The newest cover for Batman ’89 is basically a poster for Tim Burton’s never-made sequel to Batman Returns. The limited series has explored the Burtonverse, and now the final issue’s cover has embraced the premise.
Tim Burton’s take on Batman was cut short following the release of Batman Returns and director Joel Schumacher took the franchise in a different direction. Details surrounding a potential third movie in Burton’s Batman saga have spread across the internet for several years, causing fans to only dream of the sequel that could have been. With Marlon Wayans set to portray Robin and Catwoman to possibly return as hinted by the end of Batman Returns, there was a lot of story that Burton had yet to cover. Fortunately for fans of the Burtonverse, the comics have continued to tell new stories in continuity. The limited series Batman ’89 has satisfied audience members who have wanted to know what a third Michael Keaton Batman movie would be like. The series is written by Sam Hamm with art by Joe Quinones.
As Batman ’89 comes to a conclusion with the upcoming sixth issue, a cover by Joe Quinones and Paolo Rivera has released— and it’s basically a movie poster. Painted in a way that homages the classic style, the cover reveals the fully transformed Harvey Dent, now Two-Face, with the likeness of Billy Dee Williams. Similarly, Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman appears on the cover near Gotham City’s latest vigilante, Robin. The Batmobile and the new Batcycle also make an appearance, along with the Dark Knight himself as modeled after Michael Keaton.
Ultimately a tribute to the Michael Keaton and Tim Burton Batman era, the cover encapsulates the idea for the series initially pitched by artist Quinones to DC Comics. Just as the series provides a glimpse into an alternate timeline in which Burton made a third Batman film, the cover shows what a poster could have easily looked like. Burton, Keaton, Pfeiffer, Williams, and Wayans might not have continued with their roles in the franchise, but they would likely be proud to see the alternate direction.
The latest Batman ’89 cover could have easily been a selling point for fans who were hesitant to follow the title. As it references events that have transpired by the final issue, it might have spoiled key details early on. However, the cover would be perfect for a trade collection of the series. Batman ’89 #6 releases on January 11, 2022.
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