Back in The Cabal one shot, Norman revealed a shadowy figure to his Cabal members (Loki, Namor, Dr. Doom, and Emma Frost). This figure is someone powerful enough to keep Loki (a god) and Dr. Doom in line. Much speculation has been discussed recently about just who this figure could be.

Marvel has just released the above teaser (top image), leading us to believe we’ll get an answer in Siege: The Cabal (on sale December 2). Of the figures pictured above, who makes the most sense?

Odin is out. Although he’s powerful enough, I don’t see him in cahoots with Norman—even under some kind of mind control.

Molecule Man is out. He’s just popped up in Dark Avengers #10 – fighting against Norman. Wouldn’t make sense for him to be that shadowy figure.

Nate Gray (X-Man) is out. I’m not to versed in this character. But he seems too obscure.

Mephisto is a possibility. I don’t see Osborn being able to control him and I don’t see why Mephisto would go along with this plan.

Thanos is out. One, I think he’s currently dead. Two, he’s cosmic – that’s Abnett and Lanning’s area at Marvel. Three, he’s too headstrong. He wouldn’t go along with Norman, especially if he had the Infinity Gauntlet-which is the item that makes him powerful enough to pressure the others.

Scarlet Witch is a good possibility. Bendis is writing this and he’s got a history with the Witch and her reality bending powers. She’s been off the map for a while and the few times we’ve seen her, she’s been portrayed as confused. Norman could easily manipulate her. While not a great reveal – it makes sense.

Finally, we have the Beyonder. This is a character that some have been itching to see make a return. He certainly has the power and Bendis did retcon his origin in the The Illuminati mini-series—although I personally don’t like him as an Inhuman mutant. He could be manipulated by Norman. He was childlike and not used to humanity. Doom has a great history with the character that could produce a few good story beats.

So, I’ll put my money on the Scarlet Witch with the Beyonder as a runner up. I’d rather see the Beyonder, but the Scarlet Witch makes a little more sense and she’s got a history with the Avengers. Plus, Loki was recently impersonating her in the Mighty Avengers title.

What do you think?