The “Battle For the Cowl” panel, much like “Batman: RIP” was a frustrating experience. While the standing room only crowd learned DC’s publishing schedule, not much was given in terms of direction or story. They’re playing this close to the vest.

The panel opened with a simple question. “Who here thinks Batman is dead?” No one raised their hand. That’s as much as anyone is sure these days.

Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert kick off a two-part “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” this week. Supposedly, it’s so good fans wouldn’t be able to take more than those two issues.

“Battle For the Cowl” will run three issues, starting in March. There will also be five one-shots, an Oracle mini-series and an Azreal mini-series in those three months.

Then, in June, there will be eight ongoing Batman titles.

Batman

Detective

Gotham City Sirens

Outsiders

Red Robin

Batgirl

Batman and Robin

Batman: Streets of Gotham

This looks like a massive amount of books. But, remember, Robin, Nightwing, Birds of Prey and Batman Confidential are all gone.

Greg Rucka will return to Detective with Paul Dini moving to one of the other books. Grant Morrison is also expected to return.

All three issues of “Battle For the Cowl” will have variant covers drawn by Tony Daniel. Tony looked a little worried when he heard the news.

Most of the questions got the same answer.

“Will Red Robin have a new costume?” June.

“Will someone else take up the mantle of Nightwing?” June.

“Will Fabian Niceiza return to the Bat books?” June.

“What the hell happened in Batman R.I.P.?” Grant Morrison.

The panel closed with a final question.

“So when is Bruce Wayne coming back?”

“C’mon, dude.”