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

Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe is set to expand with the release of a thrilling new novel titled Batman: Revolution. Penned by acclaimed author John Jackson Miller and brought to readers by Penguin Random House, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's interpretation of The Riddler. Fans can now preorder their copy on Amazon, eagerly awaiting its release.

As reported by ComicBook.com, Batman: Revolution is a sequel to the 2024 novel Batman: Resurrection, also written by Miller. Set in the intriguing timeline between the events of the 1989 Batman film and 1992's Batman Returns, the new book draws heavily from Burton's unrealized vision for a third Batman movie, which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

Image Credit: Penguin Random House

Here is 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. Enthusiasts can secure their copy by preordering on Amazon.

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

11 Images

In addition to the novel, DC Comics continues to enrich the Burton-Verse. They released Batman '89, a comic series that follows up on Batman Returns, featuring characters inspired by Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face and Marlon Wayans' Robin. The sequel, Batman '89: Echoes, introduces a Jeff Goldblum-inspired Scarecrow and a Madonna-inspired Harley Quinn. Furthermore, DC has published two volumes of Superman '78, which continue the adventures from the Christopher Reeve Superman films.

For those interested in exploring more about Burton's unmade Batman 3 and other DC projects that never saw the light of day, check out the list of DC movies that failed to launch.