In case you haven’t paying attention, there’s this Batman series running right now called Batman R.I.P. which tells us that DC is at least toying with the idea of getting rid of Bruce Wayne. In celebration of that we here at Crave have compiled a list of who we think might replace him, and the odds of it happening. Please don’t take us too seriously this is all for fun. So, here’s our list for candidates in no particular order.

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Bronze Tiger



A long shot to be certain, Bronze Tiger would still make a great Batman. Ben Turner has been around since 1975 and has undergone a lot of changes. So why not one more change. Plus it would be great to have a black Batman. The number one reason Bronze Tiger should be Batman is that he has Batmans underworld connections and then some, he’s tough as nails and feared around the world, dresses like an animal, and oh yeah… he totally kicked Batman’s arse!

Key Factors: Dresses like an animal, super kung fu, no powers.

Chances: slim to none

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Jason Todd (Red Robin, Robin II, Red Hood)



It is my personal hope that this guy either becomes Batman, or at least Red Robin permanently. This wild ball of fists and angst has benefitted from a retcon that saw him return from the very dead, and there should be a reason for that. However if he does become Batman then Ed Brubaker should be pissed for getting ripped off.

Key factors: Dresses like an animal (on occasion), super kung fu, no powers, anger issues

Chances: fair at best

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Tim Drake (Robin III)



Tim has really come into his own as Robin, so it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to make him Batman, plus he’d be the shortest batman ever. Still, Tim is great detective and a better student than any of the other Robins. It would take some serious work, but we can kind of see it.

Key factors: Dresses like an animal, not so super kung fu, detective skills

Chances: Long shot

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Dick Grayson (Robin I, Nightwing)



The most obvious choice for Batman by far. Dick has come a long way and is well removed from Batman’s shadow. We see it like this: Dick becomes Batman, Tim stays on as Robin, and Jason Todd become Nightwing (again, and for real this time). Dick has the skills necessary (unless your name is Deathstroke the Terminator) and one major leg up: other superheroes actually like him.

Key factors: Dives off buildings, brooding, wears a mask, nails hot chicks

Chances: Through the roof

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Catman



This is our sleeper pick. Ever since they updated the character, Catman has been just too cool. Their recent fight on the rooftops of Gotham put’s Catman in a class with Batman as far as fighting. He has an interesting back story and a history with Batman. Catman is also a bit envious of Batman which could lead to his full redemption.

Key factors: Dresses like an animal, super kung fu, angst, brooding, stubble

Chances: spotty at best

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Azreal



Jean Paul Valley was Batman at one time, and he screwed it up with a ridiculous costume to boot. He made the list for nostalgia’s sake. Being dead might be an issue as well, but it’s comics and there isn’t a body. Batman could have been training Valley all this time to be a real good Batman. It’s too bad every Batman would burn down the DC offices if this happened again.

Key factors: cool cape, super kung fu, brooding, bodyless death

Chances: yeah right

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Hitman



Another b-lister who is in desperate need of a hit. But he does have a way with the underworld, and his x-ray vision would save him tons of money. He’s generally disliked, just like Batman and a bit of a bruiser in his own right. Coming way out of left field DC would catch everyone off guard.

Key factors: bad attitude, tough guy, has a gun

Chances: oh please

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Guardian



Remember folks that Batman is a hero, so who better than a Captain America knock off? Plus the Guardian is a clone, giving you an army of Batmen if need be. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could kill batman all the time, and another one turned up a week later? No? Well it’s an idea.

Key Factors: motorcycle, cloned, carries a utility belt, has helmet

Chances: not even a consideration

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Green Arrow



Yeah we know, they hate each other. But they also have a begrudged respect for one another. Batman could easily mail Oliver Queen a costume and instructions. Plus Queen has seen the bat cave, that should count for something right? Who else in the DCU has had as much trouble with sidekicks and women as Batman and Green Arrow.

Key factors: Rich, hangs out with kids, nails hot chicks, gay beard

Chances: Cold day in hell

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Dr. Mid-Nite



The last contestant is Dr. Mid-Nite… we know he’s blind! But, he wears a cape and works as a detective. He’s also a real doctor so you know he has money…right? What’s more demoralizing than getting beaten up? Getting beaten up by a blind guy. Somehow we think that DC fans might warm up to this idea, well the blind ones anyway!

Key factor: Wears a mask, cool cape, has a utility belt, detective

Chances: You know we’re just kidding right?