Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe is set to expand further with the release of a new novel titled "Batman: Revolution." Penned by acclaimed author John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's take on The Riddler. Fans can now preorder "Batman: Revolution" on Amazon.
As reported by ComicBook.com, "Batman: Revolution" follows the narrative set by 2024's "Batman: Resurrection," also written by Miller. Set between the events of the 1989 "Batman" film and 1992's "Batman Returns," "Revolution" draws inspiration from Burton's never-realized third Batman film, which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.
Image Credit: Penguin Random House
Here's the official synopsis for "Batman: Revolution":
*It’s summer, and Gotham City has reason to celebrate. The lingering effects of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally dissipated, just in time for the mayor to collaborate with retail magnate Max Shreck on a grand Fourth of July event. Yet, not everyone shares the festive spirit. Batman remains ever-vigilant as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals intensify daily. Concurrently, public protests grow against the city’s opulent displays.*
*No one feels the tug-of-war between Gotham’s hope and despair more acutely than Norman Pinkus. As a modest copy boy at the Gotham Globe, he’s the unsung genius behind the newspaper's popular "Riddle Me This" puzzles. However, Norman holds a secret: he's the smartest man in Gotham, having solved crimes anonymously through the police tip line for years—often before Batman even knows a crime has occurred.*
*Despite his contributions going unnoticed, Norman believes in Gotham's potential and justice—until disillusionment sets in. Feeling overlooked as the city and its leaders fixate on Batman, Norman, now adopting the persona of The Riddler, devises a plan. With the aid of dangerous new allies, he taps into the simmering tensions of the long, hot summer to challenge Batman in a high-stakes game of riddles, aiming to prove who is Gotham's true savior. As they confront each other, The Riddler and Batman will unearth dark secrets about Gotham’s past, with severe implications for 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 "Batman: Revolution," DC Comics continues to enrich the Burton-Verse. 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," serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.
For those interested in learning more about Burton's planned but unproduced third Batman film and other canceled DC projects, you can explore the story behind the DC movies that never made it to the screen.
