The last sequel of 1989 Batman apparently brought a new version of the Riddler to Tim Burton Batman timeline, but this exciting development may also have caused a continuity issue that will need to be clarified. 2024 novel by John Jackson Miller Batman: Resurrection takes place between the events of 1989 Batman and 1992 Batman Returnsand the novel not only combines characters and stories from both films, but also introduces new characters to the Burton universe. Resurrection also takes place in the same timeline as Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones Batman ’89 and Batman ’89: Echoes comics.
In addition to including brief appearances by Batman of the 89s Barbara Gordon and Drake Winston (the latter being the future Robin of the Burton universe), Resurrection also features two classics Batman Villains for Continuity: Clayface (Basil Karlo) and Hugo Strange, with the latter having been retroactively added to a minor supporting role in 1989 Batman. Resurrection also features Norman Pinkus – a Gotham Gazette employee (whose description matches a 1989 extra Batman) who is set to become the Riddler in the upcoming 2025 novel Batman: Revolution. This conflicts with a character introduced in Echoeshowever.
Batman 1989’s Two Riddles Explained
Norman Pinkus is not Burton’s first Riddler Batman universe, like Echoes already presented his own version of the character. While Bruce Wayne is disguised as Robert Lowery (the Burton universe’s version of Firefly), he encounters fellow Arham Asylum inmate Edward Nigel Maynard.
Like Pinkus, he’s clearly poised to become the real Riddler in a future Burton Batman history. This represents a continuity problem, since Echoes and Resurrection share a timeline, but there are several possible solutions that would easily resolve this issue.
Batman: Revolution May Explain Burton’s Two Batman Riddles
Norman Pinkus is heavily implied to be the villain in the upcoming Revolutionwhich could also explain this Burton Batman the two Charades of the timeline. Revolution could retroactively give Pinkus the military training he Echoes gave Maynard and, after his defeat, the Riddler would become a patient at Arkham Asylum. Revolution would, of course, have to reveal that Norman Pinkus or Edward Nigel Maynard is a pseudonym, like the Riddler’s own nickname.
Another fix that also Revolution or a future Batman ’89 comics could use would establish that Norman Pinkus and Edward Nigel Maynard are separate people, but the Riddler nickname and modus operandi are shared by both. Pinkus could become the Riddler and die at the end of Revolutionbut the idea of ​​the Riddler may live on in Maynard. Revolution could also include Pinkus and Maynard and clarify that they will both use the Riddler moniker in Burton Batman universe.
Batman is a 1989 superhero film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne. The film features Jack Nicholson’s chilling portrayal of Jack Napier, who transforms into the Joker and reigns terror in Gotham. Kim Basinger also stars in the film as Vicki Vale, along with Michael Gough as Bruce’s faithful butler named Alfred.
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