|
|
|
|
|
BATMAN
BEYOND |
| REVIEW |
STORE |
GALLERY |
| Release Year:
1998 |
Episodes:
52 |
|
| Directed by:
Curt Geda, Butch Lukic, Dan Riba, Yukio
Suzuki* |
| Written by:
Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami,
Bruce Timm* |
| Based
on the DC Comics characters by:
Bob Kane |
| Music by:
Lolita Ritmanis & Michael McCuistion,
Kristopher Carter, Shirley Walker |
| Distributed by:
Warner Bros. |
|
|
|
| Parental
Warning: Combat
violence and creepy characters. Fine for most kids
over 7. |
| Rating: Super |
Review
by: Mark
Capitelli |
Review
Date: 1/11/04 |
| An
aging Batman uses a technological suit of armor to
continue his crusade against crime in Gotham City, but
when his age catches up to him in a fight with a
criminal Bruce does something to end the fight that he
swore he never would: he points a gun at another human
being. Afterwards, Bruce vows "never
again" and ends his career as Batman. |
| 20
years later, a troubled teenager named Terry McGuiness
crosses paths with the aged and hobbling (but still feisty)
Bruce Wayne. Terry's father was murdered as part
of a corporate cover-up orchestrated by Derek Powers,
the new head of Bruce Waynes' corporation. Terry
takes up the mantle of Batman and, using the
technologically advanced suit of armor, avenges his
father's murder and continues the war against crime in
Gotham. The only trouble is that Terry is not the
learnéd aristocrat that Bruce is. Unlike Batman,
he is inexperienced and untrained. To compensate,
Bruce maintains constant audio/visual contact with Terry
while he is Batman in order to guide him through his new
life as Gotham's guardian. |
|
| Although
some of Batman's classic villains have some influence in
this series, the feel of this show is unlike any other
Batman enterprise to date. For the most part, the
old Batman fought the evils brought on by the sickness
of individuals. This new Batman seems to fight the
evils brought on by the sickness of society. The
focus is not so much on criminal psychopaths and their
abstract and absurd attack on innocent people, but on
white collar criminals, vengeful nerds, and cruel
bullies. This gives Batman Beyond a
distinct uniqueness. Bruce Wayne fought crime
because he had to psychologically. Terry McGuiness
fights crime because he wants to morally. They are
both, however, driven by their anger and determination
to see justice done. |
| The
series is very well done. The characters are as
well thought out as the situations they find themselves
in. This teenaged superhero has the same romantic
charm as Spiderman but with the dark,
psychological bend that is unique to Batman. This
is a must-see, even for people who don't like
Batman. The futuristic setting will satisfy sci-fi
fans, and the all-too-human pitfalls will strike a chord
with anyone. The only criticism I do have of the
series is as a Batman fan. Batman and Batgirl had
a relationship? COME ON, MAN! |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
PICTURE
GALLERY
* unfortunately there are just too dang many people involved to list
here. The folks I listed are the first bunch I could find. If
you really want more information, contact
me and I'll give you some sites to visit.
Back to Top |
| |
|
