DC recently shared a teaser image promoting the upcoming Batman miniseries Battle for the Cowl with Newsarama. The three-issue miniseries by Tony Daniel will begin in March, and will deal with various would-be Batman contending to fill-in for the one, true Dark Knight, who will go missing in the pages of Final Crisis.

Who will be the new, temporary Batman? One of Batman’s apprentices, like Dick Grayson, Tim Drake or Undead Jason Todd? Former Batman fill-in Azrael? A villain like Two-Face or Hush? A lady who dresses like a bat, like Batwoman II or Batgirl II? Some combination of of the above?

Yes, probably. But these aren’t the only candidates for caped crusading available. Let’s take a look at some of the less likely contenders, along with poorly-drawn illustrations, pros and cons for each of them, after the jump…

ALFRED PENNYWORTH

Pros: Already familiar with Batman’s methodology, equipment, contacts and enemies; has his own specially-fitted Batman costume to use when he has to impersonate Batman to protect Bruce Wayne’s secret identity

Cons: “Jig’s up, dirtbags!” doesn’t sound quite as imposing with British accent; wouldn’t have anyone to serve him cups of tea and little sandwiches, stitch up his wounds, exchange sarcastic banter with; kind of a pussy (compared to Batman)

COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON

Pros: Not having to bat-signal another person would cut out the middleman; wouldn’t be afraid to occasionally pop a cap in a deserving ass

Cons: Bum ticker; smell of pipe smoke will give him away when he’s trying to be stealthy; not exactly the worlds’ greatest crime fighter, which is why he relies so heavily on Batman in the first place

DETECTIVE HARVEY BULLOCK

Pros: As an outspoken critic of the Batman, no one would ever suspect him of now being Baman; possesses a more realistic body type for fans to relate to

Cons: May have difficulty fitting into Batman costume, Batmobile cockpit, secret entrance to the Batcave, etc.; gets winded easily

MAN-BAT

Pros: Already used to nocturnal lifestyle; as a werebat, should prove pretty effective in striking fear into the hearts of cowardly and superstitious criminals; doesn’t need Batmobile or grappling hooks to get around town

Cons: Keeps shredding costume when transforming; “Batman-Bat” or “Man-Batman” might be a bit of a mouthful; will have to fight temptation to eat/drink the blood of the criminals he apprehends

PLASTIC MAN

Pros: Can provide his own Batman costume; no one would ever expect that Batman’s secret identity is another superhero; not doing much at the moment

Cons: Not grim and gritty enough; doesn’t do gray

BAT-MITE

Pros: Enthusiastic; possesses magical-powers

Cons: Will have trouble filling out costume; probably the least physically-imposing person or animal to ever dress up in a bat-costume; can’t reach the pedals of the Batmobile

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