warns Batman that both the obvious trail of clues and Batman’s increasing loss of inhibitions may be sending the Dark Knight into a trap.

Analysis 

Detective Comics #1103 ratchets up the tension as the clock ticks down on Batman’s infection, but there’s still time for an unexpected team-up that ends up yielding significant results while showcasing how indispensable Lois Lane’s journalistic and people skills are in an investigation. Writer Tom Taylor excels at both dialogue and exposition, whether it is the knowingly and friendly banter between Batman and Superman (even while in mid-flight), as well as the more adversarial but respectful partnership of Lois Lane and Batman.

Throwing Jonathan Crane into the mix seemed inevitable given the character’s fear-based motivations, but watching Leo (The Lion) confront the now helpless villain, and even forcibly masking Crane to prove he no longer fears the Scarecrow persona was an intense scene, well-written, and beautifully rendered and colored by artist Mikel Janin.

Janin’s color palette throughout Detective Comics #1103 shifts to match the tone of a scene, whether it’s Batgirl and the candy-coated exterior of Arkham Tower, or the bright reds and harsh blues of featuring Superman, that Batmobile page, the red hot panel of Batman’s electrical attack, or the wild contrasting hues when Batman chases Daniel out the window, Janin utilizes color to enhance the impact or mood of a scene.

Taylor depicts Batman’s resourcefulness as his superpower, with myriad gadgets and vehicles at his disposal, but more important than anything else are his human resources, his friends and allies who back him up.  Oracle/Batgirl is his guide, Superman is his inspiration (and conscience), while Lois Lane presents the blunt and unvarnished truth, but with interpersonal skills that he lacks.

Final Thoughts

Detective Comics #1103 features a remarkably clever and intriguing team-up that explores the contrasts between Batman and Lois Lane, while moving the story forward. The writing, art and color are all top notch.

Adam Koppel

Who strikes fear into the darkest of hearts in Gotham City? Not me, I'm too busy reading comics and writing reviews.