Battle for the Cowl: Brando's Pick

This is a big year for Batman (aka best fictional character ever). Most people on the planet know about some movie with the character that came out over the summer, but in addition to that there are some big shakeups going on in the comic book in a story called Batman R.I.P., written by the comic world's own resident acid tripper/former transvestite/general crazy man Grant Morrison. While the R.I.P. doesn't necessarily stand for "Rest In Peace," DC is certainly leading us to believe Bruce Wayne will not be Batman when the story is done after releasing this teaser image for the follow-up arc, titled "Battle for the Cowl:"


First, it seems kinda random and crazy that they added Catwoman to that. Second, I think it would have been crazier to add Two Face (he did defend Gotham during 52), or WAY CRAZIER and put Joker on there.. just for shits and giggs. But regardless, I don't think any of those people are going to end up taking over for Bruce Wayne. There is only one person who makes plenty of sense to me, although I doubt it will actually happen: Martian Manhunter. Why do I think that? Read on, True Believers.




Yes, it seems like it would be out of left field, and yes J'onn J'onnz just got killed off, but here's why it would make sense:

1. Bruce Wayne actually trusts Martian Manhunter. And Batman is a paranoid dude. That says a lot.
2. Martian Manhunter could make himself look like Bruce Wayne. It would be like he was never gone.
3. Martian Manhunter obviously isn't going to stay dead. In fact, Superman said he'd pray for a resurrection at his funeral.
4. It would be a good way to bring him back from the dead. He was just kind of floating around before Libra killed him off, and I'd hate to see them waste a good resurrection like they did with Jason Todd.
5. I just like the Martian Manhunter, alright? Especially that part in Justice League: The New Frontier when he was shapeshifting to what he was seeing on TV, and made himself look like the Indian Chief from the late-night test patterns.

I've spoken my piece. You think I'm right? Or do you think Dick Grayson would be ready for Round 2 as Batman? Or maybe you reaaaaaally want to see Jean-Paul Valley come back from the dead instead to be Batman again.