"Batman: Revolution Unveils Burton-Verse's Riddler in 1989 Sequel"

Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe is expanding yet again, this time through a captivating new novel titled *Batman: Revolution*. Penned by acclaimed author John Jackson Miller and brought to readers by Penguin Random House, this thrilling addition introduces fans to the Burton-Verse's unique take on The Riddler. The novel is already available for preorder on Amazon, promising an exciting journey into Gotham's shadowy depths.

As reported by ComicBook.com, *Batman: Revolution* serves as a sequel to 2024's *Batman: Resurrection*, also written by Miller. Both novels are set between the events of the 1989 *Batman* film and 1992's *Batman Returns*, drawing inspiration from Burton's unproduced third Batman movie, which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

Image Credit: Penguin Random House

Here's the official synopsis for *Batman: Revolution*:

*It’s summer, and Gotham City has cause for celebration. The last vestiges of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally faded, just in time for the mayor to partner with retail magnate Max Shreck to stage a Fourth of July celebration for the ages. But not everyone is rejoicing. Batman’s eternal vigilance continues as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals escalate by the day. Meanwhile, on the streets, protests grow in opposition to the city’s lavish excesses.*

*No one is experiencing the struggle between Gotham’s optimism and doubt more than Norman Pinkus. The Gotham Globe’s humble copy boy, he’s the unacknowledged mastermind behind the newspaper’s mega-popular Riddle Me This word puzzles. But Norman harbors a secret. He is the smartest man in Gotham City, using his prodigious skills to solve crimes anonymously for years via the police tip line—before Batman even knows there’s a crime to solve.*

*While neither fame nor fortune finds Norman, he believes in the promise of Gotham and what’s right . . . until he doesn’t. The man no one notices watches time and again as the city and its leaders cast their eyes high above the rooftops toward Batman. Dejected and unappreciated, Norman devises a scheme: With the help of dangerous new friends, he exploits the simmering tensions of the long hot summer to draw the Caped Crusader into a volatile game of riddles to crown Gotham’s true savior. As they clash, Norman—now known as The Riddler—and Batman will uncover hidden secrets about Gotham’s past that will have dire consequences for the city’s future.*

*Batman: Revolution* is set to hit the shelves on October 28, 2025, and can be preordered on Amazon.

Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery

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Not to be outdone, DC Comics continues to enrich the Burton-Verse. Following the release of *Batman '89*, which served as a sequel to *Batman Returns* and introduced a Billy Dee Williams-inspired Two-Face and a Marlon Wayans-inspired Robin, DC published *Batman '89: Echoes*. This comic further expands the universe with characters inspired by Jeff Goldblum as Scarecrow and Madonna as Harley Quinn. Additionally, DC has released two volumes of *Superman '78*, which continue the legacy of the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in learning more about Burton's unmade *Batman 3* and other canceled DC projects, explore the comprehensive list of DC movies that never made it to the screen.