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

The universe of Tim Burton's iconic Batman films is set to expand further with the upcoming novel, Batman: Revolution. Authored by John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, this new addition introduces the Burton-Verse's rendition of The Riddler. Fans can already pre-order the book on Amazon, eagerly awaiting its release.

As per ComicBook.com, Revolution follows up on the 2024 release, Batman: Resurrection, also crafted by Miller. Both novels are positioned within the timeline between the events of the 1989 Batman and 1992's Batman Returns. Drawing inspiration from Burton's unproduced third Batman film, which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler, Revolution promises to delve deep into the Burton-Verse.

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 slated for release on October 28, 2025, and is available for pre-order on Amazon.

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

11 Images

DC Comics has not been idle in expanding the Burton-Verse either. They released Batman '89, a sequel to Returns featuring a Two-Face inspired by Billy Dee Williams and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. This was followed by Batman '89: Echoes, which introduces a Scarecrow inspired by Jeff Goldblum and a Harley Quinn inspired by Madonna. Additionally, DC has published two volumes of Superman '78, serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in learning more about Burton's planned third Batman film and other unproduced DC projects, explore the list of DC movies that never made it to the screen.