Burtonverse's Riddler Joins Batman '89 Sequel: Revolution

Tim Burton's Batman universe continues to expand with Batman: Revolution, a new novel from author John Jackson Miller and Penguin Random House. This book introduces the Burton-verse's version of the Riddler, following up on Miller's 2024 novel, Batman: Resurrection. Both novels are set between the events of the 1989 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.

Here's the official synopsis for Batman: Revolution:

It’s summer in Gotham, and a city-wide celebration is planned, marking the end of the Joker's reign. However, beneath the surface of the festivities, simmering tensions and escalating crime threaten to disrupt the peace. Batman remains vigilant, facing challenges from rival gangs and masked criminals. Meanwhile, Norman Pinkus, a seemingly unremarkable copy boy at the Gotham Globe, secretly creates the newspaper's popular "Riddle Me This" puzzles. Unbeknownst to most, Norman possesses exceptional intellect, anonymously solving crimes for the police—often before Batman even arrives on the scene. Feeling overlooked and unappreciated, Norman orchestrates a scheme, using his skills and the city's unrest to challenge Batman in a game of riddles, aiming to prove himself Gotham's true savior. This clash will uncover hidden secrets about Gotham's past, with potentially devastating consequences for its future. As Norman transforms into The Riddler, his actions will reshape Gotham's destiny.

Batman: Revolution will be released on October 28, 2025. Pre-orders are available on Amazon.

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

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DC Comics has also expanded the Burton-verse with Batman '89, a sequel to Batman Returns featuring a Billy Dee Williams-inspired Two-Face and a Marlon Wayans-inspired Robin. This was followed by Batman '89: Echoes, introducing a Jeff Goldblum-inspired Scarecrow and a Madonna-inspired Harley Quinn. Furthermore, two volumes of Superman '78, serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films, have also been published.

For more on Burton's Batman 3 and other canceled DC projects, explore the list of DC movies that never made it to the big screen.