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

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 published by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's interpretation of The Riddler. "Batman: Revolution" is now available for preorder on Amazon and is scheduled for release on October 28, 2025.

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

Here is 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 novel, DC Comics has continued to expand the Burton-Verse through its comic series. Following the success of "Batman '89," which served as a sequel to "Batman Returns" and featured a Billy Dee Williams-inspired Two-Face and a Marlon Wayans-inspired Robin, DC released "Batman '89: Echoes." This sequel introduced characters inspired by Jeff Goldblum's Scarecrow and Madonna's Harley Quinn. Additionally, DC has published two volumes of "Superman '78," which serve as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in learning more about Burton's planned but never realized third Batman film and other canceled DC projects, you can explore the stories behind the DC movies that failed to launch.

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