New Batman Novel Finally Imagines Tim Burton’s Riddler — Read the Riddle That Stuns Gotham
John Jackson Miller’s new novel Batman: Revolution continues his tie-ins to Tim Burton’s Batman films and includes an excerpt that reintroduces Max Shreck and a Riddler-style puzzle. The book is billed as a follow-up to Miller’s Batman: Resurrection and is due in stores on Oct. 21.
- New novel: Batman: Revolution, by John Jackson Miller, set after Burton’s 1989 Batman.
- Exclusive excerpt: An early scene centers on Max Shreck and a public reveal that is interrupted by a riddle.
- Publication: Batman: Revolution is published Oct. 21 and is available for pre-order.
- Context: Rumors about a third Tim Burton Batman movie have circulated for years; one overview of those rumors ran at NoFilmSchool.
About the book and the author
Batman: Revolution is written by John Jackson Miller. It follows Batman: Resurrection, Miller’s previous Burtonverse novel, and continues events in the timeline that begins with Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film.
According to publisher information, Revolution introduces a Riddler-like antagonist and develops Gotham characters that appear in Burton’s films. The book is scheduled for release on Oct. 21 and can be pre-ordered through the publisher’s page.
The excerpt: Max Shreck’s unveiling
The published excerpt centers on a staged civic event where Max Shreck reveals a historic family letter and a statue dedication. The scene builds to a reveal that a message has been painted on the protective glass of the displayed letter.
The excerpt opens with Shreck thinking, “I am this city’s deep, twisted soul…” and goes on to describe his speech to city notables about Konrad Straub, a Revolutionary War figure whose story Shreck claims connects to his family. During the event, the display case is uncovered and a message appears on the glass.
The riddle and the response
The glass on the display case is painted with a short riddle in green letters. The excerpt preserves the wording exactly as it appears:
WHY DON’T PEOPLE MINE FOR STEEL
After the message causes confusion, Bruce Wayne quietly offers the answer: “Because it’s forged.” The quote appears verbatim in the excerpt and prompts an immediate reaction from the crowd and the reporters in attendance.
Where to read the excerpt and buy the book
The excerpt was released ahead of the novel’s publication and appears in advance coverage tied to the book’s promotional materials. For readers who want to buy the novel, the publisher’s pre-order page lists formats and retail options; the book is available for pre-order.
Background: the Burtonverse and long-running rumors
Rumors about a hypothetical third Tim Burton Batman movie and potential casting choices have circulated for decades. Reporting and retrospectives have noted those rumors and explored what a Burton-led sequel might have included; an example overview can be read at NoFilmSchool.
Meanwhile, Miller’s work aims to fill narrative gaps tied to Burton’s version of Gotham by extending characters and plot threads from the 1989 film into novel form.
