Holy Gotham! Clayface Joins Tim Burton's Batman Universe in a Mind-Blowing New Novel!
Batman: Resurrection – A Sequel That Perfectly Reimagines Clayface!
Get ready, Batman fans! 2024 is a BIG year. We got that new Joker movie (love it or hate it!),HBO's The Penguin(seriously amazing!), and now,Batman: Resurrection, continuingTim Burton'sdark vision of Gotham. This book expandsMichael Keaton's Batmantimeline beautifully. It is almost a crime it might never become a movie! This book does an exceptional job of building upon its past.
Written byJohn Jackson Miller(aStar WarsandStar Trekveteran!),Resurrectionpicks up afterJack Nicholson's Joker(one of the greatest live-action Jokers EVER) met his demise in the originalBatmanfilm (1989). His demise was a major plotpoint, but this new book introduces a new element; that iconic DC villain,Clayface, into Burton's universe. Prepare yourself for what might just possibly become the greatest Batman story ever conceived!
Batman's New Case: Unraveling the Joker's Legacy!
ResurrectionshowcasesKeaton's Batmaninvestigating more crimes connected toJokerand also struggling with his inner demons; these issues directly involving those unanswered questions lingering in the initial film; this includes various cryptic clues that madeBatmanwonder about the fate of the iconic villain:Was he truly gone?
This story brings back familiar characters and revisits previous events that previously were left unsolved in Batman (1989) andBatman Returns (1992): Vicki Vale’s disappearance and that huge plot hole; even using several supporting characters. New characters are introduced, too: there’s Hugh Auslander(a celebrity psychologist working on a cure forJoker's Smylexcrisis), and oneKarlo Babić(a struggling actor who later becomes known asBasil Karlo).
Joker's Endgame: The Birth of a Tragic New Clayface!
This novel featuresKarlo(a struggling actor, a total understudy for a terrible former soap opera star calledTolliver Kingston). He is totally and unwittingly infected withSmylex-tainted makeup! This completely reshapesKarlo'sorigin! Kingstongave this contaminated make-up and completely inadvertently created this monstrous, tragicClayface! Gotham cruelly gives that name. Those familiar traits include mimicry and the awesome ability to morph features.
It starts as some rather low-level stuff fromBruce Wayne’spoint of view. Things however immediately become very intense; creating greater escalation with that inevitableKarlo’spsychological breakdown and this newClayface’sarrival! Resurrectiondelves into the post-JokerGotham;it emphasizes the need for healing but also the incredibly deep, and unsettling nature behind collective grief and that disturbing fixation on symbolism; all those profound moments mirroring themes seen inChristopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy.
A Reimagined Origin: Clayface’s New Story!
This version is so brilliant. Millermasterfully uses thatCalibancomparison fromShakespeare's The Tempest– illustrating how truly tragicKarlois and his transition from a victim into that terrible, unforgettable monster!
This really differentiates fromClayface'scomic book origins: Those older storylines feature a vengeful actor, totally fueled by spite. Newer versions involved aPenguin-made chemical or industrial make-up addiction that changed him physically and emotionally, these plot devices are completely unused here!
This novel’s version however flawlessly integrates intoTim Burton's Batmanuniverse. That awesome design perfectly complements Burton’s distinct aesthetic and fits well in the visual presentation. But this goes even further.Millercleverly uses Gotham's still very strong lingeringJokerobsession and makesClayfaceinto a perfect example. It shows a deep, disturbing commentary; regarding how mob mentality influences Gotham—and those in power.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Tim Burton's Batman Fans!
Batman: Resurrectionisn’t just anotherBatmanstory. It’s creative! This innovative storyline not only introducesClayface(seamlessly) but also goes further into exploring the effects of that lingering trauma afterJoker'sreign and creating this unexpectedly credible narrative surrounding those powerful lingering social commentary. The exploration ofGotham’spsychology, the rise ofClayfaceas this product of tragedy and this entire commentary adds an extra layer which deserves immense praise. Even fans might need more. It’s amazing and everyone should go and read it! Fans who love Burton’s aesthetic—might even dream about this version getting a cinematic release.