Summary

• Batman Beyond exceeded fan expectations by creating a clever and reverent next generation Batman with Terry McGinnis stepping into the role with grace.
• The comic series introduced exciting storylines, such as "Escaping the Grave" and "The Long Payback" which kept fans engaged with thrilling twists and surprises.
• "Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic" and "Hush Beyond" continued to innovate by incorporating new elements from classic Batman lore, expanding Terry's world in creative ways.

When Batman Beyond first hit TV screens in 1999, many fans of DC’s amazing animated superhero shows were skeptical. They had already been spoiled by the outstanding Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series. It was a lot to live up to, even with the same creative team running the show.

Comic readers were also still reeling from the recent Marvel 2099 line – which did a “future take” on classic heroes – leaving a bad taste in fans’ mouths. But Batman Beyond wasn’t just an exciting show; it was a clever and reverent next generation Batman. The new hero, Terry McGinnis, stepped into the updated, high-tech batsuit like he was born for it, with an elderly Bruce Wayne mentoring him into becoming Neo-Gotham’s new protector. And the greatness continued even after the show, with some of Batman Beyond's best stories told in the world of DC Comics and beyond.

20 Escaping the Grave

Begins in Batman Beyond #1 (Dan Jurgens, Ryan Sook, Jeremy Lawson, Tony Avina, and Travis Lanham)

The beginning of Dan Jurgens' run on Batman Beyond kickstarted the character's "Rebirth" initiative and it certainly kicked off a new era in the franchise with a bang. A mentorless Terry McGinnis finds himself overwhelmed by a Jokerz Gang that feels larger, more dangerous than usual in a world where Bruce Wayne is presumed dead. Even worse, there are rumors that the original Clown Prince of Crime's return is on the horizon.

Terry investigates by going deep undercover within the gang. For the first five issues of the series, each documenting a new part in "Escaping the Grave," the story unfolds with one twist after another, including two returns from two of DC's most prominent rivals who, in their own right, escape their certain graves. It's certainly the most exciting, shocking way to kick off a new era in style.

19 The Long Payback

Begins in Batman Beyond #14 (Dan Jurgens, Phil Hester, Ande Parks, Travis Lanham, and Michael Spicer)

As Jurgens' run continues, he eventually revisits the memorable Royal Flush Gang from the original animated show. They are merely one of many pawns in Terry's side. They are only the tip of the iceberg as a bounty of sorts is put on the Batman's head, pitting practically all Neo-Gotham against him. He must get to the bottom of who is the master manipulator behind the scenes, all while saving his neck from all angles coming at him.

It's one of the more stressful adventures that Terry is forced to endure, but also one of the more exhilarating for readers.

18 Batman: Beyond the White Knight

The Eight-Part Series from DC Black Label (Sean Murphy and Dave Stewart)

Batman Beyond is famously a more futuristic twist on the Batman character, but the White Knight saga is a new-age, modernized twist on classic Batman lore, as well as a twist on Bruce's relationship with The Joker. The second sequel to the original 2017 story is when Terry McGinnis is inserted in the mix.

Taking place 12 years after the events of Curse of the White Knight, Bruce Wayne is in prison while Terry McGinnis is being manipulated by the real antagonist, Derek Powers, playing an uncharacteristic mentorship to young Terry.

17 Batman Beyond: Neo-Year

The Six-Part Limited Series (Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Max Dunbar)

In a story that, in retrospect, echoes the fears revolving A.I. that would be prevalent in the world just a couple of years after its release, Neo-Year paints Neo-Gotham at its bleakest depiction yet. In the distant future where Bruce Wayne has been killed by the same A.I. that is currently controlling Gotham, Terry is flying solo.

What makes the story compelling isn't just the intrigue or the action (though there is plenty of that to go around), but it's the compelling nature in which Terry is forced to learn how to navigate his crimefighting career without his mentor.

16 Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic

The Six-Part Miniseries (Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Max Dunbar)

As if Neo-Year wasn't gripping enough, Neo-Gothic is must-read material for any die-hard Batman Beyond fan. A direct sequel to Neo-Year, this one is more concerned with finding new ways to link Terry into classic, untapped Batman lore (i.e. classic characters like John Constantine) while using these elements to tap into the character's ongoing themes.

Even better, Terry gets a brand-new sidekick, and rather than another Robin derivative, he gets something completely different in a magical feline, which makes for a fun dynamic.

15 Legends of the Dark Knight: Jake

Batman Beyond Unlimited #5 (Adam Beechen, Norm Breyfogle, Andrew Elder, and Saida Temofonte)

Anybody who really knows Batman can recall upon request the name of the man who killed his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne: Joe Chill. On that fateful night, young Bruce’s life changed forever. In the Beyond timeline, as if taking on the Chill family’s curse, readers are introduced to Joe’s great-grandnephew, Jake.

Carving out his own destiny as a special unit security guard, Jake falls from grace after facing an unconscionable task required of him by the nefarious Derek Powers (who goes on to be Terry’s arch-nemesis, Blight). Becoming a lost soul, fallen into alcoholism, Jake encounters an opportunity to become better than his murderous ancestor and pick up a new mantle in defense of Neo-Gotham.

It’s a fantastic full arc of redemption for the Chill family, fitting very nicely into the Beyond lore. Without giving it away, this new hero/anti-hero could become a more impactful character for the greater McGinnis storylines.

14 The Bat Men

Begins in Batman Beyond 2.0 #9 (Kyle Higgins, Thony Silas, Emilio Lopez, and Saida Temofonte)

Why just have one Batman when you can have so many more? Or more accurately – more Man-Bats. Dr. Kirk Langstrom is up to his old tricks again, transforming himself permanently into the classic half-human, half-bat villain that Bruce went up against so many times.

Formerly more of a beast, the elder Man-Bat is in control of his human faculties, and now, he’s trying use his formula to create a “bat-family” for himself, since his wife has died and his kids won’t talk to him anymore. It’s a great twist on a favorite from the rogue’s gallery who used to be a sort of Jekyll/Hide tragedy, now seeming to control his own destiny, possibly shifting from crazy to evil.

Terry teams up with the older Bruce, despite the fact that Dick Grayson is his new mentor. The Man-Bat has always been one of the creepiest of Batman’s adversaries, like a mashup between werewolf and vampire. Giving him the ability to choose to be a monster offers an added edge to the Beyond universe.

13 Mark of the Phantasm

Begins in Batman Beyond Universe #13 (Kyle Higgins, Phil Hester, Thony Silas, and Eric Wright)

Drawing from the fan-favorite Batman animated feature, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, the deadly judge, jury,and executioner of villains comes back in new guise to the Beyond world. This time his target is our old friend, Jake Chill, now going by the superhero moniker Vigilant.

For the Phantasm, Jake’s past sins will not be forgotten. Forget making up for his wrongs, the vengeful killer of villains wants to see Jake’s blood. This connection between classic characters and the future pastiche of Terry McGinnis’ story plays into the whole question of right and wrong, unforgiving revenge and redemption, tapping directly into the morality of the Batman mythology. Fans of the TV series and traditional comics alike will feel that play out as bad guys and good guys both fall into some very grey areas.

12 The Heart of the Matter

Begins in Batman Beyond #1 (Adam Beechen, Ryan Benjamin, David Baron, John Stanisci, and Steve Wands)

One of the coolest things to come out of the original Batman Beyond show was the introduction of Terry McGinnis’ timeline version of the Superman, like updated versions of Green Lantern and Hawkman (Warhawk) nicely complement the new Batman, who’s reluctant to be part of the team.

The main villain is a newcomer taking up the mantle of the Matter Master. And this time it’s personal because he’s taken some of Terry’s loved ones hostage. A solid superhero yarn that hits all the right notes, it was a great excuse to lobby for a bigger and more active Beyond universe Justice League. Keeping the tradition of the show alive, this take on DC’s core super-team’s future maintains a nice thread between the legacy characters we all love and a future that’s open-ended enough to grow.

11 The Trigger Man

Begins in Batman Beyond Unlimited #2 (Adam Beechen, Norm Breyfogle, Andrew Elder, and Saida Temofonte

If you love Batman Beyond, then you have to love Mad Stan, the paranoid ammosexual villain voiced so memorably by legendary punk rock front man Henry Rollins. The character’s anarchic recklessness and self-righteous attitude strike a fine balance between loving and hating him – a sort of crazier version of Marvel’s The Punisher.

In this comic tale, Stan is back bombastically pushing Batman’s buttons while carrying out his loony war on the system. Once Stan gets his hands on a device that can set off any nearby explosives, Terry has to drop everything to take him down. But sealing the deal is the relationship between the literal bomb-thrower and his dog.

The epilogue to the story hits the right note, reinforcing the soft side of a totally insane, tin-foil-hat-wearing dude who just loves to blow up anything put up by “the man.” We need more Mad Stan than ever!