In the world of comic book movies, Tim Burton‘s Batman stands as an iconic film that seems to rank highly on most peoples lists. Now, we finally get the sequel we deserve with John Jackson Miller‘s direct sequel novel, Batman: Resurrection. Keeping consistent with the feel of Burton’s Batman film with a touch of his own take on the caped crusader.
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?
Growing up the 1989 Batman movie was a pinnacle of what we could expect from comic book related movies. What followed in Batman Returns was another fun romp in the world of Gotham, but always left me wondering what transpired between Tim Burton’s original film and its 1992 sequel. Batman: Resurrection provides an exploration of those missing days. In the sequel novel, we are reintroduced to familiar characters like Vicki Vale and Alexander Knox who bring continuity to the storyline while also adding depth to their own arcs post-Joker fiasco.
What makes Batman: Resurrection even more special is the fact that Miller doesn’t simply rely on nostalgia; he expands upon it with new narrative layers that introduces new players from Batman’s infamous rogues’ gallery. Miller’s ability to seamlessly integrate these characters into Burton’s universe speaks volumes about his understanding of both source material and audience expectations. I was able to appreciate the clever nods towards iconic figures such as Max Shreck, Penguin, and Catwoman, while also remaining true to their origin stories within this imaginative timeline.
Miller gives us a glimpse into how the Smylex victims are coping following the conclusion of the 1989 film—those unfortunate souls caught in Jokers’ deadly grasp during the events depicted in the 1989 film. Rather than relegating those victims to the footnotes or just as collateral damage left untreated by time—Miller gives them agency; exploring their rehabilitation process adding to the story.
While Batman: Resurrection is a sequel that follows the tone and feel of the 1989 Tim Burton film, it really has its own identity as well. Miller does a great job with making sure the novel fits in the canon of the films while adding his own touch. This certainly makes it appealing to those looking for more of the original films, while also getting a new take on the Batman legacy.
Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller is a fitting and well deserved sequel to Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film. Miller captures the essence of the original film without becoming derivative or retreading old stories. The novel fits just right in the canon of the films, while also carving its own path. Miller truly gave us a truly brilliant sequel to the iconic film.
Batman: Resurrection hit bookstores everywhere on October 15, 2024 from Random House Worlds. The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron, is available at Libro.fm!
