Batman Beyond -- It's Time To Go One Step Beyond
Written: Sep 02 '00 (Updated Jul 16 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: intense stories, great action and drama, seeing Bruce Wayne with a walking stick
Cons: too mature for children under 7
The Bottom Line: A totally innovative take on the future of the Bat-mantle that takes us on another degree of entertainment.
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| elvisdo's Full Review: Batman Beyond |
It isn't easy taking up the mantle of the Bat. In order to fulfill the role, a great tragedy must happen to you that's life-changing (I think I meet that qualification). For Bruce Wayne, he witnessed his parents gunned down by a petty thug. As a result he vowed to bring down the cowardly lot. Now, many years later, the cycle continues with young Terry McGinnis.
Batman Beyond is a new series brought to you by the creators of The New Batman/Superman Adventures. This series takes place 40-50 years later in a futuristic, techno-noirish Gotham City, a place which has become even more grim and deadlier than ever before. Bruce Wayne has become an old, recluse who rarely leaves Wayne Manor and Batman hasn't been seen in twenty years... that is until certain events fall into place.
Terry McGinnis, a rebellious seventeen-year old, is the latest hero to assume the role of Batman. Terry comes into contact with Bruce Wayne's world when he helps him ward of a gang called the Jokerz. As a result, he accidently discovers the Batcave and the secret of Bruce Wayne's past. It's exactly what Terry needs for his father was murdered by the hands of Derek Powers, a ruthless billionaire that staged a hostile takeover of Wayne Enterprises, and he wishes to get even. Now tutored by the aging but still formidable Bruce Wayne, the new Batman has to battle an even deadlier breed of criminals, both on the streets and in giant corporations.
The stories are even more intense than what we have seen in The New Batman/Superman Adventures. Terry is a novice to crimefighting and it shows: he constantly gets trashed due to his inexperience. He is learning the ropes thanks to Bruce's mentoring and nagging. This new Batman has augmented super-strength thanks to his outfit, a deadly arsenal of weapons and jet-boots for flying. This is definitely not your parents' Batman.
Even though Terry enjoys his role as Batman, he can never lead a normal life, and it really affects his relationship with his girlfriend Dana. Luckily for Terry, he has a good friend he can confide in with Max, who discovered Terry's other life. In a way, she's his Robin.
Commissioner Gordon is still a prominent figure in Gotham City but it's not Jim Gordon who's in charge... it's his daughter, Barbara, the artist formerly known as Batgirl, and she isn't thrilled by the vigilantism of the new Batman. In fact, when she confronts both Terry and Bruce in the Batcave, the look of Terry's face is priceless. "She knows?!!" We also get a glimpse to the past relationship between Bruce and Barbara, something that I never thought would happen at all.
The villains are no slouches either. They are a vicious, unruly, psychotic lot... the right qualifications for being a Batman foe. Even though this Batman has new foes to contend with, everyone wants to know what happened to the old ones. Bane is now a withered, old man. Mr. Freeze's head has been preserved all these years. But what about the Joker? That question gets answered in the direct for video movie Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker.
This show has already garnered a lot of attention by everyone. It's a shame, though, that the networks have pulled the plug just when it was reaching its peak. It wasn't due to bad stories or ratings; it was a corporate decision to cut back and save some money since this show costs more to create than WB's flagship show, Pokémon. It was a no-brainer for them to pull the plug. A no-brainer, perhaps for them, but an unpopular move with everyone else.
However, Bat-fans should rejoice for Batman Beyond will be moving onto bigger endeavours. The creators, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, are bringing a live-action Batman Beyond to the big screen. For a show that only started up in 1999, this is a big accomplishment. Hopefully, the entire Bat franchise will be revived by this decision. The fact that Paul Dini is involved already gives it the credibility that it needs.
At first I was put off by the idea of a new Batman show, especially one where Bruce Wayne no longer played the title role. That lasted for 5 minutes. This is another wonderful interpretation of a hero who has had its humble beginnings over 60 years ago, and continues to captivate and make believers out of new fans from all generations.
UPDATE: SEPT. 6, 2000
I just learned that the Kids' WB! network has not canceled Batman Beyond as it was earlier reported. Instead, they have ordered 13 brand new episodes. They realize what a huge hit this show is and how it has generated a big fan interest. The live-action movie will only serve to strengthen the character's popularity.
There will be lots of amazing surprises in store for the new season including a guest appearance by the Justice League. Superman is still around and he recruits Terry McGinnis to help solve an internal problem. Look for futuristic versions of Hawkman, Aquaman and Green Lantern.
The show has been well-developed and is finally starting to make strides with the storylines and character development. It would be a shame to lose such a quality show.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
elvisdo
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Member: Charles "The Grim One"
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Thank you to everybody who participated in both my write-offs. Until the next one!
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