Comic Review: Detective Comics #1090 – A Disappointment in the Shadow of a Legend

The latest issue of Detective Comics marks another attempt by Tom Taylor to tackle the Batman character – and unfortunately, it’s one of the weaker ones. After the strong and atmospheric “Gotham Nocturne” arc by Ram V, this issue feels disappointingly flat.

A Plot Without Bite

The story jumps between the present and the past, but neither timeline brings anything truly engaging. The present-day plot is boring, emotional beats are spoon-fed, and the offer Bruce receives is exhaustingly repetitive. How many times can we revisit the same ideas?

The past timeline fares even worse. The so-called “twist”? If you can even call it that... Because honestly, nothing is surprising – it’s so predictable it borders on parody. Worse still, this flashback undermines the very foundation of Batman’s mythos, trying to “fix” his origin in a way that just feels tasteless.

Weak Retcons and No Subtlety

The retcons here aren’t just unnecessary – they’re annoyingly shallow. The endless rehashing of Joe Chill, the Waynes’ murder, the “what ifs”... how much more can we take? If this were an Elseworlds story, maybe it could pass, but in the main continuity, it’s just exhausting.

Even more jarring is the scene where Batman randomly punches a frightened kid. Sure, he’s brutal – but this? It’s so forced and out of character it’s borderline absurd.

Clumsy Writing and Hollow Exposition

Taylor’s storytelling here is a classic case of heavy-handedness. Every emotion and plot beat is served up with a neon sign that says, “THIS IS IMPORTANT!” There’s no room for nuance, and it makes reading feel like a chore.

Art – Technically Fine, But Soulless

Janín does what he can, but the visuals don’t elevate the script. It’s technically sound, sure – but lifeless. Worse, the color work in some scenes (especially the lab) is so harsh and overly bright that it’s visually jarring and unpleasant.

Detective Comics #1090 is unfortunately a step back for one of DC’s longest-running titles. The comic offers nothing new, just predictable twists, forced drama, and a story that feels like filler. Taylor can write compelling narratives (Dark Knights of Steel is proof), but here, he lacks the nuance and restraint that make Batman timeless.

Pros:

+Decent artwork (at times)

+Interesting concept in theory

Cons:

-Retcons that damage Batman's mythology

-A dull story lacking emotional weight

-Overwritten exposition

-Out-of-character moments

-Flat, uninspired narration