It’s officially been 20 years since we were graced with the unique and entertaining animated series Batman Beyond, and what better way to celebrate than the massive juggernaut known as San Diego Comic Con.
The original Batman Beyond series depicted the adventures of Terry McGinnis, a 16 year old high school student who has taken the mantle of the Dark Knight in the year of 2039. Bruce Wayne, who is now in his 70’s, discovers a potential replacement in a world that still requires the help of Batman. This almost Neo-Gotham stylized backdrop creates something drastically different than what we know of the DC universe that’s typically riddled with the epitome of heroes we have been aware of for countless years. In this universe, the new Batman acts (mostly) alone, facing a variety of criminals at a much younger age than Bruce – much more like having a Robin or Nightwing under the mask of Batman with some technological advantages.
The show ran for 52 episodes and three seasons, being a major piece of the DCAU (DC Animated Universe) that was a series loved by an entire generation. Eventually it’s success led to comic adaptations, pop culture references, fan-casts for a live action adaptation, an animated film, and now courtesy of Warner Bros. – a long awaited return to the world cherished by so many, just not in a sequel we had hoped for (yet!)
The San Diego Comic Con panel was held in the conventions biggest, most notorious space Hall H, where thousands gathered with the original cast of voice actors and crew members such as the producers Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited), Glen Murakami (Teen Titans) and director Andrea Romano who reunited for this celebratory and rare occasion. Other appearances included writers Bob Goodman and Stan Berkowitz, as well as voice actors Kevin Conroy and Will Friedle (Bruce and Terry) to round out the already impressive lineup.
Image credit: DC / WB
Even though the 20th anniversary celebration was enough to get hyped for, the panel and Q&A revealed that Batman Beyond will in-fact make a comeback in the form of a remastered Blu-ray box set. Though rumored a few months ago, the announcement is something that DC fans have hoped for over the last few decades because of the original story and fun, yet sometimes dark adaptation and this necessary visual upgrade. This all too thrilling confirmation comes just months after the return to the animated universe with Justice League vs The Fatal Five and proved that these stories are still sought out by fans years after they began to slow down production. Hopefully the emphasis on DC’s animated projects lately is enough to spark interest for another shot at seeing Batman Beyond continued one day.
Between the fan reception as well as the very evident passion that everyone involved has for the title, Batman Beyond is a franchise that not only will create a surge of excitement, but feels necessary for a title that continues to be a prosperous franchise for all parties.
Batman Beyond is currently available to stream on DC Universe, where you can watch, enjoy and relive the adventures of DC’s unexpected hero! Are you excited for a completely remastered Batman Beyond?
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