Cue up the Danny Elfman score — maybe even Prince’s “Batdance” — and get ready to revisit Tim Burton’s Batman universe. Today, DC Comics announced they’re spending this summer in the filmmaker’s Dark Deco’d Gotham City with Batman ’89.
Written by original screenwriter Sam Hamm and brought to life by artist Joe Quinones, the DC Digital First series will tell all new adventures with Michael Keaton’s Batman. A press release promises the return of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, the debut of a new Robin (perhaps Marlon Wayans, as originally planned?), and the two-faced evolution of Billy Dee Williams‘ Harvey Dent.
Altogether, there are 12 new chapters that “pull on a number of threads left dangling by the prolific director.” The first six will debut on July 27th with the remaining six to follow in the six consecutive weeks thereafter. Though, if you’d rather keep things old school, DC Comics will publish six printed comics between August and October with hardcovers due for October.
Gasp! It’s an exciting project, especially for fans who grew up with Burton’s vision, and weren’t really on board when the late director Joel Schumacher came in with the neon and the ice puns. It’s especially gratifying, seeing how Burton and Keaton were originally slated to return for a third chapter, shortly before Warner Bros. feared things were getting too dark for kids.
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Clearly, to quote the Penguin in Batman Returns, “things change.” After all, DC isn’t just returning to this universe in ink form, but also on-screen as Keaton is set to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne and Batman in Andy Muschietti’s The Flash. With Keaton wearing the cape again and Hamm’s original visions finally seeing the light, it would appear this Hollywood riddle will finally be solved.
For a glimpse of what’s to come, peep the glorious cover artwork below. To bide the time, you can revisit our recent editorial on why Keaton’s forthcoming return to Gotham City should really be a homecoming with Burton and Elfman. Or you can stream our podcast series on Burton’s filmography, which includes a lengthy dissection of his singular vision of the Dark Knight.
