Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong even decades after his last Batman film. With Michael Keaton reprising his role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, the Burton-Verse continues to grow through new comic books and novels, such as the forthcoming Batman: Revolution. Navigating the expansive Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.
You can also explore our full guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Currently, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe, including three films, two novels, and two comics. These are:
- Films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023)
- Novels: Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution
- Comics: Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes
It's important to note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe, and we'll discuss why later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman
While you can stream Burton's Batman movies on Max and read the Batman '89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be rewarding. Here are some purchasing options:
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 film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
The original film that kicked off the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Batman faces Jack Nicholson's Joker, sparking a wave of "Bat-Mania" and setting a new standard for darker, more mature superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman tackling the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It also bridges the narrative gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the end of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus who turns to crime, set between the events of Batman and Batman Returns.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton return in this sequel, where Batman battles Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to Batman Forever.
5. Batman '89 (2021)
A direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. This comic, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, follows Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face and introduces a Robin modeled after Marlon Wayans. Catwoman also returns.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
This comic continues three years after Batman '89. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn, acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton film.
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provides closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn out of retirement to face General Zod alongside The Flash.
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?
Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, but without Burton or Keaton, they diverged significantly in tone and quality. With The Flash, DC now considers these films part of a separate universe, with the Batman '89 comics serving as the official sequels to Batman Returns.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU, including in the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. However, Warner Bros. canceled the film for a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.
For more on DC's future, discover why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and explore every DC movie and series in development.
