Batman Beyond – DCs Earth-9

Batman Beyond – S1 Ep4 – Golem Review

In this episode we have the classic tale of the bullied school nerd being given the opportunity for revenge and eventually going crazy with power.

There are a few events which lead to Willie Watt taking to the dark side. Rejection from his school boy crush Blade, being picked on by school bully, Nash and being antagonised by his Dad all add up to his anger. He steals a robot from his Dad’s work called The Golem which he can control by using a visor and first on his agenda is to hit Nash right where it hurts. His car!!

I really enjoyed this episode and it’s definitely the best so far. Subtle elements remind you that this is set in the future and I appreciate how these things aren’t thrown at you. It’s all very natural. We also see more of Terry’s personality and private life in this too which is important in us building a connection with his character. Even though they’re not friends, Terry springs to Willie’s defence several times which was nice to see. I feel like we are seeing Terry gain more control over his Bat-abilities too which again is portrayed subtly which doesn’t give you the repetition of watching someone’s ‘journey’.

As Willie increasingly gains control over The Golem he becomes another great villain introduced in the series. I must also mention that I loved the additional vocal talent of Seth Green as Nash and Scott McAfee as Willie for this episode. I’m quickly learning that this show is not going to disappoint!

Animated Reviews, Batman Beyond, DC Animated TV

Batman Beyond – S1 Ep3 – Blackout REview

In this episode we see Terry stupidly attempting to live any kind of normal life. His night off doesn’t go to plan and it’s not long before Bruce calls upon him to fight off a new villain.

Meet Inque. An oily, slimy, sultry shapeshifter who is recruited by Derek Powers to destroy a rival company. Inque was great and her introduction brought in some great fight scenes. We also got to see Terry show of his smarts as he quickly realised that she doesn’t like water and begins to use this against her.

I still find myself excited by Terry’s bat suit and in Blackout we may have possibly witnessed a new disguise for Bruce too which is more fitting for a detective. Bruce really holds up his part of this new team by putting his detective skills into practice. There was a nice scene at the end of the of the episode where we meet Barbara Gordon for the first time. An older version than what we are used to seeing but the brief interaction she has with Bruce shows off how much history they have. More of this please!!!

Batman Beyond, DC Animated TV

Batman Beyond – S1 Ep2 – Rebirth: Part 2 Review

“You’re pretty strong for someone who thinks they’re Batman”

An action packed second episode completely has you hooked by the end (if you wasn’t already). This was a brilliant episode and it really sets the tone for what’s to come.

Bruce figures out what Derek Powers is up to and isn’t happy that he’s experimenting with nerve gas under his company’s name. He sets Terry off on a mission to pass on the evidence to Commissioner Barbara Gordon, but Derek Powers appears to be one step ahead.

There are excellent combat scenes mixed in with some very witty one liners as Terry steals that sexy Batsuit on a mission to put a stop to Powers’ antics. This suit is so awesome and takes Batman’s strength and skills to a whole new level. It actually makes this an even more exciting viewing experience as you watch him do things like seemingly make batarangs appear out of thin air.

Bruce does his best to put up resistance to Terry’s bat desires but by the end of the episode gives in and takes on the Alfred role of being Terry’s guide. He loosens up the grumpy even more and we start the journey of their relationship as Bruce officially welcomes Terry to his world.

Powers’ bragging about his nerve gas backfires on him. His own evidence shows that the gas doesn’t mix well with humans, but luckily for him, he comes out glowing! Oh and a special mention to Mr Fixx, Powers’ right hand man. Love this character. He’s scary as hell and made it to the top of Terry’s list. I’m so excited for more!!!

Batman Beyond, DC Animated TV

Batman Beyond – S1 Ep1 – Rebirth: Part 1 Review

Here is the introduction to a new chapter in the Batman story. A world where Bruce Wayne has grown old and is physically unable to maintain his vigilante lifestyle.

Episode 1 really sets up the story well. We initially get to see Bruce in action but also witness just how much it takes out of him. After rescuing a damsel in distress he hangs up the bat suit and vows to never wear it again. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful that suit is!!! It’s so sleek and it instantly indicates that this something fresh and new.

Skip 20 years ahead and we meet Terry McGinnis. He’s balsy, full of angst and seems to easily attract trouble. You immediately realise he’s destined for greater things when he takes on a copycat group of villains called The Jokers. This leads him to his first meeting with Bruce Wayne who, with the aid of a walking stick, helps fight them off. Terry innocently quickly discovers the batcave which is probably going to come in very handy to him as the story progresses.

The animation is pretty typical of it’s time and I liked that it’s futuristic but doesn’t give us ridiculous and unbelievable visions of what the future would look like. The antagonist is clearly going to be Bruce Wayne’s business partner, Derek Powers and he’s already made an enemy in Terry. This was a brilliant first episode and really does leave you eager for more.