"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 us by Penguin Random House, this novel will introduce the Burton-Verse's rendition of The Riddler. Fans can now preorder "Batman: Revolution" on Amazon, eagerly awaiting its arrival.

As reported by ComicBook.com, "Revolution" follows up on the 2024 novel "Batman: Resurrection," also written by Miller. Both novels are set in the timeline between the 1989 "Batman" and 1992's "Batman Returns." "Revolution" takes its cues from Burton's never-realized third Batman film, which at one point was slated to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

Here's the official synopsis of "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.*

Mark your calendars for October 28, 2025, when "Batman: Revolution" hits the shelves. Secure your copy by preordering on Amazon today.

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

11 Images

DC Comics continues to enrich the Burton-Verse with more than just novels. They've released "Batman '89," a sequel to "Batman 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 published two volumes of "Superman '78," which serve as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For a deeper dive into Burton's vision for a third Batman film and other DC movies that never saw the light of day, explore our feature on DC movies that failed to launch.