Credit: DC / Warner Bros.For a long time, it seemed that Tim Burton’s Batman universe, now dubbed the “Burtonverse,” had been long buried, never to be revisited or explored again unless through a storytelling device like the DC Multiverse. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Unbeknownst to many fans, Michael Keaton’s Batman has already returned. But we aren’t talking about DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films like the Multiversal adventure, The Flash (2023). Suddenly, the Burtonverse is made up of more than just the 1989 film and its sequel.
Beyond the screen, there are comic books and novels. Now, another addition has been announced: “Batman: Revolution,” which will see the return of Michael Keaton’s iconic Gotham vigilante and several other well-known characters from the two Tim Burton films.
So, with a new sequel on the horizon, let’s cast our eyes over the ever-expanding Burtonverse by looking at each installment, from films to comic books, in chronological order.
However, take note that the Joel Schumacher films, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), which starred Val Kilmer and George Clooney, respectively, are no longer considered sequels to Tim Burton’s two films and more standalone installments.
Every Official Burtonverse Installment Explained
Batman (1989)
The film that started it all, Tim Burton’s iconic 1989 caper introduced Michael Keaton’s Caped Crusader and a noir-ish, quasi-gothic Gotham City, while setting the benchmark for the unwaveringly popular dark and gritty superhero movie as we know it.
Bruce Wayne’s first outing in the Burtonverse sees him going up against Jack Nicholson’s Jack Napier/The Joker, a gangster with a penchant for theatrics who launches a terror campaign against Gotham after he becomes disfigured during a battle with the Dark Knight.
Related: Batman: Every Returning Version of the Dark Knight Explained
“Batman: Resurrection”
Set weeks after the events of the 1989 film, John Jackson Miller’s novel, “Batman: Resurrection,” finds Bruce Wayne dealing with the aftermath of The Joker’s chemical-weapon attack on the city, which has left hundreds of Gothamites either wounded or dead.
But while The Joker’s influence lingers, emerging from the chaos left behind by the Clown Prince of Gotham is Karlo Babić/Basil Karlo, a struggling stage actor and victim of Smylex who becomes Clayface, a reluctant villain who can change his appearance at will.
Related: Michael Keaton’s New ‘Batman’ (1989) Series Explained
“Batman: Revolution”
Miller’s second novel, “Batman: Revolution,” takes place several weeks after the events of “Resurrection,” this time set during a summer heatwave. It will feature The Riddler, a Gotham reporter whose real identity is Norman Pinkus, who appears in “Resurrection.”
However, Pinkus is the second version of The Riddler to occupy the Burtonverse, as the comic book series “Batman ’89” features the character Edward Nigel Maynard. “Batman: Revolution” takes place before the events of the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns.
Related: All Live-Action Batman Actors Ranked From Worst To Best
Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s Batman Returns brings back Michael Keaton, this time pitting him against Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin (Danny DeVito), a malformed crime boss who becomes a public hero after teaming up with corrupt industrialist Max Shreck (Christopher Walken).
Joining the ensemble of colorful characters is Selina Kyle, Shreck’s timid secretary whom he murders but comes back to life as the anti-hero, Catwoman. Returns marks Keaton’s final outing as Batman until he reprised his role in 2023’s unrelated DCEU film, The Flash.
Related: All 5 Ben Affleck’s Batman Movies Ranked From Worst To Best
“Batman ’89: Shadows”
From DC Comics, “Batman ’89” follows on from the events of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, and like Miller’s novels, brings back several familiar characters from the films, including Pat Hingle’s James Gordon and Michael Gough’s Alfred Pennyworth.
The first series, “Shadows,” deals with Gotham’s district attorney, Harvey Dent (played by Billy Dee Williams in the 1989 film), who eventually becomes Two-Face. The series also introduces Gotham City characters who don’t appear in the two films, like Batgirl and Robin.
“Batman ’89: Echoes”
“Echoes” is the second and latest installment in DC Comics’ “’89” series, following on from the events of “Shadows.” It also introduces characters who hadn’t been previously seen in the Burtonverse, such as Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
“Batman: Resurrection” and “Batman: Revolution” author John Jackson Miller recently confirmed in a statement about the upcoming novel that his two books, along with the “Batman ’89” comic series, are canon with one another and with Tim Burton’s films.
When Can I Read “Revolution”?
“Revolution” will be released in October. It will be available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. For more information, visit Penguin Random House.
“Resurrection” is available to purchase across all formats now.
Are you excited to be seeing more of Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight? Let us know in the comments down below!