Batman Beyond

One of the best Cartoon series I have ever seen I couldn't believe I got this on Blu-Ray such a good series loved the Intro the action and designs.

Only second to Batman the Animated Series. Batman has vanished years ago and Bruce Wayne retired from public a short time after. This is the story of Terry Mc Ginnes that after discovering by accident (or fate) who Bruce Wayne really was and a blow of fate strikes him becomes the new Batman under the guidance of Bruce Wayne. I must admit that I didn't expect this series to be this good. It starts with the premise. There was no way that I though Bruce Wayne will ever give up on being Batman. I would rather believe that he can give up breathing;-). Then I watched the first episode and it showed me that I was so wrong. Wont spoil it but will say that is so true to the Batman mythos that I found no one that argues against this. Its something that hits Batman harder than Bane, the Joker or the dead of Robin could. For the characters: Terry Mc Ginnes has of cause a lot to learn. It is not easy to walk in Batmans footsteps. He is like an uncut gem but has true hero qualities. I will quote Amanda Waller from the episode Epilogue from Justice League Unlimited (Its practical a Batman Beyond episode in everything but name): While she was often in conflict with Batman he earned her respect and she came to the conclusion that the world needs a Batman. Terry might not have Bruce Waynes intellect but he has his heart. This is a fitting description and the best compliment / recognition you can get. He suffers of cause from the Peter Parker / Spiderman syndrome = His private life is in shamble because he is a superhero. Then there is the aged Bruce Wayne. He is still as smart and strong minded as before. Only his body can not keep up any more. He has a good student / teacher or father son relationship with Terry. I must mention the new Batsuit. It is a high-tech miracle. It can fly, turn invisible has a computer, protective functions and more. Bruce Wayne has always visual and radio contact with Terry. So he can help from afar. There is Maxine Gibson (Max) a classmate of Terry that deduced his double identity. She helps him a lot and would be transferred to the comics if the show had run longer. She is my favourite new character. Gotham would be nothing without a Commissioner Gordon. Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) has taken this job after she quit her superhero days. She is quite a force to be recognized. There is Ace (Batmans dog) who has more character than humans in other shows. At last I want to mention Melanie Walker. She was a criminal that tried to get an honest life but gets always problems because her family stays in the crime business. For the villains: Batman has the best rouges gallery in fictional history. No other DC / Marvel hero or even James Bond can compete. This show created new villains but has no hope to surpass the original. There is Derek Powers who is the CEO of Wayne Powers because Bruce Wayne has retired and he took over. He is quite a crime boss and has his fingers in many shady things. Inque is a woman whose body can liquefy and reform at will. That makes her a capable infiltrator and enemy. Shriek use sound as weapon and for other effects. Stalker is the Batman version of Kraven the Hunter. Recurring are the Royal Flush Gang and the Jokerz (Joker Fanboys). I will admit that they did a fine job in creating memorable characters you care for. Lets give you my recommendations for must see episodes: “Rebirth 1+2”. The pilot episodes. They show why Bruce Wayne stopped being Batman and how Terry get involved. It is one of the most emotional moments to see Batman quit. “The Call 1+2”. Terry got invited to the Justice League by Superman. He needs someone from the outside to find a mole. This two episodes are just fantastic. Terry has to prove himself to the League and a huge plot twist occurs. “Epilogue”. As I mentioned it is from Justice League Unlimited. But it wraps up the Batman Beyond story and captures the essence of being Batman. “Lost Soul” Answers the question if Terry is still worth being Batman without his high-tech suit. “Eyewitness” Barbara Gordon vs rouge Batman. “Zeta” An A.I becomes self-aware and wants freedom. I must also mention the film Batman Beyond Return of the Joker. It answers the question what happens with the Joker and why Robin did not become Batman. It is one of the darkest moments and a true tragedy. Overall this is a worthy addition to the Batman mythos and a welcome surprise. I did not expect them to deliver such a good show with new characters. It is a shame that it only got 3 seasons.