Welcome back, BOFers!
I know everyone’s been busy with THE BATMAN PART II updates and the holiday rush, but there’s always time for comics. Taylor and Janin are back in Detective with “The Courage that Kills, Part 2,” so let’s dive into ‘Tec one last time this year!
Detective #1104 is one of Tom Taylor’s best issues so far. He really brings out Batman’s human side. From the start, Taylor hooks you with a great Bat monologue about swinging through Gotham. The scene in the Batcave with Superman and Batman, where Superman gets Batman’s “kryptonite,” is sure to be a fan favorite for years. Batman’s worries about his own judgment feel heavy, and seeing him this vulnerable is refreshing. It doesn’t make him seem weak—just always ready, no matter what. That idea comes up again in the final fight. There’s still some of the usual father-son dynamic, but it works better here. Taylor keeps the story moving fast, with most of the action packed into the end. This vulnerability ties into a larger theme of justice threading through the series, illustrating Batman’s constant struggle with the fine line between right and wrong. His readiness amidst his internal conflict reflects the perpetual balancing act he performs as Gotham’s protector.
On the art side, Wayne Faucher colors pages 1-16, while Mikel Janin returns for art, color, and the cover. Faucher’s coloring is excellent. If you look closely, you might notice a slight difference, but his colors blend smoothly into Janin’s, so the story stays immersive.
Janin’s pencils are fantastic again. On the first page, he matches Taylor’s writing perfectly, making that opening monologue stand out. The new quarantine suit looks amazing, especially with the blue accents — it gives off some Mat Fraction/Batman vibes. For the second issue in a row, Janin’s layouts feel a bit calm at first, but they really ramp up during the big fight at the end. The rhythm of his layout is particularly noteworthy; there’s a subtle acceleration in panel transitions that heightens reader tension, making the action scenes even more engaging. One standout moment is when Batman’s swift dodge is captured in a dramatic page turn, leading to an explosive face-off on the next page. He might be saving his unique layouts for the action scenes, which has been one of the most interesting things to watch since he joined the series. Janin’s Catwoman has a bit of a Chase Meridian/Samantha Jones style this time, and I love it. The best part comes at the end, with awesome action, cool bat-gadgets, and a parade of villains—everything a comic fan could want.
Issue #1104 wraps up the year with a bang. This issue is pure comic book joy. You can tell Taylor is having a blast, and it shows on every page. The run has lived up to expectations so far. Taylor is taking Batman in an interesting direction, using the wider DC Universe but keeping things focused on Gotham and its sidekicks. I’m still curious to see how he finishes this story, but I’m confident he’ll pull it off. – Peter Verra
GRADE: A-
