...Jumps the Shark.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, welcome to 20-Sided Tardis, where our opinions are bigger on the Inside.

This blog is dedicated to discussing, reviewing and talking about all things geeky, from Tabletop Gaming to Anime to American Comic Books and beyond. So, pull up a chair dear companions and let's begin our foray, shall we?

Back in the early 90s, Batman the Animated Series came out and re-defined cartoons. It was dark, it was moody, and it is STILL the definitive interpretation of the Dark Knight. When I read Batman comics, Kevin Conroy is the voice I hear.

But we're not talking about that today. No, today, we're talking about the DCAU's best project, the absolutely amazing BATMAN BEYOND (or Batman of the Future for those of you outside the US.)

Batman Beyond came out in January of '99 and tells the story of Terry McGuiness, a troubled boy who through a series of misadventures becomes Batman. That's right, he stumbles into the Batcave, steals the Batsuit, foils some evil shenanigans at Wayne Powers Enterprises and Bruce Wayne (aged like 900) decides that the kid can stay Batman. Bruce monitors and guides him from the Batcave, and Terry has a series of adventures as he comes into his own as Batman.

The show was fantastic, and offered a new take on a 60 year old character. Terry's rogue gallery wasn't just "futuristic" versions of Bruce's old villains, but were brand new and unique. Inque, Blight, Shriek, Curare, and The Royal Flush Gang all add something new to the Batman mythos. My only real issue I ever had with the show was with Dana Tan, Terry's girlfriend (and I use the term loosely). The two were always on the verge of break-up (which is one of my top 10 female cliches that I hate), and to top it off, I'm a big fan of Superhero on Superhero action as far as relationships go (I'll talk about that more in a future blog).

The show was just as dark, moody and successful as it's predecessor, and I think part of it is that it didn't talk down to it's audience. It didn't assume (as many shows seem to) that it's viewers were morons, and I think that's why it's held up, even after 10 years. Unfortunately, its wasn't renewed for a 4th Season (Cartoon Network instead launched the also phenomenal Justice League). If you haven't seen it, check it out. All 3 Seasons are available on DVD, and it's definitely worth it.


You can trust me, I'm a Doctor!