Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to resonate even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton's iconic portrayal of Bruce Wayne was revisited in 2023's The Flash, bridging Burton's universe with the DCEU, albeit briefly. Moreover, the Burton-Verse is expanding further with new releases like the upcoming Batman: Revolution, showcasing the enduring appeal of Burton's unique take on the Dark Knight.
Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex due to its expansion into various media. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand how all the pieces fit together, from films to novels and comics.
For a broader look at the Batman franchise, you can also explore our detailed guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Currently, the Burton-Verse encompasses seven projects, including three films, two novels, and two comics. These include:
- Films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023)
- Novels: Batman: Resurrection and the forthcoming Batman: Revolution
- Comics: Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes
Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's universe, a point we'll delve into later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman
While Burton's Batman movies are available for streaming on Max and the Batman '89 comics can be accessed on DC Universe Infinite, purchasing physical copies can offer a more tangible experience. Here are some options for acquiring the Burton-Verse media:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
This collection includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. Originally priced at $90.00, it's now available for $64.99 at Amazon.
Batman '89
Batman '89
Priced at $24.99, this comic is currently on sale for $15.27 at Amazon.
Batman '89: Echoes
Batman '89: Echoes
Originally $24.99, it's now available for $22.49 at Amazon.
Batman: Resurrection
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15, this novel follows Batman as he confronts a new threat post-Joker's demise. Priced at $30.00, it's available for $27.49 at Amazon.
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Out October 28, this novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler. Originally $30.00, it's now on sale for $27.00 at Amazon.
Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order
Here's a chronological breakdown of the Burton-Verse, including plot overviews and key characters:
1. Batman (1989)
This film marks the beginning of Burton's Batman saga, featuring Michael Keaton's Batman battling Jack Nicholson's Joker amidst a wave of "Bat-Mania" that showcased the demand for darker superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
Set after the first film, this novel by John Jackson Miller explores Batman's confrontation with the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface, bridging the gap to Batman Returns.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a disgruntled newspaper copy editor who turns to crime, set between the events of the original Batman and Batman Returns.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
In this sequel, Batman faces off against Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham, marking the last collaboration between Burton and Keaton on the franchise.
5. Batman '89 (2021)
This comic acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, exploring Burton's unmade third Batman film's plot, featuring Two-Face, Robin, and the return of Catwoman.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
Continuing from Batman '89, this comic envisions a fourth Burton film, with Batman missing and Robin and Batgirl facing new threats from Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Flash (2023)
In The Flash, Keaton's Batman returns in a much older form, brought out of retirement by the Flash's time-travel antics and the looming threat of General Zod.
Tim Burton’s Batman Universe in Release Order
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman '89 (2021)
- The Flash (2023)
- Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
- Batman: Resurrection (2024)
- Batman: Revolution (2025)
How Do Batman Forever and Batman & Robin Fit In?
Initially considered sequels, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin have been officially separated from the Burton-Verse due to their distinct tone and lack of Burton or Keaton's involvement. The Batman '89 comics now serve as the canonical continuation of Keaton's Batman story.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton was set to reprise his role in the canceled Batgirl movie, which would have seen him mentoring a young Barbara Gordon. The film's cancellation as a tax write-off by Warner Bros. marked a significant shift in the studio's plans for the DC Universe.
For more insights into the future of DC movies, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman separate from the DCU and review every DC movie and series currently in development.
