Batman 1989 Sequel Batman: Revolution to Introduce the Burton-Verse's Riddler

The Tim Burton-inspired Batman universe continues to grow with the upcoming release of a new novel titled "Batman: Revolution." Penned by John Jackson Miller and brought to readers by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's take on The Riddler. Fans can now preorder "Batman: Revolution" on Amazon, eagerly awaiting its release.

As per ComicBook.com, "Batman: Revolution" serves as a sequel to the 2024 novel "Batman: Resurrection," also written by Miller. Both novels are set in the timeline between the iconic films "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992). "Revolution" draws 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 set to hit the shelves on October 28, 2025, and is available for preorder on Amazon.

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

DC Comics has also been expanding the Burton-Verse with their publications. 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," which introduces a Scarecrow inspired by Jeff Goldblum and a Harley Quinn inspired by Madonna. Additionally, DC published two volumes of "Superman '78," which serve as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in exploring more about Burton's unproduced third Batman film and other canceled DC projects, you can delve into the stories of DC movies that never saw the light of day.