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

The iconic Tim Burton Batman universe is set to expand with the release of a new novel titled "Batman: Revolution." Authored by John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's take on the infamous villain, The Riddler. Fans can now preorder "Batman: Revolution" on Amazon, eagerly awaiting its release on October 28, 2025.

"Batman: Revolution" follows up on Miller's previous work, "Batman: Resurrection," released in 2024. Both novels are set in the timeline between the events of the 1989 "Batman" and the 1992 "Batman Returns." The new book draws inspiration from Burton's abandoned third Batman film, which was initially slated to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

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.

In addition to the novels, DC Comics has been expanding the Burton-Verse through their comic series. "Batman '89" serves as a sequel to "Batman Returns" and features a Two-Face inspired by Billy Dee Williams and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. The follow-up, "Batman '89: Echoes," introduces a Scarecrow inspired by Jeff Goldblum and a Harley Quinn inspired by Madonna. DC has also released two volumes of "Superman '78," which continue the story from the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in more about Burton's unproduced "Batman 3" and other canceled DC projects, explore the collection of DC movies that never made it to the screen.

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

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