Back when "Lost" was the hottest and most buzzed-about show on television, one of the most discussed characters was the mysteriously ageless Richard Alpert, whose apparent immortality was almost as fascinating as his eyelashes. Was that makeup, or were those dark rims around his peepers really as all-natural as actor Nestor Carbonell claimed?

Well, now fans of Christopher Nolan's "Batman" franchise can start up the debate again, because according to Variety, Carbonell is in talks to reprise his role as Gotham's Mayor Garcia in next year's "The Dark Knight Rises."

But is Gotham ready for the return of Eyeliner Man?

Carbonell had a minor but pivotal role in 2008's smash blockbuster "The Dark Knight." The target of The Joker's reign of terror, Mayor Garcia only narrowly escaped death thanks to the timely intervention and noble sacrifice by Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman, who is already set to return as well).

Details of the plot for 'The Dark Knight Rises" are being kept under lock and key, of course, but it seems likely that Carbonell may play a larger part this time around. After all, "The Dark Knight" ended with Batman being branded a criminal and the resulting montage seemed to indicate that law enforcement was making a crackdown on costumed weirdos its top priority.

So will Batman face off against Eyeliner Man? And who would win such a titanic duel? Only fanboys know for sure, but here's hoping we get to see it up on the big screen when "The Dark Knight Rises" hits theaters on July 22, 2012.

And, for record, we think they're real.