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Tim Burton’s Batman #2
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.
The Joker is dead, but not forgotten. Gotham City is saved, but it is still not safe. By night, its new symbol of hope, Batman, continues his fight to protect the innocent and the powerless. By day, his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, wonders whether there may someday be a future beyond skulking the city’s rooftops or the cavernous halls of his stately manor alongside the ever-dutiful Alfred Pennyworth.
But even after death, the Clown Prince of Crime’s imprint can be seen in more than just the pavement. Remnants from The Joker’s gang are leading wannabes fascinated by his bizarre mystique on a campaign of arson that threatens the city—even as it serves greedy opportunists, including millionaire Max Shreck. And survivors of exposure to The Joker’s chemical weapon Smylex continue to crowd Gotham City’s main hospital.
To quell the chaos, Batman needs more than his cape and his well-stocked Utility Belt. Bruce Wayne is forced into action, prompting a partnership with a charismatic scientist to help solve the health crisis. But as he works in both the shadows and the light, Bruce finds himself drawn deeper into Gotham City’s turmoil than ever before, fueling his obsession to save the city—an obsession that has already driven a wedge between him and Vicki Vale. The loyal Alfred, who had hoped Bruce’s efforts as Batman could help him find closure, finds the opposite happening. Nightmares begin to prompt Bruce to ask new questions about the climactic events in the cathedral, and investigations by Commissioner Gordon and reporter Alexander Knox into the arsons only amplify his concerns.
Having told the people of Gotham City that they’d earned a rest from crime, Batman finds the forces of evil growing ever more organized—and orchestrated—by a sinister hand behind the scenes. The World’s Greatest Detective must solve the greatest mystery of all: Could The Joker have somehow survived? And could he still have the last laugh against the people of Gotham City?
The Joker is dead, but not forgotten. Gotham City is saved, but it is still not safe. By night, its new symbol of hope, Batman, continues his fight to protect the innocent and the powerless. By day, his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, wonders whether there may someday be a future beyond skulking the city’s rooftops or the cavernous halls of his stately manor alongside the ever-dutiful Alfred Pennyworth.
But even after death, the Clown Prince of Crime’s imprint can be seen in more than just the pavement. Remnants from The Joker’s gang are leading wannabes fascinated by his bizarre mystique on a campaign of arson that threatens the city—even as it serves greedy opportunists, including millionaire Max Shreck. And survivors of exposure to The Joker’s chemical weapon Smylex continue to crowd Gotham City’s main hospital.
To quell the chaos, Batman needs more than his cape and his well-stocked Utility Belt. Bruce Wayne is forced into action, prompting a partnership with a charismatic scientist to help solve the health crisis. But as he works in both the shadows and the light, Bruce finds himself drawn deeper into Gotham City’s turmoil than ever before, fueling his obsession to save the city—an obsession that has already driven a wedge between him and Vicki Vale. The loyal Alfred, who had hoped Bruce’s efforts as Batman could help him find closure, finds the opposite happening. Nightmares begin to prompt Bruce to ask new questions about the climactic events in the cathedral, and investigations by Commissioner Gordon and reporter Alexander Knox into the arsons only amplify his concerns.
Having told the people of Gotham City that they’d earned a rest from crime, Batman finds the forces of evil growing ever more organized—and orchestrated—by a sinister hand behind the scenes. The World’s Greatest Detective must solve the greatest mystery of all: Could The Joker have somehow survived? And could he still have the last laugh against the people of Gotham City?
418 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2024
669 people are currently reading
6081 people want to read
About the author
John Jackson Miller
344 books986 followersNew York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller has spent a lifetime immersed in science fiction. His Star Trek novels include the Discovery – Die Standing, the acclaimed novel Discovery — The Enterprise War, the Prey trilogy, and Takedown. His Star Wars novels include A New Dawn, Kenobi, Knight Errant, Lost Tribe of the Sith, and the Knights of the Old Republic comics, available from Marvel as Legends: The Old Republic.
He’s written comics and prose for Halo, Iron Man, Simpsons, Conan, Planet of the Apes, and Mass Effect, with recent graphic novels for Battlestar Galactica, Dumbo, and The Lion King. Production notes on all his works can be found at his fiction site.
He is also a comics industry historian, specializing in studying comic-book circulation as presented on his website, Comichron.. He also coauthored the Standard Catalog of Comic Books series.
He’s written comics and prose for Halo, Iron Man, Simpsons, Conan, Planet of the Apes, and Mass Effect, with recent graphic novels for Battlestar Galactica, Dumbo, and The Lion King. Production notes on all his works can be found at his fiction site.
He is also a comics industry historian, specializing in studying comic-book circulation as presented on his website, Comichron.. He also coauthored the Standard Catalog of Comic Books series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
October 23, 2024
What an excellent book all around! Its a great tie-in book, a great Batman novel, a great crime thriller, a great fun read! John Jackson Miller has turned in just an all timer tie-in book here.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I enjoyed his Batman novel more than his Star Wars book that released this year!
If you have seen the 1989 Batman, you will be prepared for this book. It does an excellent job of setting the stage and also filling in any gaps you may have in your memory.
It also tells an excellent crime thriller story. It has an interesting mystery that I was pretty sure I knew the answer to, but I spent the whole book second guessing myself. Miller created enough doubt that it kept me wondering if maybe I was wrong.
The book deals with a form of PTSD, as well as the theme about moving on from tragedy. It also deals with some themes about living life by using the hand you've been dealt. I thought that in particular was the strongest of the themes present.
There's also some excellent humor in this book. A few moments had me chuckling out loud! The Drive Thru references were well placed!
In just about every way, this book really succeeded. I cannot believe that the book was published, but I am so happy it was. I think this was a pretty big risk on Random House Worlds' part and I believe it will absolutely pay off! And we're getting a sequel next year!
Overall, this is a terrific book! 9.3 out of 10! Really excellent storytelling here. Way to go John!
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I enjoyed his Batman novel more than his Star Wars book that released this year!
If you have seen the 1989 Batman, you will be prepared for this book. It does an excellent job of setting the stage and also filling in any gaps you may have in your memory.
It also tells an excellent crime thriller story. It has an interesting mystery that I was pretty sure I knew the answer to, but I spent the whole book second guessing myself. Miller created enough doubt that it kept me wondering if maybe I was wrong.
The book deals with a form of PTSD, as well as the theme about moving on from tragedy. It also deals with some themes about living life by using the hand you've been dealt. I thought that in particular was the strongest of the themes present.
There's also some excellent humor in this book. A few moments had me chuckling out loud! The Drive Thru references were well placed!
In just about every way, this book really succeeded. I cannot believe that the book was published, but I am so happy it was. I think this was a pretty big risk on Random House Worlds' part and I believe it will absolutely pay off! And we're getting a sequel next year!
Overall, this is a terrific book! 9.3 out of 10! Really excellent storytelling here. Way to go John!
December 20, 2024
The legacy of Nicholson's Joker looms large in this sequel to the 1989 film Batman
I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook even though the narrator didn't quite match my expectations bringing voice to characters I already knew so well from the movie.
Sorry Bruce just how I felt about it.
I can't really discuss the plot without giving away vital details but suffice to say Miller reaallllllly knew his source material, solving for certain movie plot holes I hadn't even realized were there while at the same time providing richer answers to questions like, "What happened to Vicki Vale?" than had previously been available. I'm not so sure so many efforts needed to be made to weave in characters and elements from Batman Returns as well but it didn't distract too much from the story the author was telling here.
Where you been, Vicki?
I think the book has been quite commercially successful, as these things go, so one imagines there may well be a sequel taking place in this period between the films, especially as
November 17, 2024
Funny thing about jokers, there’s two in every deck.
When Tim Burton’s Batman came out in the summer of 89’ I was caught up in bat-fever. I pestered my parents to take me to see it multiple times and watched it many times when the VHS came out, so the idea of a lost sequel, even in book form, peaked my interest.
The story itself was ok, I enjoyed it. It dealt with the aftermath of the joker’s smilex attack from the physical perspective of survivors suffering from a range of debilitating symptoms. Also the physiological aftermath that Bruce/ Batman faces.
The thing I wasn’t quite as keen on, that I could see a lot of people liking is the extent it goes to to link itself with the first and second movies by explaining the logistics of how events in the first film happened. It does a good job of weaving itself into the films but it makes it feel less like the films in the process (if that makes sense)
pretty fun but Nothing will ever match up to a movie you saw when you were 12.
When Tim Burton’s Batman came out in the summer of 89’ I was caught up in bat-fever. I pestered my parents to take me to see it multiple times and watched it many times when the VHS came out, so the idea of a lost sequel, even in book form, peaked my interest.
The story itself was ok, I enjoyed it. It dealt with the aftermath of the joker’s smilex attack from the physical perspective of survivors suffering from a range of debilitating symptoms. Also the physiological aftermath that Bruce/ Batman faces.
The thing I wasn’t quite as keen on, that I could see a lot of people liking is the extent it goes to to link itself with the first and second movies by explaining the logistics of how events in the first film happened. It does a good job of weaving itself into the films but it makes it feel less like the films in the process (if that makes sense)
pretty fun but Nothing will ever match up to a movie you saw when you were 12.
October 14, 2024
Batman Resurrection was written by bestselling author, John Jackson Miller. The book was published by Random House Worlds. This Novel is a direct sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 Batman.
This novel is hard to summarize while keeping it spoiler free... I've gotta say, I did a pretty fine job keeping this spoiler free. There is so much I'd like to talk about, but I really want you all to experience this book for yourselves.
SUMMARY
Months after the Joker's death, the streets of Gotham are still in recovery after Smylex, the solution the Joker and his goons used to terrorize the city, was unleashed. Many were killed by the chemical concoction that deformed faces, twisting cheeks upward into a heinous smile, and forced victims to laugh themselves to death. A man named Auslander, may hold the key to curing many victims.
Bruce Wayne is loosing sleep over his last encounter with The Joker. Something the Joker said to Batman before his fall from the Gotham City Cathedral is eating away at Bruce's mind. It seems that more and more questions arise as he recalls specific details leading up to the final fight.
A resurrection stuns Gotham City and Batman! The Joker's reign of terror continues, but how? Batman is pushed to his limit while fighting crime and doing his best to solve a great mystery that plagues the city and his own mind! Who will have the last laugh?
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Batman Resurrection is an absolute blast! A sequel story that ties up loose ends, a satisfying read from start to finish! I recommend this novel for anyone who was a fan of the 1989 film, Batman. John Jackson Miller does a fine job keeping the tone of the story consistent with the vision of Tim Burton's heroic vigilante. This tale is dark and mysterious, yet heroic and fun.
I love that characters from the film are present in this book. The author did such a good job keeping them true to how they were represented in the film, nailing their personalities and dialogue. New characters introduced are also very well written and move the story along in a thrilling direction.
I've never been excited to read a super hero novel, but because Batman (1989) is my favorite hero film... I got excited. I was thrilled to get direct sequel novel to that story. John Jackson Miller delivered an excellent Batman story that had me burning through the pages. I'm also thrilled that this is not the last of this Batman "canon," as there is more to come soon.
Do I recommend Batman Resurrection? Yes!
RATING
I give Batman Resurrection an A+.
This novel is hard to summarize while keeping it spoiler free... I've gotta say, I did a pretty fine job keeping this spoiler free. There is so much I'd like to talk about, but I really want you all to experience this book for yourselves.
SUMMARY
Months after the Joker's death, the streets of Gotham are still in recovery after Smylex, the solution the Joker and his goons used to terrorize the city, was unleashed. Many were killed by the chemical concoction that deformed faces, twisting cheeks upward into a heinous smile, and forced victims to laugh themselves to death. A man named Auslander, may hold the key to curing many victims.
Bruce Wayne is loosing sleep over his last encounter with The Joker. Something the Joker said to Batman before his fall from the Gotham City Cathedral is eating away at Bruce's mind. It seems that more and more questions arise as he recalls specific details leading up to the final fight.
A resurrection stuns Gotham City and Batman! The Joker's reign of terror continues, but how? Batman is pushed to his limit while fighting crime and doing his best to solve a great mystery that plagues the city and his own mind! Who will have the last laugh?
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Batman Resurrection is an absolute blast! A sequel story that ties up loose ends, a satisfying read from start to finish! I recommend this novel for anyone who was a fan of the 1989 film, Batman. John Jackson Miller does a fine job keeping the tone of the story consistent with the vision of Tim Burton's heroic vigilante. This tale is dark and mysterious, yet heroic and fun.
I love that characters from the film are present in this book. The author did such a good job keeping them true to how they were represented in the film, nailing their personalities and dialogue. New characters introduced are also very well written and move the story along in a thrilling direction.
I've never been excited to read a super hero novel, but because Batman (1989) is my favorite hero film... I got excited. I was thrilled to get direct sequel novel to that story. John Jackson Miller delivered an excellent Batman story that had me burning through the pages. I'm also thrilled that this is not the last of this Batman "canon," as there is more to come soon.
Do I recommend Batman Resurrection? Yes!
RATING
I give Batman Resurrection an A+.
October 5, 2024
4.25 rating! I was very surprised when I heard about this book as I'm a big Batman fan and John Jackson Miller is a favorite author! I think I always wondered what happened in between Batman and Batman Returns and now I know! This was a well written caper of a story with many ups and downs. I was getting antsy when the villian kept getting away with stuff but Batman came through as he always does. I hope more books like this are written because I really enjoyed this one!
July 20, 2025
Michael Keaton’s Batman is my favorite Batman. He is the GOAT. I have lost count of how many times I have seen the first and second Batman movies. When I saw the cover of this book from across the room, I was instantly excited. I did not care what it was about, I had to have it.
But…
I could see why that same cover could deter other readers from it. It gives the impression that it might be a screenplay or novelized version of the first movie. It is not. It tells the story of what happened after the first movie ended and the second one began.
The reader count is low on this one, and it should not be. This book is freaking awesome. I would recommend it to any fan of the 90s Batman movies or fans of anything Batman. It has a full cast of characters, and the writing style matches the energy of the movies it is written to be a part of. It features a hero with a dry sense of humor, a criminal who can’t resist the engineered public confession, and a collection of henchmen who share one brain cell.
“Things that frighten people are often hard to see logically.”
Do not be frightened. Be logical. Make this book your next read.
But…
I could see why that same cover could deter other readers from it. It gives the impression that it might be a screenplay or novelized version of the first movie. It is not. It tells the story of what happened after the first movie ended and the second one began.
The reader count is low on this one, and it should not be. This book is freaking awesome. I would recommend it to any fan of the 90s Batman movies or fans of anything Batman. It has a full cast of characters, and the writing style matches the energy of the movies it is written to be a part of. It features a hero with a dry sense of humor, a criminal who can’t resist the engineered public confession, and a collection of henchmen who share one brain cell.
“Things that frighten people are often hard to see logically.”
Do not be frightened. Be logical. Make this book your next read.
December 1, 2024
As long as I visualized this novel as a Tim Burton film, it was fine.
The 1989 caped crusader movie is iconic. Michael Keaton will always be Batman to me. So I was excited to read this book. (I had read Timothy Zahn's sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars movies and really enjoyed them, so this one was a no-brainer for me.) But problems came up for me very early on.
Batman works in movies and comics (as in this scene from Batman [1989])
Dark, thrilling, beautiful. But translating these images into prose sometimes doesn't work:
The expansion of the cape when he descended from a line served a practical purpose. Lightweight skeletal spokes in his cape went rigid, causing the assembly to expand like an umbrella, catching air and slowing his descent.
But I pressed on. This was Batman, after all.
However, the problems translating Batman to prose continued in this book as the author went into some detail about the contents of Batman's utility belt and how his systems worked, or were supposed to work. Then the author spent a lot of time trying to integrate characters from the first two Burton films into this story and before I knew it half the book was done and those 200 pages felt like a real slog to me.
Things picked up in the second half of Batman: Ressurection, marred only by
...maybe with a Bat-blimp, or something just as extravagantly silly...
like the Bat-Roost, a floating bat-shaped disk that had hand grips on the underside (which does provide a humorous sequence that I won't spoil) and the Alpha Bat which is just the Batcopter that can release large batarang drones (that one was pretty good).
In the end, it is Miller's treatment of the villains, especially in the original 1940s incarnations of those villains, that provide the real punch of the book. Returning characters, such as Vicki Vale and Alfie Knox, also provided some heart for the story. The climactic scene was kind of silly and had the feel of an Adam West Batman (don't get me wrong, I love Adam West. He was the best Bruce Wayne), but the whole was a solid timewaster. The villain of the next book was teased at the end, so I'm looking forward to Batman: Revolution in 2025.
The 1989 caped crusader movie is iconic. Michael Keaton will always be Batman to me. So I was excited to read this book. (I had read Timothy Zahn's sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars movies and really enjoyed them, so this one was a no-brainer for me.) But problems came up for me very early on.
Batman works in movies and comics (as in this scene from Batman [1989])
Dark, thrilling, beautiful. But translating these images into prose sometimes doesn't work:
The expansion of the cape when he descended from a line served a practical purpose. Lightweight skeletal spokes in his cape went rigid, causing the assembly to expand like an umbrella, catching air and slowing his descent.
But I pressed on. This was Batman, after all.
However, the problems translating Batman to prose continued in this book as the author went into some detail about the contents of Batman's utility belt and how his systems worked, or were supposed to work. Then the author spent a lot of time trying to integrate characters from the first two Burton films into this story and before I knew it half the book was done and those 200 pages felt like a real slog to me.
Things picked up in the second half of Batman: Ressurection, marred only by
...maybe with a Bat-blimp, or something just as extravagantly silly...
like the Bat-Roost, a floating bat-shaped disk that had hand grips on the underside (which does provide a humorous sequence that I won't spoil) and the Alpha Bat which is just the Batcopter that can release large batarang drones (that one was pretty good).
In the end, it is Miller's treatment of the villains, especially in the original 1940s incarnations of those villains, that provide the real punch of the book. Returning characters, such as Vicki Vale and Alfie Knox, also provided some heart for the story. The climactic scene was kind of silly and had the feel of an Adam West Batman (don't get me wrong, I love Adam West. He was the best Bruce Wayne), but the whole was a solid timewaster. The villain of the next book was teased at the end, so I'm looking forward to Batman: Revolution in 2025.
November 9, 2024
Gotham City is still reeling from the Smylex attack by the Joker and Batman is finding it hard to keep up with the increasing demands on his services from the GCPD. Vicki Vale has left Gotham, tired of Bruce's inability to leave his Batman identity behind. When some of the Joker's former henchmen begin to burn buildings at random, there appears to be no discernible pattern. But Batman becomes convinced that there is a new villain orchestrating the crime wave and that he must be stopped.
Well written, with a good feel not only for the characters of Batman and Bruce Wayne, but specifically a good feel for the Michael Keaton version from 'Batman' and 'Batman Returns'. Gotham City is still the dystopian Gothic nightmare of the Burton movies and the use of some of the wider villains from 'Batman's lineup is inspired, lending a level of insight and pathos to these characters that is rarely made explicit in the source comics.
Well written, with a good feel not only for the characters of Batman and Bruce Wayne, but specifically a good feel for the Michael Keaton version from 'Batman' and 'Batman Returns'. Gotham City is still the dystopian Gothic nightmare of the Burton movies and the use of some of the wider villains from 'Batman's lineup is inspired, lending a level of insight and pathos to these characters that is rarely made explicit in the source comics.
November 28, 2024
I love the idea of this book. A novelized sequel to Burton’s Batman 89. Written by John Jackson Miller who I’ve read a couple of his Star Wars books, so I was excited.
Overall this is pretty good. I gave it three stars, but it’s maybe closer to 3.5 stars. It has a solid story that brings in a few villains. There are several nods to not only Batman 89, but also Batman Returns. And it brings back several movie characters, a few I wasn’t expecting. The on page characterization of Bruce/Batman is nil. It’s hard to get Michael Keaton from it, but it was very subdued in the movie so that can be excused here. There are two adaptations of Batman villains here. I think one is pretty good, the other is different, and I’m on the fence whether I thought it was good or not. I’m leaning towards it’s good.
My main problem is this book runs really long. There’s a lot of plot. This is a novel, not a movie or an adaptation of a movie, so it requires extra plot and characters to keep our interest. But even still, this was pretty dense for a Batman 89 story. It had almost too much going on. I felt like the story should have been a bit more nimble, maybe a bit breezier. In many respects, though, that’s a good problem to have, I guess. It feels like what later movies in the franchise try to do when they shoehorn in like 3 villains and 4 subplots.
Anyway, as the story winds down, it sets up a few things coming up in the sequel next year. I’ll more than likely read the sequel if only to see how it leads into Batman Returns.
Overall this is pretty good. I gave it three stars, but it’s maybe closer to 3.5 stars. It has a solid story that brings in a few villains. There are several nods to not only Batman 89, but also Batman Returns. And it brings back several movie characters, a few I wasn’t expecting. The on page characterization of Bruce/Batman is nil. It’s hard to get Michael Keaton from it, but it was very subdued in the movie so that can be excused here. There are two adaptations of Batman villains here. I think one is pretty good, the other is different, and I’m on the fence whether I thought it was good or not. I’m leaning towards it’s good.
My main problem is this book runs really long. There’s a lot of plot. This is a novel, not a movie or an adaptation of a movie, so it requires extra plot and characters to keep our interest. But even still, this was pretty dense for a Batman 89 story. It had almost too much going on. I felt like the story should have been a bit more nimble, maybe a bit breezier. In many respects, though, that’s a good problem to have, I guess. It feels like what later movies in the franchise try to do when they shoehorn in like 3 villains and 4 subplots.
Anyway, as the story winds down, it sets up a few things coming up in the sequel next year. I’ll more than likely read the sequel if only to see how it leads into Batman Returns.
November 10, 2025
"Funny thing about Jokers. There's two in every deck."
When it comes to franchises involving superheroes, DC Comics' Batman is my number one favorite, so it was a no brainer to have this book and its sequel shelved on my tbr shelf.
Set in Tim Burton's Gotham City, John Jackson Miller's Batman: Resurrection invites the reader to discover how the city is recovering after the Joker's mayhem. Thanks to Bruce Wayne, Gotham General Hospital has opened a new ward to help treat victims of the Joker's Smylex, but not everything is as it seems.
Let me start off by saying I LOVE THIS BOOK.
It was so incredibly good, and it has left me wanting more. I want more Batman books like this. Don't get me wrong; I still want comics, especially ones created and illustrated by my favorites, but there is just something so incredibly special when it is a novel.
It was a joy to see familiar faces from the Batman universe, especially the ones who never officially made it into Burton's films. (At least, I don't think they ever did.) For those well-versed in Batman lore, you may have an easier time identifying key figures ().
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book. Even when I felt like I had the answer, or answers, there were still moments that made me second guess myself.
The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron, was very well done. I loved being able to listen to it as I followed along with my physical copy. In my opinion, Damron did a really great job when it came to the voices of the characters.
My only mistake was not rewatching the 1989 movie and its sequel before starting the book as there were a few faces I had forgotten about. That said, it was not enough to hinder my experience. If anything, I feel like Batman: Resurrection has given me a newfound appreciation for Tim Burton's Batman.
In the end, Batman: Resurrection proved itself to be a captivating, thrilling story all around and has me excited to its sequel, Batman: Revolution!
When it comes to franchises involving superheroes, DC Comics' Batman is my number one favorite, so it was a no brainer to have this book and its sequel shelved on my tbr shelf.
Set in Tim Burton's Gotham City, John Jackson Miller's Batman: Resurrection invites the reader to discover how the city is recovering after the Joker's mayhem. Thanks to Bruce Wayne, Gotham General Hospital has opened a new ward to help treat victims of the Joker's Smylex, but not everything is as it seems.
Let me start off by saying I LOVE THIS BOOK.
It was so incredibly good, and it has left me wanting more. I want more Batman books like this. Don't get me wrong; I still want comics, especially ones created and illustrated by my favorites, but there is just something so incredibly special when it is a novel.
It was a joy to see familiar faces from the Batman universe, especially the ones who never officially made it into Burton's films. (At least, I don't think they ever did.) For those well-versed in Batman lore, you may have an easier time identifying key figures ().
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book. Even when I felt like I had the answer, or answers, there were still moments that made me second guess myself.
The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron, was very well done. I loved being able to listen to it as I followed along with my physical copy. In my opinion, Damron did a really great job when it came to the voices of the characters.
My only mistake was not rewatching the 1989 movie and its sequel before starting the book as there were a few faces I had forgotten about. That said, it was not enough to hinder my experience. If anything, I feel like Batman: Resurrection has given me a newfound appreciation for Tim Burton's Batman.
In the end, Batman: Resurrection proved itself to be a captivating, thrilling story all around and has me excited to its sequel, Batman: Revolution!
August 31, 2024
Purchased an ARC because I was so excited for this book, I couldn’t wait! Excellent addition to the Burton timeline, I’m looking forward to Batman: Revolution and seeing where it fits in the series. Hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to grab that ARC next time around.
JJM does a fantastic job of making this novel feel like a proper follow up, including resolving some unanswered questions with the original film. I can easily picture returning characters in my mind, they are all written so well. They picked the perfect author, his love for the films shines through.
JJM does a fantastic job of making this novel feel like a proper follow up, including resolving some unanswered questions with the original film. I can easily picture returning characters in my mind, they are all written so well. They picked the perfect author, his love for the films shines through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Taking place after the 1989 Batman movie, Gotham is still recovering from The Joker's fiendish plans. When an aspiring actor, calling himself Basil Karlo, is affected by lingering Smylex chemicals in stage make up, he finds himself in a special recovery ward, his features permanently altered, under the care of the strange Dr. Auslander. But under the guise of trying to cure those hit with Smylex, Auslander has nefarious plans, and using Karlo to enact them is his priority.
The story brings back numerous characters from the film, including Knox and Lawrence
as well as introducing characters from the second film like Max Schreck and Selina Kyle.
It also introduces Batman villains who never made it to the movies, mainly Clayface.
Storytelling-wise, there wasn't anything inherently wrong with the book. It had a very layered and nuanced plot, the likes of which you might see in modern day Batman comics. But, considering the world it was set in, the plot felt rather too sophisticated and enveloping in its scope, and eventually made the book feel like it was just dragging on too far. My previous experience with Miller's writing was in his Lost Tribe of the Sith stories from Star Wars, and I'm pretty sure I felt the same way with those books, that it just went too deep and too long. I didn't not enjoy the book, it was an interesting take on the Tim Burton Batman universe, I just became fatigued with the story the longer it went on. 3.5 rounded down to 3*
The story brings back numerous characters from the film, including Knox and Lawrence
as well as introducing characters from the second film like Max Schreck and Selina Kyle.
It also introduces Batman villains who never made it to the movies, mainly Clayface.
Storytelling-wise, there wasn't anything inherently wrong with the book. It had a very layered and nuanced plot, the likes of which you might see in modern day Batman comics. But, considering the world it was set in, the plot felt rather too sophisticated and enveloping in its scope, and eventually made the book feel like it was just dragging on too far. My previous experience with Miller's writing was in his Lost Tribe of the Sith stories from Star Wars, and I'm pretty sure I felt the same way with those books, that it just went too deep and too long. I didn't not enjoy the book, it was an interesting take on the Tim Burton Batman universe, I just became fatigued with the story the longer it went on. 3.5 rounded down to 3*
August 2, 2025
I loved this so much. I loved that it was an entirely new work that felt familiar, perfectly inserted into Gotham. I loved the twists and turns, as we learn things alongside Batman. All of the characters were excellent, so dynamic and creative. And even though it’s been years since I’ve seen Tim Burton’s Batman, I felt like I didn’t miss a thing.
Also - and this is mostly unrelated to the book - I loved that this was set in 1989. The characters rely on landlines, one guy keeps getting messages via cassette tapes in boomboxes, and even some of Batman’s tech seems out of date compared to what tech is available now. I loved the throwback feeling of this. It definitely felt like late 80s grit.
Also - and this is mostly unrelated to the book - I loved that this was set in 1989. The characters rely on landlines, one guy keeps getting messages via cassette tapes in boomboxes, and even some of Batman’s tech seems out of date compared to what tech is available now. I loved the throwback feeling of this. It definitely felt like late 80s grit.
November 3, 2024
I am giving this one 4.5 stars. I thought this was really good but just a tad cheesy at times, but not too much. This was very nostalgic for me because Tim Burton’s “Batman” came out when I was a kid and has to be my favorite version of him. I really hope to see more installments of this and would also like to read more by John Jackson Miller.
Great job and anyone else who is a fan, I definitely recommend reading this book.
Great job and anyone else who is a fan, I definitely recommend reading this book.
January 6, 2025
4.5 Great thriller/mystery but it was Batman v Joker so it gets the extra half
August 7, 2025
I won’t say that my Bat-nostalgia didn’t have a lot to do with my enjoyment of this novel, but it was also an incredibly fun return to the world of Gotham filled with fun Easter Eggs, answered questions and Burton-esque takes on classic villains and storylines.
February 10, 2025
I've read a few other books by John Jackson Miller and I thought they were good, but in my opinion, Batman Resurrection did not hold up. I liked how the characters were written, but everything else did not hold up. I could see the late Michael Gough, reprising his role as Alfred, Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale, but the story, the new characters, the action, were all weak and uninteresting.
November 21, 2024
Wow. This is the true sequel to Batman 89. This perfectly encapsulates the Tim Burton gothic world and the Michael Keaton characterization of Batman. The story was compelling and the characters were great. AMAZING plot twists and turns and honors the legacy of how iconic Batman 89 is. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 7, 2025
Excellent sequel to the 1989 Tim Burton Batman film. Set six months after The Joker falls off Gotham Cathedral. The story cleverly unveils new '89 Universe Batman villains. Voice over on the audio book is fantastic as the narrator takes on a multitude of characters. In time this Batman story deserves to go down in the upper echelon of great Batman stories. I'm so glad Penguin decided after all of these years to give Batman '89 a sequel and a well written one.
April 18, 2025
“Strange death I did foil, as The Victor pen’d. Some day we’ll meet, our rivalry to end.”
November 24, 2025
Good book! Not my favorite ending. The conclusion of the story was too easy and quick.
September 21, 2025
Unintentionally finished this on Batman Day. Definitely could’ve found a better way to celebrate the day.
April 26, 2025
John Jackson Miller is the master of tie-in media!
June 15, 2025
A faithful adaptation that seamlessly integrates into the Burton continuity.
The book does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the state of Gotham City, so whether you haven't seen the film in years (like myself) or haven't seen it at all, you'll easily find your footing and follow along.
For me, Basil Karlo was the standout character. He perfectly embodies the morally grey villain-turned-good archetype I often enjoy, and he was written exceptionally well from start to finish. In fact, for the entire first act, the narrative felt more like his story than Bruce Wayne's, which was a welcome surprise.
However, the book ultimately dragged on too long for my liking. This became particularly noticeable when Hugo Strange effectively took over as the main character for the final third of the story. At this point, my interest began to wane (no pun intended), and the narrative started to feel less like a Batman book and more like a book with Batman simply in it.
My other main point of contention was the use of the deceased Joker as a tool for plot progression. He very clearly died in the first movie, so any suggestions that he could still be alive for the purposes of the plot felt disappointing and somewhat undermined the established continuity.
Overall, Batman: Resurrection provides an immersive return to the Burtonverse with some compelling character work, especially with Basil Karlo. However, its extended length, shift in narrative focus, and questionable plot devices ultimately held it back from being a more engaging experience.
The book does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the state of Gotham City, so whether you haven't seen the film in years (like myself) or haven't seen it at all, you'll easily find your footing and follow along.
For me, Basil Karlo was the standout character. He perfectly embodies the morally grey villain-turned-good archetype I often enjoy, and he was written exceptionally well from start to finish. In fact, for the entire first act, the narrative felt more like his story than Bruce Wayne's, which was a welcome surprise.
However, the book ultimately dragged on too long for my liking. This became particularly noticeable when Hugo Strange effectively took over as the main character for the final third of the story. At this point, my interest began to wane (no pun intended), and the narrative started to feel less like a Batman book and more like a book with Batman simply in it.
My other main point of contention was the use of the deceased Joker as a tool for plot progression. He very clearly died in the first movie, so any suggestions that he could still be alive for the purposes of the plot felt disappointing and somewhat undermined the established continuity.
Overall, Batman: Resurrection provides an immersive return to the Burtonverse with some compelling character work, especially with Basil Karlo. However, its extended length, shift in narrative focus, and questionable plot devices ultimately held it back from being a more engaging experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
It is sad to say but this just might be the biggest disappointment of the year for me. The book was a slog to get through and the story was bland, repetitive, and uninteresting. But the worst thing was that none of the characters were given justice.
January 13, 2025
**1/2
I went into this book excited and anticipating new surprises and revelations regarding old information. Right at the beginning of the book, Batman is pondering how the Joker's three henchmen got up on that cathedral in the last act of the classic Tim Burton film. Why were they up already, and did the Joker know he'd be up the top of that cathedral, in need of their help by the end of the night? Holy cow! I thought, this never occurred to me--but why WERE those guys up there?
Batman further ponders: why did the Joker say he was only a kid when he killed Bruce Wayne's parents? Did the Joker know who Batman's parents were? Was he just saying that 'cause he'd killed so many people in his youth, that he just assumed?
These questions bounce around in the Batman's mind for the duration of "Batman: Resurrection," but when the answers finally come, they are, to say the least, unsatisfactory, ultimately adding up to, "Guess we'll never know!"
The book introduces Clayface to the Tim Burton Batman Universe; he's a pretty intriguing character, a stage actor overcome with jealousy and anger, who ends up deranged and mutated after an encounter with the Joker's laughing gas. I like this part of the story, the clean-up of Gotham post-Joker, and the details we get on the effects of the laughing gas and how this impacts the citizens of Gotham as well as the criminals.
The early scenes with Batman going after remnants of the Joker's gang are good. And Clayface seems like he might be a reasonable villain for the Dark Knight to go after.
But man, things just die, not even halfway into this book. I respect author John Jackson Miller's attempt to get back to the detective aspect of the Batman character, but it's just not a very compelling detective story. And as mentioned above, we never get satisfactory answers to those questions Batman is going over and over, at the beginning.
I appreciate the references to both of Tim Burton's "Batman" films. There's a lot here for major fans of those movies; Selina Kyle shows up in a cameo, as does her villainous boss, whom we know from the second film. But ultimately that's all I got from the novel, references and call-backs to the movies I love, and a story that does neither Burton film justice.
I went into this book excited and anticipating new surprises and revelations regarding old information. Right at the beginning of the book, Batman is pondering how the Joker's three henchmen got up on that cathedral in the last act of the classic Tim Burton film. Why were they up already, and did the Joker know he'd be up the top of that cathedral, in need of their help by the end of the night? Holy cow! I thought, this never occurred to me--but why WERE those guys up there?
Batman further ponders: why did the Joker say he was only a kid when he killed Bruce Wayne's parents? Did the Joker know who Batman's parents were? Was he just saying that 'cause he'd killed so many people in his youth, that he just assumed?
These questions bounce around in the Batman's mind for the duration of "Batman: Resurrection," but when the answers finally come, they are, to say the least, unsatisfactory, ultimately adding up to, "Guess we'll never know!"
The book introduces Clayface to the Tim Burton Batman Universe; he's a pretty intriguing character, a stage actor overcome with jealousy and anger, who ends up deranged and mutated after an encounter with the Joker's laughing gas. I like this part of the story, the clean-up of Gotham post-Joker, and the details we get on the effects of the laughing gas and how this impacts the citizens of Gotham as well as the criminals.
The early scenes with Batman going after remnants of the Joker's gang are good. And Clayface seems like he might be a reasonable villain for the Dark Knight to go after.
But man, things just die, not even halfway into this book. I respect author John Jackson Miller's attempt to get back to the detective aspect of the Batman character, but it's just not a very compelling detective story. And as mentioned above, we never get satisfactory answers to those questions Batman is going over and over, at the beginning.
I appreciate the references to both of Tim Burton's "Batman" films. There's a lot here for major fans of those movies; Selina Kyle shows up in a cameo, as does her villainous boss, whom we know from the second film. But ultimately that's all I got from the novel, references and call-backs to the movies I love, and a story that does neither Burton film justice.
November 29, 2024
Got a real kick out of the book! It does a great job recreating the "feel" of the 1989 movie and building on it in the way that anyone would have expected from a sequel at the time (before we had Batman Returns three years later). Returning characters, building mythos, and fan service are all a part of this puzzle. It also takes on the interesting stance of respecting the limits created by the 1992 sequel, while ignoring the world deconstruction and reconstruction that happened starting 1995's Batman Forever.
No spoilers. But trust me.
Solid recommendation for anyone looking for a fun read, who's a Batman fan. I have some minor quibbles. But I won't bother going into them, primarily because they're part of my reflex to be a wet blanket soaked in deep knowledge and obsessive film detail. In short: my quibbles are my own and won't matter one whit to whether anyone enjoys this on their own terms.
Highest praise I can give it, actually, is this: I am very happy to know that there is a book sequel coming out that builds on the events of this one. This is classic "Expanded Universe" style lore, but done with care and craft. Worth the spend.
No spoilers. But trust me.
Solid recommendation for anyone looking for a fun read, who's a Batman fan. I have some minor quibbles. But I won't bother going into them, primarily because they're part of my reflex to be a wet blanket soaked in deep knowledge and obsessive film detail. In short: my quibbles are my own and won't matter one whit to whether anyone enjoys this on their own terms.
Highest praise I can give it, actually, is this: I am very happy to know that there is a book sequel coming out that builds on the events of this one. This is classic "Expanded Universe" style lore, but done with care and craft. Worth the spend.
December 6, 2024
John Jackson Miller has never done me wrong, but this one came as close to it as possible. It's not BAD, but there's just nothing extraordinary about it. Most disappointing of all, the ending is kind of TOLD to us, instead of shown to us, and far too much time is spent setting up a sequel or setting up the ACTUAL sequel, 'Batman Returns'.
I'm never going to complain about more Batman, especially a Batman BOOK written by JJM, but this one didn't really justify its existence. On its OWN it wouldn't have needed justification, but one that returns to THIS specific incarnation of Batman after so long away (the less said about That Movie™ the better) needed a reason, and this book was not it. I'm interested in the next one, but I certainly won't be buying a physical copy (unless I read the digital and am so blown away I need to own my own copy).
I'm never going to complain about more Batman, especially a Batman BOOK written by JJM, but this one didn't really justify its existence. On its OWN it wouldn't have needed justification, but one that returns to THIS specific incarnation of Batman after so long away (the less said about That Movie™ the better) needed a reason, and this book was not it. I'm interested in the next one, but I certainly won't be buying a physical copy (unless I read the digital and am so blown away I need to own my own copy).
October 19, 2024
The release of Tim Burton’s film Batman in 1989 unleashed a pop culture phenomenon. Indeed, alongside Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie more than a decade earlier, it’s the film that launched superhero cinema. It’s no wonder there’s been numerous sequels and attempts to capitalize on the world Burton, his cast including Michael Keaton’s Batman and Jack Nicholson’s Joker, and crew created for that film. Something which has extended from Burton’s own 1992 film Batman Returns to the more recent Batman ‘89 comic from the film’s co-writer Sam Hamm. Now, thirty-five years after the film’s release, comes a literary sequel in the form of John Jackson Miller’s Batman: Resurrection.
What’s clear is that Miller has a great love and appreciation for the 1989 film. It’s something that you can sense throughout, from the spot-on characterizations that make it easy to imagine the likes of Keaton, Michael Gough, and Robert Wuhl among others reprising their film roles in the mind’s eye. Indeed, given the characters such as Wuhl’s Knox or Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale who didn’t return for Burton’s sequel, it seems all the more fitting that they should appear here and feel spot-on. Miller also shows an appreciation for the wider universe that’s expanded out from the 1989 film with appearances of characters from Returns and some nods toward the Batman ‘89 comic. Sitting alongside a host of references and Easter eggs throughout, it’s something that goes a long way toward adding to the atmosphere of the novel and the sense that this is a literary sequel to the 1989 film.
As does the world building Miller does. The sense of loose threads from the film, what happened in the aftermath of the panic over cosmetics the Joker caused and the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale along them, linger over the novel for much of its length. The former serving as something of the novel’s backbone, from the origin story for one of the novel’s villains to how the characters (and Gotham City at large) are still reacting to the aftermath some months later. It’s something that makes Resurrection a far closer sequel to the 1989 film that even Burton managed with Returns in 1992, no mean feat given the passage of time.
Atmosphere and (arguably) fan service is one thing, but is there a story to go along with it? Miller delivers in that department, as well, crafting a new mystery for the cowl-wearing detective to solve. One that, as the subtitle suggests, partly involves some potentially unfinished business from the film. A matter that is further complicated for Batman by the addition of new villains from the rogues gallery (to say who would be to diminish part of the novel’s fun) offered in a form not out of place in the world the film created. Nor is there a lack of twists and turns along the way with red herrings and plenty of things which are not what they seem in the classic mystery/thriller tradition. That the world’s greatest detective gets a mystery to solve is something else which speaks in Resurrection’s favor.
Which isn’t to say it lacks action, of course. Far from it as Miller builds up sequences in prose that would have cost millions to realize on-screen. Among the highlights being Batman dealing with an arson, a thrilling Batmobile sequence on a Gotham bypass, and the addition of new vehicles to the Dark Knight’s fleet. All done in service of the plot and leading to a finale that, much like the novel itself, builds upon the original film to a satisfying conclusion.
From Miller’s spot-on characterizations and world building to an engaging mystery and thrilling action, Batman: Resurrection is the sequel to Burton’s 1989 film you never knew you needed. More than that: it’s a better sequel to it than Burton’s own cinematic follow-up. For fans of the original film wanting more of their favorite characters or looking for an (officially licensed) answer to some burning questions, it’s well-worth a read, as it is for fans of Batman and good thrillers in general.
So turn on Danny Elfman’s Batman march and return to Gotham: 1989.
What’s clear is that Miller has a great love and appreciation for the 1989 film. It’s something that you can sense throughout, from the spot-on characterizations that make it easy to imagine the likes of Keaton, Michael Gough, and Robert Wuhl among others reprising their film roles in the mind’s eye. Indeed, given the characters such as Wuhl’s Knox or Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale who didn’t return for Burton’s sequel, it seems all the more fitting that they should appear here and feel spot-on. Miller also shows an appreciation for the wider universe that’s expanded out from the 1989 film with appearances of characters from Returns and some nods toward the Batman ‘89 comic. Sitting alongside a host of references and Easter eggs throughout, it’s something that goes a long way toward adding to the atmosphere of the novel and the sense that this is a literary sequel to the 1989 film.
As does the world building Miller does. The sense of loose threads from the film, what happened in the aftermath of the panic over cosmetics the Joker caused and the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale along them, linger over the novel for much of its length. The former serving as something of the novel’s backbone, from the origin story for one of the novel’s villains to how the characters (and Gotham City at large) are still reacting to the aftermath some months later. It’s something that makes Resurrection a far closer sequel to the 1989 film that even Burton managed with Returns in 1992, no mean feat given the passage of time.
Atmosphere and (arguably) fan service is one thing, but is there a story to go along with it? Miller delivers in that department, as well, crafting a new mystery for the cowl-wearing detective to solve. One that, as the subtitle suggests, partly involves some potentially unfinished business from the film. A matter that is further complicated for Batman by the addition of new villains from the rogues gallery (to say who would be to diminish part of the novel’s fun) offered in a form not out of place in the world the film created. Nor is there a lack of twists and turns along the way with red herrings and plenty of things which are not what they seem in the classic mystery/thriller tradition. That the world’s greatest detective gets a mystery to solve is something else which speaks in Resurrection’s favor.
Which isn’t to say it lacks action, of course. Far from it as Miller builds up sequences in prose that would have cost millions to realize on-screen. Among the highlights being Batman dealing with an arson, a thrilling Batmobile sequence on a Gotham bypass, and the addition of new vehicles to the Dark Knight’s fleet. All done in service of the plot and leading to a finale that, much like the novel itself, builds upon the original film to a satisfying conclusion.
From Miller’s spot-on characterizations and world building to an engaging mystery and thrilling action, Batman: Resurrection is the sequel to Burton’s 1989 film you never knew you needed. More than that: it’s a better sequel to it than Burton’s own cinematic follow-up. For fans of the original film wanting more of their favorite characters or looking for an (officially licensed) answer to some burning questions, it’s well-worth a read, as it is for fans of Batman and good thrillers in general.
So turn on Danny Elfman’s Batman march and return to Gotham: 1989.
October 20, 2024
Batman ‘89 has been having kind of a resurgence these last five years. Knox made a surprise cameo in CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths, and we got the Batman ‘89 comics that take place after the Burton films, but the DCEU unfortunately fumbled its use of Michael Keaton. This book, however, explores an interesting time period between the two Burton films, not stepping on the toes of the aforementioned comics. I did get confused about whether it was in the weeks after or months after the first film, but I guess that doesn’t matter too much.
The death of the Joker does weigh on Bruce Wayne, and you can definitely feel that. With this being a bridge between ‘89 and Returns, I was surprised at first to hear that Vikki Vale had already left, but there’s more bridging later on. Even cameos of Returns characters.
It’s interesting to imagine how Clayface would’ve looked in a film of that time period. There’s also Dr. Auslander, and it’s pretty easy to guess who he actually is, so I kind of wonder how much of a secret it was expected to be for the reader. I did enjoy the character dynamics regardless.
I was also very surprised when I found out there’s a follow-up book on the way in about a year titled Batman: Revolution. It’s pretty exciting that there will be more prose in this time period. And it doesn’t necessarily need to worry about stepping on the toes of Batman Forever or Batman & Robin since those are now considered a separate universe.
The death of the Joker does weigh on Bruce Wayne, and you can definitely feel that. With this being a bridge between ‘89 and Returns, I was surprised at first to hear that Vikki Vale had already left, but there’s more bridging later on. Even cameos of Returns characters.
It’s interesting to imagine how Clayface would’ve looked in a film of that time period. There’s also Dr. Auslander, and it’s pretty easy to guess who he actually is, so I kind of wonder how much of a secret it was expected to be for the reader. I did enjoy the character dynamics regardless.
I was also very surprised when I found out there’s a follow-up book on the way in about a year titled Batman: Revolution. It’s pretty exciting that there will be more prose in this time period. And it doesn’t necessarily need to worry about stepping on the toes of Batman Forever or Batman & Robin since those are now considered a separate universe.
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