Burton's Riddler Revealed for Batman Sequel

Tim Burton's Batman universe grows once more with the upcoming novel, Batman: Resurrection. Authored by John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, the book will debut the Burton-Verse incarnation of The Riddler. Preorders are now open on Amazon.

As reported by ComicBook.com, Revolution serves as a sequel to the 2024 release Batman: Resurrection, also written by Miller. Set between the timelines of 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns, the new story draws inspiration from Burton's unrealized third Batman film, which was once set to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.

Here is the official synopsis for Batman: Revolution:

Summer has arrived in Gotham City, bringing reason to celebrate. The lingering traces of The Joker's toxic influence have finally dissipated, just as the mayor joins forces with retail tycoon Max Shreck to host an unforgettable Fourth of July event. But not all is well. Batman remains ever watchful as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals intensify. Meanwhile, public protests surge against the city's extravagant displays of wealth.

Caught between Gotham's hopes and anxieties is Norman Pinkus. A lowly copy boy at The Gotham Globe, he is the anonymous creator behind the newspaper's wildly popular Riddle Me This puzzles. Norman hides a secret: he is the most brilliant mind in Gotham, using his exceptional intellect to solve crimes incognito through the police tip line—often before Batman is even aware a crime has occurred.

Though Norman seeks neither fame nor riches, he holds onto his faith in Gotham's promise and the pursuit of justice—until that faith shatters. Unseen and overlooked, he watches as the city and its leaders repeatedly turn their eyes skyward, fixated on Batman. Disheartened and unappreciated, Norman hatches a plan: with the aid of dangerous new allies, he stokes the city's rising tensions during a long, hot summer, forcing the Caped Crusader into a volatile battle of wits to determine Gotham's true protector. As the two clash, Norman—now known as The Riddler—and Batman uncover buried truths about Gotham's past, with grave implications for its future.

Batman: Revolution arrives on October 28, 2025. Preorder your copy now on Amazon.

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

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Not to be left behind, DC Comics continues to expand the Burton-Verse. They released Batman '89, a follow-up to Returns starring a Two-Face modeled after Billy Dee Williams and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. This was followed by Batman '89: Echoes, introducing a Scarecrow based on Jeff Goldblum and a Harley Quinn reminiscent of Madonna. DC has also released two volumes of Superman '78, serving as continuations of the Christopher Reeve Superman film series.

For more on Burton's canceled Batman 3 and other shelved DC projects, explore the abandoned DC movie concepts that never made it to the screen.