Comic Review: Detective Comics #1098 – “The Bat, the Bull and the Bird”

 

I didn’t expect a Batman/Penguin team-up to be funny, yet somehow… every single joke landed. It’s a rare case where the gritty, noir tone of Detective Comics blends with comedic beats without losing a shred of tension or darkness.

Story – back in form with relentless action

The issue picks up right where we left off. Batman is tracking down Harvey Bullock, kidnapped by the mysterious Elixir group, but instead of finding him in a truck, he finds… the Penguin. Oswald has also gotten himself into trouble after poking too much into the group’s business. A quick exchange reveals that Bullock was taken in another transport after an “incident” Penguin caused (yes, the classic “bite someone’s ear off” tactic).

Batman can’t leave Oswald stranded in the wilderness, so he reluctantly brings him along. Meanwhile, Oracle uncovers more about Elixir and it’s chilling. Archival photos from over a century ago show members of the group who haven’t aged a day. Even more alarming, Ra’s al Ghul appears in the images, and every location they’ve operated in ties to disappearances and mysterious deaths.

A satellite dead zone cuts communications, forcing Batman to improvise creating a distraction at the front gate while sneaking in through the back with Penguin. Using a bat-drone, he disables cameras and begins fighting his way through the facility. Meanwhile, Bullock already missing two fingernails pretends to break under torture just to headbutt his interrogator in the face.

When Batman finally finds Harvey, the silent alarm has been triggered and the building is surrounded by 23 armed men. Penguin tries to grab a gun, but Batman hands him… an umbrella. To buy time for the incoming Batplane, Bullock takes the interrogator hostage. The problem? The Elixir leader orders his men to fire on both Bullock and their own man. A bullet hits Bullock ending the issue on a tense cliffhanger.

Characters – great chemistry and standout moments

Batman here is a mix of cold efficiency and dry wit, but it’s Penguin who steals many scenes. His snide remarks, bumbling in the field, and surprisingly sharp comedic timing give the story levity. The dynamic between him and Batman is unlikely but works perfectly. Bullock, on the other hand, proves once again he’s a tough-as-nails cop, refusing to break even under brutal torture.

Oracle’s presence is more limited than I’d like, and her findings are somewhat surface-level. Still, they serve as an important push for the plot.

Pacing and tone – no breaks, no boredom

This is one of those issues that feels like a full-blown action moviem fast-paced but never confusing. Taylor skillfully weaves tense, high-stakes moments with sharp humor, keeping the trademark Detective Comics darkness intact.

Art and atmosphere

The artwork nails the series’ heavy, crime-driven tone, with action scenes that are both readable and exciting. The contrast between the claustrophobic interiors of Elixir’s facility and the wide, desolate stretches of Pokolistan works beautifully. Character expressions especially Penguin’s can break you into a grin, even when the scene is deadly serious.

 Pros:

+Surprisingly effective Batman/Penguin pairing

+Fast pacing with no filler

+Great dialogue and perfectly timed humor

+Intense action scenes with a clear narrative

+Strong, atmospheric ending

 Cons:

-Oracle’s information too surface-level

-Some predictable action beats in the middle

-Ra’s al Ghul thread still underdeveloped (for now)

My Score 7.5/10