"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 brought to readers by Penguin Random House, this novel marks the debut of the Burton-Verse's take on The Riddler. Fans can already secure their copies through preorders on Amazon.

As reported by ComicBook.com, Batman: Revolution follows the narrative thread of 2024's Batman: Resurrection, also written by Miller. Both novels are nestled in 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 a fresh exploration of this beloved universe.

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 preorder on Amazon.

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

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In addition to the novel, DC Comics has been actively expanding the Burton-Verse through their 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. The follow-up, Batman '89: Echoes, introduces characters reminiscent of Jeff Goldblum's Scarecrow and Madonna's Harley Quinn. Furthermore, DC has published two volumes of Superman '78, serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For fans eager to delve deeper into Burton's vision for his third Batman film and other unproduced DC projects, explore our coverage on the DC movies that never saw the light of day.