Comics Review: Batman '89: Shadows by Sam Hamm & Joe Quinones

- July 21, 2026

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

Batman '89: Shadows is written by Sam Hamm (writer of Batman and Batman Returns) with art by Joe Quinones. It is published by DC Comics. In this six-issue series, Hamm asks the question: What if Warner Brothers released Tim Burton's vision for a third Caped Crusader film?

Titled Batman Continues, plans for Burton to direct a new Batman film was in the works. But behind the scenes disputes ultimately led to Joel Schumacher's neon Batman Forever being released in 1995. Only rumors and various components of Burton's vision exists. Hamm brings those elements together and tells us the story of this original vison. With Quinones drawing various characters in the style of the actors rumored or set to play them.

After Batman Returns, Gotham is in turmoil. Vigilantes dressed as the Dark Knight battle Joker gangs, adding to the growing unrest. Drake Winston (Marlon Wayans) works for his family's autobody business in the Gotham borough of Burnside. Seemingly cut off from Gotham, the neighborhood of Burnside is infested with crime. District Attorney Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) does his best to balance helping Burnside and his giving time to his relationship with Barbara Gordon (Wynona Ryder).

But a fire and an explosion change Dent forever, as an alternate persona takes over, and the villain Two-Face is born. Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) resurfaces and clashes with Batman (Michael Keaton). Their relationship is strained. Selina Kyle is secretly monitoring Gotham and taking down local gangsters. But when Harvey Dent becomes a villain, the Bat and the Cat clash.

Batman '89: Shadows was a fun and adventurous story. I loved Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent in the original Tim Burton film. I was sad to see another actor take on the role. This story redeems the mistakes Hollywood made and drives the Burton Batman mythos forward. Large set pieces and action sequences has me reaching for the next book in the series as soon as I finished an issue. It all culminated in a showdown in the Batcave that changed everything for Bruce Wayne. And set the stage for the next series, Echoes.

Five Stars later, this was a fun way to spend an afternoon. If you love Burton's Batman movies, this will be a great read.

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