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

The iconic world of Tim Burton's Batman is set to expand further with the release of a new novel, "Batman: Revolution." Authored by John Jackson Miller and brought to us by Penguin Random House, this book introduces the Burton-Verse's rendition of The Riddler. You can secure your copy by preordering it on Amazon.

Following the success of 2024's "Batman: Resurrection," also written by Miller, "Revolution" continues the narrative thread set between the events of the 1989 "Batman" and the 1992 "Batman Returns." The novel takes inspiration from Burton's unproduced third Batman film, which was rumored 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.

"Batman: Revolution" is slated for release on October 28, 2025. You can preorder your copy on Amazon.

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

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DC Comics has also been actively expanding the Burton-Verse. They have published "Batman '89," a sequel to "Returns" that 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. Additionally, DC has released two volumes of "Superman '78," which serve as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For more insights into Burton's unrealized Batman 3 and other canceled DC projects, explore the list of DC movies that never made it to the screen.