Comic Review: Detective Comics #1096 – Batman Between Darkness and Mercy

After a string of middling issues in the main Batman series, it’s Detective Comics that’s starting to look like the new anchor for the Bat-universe. Where Ram V went for poetic metaphors and myth-heavy narrative, Tom Taylor returns to the fundamentals: noir, hard-boiled investigations, brutal interrogations, and characters that feel raw and real. The result? Impressive.

Detective Comics #1096 is not just a strong start to a new arc it’s a comic that convincingly silences doubts about Taylor’s fit for this series. After his uneven Nightwing run and fairy-tale-inspired (but beautiful) Dark Knights of Steel, there were concerns. But here, Taylor understands Batman, understands Bullock, and most importantly understands Gotham.

Back to the Roots: The Detective and the City

“’Tec” (short for Detective Comics) always had the potential to be more investigative than action focused. Issue #1096 fulfills that promise. At the center isn’t Bruce Wayne himself, but Harvey Bullock a disgraced ex-cop who can’t (and won’t) walk away from an unresolved case.

After a string of ritualistic murders linked to the Asema cult, questions remain and lurking behind it all is a shadowy organization called Elixir, a global network whose influence stretches far beyond Gotham.

Elixir isn’t just another League of Shadows or Court of Owls. It’s more like a corporate cult of immortality, operating behind the guise of research, law, and power. Ambrose, their frontman, doesn’t look like a villain but when he tortures Warden Slattery for information, the chill is unmistakable.

Bullock at the Center – A Detective, Not a Hero

Harvey Bullock is usually relegated to the sidelines here, he’s the protagonist. Gritty, world-weary, but morally anchored. When Batman asks him to continue the investigation, Harvey takes it as a personal mission not out of loyalty to the GCPD, but because some ghosts won’t stay buried.

The scenes with Sulley Bullock’s former partner, now a corrupt retiree with a yacht named “Ill Gotten Gains” are top-tier noir. Their dialogue drips with regret, unresolved tension, and the bitter wisdom of age.

Batman in the Shadows—And That’s a Good Thing

Surprisingly, Batman isn’t the narrative focus in this issue and that’s to the book’s benefit. When he does show up, it’s always with impact. Whether confronting Bullock in a crime scene or flying to Pokolistan in his Batwing, Bruce operates with precision and purpose.

His investigation leads to a twist: the man Elixir kidnapped isn’t Bullock after all it’s the Penguin. A smart and logical reveal, since Cobblepot was also poking around the Elixir conspiracy last arc.

Sharp, Cinematic Visuals

While Mikel Janín’s absence raised some eyebrows, Lee Garbett proves more than capable of stepping in. The art is grounded and cinematic, rich with noir shadows and strong visual storytelling. Colorist Loughridge complements Garbett’s lines with a subtle but expressive palette.

The action whether it’s Bullock’s office shootout or Batman’s glider entrance into a moving truck is dynamic and easy to follow. This Batman feels more like a tech-spy on a covert mission than a caped superhero, and it works beautifully.

A Mystery That Hooks You

The biggest strength of #1096 is how patiently and skillfully the mystery unfolds. Instead of dumping exposition, Taylor feeds the reader clues: Bullock’s flashbacks, Sulley’s files, snippets passed to Oracle all building a layered sense of unease and tension.

This isn’t just a comic about Batman. It’s a story about a system built to hide its sins, about men who failed to stand against it, and the quiet wars waged behind closed doors.

A Few Missteps…

Despite its many strengths, this issue isn’t flawless. The trope of an all-powerful secret organization is starting to feel overused. After the Court of Owls, the Orghams, and now Elixir how much further can Gotham go before it collapses under the weight of hidden cabals?

Also, some of the flashback scenes could have been tightened up. A few panels drag slightly, slowing the otherwise crisp pacing.

Conclusion

Detective Comics #1096 is a fantastic example of how you can revitalize classic Batman storytelling in a modern package. Mystery, noir atmosphere, moral gray areas, and an underrated protagonist (Bullock!) all come together in a compelling read. If Taylor keeps this up, Detective Comics may quietly become the best Batman book on the stands.

Pros:

+Strong, engaging mystery plot

+Excellent portrayal of Bullock—a rare spotlight on an underused character

+Noir tone captured perfectly

+Grounded, cinematic art from Garbett and Loughridge

+Surprise ending with Penguin works well

+Finally, Batman as a detective again, not just a brawler

Cons:

– Another secret global organization? The trope feels tired

– Slightly overlong flashback sequences

– Limited presence of familiar Bat-Family characters