Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe is set to expand further with the release of a new novel titled "Batman: Revolution." Authored by John Jackson Miller and brought to us by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's take on The Riddler. Fans can now preorder this eagerly anticipated book on Amazon.
"Batman: Revolution" follows up on the narrative laid out in 2024's "Batman: Resurrection," also penned by Miller. Set within the timeline between the classic films "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992), "Revolution" draws inspiration from Burton's unrealized third Batman film, which was once envisioned to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.
Image Credit: Penguin Random House
Here's the official synopsis for "Batman: Revolution":
*It’s summer in Gotham City, and there's reason to celebrate. The remnants of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally dissipated, setting the stage for Mayor Borg and retail magnate Max Shreck to host a grand Fourth of July event. However, not everyone shares in the festive spirit. Batman remains ever vigilant as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals escalate daily. Concurrently, public protests against the city’s lavish spending are on the rise.*
*Amidst this, Norman Pinkus, a humble copy boy at the Gotham Globe, feels the tension between Gotham’s hope and despair more than most. The brains behind the newspaper’s wildly popular "Riddle Me This" puzzles, Norman harbors a secret: he’s the smartest man in Gotham, solving crimes anonymously through the police tip line, often before Batman even knows of them.*
*Despite his contributions, recognition and reward elude Norman. As he grows increasingly disillusioned with Gotham's focus on Batman, he concocts a plan. With the help of dangerous new allies, Norman, now The Riddler, stokes the city's simmering tensions to engage Batman in a high-stakes game of riddles, aiming to prove who is the true savior of Gotham. As they confront each other, Norman and Batman unearth hidden truths about Gotham’s past, which could have devastating effects on its future.*
"Batman: Revolution" is slated for release on October 28, 2025, and is available for preorder on Amazon.
Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery
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In addition to this novel, DC Comics continues to expand the Burton-Verse through comics. They released "Batman '89," a sequel to "Batman Returns," featuring a Two-Face inspired by Billy Dee Williams and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. This was followed by "Batman '89: Echoes," introducing a Scarecrow inspired by Jeff Goldblum and a Harley Quinn inspired by Madonna. DC has also published two volumes of "Superman '78," which serve as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.
For those interested in the history of Burton's unproduced third Batman film and other DC projects that never saw the light of day, explore the list of DC movies that failed to launch.
