Batman Resurrections (Batman 89 Sequel Novel)

[Gotham Knight]

One thing I want to share that's making me anxious:


I hope that the author, John Jackson Miller, does not make the mistake of losing '89 in pursuit of fan service, in particular the kind where he attempts to appease 'fans' by trying to make the '89 Batman 'more like the comics.' I mean no offense, but I think I'm allowed to speak frankly in this company, but if I want the 'comic book' Batman I need only pick up a comic. I want a story about the '89 Batman, where we find his voice, crawl into his head space, and take 'Earth-89' on its own terms. That's the right way: Bruce Wayne, charismatic in a distant and aloof sort of way, uncomfortable in his skin, and Batman, still, quiet, and when he does speak he is short, curbed, and to the point. Capture that. As much as I love Hamm's work, so much of what he's doing feels like he's trying to bring Back 'HIS' Batman from the pages of 1986, not deal with Batman as he appeared finalized on movie screens.

[Slash Man]

I don't think that's a controversial take. Ironically, I think it's when follow-ups are handled by the original creatives, they're more likely to take liberties and switch things up because the original isn't some kind of sacred cow to them.

Now part of my issue with Batman '89 departing from the source material was that the visuals were leaning way too hard into Batman TAS territory. It went beyond Easter egg territory to become distracting. They're similar in their tone and inspiration, but you can't just copy and past stuff without reason. Michael Gough, who has always been clean-shaven, suddenly grows a mustache. Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne suddenly wears a yellow and brown suit.

All of that is to say that I think it's actually ideal that a fan is writing this. They'd know the importance of adhering to the source; just the fact that this takes place between movies requires a significant appreciation of the films.

[The Dark Knight]

Now part of my issue with Batman '89 departing from the source material was that the visuals were leaning way too hard into Batman TAS territory. It went beyond Easter egg territory to become distracting.

Agreed. It went too far in that direction. I'm all for expansion (it has to happen if more stories are to be told) but the comics smoothed the Burtonverse out to be something more conventional.

When I think about future Burtonverse novels, the immediate aftermath of B89 would be the holy grail. The only other project that could generate similar excitement for me would be a prequel to B89, detailing Batman's early appearances such as the Johnny Gobbs encounter.

Back to this. A novel set immediately after Returns, not weeks or months later, would also interest me a lot too. Deal with Batman having his name cleared, the aftermath of Penguin's deception, what came of Max's company, Bruce longing for Selina (more sightings that amount to nothing) and perhaps the remnants of the circus gang. If the first book sells these projects become more of a possibility.

[The Joker]

[Silver Nemesis]

This novel sounds promising and should make for ideal October reading in the run-up to Halloween. I'd prefer Miller to disregard Hamm's comics and craft his own canon. Mainly because I think there's a superior version of Billy Dee Two-Face to be written, and prose offers a better medium with which to explore Dent's psychological deterioration.

I'd also like Miller to address the immediate aftermath of the 1989 movie. Bruce was badly injured, the wreckage of the Batwing lay burning in the streets, and countless Gothamites had been murdered by the Joker. I'd like some insight into how Bruce and the city in general healed following the Joker's reign of terror.

I'd also like to read about the first proper meeting between Batman and Gordon. Gordon sees Batman during the battle at Axis Chemicals but doesn't speak to him, then we see them talking after the first Red Triangle Gang attack in Batman Returns. There's a missing stage in their relationship that should take place between those two conversations, and which could offer fertile ground for Miller to explore.

To echo what others have said, the author vitally needs to capture the idiosyncrasies of Burton's Batman, not simply write this as if it were the generic comic book version. Burton's Batman is distinct from other iterations, and the novel should respect those distinctions. 

[The Dark Knight]

I'd also like Miller to address the immediate aftermath of the 1989 movie. Bruce was badly injured, the wreckage of the Batwing lay burning in the streets, and countless Gothamites had been murdered by the Joker. I'd like some insight into how Bruce and the city in general healed following the Joker's reign of terror.

I'd see no problem with the Batwing pieces being sold off as merchandise plotline being used here officially rather than remaining an unused script idea. Even if the author can somehow sprinkle in how the Batmobile's blueprints were eventually obtained.

I'd also like to read about the first proper meeting between Batman and Gordon. Gordon sees Batman during the battle at Axis Chemicals but doesn't speak to him, then we see them talking after the first Red Triangle Gang attack in Batman Returns. There's a missing stage in their relationship that should take place between those two conversations, and which could offer fertile ground for Miller to explore.

I'd like something like this too, but I'd prefer it to be handled very carefully. Their relationship seems more hands off and terse even in Returns. I can't imagine anything traditional like the 60s show, or even Nolan. I quite like the idea they communicate mostly with notes, with face to face meetings being very minimal.
 

[Silver Nemesis]

I'd like something like this too, but I'd prefer it to be handled very carefully. Their relationship seems more hands off and terse even in Returns. I can't imagine anything traditional like the 60s show, or even Nolan. I quite like the idea they communicate mostly with notes, with face to face meetings being very minimal.

I can imagine Hingle's Gordon never quite losing his initial fear of Batman. He grows to trust him, yes, but he's still scared of him. Keaton's Bruce might intentionally cultivate that fear, even among his allies, in order to keep them at bay and prevent them from getting too close to him. That's obviously not what we see in the Schumacher films, where Batman and Gordon appear relaxed in one another's company. But compare that with their interaction in Batman Returns – where Batman doesn't stand still or even look at Gordon and responds tersely when speaking to him – and we see evidence of a more distant relationship between the two.

Maybe Batman kept walking in BR because he didn't want Gordon looking too closely at his face for fear he'd recognise him, similar to how he kept turning away from Vicki and keeping to the shadows when he took her to the Batcave in the 1989 film. Again, this novel needs to show us the Burton Batman, not the comic book version. Seeing how someone so secretive builds a trusting communication channel with his allies, while simultaneously trying to maintain his distance from them, is an intriguing avenue for the novel to explore.

[Slash Man]

I'd also like to read about the first proper meeting between Batman and Gordon. Gordon sees Batman during the battle at Axis Chemicals but doesn't speak to him, then we see them talking after the first Red Triangle Gang attack in Batman Returns. There's a missing stage in their relationship that should take place between those two conversations, and which could offer fertile ground for Miller to explore.

I never noticed that, but you're right. Perhaps this happened after the death of the Joker, but before the Bat-Signal was unveiled.

[Gotham Knight]

It should be noted that the synopsis has been updated and extended.

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 big additions are an unnamed 'charismatic scientist' and the inclusion of Alexander Knox.

[Silver Nemesis]

Based on that outline, it sounds like this novel is making better use of Burtonverse lore than Hamm's comic did.