Nostalgia is a powerful thing, so it's not too surprising to see Tim Burton's Batman world return in the form of a comic book series titled Batman '89. Michael Keaton is already set to return into the cape and cowl for The Flash in 2022 as the DCEU's first big dive into the cinematic multiverse. It's possible his role will expand further in the universe, though for fans of the original 1989 and 1992 movies, this is a great chance to see this iteration fleshed out properly.
The 1995 and 1997 Batman movies nosedived in reception--particularly with the latter--putting the brand on ice until Nolan arrived with Batman Begins. Superman is getting the same treatment, and this is a fun way to bring back the worlds of old. Here's what we know so far about Batman '89.
Joker Gang
With some released concept arts of character designs, it's revealed that a Batman Beyond-like "Joker Gang" will be included in the series. With Jack Nicholson's Joker having died at the end of Batman, this seems like a narrative layup in terms of having his influence permeate Gotham City post-mortem.
Beyond did a good take on this, with it leading into the Return of the Joker movie for the series, though, it's unclear if a similar route will be taken here somehow. Perhaps it's for the best if it didn't, as Joker gets more than enough of the spotlight as is, so exploring other characters is a better path to take.
Catwoman Returns
The press release for the upcoming comic book series confirmed that among the characters to make a comeback is Selina Kyle. Catwoman featured in Burton's sequel Batman Returns, giving the character a new, iconic live-action iteration in his uniquely Gothic filmmaking style.
Naturally, this suggests what everyone would've assumed, and that '89 will go further down the universe's timeline beyond Returns. Selina was revealed to have survived an explosion at the end of the movie as she watches the lit Batsignal. Tying loose ends after Burton and Keaton departed the franchise is a clear priority.
Finally Getting Two-Face
Speaking of loose ends, the original movie featured Billy Dee Williams as D.A. Harvey Dent, though it was never expanded upon. The sequel focused on Catwoman and Penguin, but with the aforementioned departures of the key figures for these movies, "Batman 3" was (technically) never made with Williams.
Tommy Lee Jones did become Two-Face for Batman Forever, but this was the beginning of the end for Batman theatrically for some time. With the press release on the book noting Two-Face, it seems like Williams' Two-Face finally come to fruition.
Sam Hamm Returns
Returns are definitely a theme here, even on the creative team, as writer Sam Hamm is set to write Batman '89. Hamm was the writer on both of Burton's Batman movies. The Burton/Keaton movies were a noticeably '90s Gothic, stylistic cultural phenomenon for a time when the superhero genre/movies weren't the norm or quite as deep into the mainstream as they are now.
Hamm pled innocence on certain creative choices that were criticized--e.g. Joker's origins, Batman killing, etc.--though the movies were both still overall well-received as fun, darkly-stylish romps that only Burton could get away with. It'll be interesting to see how Hamm tackles this universe on his own creatively.
Joe Quinones To Illustrate
Rounding out the main creative duo for '89 is artist Joe Quinones handling the pencils and inks. Quinones has worked in the past on Batman-related works for DC Comics, ranging from the likes of Batman Black and White, Batman Eternal, Harley Quinn Annual, and Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special.
He's made it well known of his being a big fan of the Burton movies, so this seems like a perfect match. Coincidentally, Quinones had pitched a Batman comic book series set in Burton's universe in the past, but they were scrapped. Things have come full circle, so hopefully, fans will see something truly special out of the worlds of the 1980s/90s.
New Robin
To continue fulfilling unfulfilled plot points from the movies, the series is also set to debut a brand-new Robin. The movies had originally planned for this, and even went as far as picking Marlon Wayans to play him. The producers ended up deciding to cut that out of the movie, leaving Robin to eventually be played by Chris O'Donnell in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.
It hasn't been said explicitly if this Robin will be Dick Grayson, or if it'll be inspired by Wayans' likeness--though if Two-Face goes the way of what was planned for Billy Dee Williams, it wouldn't be a surprise for the latter.
Original Pitch Had Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Batgirl
Expanding on Quinones' original Batman '89 pitch, it included the likes of Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Batgirl as well. Like with Robin and Two-Face, Poison Ivy ended up featuring, with Uma Thurman in the role for Batman & Robin. Likewise, Batgirl featured in the same movie as Barbara Wilson--not Gordon.
While Robin and Two-Face are the only confirmed characters to return, it's easy to at least say that these three could be on the table down the line for the series. Harley never featured in either Burton's or Joel Schumacher's movies, so it'll be interesting to see if/how Quinones incorporates these characters in this universe.
Character Designs Revealed For Bruce Wayne/Batman, Alfred & More
In addition to some concept designs for the Joker Gang, Quinones also took to Twitter to reveal his art for the key players of '89. Naturally, Keaton's likeness is faithfully adapted in comic-book fashion, with some nice touches to the Batsuit.
He'll at least look to incorporate the famous white eyes, plus another nice BTAS influence on the suit with the cape's inner lining being dark blue. Quinones even designed the "plugsuit" Bruce wears under the Batsuit. Meanwhile, the designs for Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and Harvey Bullock are pretty straightforward adaptations of their on-screen counterparts.
Digital-First Series
It's been confirmed by DC that Batman '89 will debut on their Digital-First format on July 27th, 2021. It's unclear how long the issues will run for in terms of page count, but the first six chapters will publish digitally on day one. Afterward, the following six will publish on a weekly basis. The series will still be collected in physical volumes after it's all available digitally.
The chapters will be compiled into physicals that start publication in August. Two chapters will be in each issue, and a hardcover collected version will release in October. That'll be a good old-fashioned way to collect and read the series, and will undoubtedly make for a good-looking hardcover comic book.
Post-Returns Confirmed, Unclear About In-Between Stories
It's clear that this series will continue off Burton's last Batman movie, but it's unclear as of now whether it'll try and do an in-between story canonically. Batman and Batman Returns are clearly in the same universe successively, but their stories could definitely be watched independently of each other.
With that, an option could be to go back and tell a story post-'89, pre-'92. Catwoman's comeback ensures a version of what Burton may have done with a third movie, and with the almost anthology-style nature of the two movies, it could do fine without this. Though, it's a good opportunity should Hamm and Quinones want it, and/or flashbacks could work should the series use it.