Michael Keaton’s return to the cape and cowl continues to captivate audiences decades after his 1989 debut, and a new announcement is set to expand the legacy even further.
Director Tim Burton’s take on the Dark Knight has become one of the most celebrated renditions of Batman, and while many fans hold his portrayal in the highest regard, his story never truly ended with the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns.
In fact, after the adventures of Batman (1989) and Batman Returns, DC Comics carried the mantle forward with “Batman ’89.” This six-issue series, along with its follow-up “Batman ’89: Echoes” (also spanning six issues), deepened the lore of Michael Keaton’s Batman.
Fans of the Burtonverse were further treated last year to John Jackson Miller’s brilliant novel, “Batman: Resurrection.” Set shortly after the events of the 1989 film, the book delves into Bruce Wayne’s struggle in the wake of Jack Napier/The Joker’s demise.
But Miller’s narrative doesn’t stop there. In some exciting news revealed by ComicBook.com, another follow-up novel titled “Batman: Revolution” is on the horizon. This time, The Riddler will take center stage as the main villain terrorizing Gotham.
This upcoming installment, scheduled for release on October 28, 2025, will be set between Batman (1989) and Batman Returns—after the events of “Batman: Resurrection.” The story is said to draw inspiration from Tim Burton’s long-abandoned third film, which eventually morphed into Batman Forever (1995).
Related: ‘Batman’ (1989) Turns 35, Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight Returns Opposite Iconic Joker
While that film cast Val Kilmer as Batman, Burton’s lost vision imagined Robin Williams taking on the role of The Riddler, though the “Batman ’89” comics instead reimagine Only Murders in the Building actor Martin Short stepping into the villain’s shoes.
Adding even more allure to the expanding narrative, Miller said in a statement,
“Both ‘Resurrection’ and ‘Revolution’ take place between Batman and Batman Returns, and I tried to write them both as if they came out then, too — drawing on characters who appeared in both films. You’ll see old favorites — and some new ones, which I again approached with an eye to Tim Burton’s tragi-comic aesthetic.”
Miller also emphasized the careful continuity between his works and the existing comics, noting, “Readers helped make ‘Resurrection’ a runaway success; they’re amply rewarded here, with a story whose roots we planted in the first book. ‘Batman ’89’ comics readers will also find that ‘Revolution’ coexists neatly with the two DC series, which are set later. All will be revealed in the super-hero novel adventure of the year!”
The expanding Burtonverse now brings together an impressive ensemble, including the likes of Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), James Gordon (Pat Hingle), and Harvey Dent/Two-Face (Billy Dee Williams) from the original films.
While many celebrated Michael Keaton’s iconic portrayal, his legacy recently received an additional boost in the DC Extended Universe film The Flash (2023), where he reappeared in a Multiversal romp—an unexpected and nostalgic treat for longtime fans.
As anticipation for “Batman: Revolution” builds, fans can dive into the story synopsis on the official Penguin Random House page and pre-order a copy via Amazon.
Are you excited to witness more of Michael Keaton’s Batman in these new adventures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
