Tim Burton's iconic Batman universe continues to expand, this time with a new novel, Batman: Revolution. Penned by John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, this thrilling installment introduces the Burton-Verse's interpretation of The Riddler. Available for pre-order now on Amazon, Revolution promises a captivating journey.
As a sequel to 2024's Batman: Resurrection (also by Miller), Revolution is set between the events of 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns. Drawing inspiration from Burton's unrealized third Batman film—which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler—this novel delves into uncharted territory.
Here's the official synopsis for Batman: Revolution:
It’s summer in Gotham, and a city-wide celebration is underway. The lingering effects of The Joker’s reign of terror have finally subsided, paving the way for a grand Fourth of July spectacle orchestrated by the mayor and retail magnate Max Shreck. However, beneath the surface of festive cheer, shadows lurk. Batman remains vigilant as escalating threats from rival gangs and masked criminals plague the city. Meanwhile, widespread protests erupt against Gotham's extravagant displays of wealth.
At the heart of this simmering tension is Norman Pinkus, a humble copy boy at the Gotham Globe and the anonymous creator of the newspaper's wildly popular "Riddle Me This" word puzzles. Unknown to all, Norman possesses a hidden brilliance: he’s the smartest man in Gotham, silently solving crimes through the police tip line—often before Batman even knows they've occurred.
Despite his intellectual prowess, Norman remains unappreciated and unnoticed. As he witnesses the city's leaders and citizens fixate on Batman, a sense of disillusionment sets in. Driven by frustration and a desire to prove his worth, Norman devises a daring plan. With the aid of dangerous new allies, he exploits the city's simmering unrest, drawing the Dark Knight into a perilous game of riddles to determine Gotham's true savior. In their clash, Norman—now revealed as The Riddler—and Batman will unearth long-buried secrets about Gotham's past, secrets with potentially devastating consequences for its future.
Batman: Revolution will be released on October 28, 2025. Pre-order your copy on Amazon today.
Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery
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DC Comics has also been actively expanding the Burton-Verse, publishing Batman '89 (a sequel to Returns featuring a Billy Dee Williams-inspired Two-Face and a Marlon Wayans-inspired Robin), followed by Batman '89: Echoes (introducing a Jeff Goldblum-inspired Scarecrow and a Madonna-inspired Harley Quinn). Additionally, two volumes of Superman '78, serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films, have been released.
For more on Burton's Batman 3 and other canceled DC projects, explore the fascinating world of DC movies that never made it to the big screen.
