Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash brought his iconic portrayal back into the spotlight, albeit briefly within the DCEU. Yet, the Burton-Verse continues to expand through new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the upcoming Batman: Revolution. This growth makes navigating the entire Burton-Verse a complex endeavor, but we're here to guide you through it. Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.
For a broader look at the Batman franchise, don't forget to check out our complete guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse currently encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include the films Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023), along with the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes.
Note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll delve into the reasons for this later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman
While Burton's Batman movies can be streamed on Max and the Batman '89 comics are available on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can enhance your collection. Here are some options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
$90.00 save 28% - $64.99 at Amazon
Batman '89
Batman '89
$24.99 save 39% - $15.27 at Amazon
Batman '89: Echoes
Batman '89: Echoes
$24.99 save 10% - $22.49 at Amazon
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15 - Batman: Resurrection
After The Joker's death, Batman and Gotham City face a mysterious new threat in this direct sequel to Tim Burton's iconic Batman.
$30.00 save 8% - $27.49 at Amazon
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Out October 28 - Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
$30.00 save 10% - $27.00 at Amazon
Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order
Each blurb provides a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains featured in the respective film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the groundbreaking film that launched the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight, early in his career, faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The movie sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the demand for darker, more mature superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel picks up after the first movie, with Batman contending with the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It bridges the gap to Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the end of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller returns with another novel set between Batman and Batman Returns. This story introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor turned criminal mastermind who targets Gotham's wealthy elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton reunite for this sequel, set a few years after the original. Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to Batman Forever without Burton or Keaton.
5. Batman '89 (2021)
This six-issue comic serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it draws from Burton's unmade third Batman film. It features Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face, introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, and brings back Catwoman.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery
11 Images
This comic continues the Burton-Verse narrative, acting as a potential fourth movie. Three years after Batman '89, Keaton's Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
Every Character in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover
23 Images
While not essential for casual fans, this crossover event features Robert Wuhl reprising his role as Alexander Knox on Earth-89, adding a brief Burton-Verse cameo.
8. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash offers closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is pulled out of retirement to help Barry Allen combat the threat of General Zod, marking a poignant return for Keaton.
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?
Originally considered sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged significantly in tone and style without Burton or Keaton's involvement. Despite some continuity through characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred, these films are now seen as part of a separate DC Universe. The Batman '89 comics have since become the canonical sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey leading up to The Flash.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton's Batman was initially set for a more extensive role in the DCEU. An earlier version of The Flash had Batman and Supergirl transitioning into the restored DCEU, setting the stage for the Batgirl movie. Keaton reprised his role in Batgirl, acting as a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also involved. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. canceled Batgirl during post-production as a tax writeoff, shifting focus to James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DCU. This decision likely marked Keaton's final Batman performance, leaving fans without a chance to see it.
For insights into the future of DC movies, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and stay updated on every DC movie and series in development.
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