Cee Diddy Ponders...

Batman: Battle for the Cowl

DC Comics has released another great teaser for an upcoming event. This time we've got a teaser drawn by Tony Daniel for "Batman: Battle for the Cowl". Check out the teaser and then read the notes and hints I've gathered from this.

I'm going to start with the Joker card and try to work my way along the whole teaser.

1) The Joker card features a backwards "J" and is only half covered in a shadow. The big question here is what happens to the Joker if Batman is missing. Batman makes Joker complete. Without him would Joker have to invent another? Perhaps Joker could even develop a split personality to do battle with.

2) The Batman with the staff is Tim Drake. Tim is wearing the yellow oval suit which hearkens back to a brighter time in Batman's history. Batman is a darker character now and Tim is scared to become that. We've seen a future where Tim was Batman and used a gun. This image says to me that Tim is staying Robin, hence why he still has his staff, and he will continue to bring some light to the dark Batman character.

3) Harley Quin is right behind Tim. She's holding a gun that says "Bang" and she's looking right at Tim. If Joker is depressed with the disappearance of Batman, how would you cheer him up? Kill a Robin! It looks to me that Harley is out to make Mister J. happy by killing a little birdie.

4) Alfred is dressed up in his old spy outfit. This represents him doing work back in the field again as a solider. Some would even suggest that he will have some ties to the Outsiders.

5) Next we have Dick Grayson has Batman. Even the bat on his chest is designed similar to the Nightwing outfit. He's placed dead center in the teaser representing that Dick takes center stage in the upcoming mini series.

6) Behind Dick we see the memorial for Batman. In the memorial is the most recent Batman outfit. This would represent that the Batman we knew is now a fallen solider.

7) The Batman in the blue and red is Harvey Dent. You can even see the scars on his face. During 52 Harvey was left the keys to Gotham in Batman's absence. Harvey obviously feels he should continue as Gotham's protector again.

8) In front of Harvey is one of the three Batmans from Grant Morrison's stories. This was the third Batman that Bruce ran in to. All three of them were working for Dr.Hurt. Having him stand on top a "Wayne Enterprise" crate with the limp arm hanging out represents the death of Wayne Enterprise. Something that Dr.Hurt was working towards during the "Batman R.I.P." story.

9) Next we have Damien standing with a "Bruce Wayne". In Damien's hand we see a bandage that is wrapped around the "Bruce Wayne". The "Bruce Wayne" in question would be Hush. Damien holding the bandage represent that Damien is controlling Hush. If Batman has gone missing then so has Bruce Wayne. This could be a move for Damien and Hush to move right in to Wayne Manor. Remember Damien wants to be accepted as Bruce's son more than anything. Hush was also jealous of Bruce's life.

10) Batwoman is right behind Damien and Hush and is holding up a magnify glass. This shows us that she's investigating the appearance of "Bruce Wayne" and Damien.

11) The giant Penny is originally from a Two-Face story. We now see the penny is all scratched up like Harvey's lucky coin. The giant Penny represents the chaos side of the teaser. The teaser is split in to two halves. On the chaos side we have Harvey, the third Batman, Damien, and Hush. Batwoman is also on that side as she tries to make sense of the chaos.

12) The other side of the teaser has the T-Rex. The T-Rex comes from the innocent era of Batman during the 60's. On this side of the teaser we have Alfred, Tim Drake, and Dick Grayson. We also have Harley on this side of the teaser but just like Batwoman being on chaos side.

Crazy Ass Rumors

* Batman R.I.P. is now over and after the Batman Final Crisis tie-ins the world will be left without a Batman. Another person missing from the Batman universe will be writer Grant Morrison. Just like Bruce Wayne though, it looks like Grant will only be away for a limited amount of time. Rumor has it that Morrison will return to Batman in April or May and he's bringing artist Frank Quietly with him. Fans of Morrison's "New X-Men" and "All-Star Superman" should be excited about this. Everyone else should expect the book to come out bi-monthly with someone like Quietly drawing the book.

* Staying with Batman, "Battle for the Cowl" kicks off in March. The solicitations tease that many different people want to pick up the mantle of the bat, but is this really the case? It's expected that people like Batwoman, Catwoman, Wildcat, and Huntress would want to help Gotham, but do you really think any of them want to be Batman? Batman has always been seen as a tragic character. Tim Drake doesn't want to be Batman and I don't think Dick Grayson wants to be Batman either. The only two people who want to be Batman are Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne's son Damien. It's still a safe to place that Dick Grayson will inherit the curse of being Batman.

* Secret Invasion is finally over and now we move in to "Dark Reign". Marvel says that this is not another inter-company crossover, yet there's a checklist for it. There's a lot to speculate about this one. First off we have Mighty Avengers. The rumored line-up of team is all classic members of the Avengers. Heroes like, Ant-Man, Jocasta, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Hercules, US Agent, and Hulk. The final line-up of the team is still open to rumor. The big rumor is that Hank Pym wants Scarlet Witch around in hopes that she can somehow resurrect his ex-wife Jan Van Dyne aka The Wasp.

* The Dark Avengers will be Norman Osborne's version of the Avengers. Some of the people are a bit of a mystery right now. It has been promised that we will know who everyone is by the end of the first book, but we can still speculate until then. Iron Patriot will be Norman Osborn, the Spider-Man looking character is Venom, Wolverine's son Draken will be their Wolverine, Moonstone takes up the costume of Ms.Marvel, Ares and Marvel Boy will also be on the team. The only one I don't have a lead on is Hawkeye.

News You Already Know

* DC made the announcement that the following series, "Robin", "Nightwing", & "Birds of Prey" were all being cancelled in December. What they have not told us yet is that the books are being replaced by the new series, "Red Robin", "Batman & Robin", and "Gotham's Bad Girls". The last one is suppose to following the adventures of Harley Quinn and Catwoman.

* While we are still waiting for the official word on Thor, Marvel Studios announced today the director for "The Fist Avenger: Captain America." Joe Johnston will be the director that brings the star-spangled avenger to the silver screen in May of 2011. Johnston is known for directing "The Rocketeer". For the record fanboys are rejoicing.

* In a recent interview with the Los Angels Times, singer/actress Beyonce talked about her plans to play Wonder Woman in the upcoming Warner Brothers film. It should be noted that there is no official announcement on a Wonder Woman project from the studio at the time. I idea of Beyonce playing Wonder Woman is a big of a long shot. Warner Brothers is very protective of the franchise players and are never to keen on making drastic changes like the color of Wonder Woman's skin.

Cee Diddy Video Blog

It's time to settle the debate that fanboys have been talking about all summer. Iron Man vs Dark Knight!

Batman R.I.P.

Batman R.I.P. has been one of the most exciting stories of the year. That's saying a lot when we also have "Final Crisis" and "Secret Invasion" going on but I stand by the statement. There is a ton of speculation as to how Batman R.I.P. will end. Here's a great chance for everyone else to do some speculation. Check out the solicitations for various Batman titles in the coming months.

BATMAN #682
In his last hours, Alfred the Butler tells the life story of the Batman as you've never seen it before in this two-part adventure which bridges the gap between the events of “Batman R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS. Learn the secrets of Batman's early years! Witness the nightmare of a Gotham City where Batman never existed!

BATMAN #683
This special two-part tale narrated by Sir Alfred Pennnyworth reflects upon the life and times of Gotham City’s most celebrated citizen – and hints at what’s next for The Dark Knight. Grant Morrison delivers a story of past memories, present heartache and future promises. A spectacular, unforgettable farewell to The Dark Knight, mixing memory, dream and speculation as Alfred closes the casebook on the greatest crimefighter of all time. With guest appearances by Batman friends and foes from every era of Batman's history, this epic adventure cannot be missed.

DETECTIVE COMICS #851
"Last Days of Gotham" part 1 of 2! Longtime BATMAN writer and editor Dennis O'Neil returns to The Dark Knight for this special two-part tale. Joined by artistic rising star Guillem March (JOKER'S ASYLUM: POISON IVY), O'Neil's "Last Days of Gotham" dives into the soul of a city that has lost its most famous citizen, its favorite son, its beloved protector. How will Gotham City react in the wake of the horrible tragedy that has befallen The Caped Crusader?

BATMAN #684
"Last Days of Gotham" part 2 of 2! In a world without a Batman, what happens when Commissioner Gordon lights the Bat-signal, in desperate need of assistance against the growing tide of crime sweeping his city? What does Nightwing do when his longtime partner fails to aid him in yet another of Two-Face's villainous assaults against Gotham? Without The Dark Knight to protect its walls, Gotham City may be facing its final days!

ROBIN #181
Red Robin is revealed, and Anarky is unleashed in Gotham City! A daring jailhouse rescue rips the GCPD apart, forcing the Spoiler to live up to her name! Plus, Oracle and Jason Bard team up again! And while all this is going on, where is Robin? Maybe he's M.I.A.... or is it R.I.P.?

NIGHTWING #151
Nightwing has saved New York City from Two-Face, but that doesn't mean that he's saved himself - or that Two-Face is through with him. Nightwing will be forced to confront the madman in Arkham Asylum then face dire changes to his personal life as he deals with the aftereffects of "Batman R.I.P." and makes the ultimate leap!

News You Already Know

* Marvel Studios as debunked the Will Smith rumors regarding Captain America. As of right now we still have no leads on who will be playing the Star-Spangled Avenger.

* Phillip Seymour Hoffman as also debunked rumors that he is playing Penguin in the next Batman film. Mr.Hoffman also reminded everyone that the same rumor was going around five years ago after the first Batman film.

* Marvel has announced a new Avengers title that starts after "Secret Invasion". "Dark Avengers" will be written by Brian Micheal Benids. Bendis will be leaving "Mighty Avengers" but staying on "New Avengers". "Dark Avengers" will reflect the status change in the Marvel Universe after "Secret Invasion". All the Marvel books will be labeled with "Dark Reign" after the invasion is over. This adds fuel to the rumor that the Skrulls win control of Earth.

* Chuck Dixon has found a new home at IDW. The former writer of DC titles such as "Robin" and "Booster Gold", will be writing "G.I. Joe" for IDW. You can check out part one of a round table interview with Chuck Dixon, Larry Hama, Andy Schmidt, Chris Ryall, and Mike Costa, HERE.

* Mark Millar made it official that his return to Marvel's Ultimate Universe will be in the new "Ultimate Avengers" series. Millar has promised that every story arc will be an epic event similar to a "Secret Invasion" or "Civil War". The book will feature different line-ups in each book also. No word if this title will be replacing "The Ultimates".

* In January "The Dark Knight" will return to IMAX theaters for a limited release. Warner Bros. is hoping this will help remind the academy when the Oscars roll around. Remember nerds, if Star Wars and LOTR can get nominated, so can Batman.

Crazy Ass Rumors

* The newest Batman movie rumor to surface has Cher, yep Cher, playing Catwoman in the next Batman film.

* Iron Man 2 and Thor are coming up in 2010. As of now we have no idea who will play Thor, but a new rumor is going around about Captain America. It is being reported that Will Smith has been offered the role of Steve Rogers. I had no problem with a black Kingpin, and I enjoy the black Nick Fury, but no way am I going for this idea. Some things you don't change.

* Marvel Comics are going to be seeing a lot of green in the coming years. No we're not talking about cash, we're talking about Skrulls. An early rumor going around is that the Skrulls may not win the "Secret Invasion" but will be calling Earth home after the series ends.

* We have been talking about "Spider-Man 4 and 5" for a few months now. The scripts are done, and word is that Sam Raimi and Tobey "Billion dollars" Maguire are signed to do the next two films about the web crawler. As usual, early word as Lizard as appearing in the new Spider-Man film.

* Marvel Studios is still toying with the idea of doing the proposed Edgar Wright "Ant-Man" film. One rumor suggest that the title will be "Ant-Man: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." Geeks are still hoping the movie will get the green light and have Simon Pegg casted as the lead.

* Issue one of "Secret Six" saw the first new addition to the team. Just as we called it, Bane was added to the team. There's still one person left to add, and our official guess is Harley Quinn.

Crazy Ass Rumors

* Kingdom Come 2 was mentioned by DC Comics one month and never spoken of again. The rumors are circulating now that the sequel will be coming in 2009 and is not exactly what you think. The book will be done by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross, but takes place in the current DC universe.

* In "Secret Invasion" #4 we saw Reed Richards lay some smack down and start revealing some Skrulls. the speculation that I'm hearing is that from here out the series will be more about fighting and less about who is and who isn't a skrull. Maybe the "Who do you Trust?" was more hype than anything. If true then we know not to trust Marvel Comics.

* Bruce Wayne became Batman when his parents were gunned down in Crime Alley. Will the death of Alfred during "Batman R.I.P." be the moment that retires Bruce Wayne? Will Alfred's last words to Master Wayne be, "I am proud of you Son."

* There's another Avengers shake-up coming soon. Expect Captain America to join New Avengers after "Secret Invasion"

* Time for some new Batman movie rumors. Brian Austin Green from 90210 to play the Riddler in the next film. Not sure where this one started but its too funny to ignore. The Angelina Jolie/Catwoman rumor is still going strong too. David Goyer has commented that maybe they won't use any of the more well known villains. I call bullshit on three of those items.

* Speaking of sequels. Word is that character of Dr. Donald Blake will play a part in the next Iron Man movie. Most fans know that the good Dr.Blake is the human host for the Thunder God known as Thor. Although a second script has not come in yet, unconfirmed director Jon Favreu wants a shot at Hulk in the movie, as a cameo.

* What if Robert Downey Jr doesn't want to be an Avenger? There are early reports that Terrance Howard will be kept on contract to play War Machine in an Avengers movie if Robert Downey losses interest by 2011.

* Punisher: Warzone will end up being rated pG-13, instead of the R we were all waiting for. Just a reminder, the last film was rated R.

DC Trinity

I hate when people take clips of movies and make trailers for movies that don't exist. It's annoying, poorly done, and a huge waste of space on the Internet. A new trend in comics books is for the publisher to make a trailer for their next big comic book event. Marvel's been doing them since Civil War and have already started doing them for this summer's Secret Invasion. DC has finally jumped on the trailer wagon with their trailer for Trinity


DC Comics - Trinity

Analyzing the DC Teaser

Different websites have posted DC's new teaser image and I've decided to give my insight and analyze as many of the clues as possible. Feel free to add to this post and as Final Crisis goes on we will see how many things we got right. First let's take a look at the picture.

• "The Dead Shall Rise" - Reference to the Black Lanterns that arrive during "Blackest Night"
• "I am Batman?" - Reference to "Batman R.I.P." I really think that "Batman R.I.P." is going to focus on Bruce Wayne being revealed as Batman.
• "100% Alien" - Possible a reference to Martian Manhunter. Unlike Superman, Manhunter never felt accepted on Earth. He can't really walk among us as a human. He will always be 100% alien.
• "Who is Wonderdog?" - During the NY Comic Con it was stated that Wonderdog would be returning to the pages of Teen Titans.
• "You can go Home Again" - Reference to the JSA Annual where Powergirl heads to Earth-2.
• "Rockin Robins" - I"m pretty sure this is a reference to an Elseworlds story that featured Dick Grayson and Barbra Gordon as a crime fighting team. Not sure how it will play in to the current DC.
• "52 - 1 = 0" - Right now we have 52 Worlds in the DC Universe. The equation seems that if we lose one earth we lose them all in a chain reaction.
• "First Boy Last Boy" - Reference to Kamandi
• "He Wakes the World Ends" - The return of Darkseid brings the end of the World.
• "1 /JSA = 2" - The JSA is getting huge. It would only makes sense to break it in to two teams.

There's a lot of other clues on there but that's all I've got so far. Please add your thoughts and ideas to this post.

DC Universe 0

*SPOILERS AHOY*

DC Universe 0 is many things. It's an introduction to the current state of the DC Universe. It's a preview of all the major story arcs that DC has planned for the next couple months. It's a collaboration between writers Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns. It's only 50 cents. Not to mention it's also the rumored return of Barry Allen.

In DC Universe 0 we get a small preview of "Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds", "Batman R.I.P.", upcoming Wonder Woman arc, "Green Lantern: Blackest Night Prelude", "Final Crisis: Revelations" and "Final Crisis"

For the cheap bastards that can't pay 50 cents for the book, here's what you're missing...

• The entire issue is presumably narrated by Barry Allen. Let me just make one thing clear before I go on. Barry Allen does NOT appear in this book at all. Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns have NOT been quoted saying that Barry Allen is in this book. Barry Allen in this book should be filed under "Crazy Ass Rumor, until Final Crisis".
• We get a summary of what happened in the previous two Crisis books. When describing the first Crisis we see the Anti Monitor displayed as the main protaginist. During the review of the second Crisis we see Superboy Prime. With the mention of Final Crisis we get a tease of Darkseid.
• In the preview for "Legion of Three Worlds" we get a cool shot of Brainiac and couple other Legioneers sitting around a crystal ball trying to locate help on another Earth. Very cool reference to the first meeting of the Justice Society of America and Justice League of America.
• When countdown started we were all under the impression that Joker was going to play the part of Hannibal Lecter. In the preview of "Batman R.I.P." we get an amazing scene between the Dark Knight and the Clown Price of Crime that perfectly puts Joker in the Hannibal role. Someone or some people are targeting Batman and possibly even Bruce Wayne. Batman has a hell of a fight coming.
• Wonder Woman: Meet the Spartans.
• In "Green Lantern: Blackest Night Prelude" I think we're seeing the rise of the first Black Lantern. Originally it was speculated that it would be a guy named Dorian from NY, it now seems to be someone else. Speculate away about who it might be, Conner Kent, Bart Allen, Dorian, or some other dead dude.
• There's a preview of the "Final Crisis: Revelations" that features the Spectre. The real interesting part is the one page ad for the book that features Dr.Light.
• The final preview is fittingly for "Final Crisis". This is the first appearance of Libra as he meets with the Rogues to make them an offer. Libra seems to be recruiting villains to join the side of a God. It's speculated that his God is Darkseid. Libra offers all that decide to follow his God will be granted their hearts desire.
• On the last page see lightening strike. We don't see Barry Allen, but we think he's narrating. READ THE BOOK YOU CHEAP BASTARD!!!

NY Comic Con 08

Unlike the previous year, the troops were ready for the New York Comic Con with digital cameras this year. Enjoy part 1 of NY Comic Con 08 "The Pictures"

If there was one person ready for the Con it was Shane-O-Mac. Shane's goal this year was very simple, kick the ass of any nerd who stepped over the line.

Kyle was more than pumped for the Con as can be seen by this look of pure energy. On a side note Kyle's face was stuck like this for the rest of the day.
Although he had aged horribly, Cee Diddy was also in a frantic daze about going to the Con.
Also joining us this year was a guy dressed as Batman. I wish we knew more about him but everytime we asked him his real named he would only reply, "I'm Batman". Eventually we ended up ditching "I'm Batman" at a White Castle in Manhattan.

Crazy Ass Speculation

Usually we like to offer "Crazy Ass Rumors" but after the NY Comic Con we have a lot to speculate about.

Batman R.I.P.

There was a lot of talk about "Batman R.I.P." in New York. Here's what know for sure:

• DC Comics is NOT killing Bruce Wayne! Dan Didio has stated this along with Grant Morrison and Bob Wayne. When it comes down to it, DC and Warner Bros. can't kill off Bruce Wayne when there's a summer blockbuster coming out.
• The entire Bat-Family will be taking part in this story, including Jason Todd, Hush, & Bat-Mite.
• Alex Ross has designed a new costume for Batman.

Okay those are the only things that we know for sure. There's plenty to speculate about though:

• Grant Morrison has stated that he would rather give a character problems to deal with instead of just killing them off. What would be a giant problem to give Batman? Why not out him as Bruce Wayne to the public? Worked out good in Daredevil. Speculation is running high that Morrison's upcoming story arc will have Bruce Wayne not only being outted as Batman, but also have the title character fake his own death to eliminate Bruce Wayne altogether. This would mean no more Bruce Wayne, and Batman would be Batman full-time.
• When you look back at all the work Morrison has done on Batman this makes a lot of sense. Even going back to Morrison's JLA run, Morrison has always beleived that Batman was the real person and that Bruce Wayne is his true mask.

When it happens next month let it be known that CeeDiddyHolla is calling it first. Bruce Wayne gets outted as Batman, which will lead to the "death" of Bruce Wayne so that Batman can be Batman full-time.

FINAL CRISIS

Another DC event that everyone is speculating about is Final Crisis. Let's start with what we know:

• Final Crisis is being written by Grant Morrison and drawn by J.G. Jones.
• This is the story of what happens when evil wins.
• A major character dies in the first issue of Final Crisis.

DC was very tight lipped about details about Final Crisis but gave us lots to speculate about:

• Martian Manhunter will be killed off in the first issue of Final Crisis.
• The New Gods return in their Fifth World form.
• Darkseid's fifth world form will be so powerful that when he comes to take over the world, he will succeed.
• The DC universe is heading in to dark times. Darkseid takes over and gives everyone a choice, submit or resist.
• Heroes will become villains and vice-verse

Shane vs Batman

Crazy Ass Rumors

Welcome back to Crazy Ass Rumors. The title pretty much sums it up so let's get started.

* Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen has been dead for a long time. He died during a little crossover called "Crisis on Infinite Earths". Every time DC has a Crisis, the fanboys demand the return of Barry Allen. With Grant Morrison's "Final Crisis" approaching, fans of the original scarlet speedster are speculating that this could be the event that would return Barry Allen to the realm of the living. The rumor I've come across is that Barry Allen is returning but in the form of a Black Lantern. After a small stint as a Black Lantern he will be restored to his good old living self. Does this mean Wally is going to die during "Final Crisis"?

* The secret invasion going on in the Marvel universe has everyone curious as to who is or isn't a Skrull. Before the invasion started we were promised by Marvel that Tony Stark was NOT a Skrull. Many fans wanted to believe that Mr.Stark would be revealed as a Skrull and not just the dick that started Civil War. Now there's a strong rumor going around that Tony Stark is a Skrull but has only been one since the end of Civil War.

* Speaking of Skrulls. Johnny Storm from the Fantastic Four once married a Skrull. Look for her to return in the "Fantastic Four: Secret Invasion" special. There's now a rumor going around that Johnny wasn't the only hero to marry someone with green skin. The Black Panther has a secret invasion tie-in coming up from writer Jason Aaron. Some are speculating that this tie-in will reveal that Black Panther's wife, Storm is actually a Skrull. This might also explain as to why Storm will be back with the X-Men in Warren Ellis' "Astonishing X-Men" run.

* DC Comics has been giving Batman rouge, The Penguin a pretty good run lately. Rumor has it they're killing him off in the last issue of "Gotham Underground".