More than three decades after Batman Returns left theaters, Tim Burton’s version of Gotham City remains one of the most iconic interpretations of the Dark Knight. Its influence—not just visually, but tonally—continues to permeate new stories, from the Batman ’89 comic series to Michael Keaton’s return in The Flash. Now, author John Jackson Miller is once again venturing into this gothic universe with the release of Batman: Revolution, a new novel following his 2023 prequel Batman: Resurrection.
Set between Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), Miller’s first novel bridged the narrative gap left unexplored by the films—dropping Batman into a tense confrontation with Clayface and a secret villain still not publicly revealed. With Revolution, Miller continues the story in what he says is his longest novel to date, expanding Burton’s snow-globe-like Gotham into something even more immersive, dangerous, and psychologically rich.
A Story Shaped by Burton’s Vision
Miller emphasizes that writing within the Burtonverse means approaching Batman—and Gotham City—through a very particular lens. Burton’s world is darker, more claustrophobic, and more theatrically somber than many later interpretations. “We never leave Gotham City,” Miller explained of both Burton’s films and his own books. “It’s almost isolating, like living inside a snow globe.”
That tone also shapes Bruce Wayne himself. Unlike the aloof playboy of the Nolan films or the grizzled tactician of the Snyderverse, Keaton’s Bruce Wayne is a civic-minded figure—present at fundraisers, political events, and community gatherings. He’s withdrawn, certainly, but also wry, observant, and quietly engaged with the city he protects. Miller leans heavily into that characterization, focusing on Bruce’s inner voice in ways the films never could.
Because novels provide more insight into Batman’s thoughts, Miller crafted a narrative style that remains brooding and terse while still giving readers access to his thought process. That deeper perspective allows Revolution to explore the mechanics of being Batman—how his tools evolve, how his strategies shift, and how the sheer scale of Gotham’s darkness pushes him to reconsider whether he can continue working alone.
A Growing Rogues Gallery—and a Rising Riddler
Revolution brings back the Riddler-like figure first introduced in Resurrection, a character who styles himself as the world’s greatest detective and sees Batman as both rival and muse. Their escalating conflict promises not only cerebral tension but also explosive consequences, with Miller teasing that their “interactions… change both of their lives in a way that is going to do a lot of property damage to the city.”
The Riddler isn’t the only villain on the stage, however. Miller confirms that several new rogues appear, though he remains secretive about their identities. His guiding question for every addition remains the same: Would this character feel natural in a 1990 Burton-directed Batman movie? Authenticity to that era—its tone, its visuals, its character dynamics—is the cornerstone of the novel’s design.
Support From Burtonverse Legends
Miller’s work has earned enthusiastic support from key figures of the original films. Executive producer Michael Uslan, whose involvement helped shape the 1989 classic, has been eager to read each manuscript. Screenwriter Sam Hamm, who co-wrote Batman (1989) and co-developed the Batman ’89 comics, also reached out with praise.
These creators’ encouragement affirms what fans have known since Resurrection: Miller’s novels are quickly becoming a beloved extension of the Burton Batman legacy.
Available Now
Batman: Revolution is now available in print, digital, and audio formats, offering fans a deeper journey into a Gotham City that remains as haunting—and compelling—as ever. For readers hungry for more time in the Burtonverse, this novel promises puzzles, psychological intrigue, new villains, and a Gotham on the brink.
