Batman / Batman Joker

Does Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Take Place After the Show?

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a 2000 animated movie that features Terry McGinnis as the new Batman, taking on the Joker who supposedly died years ago. However, there has been some confusion among fans regarding the timeline of the movie and its connection to the Batman Beyond TV series. In this article, we will explore whether or not Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker takes place after the show.

Background

Before we dive into the main question, let’s recap some background information. Batman Beyond is a TV series that aired from 1999 to 2001 and is set in a futuristic Gotham City where an elderly Bruce Wayne mentors a teenager named Terry McGinnis to become the new Batman. The show was well-received by fans and was praised for its fresh take on the classic character.

The Movie

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker was released in 2000 as a direct-to-video movie. The plot revolves around Terry McGinnis facing off against the Joker who supposedly died years ago. However, things take a dark turn when it’s revealed that this new Joker is actually Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne’s former protege who was thought to have died as well.

Timeline Confusion

Now, onto our main question – does Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker take place after the show? The answer is yes and no. Let me explain.

The events of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker are technically set during season two of Batman Beyond between episodes 24 and 25. In fact, there are references to previous episodes throughout the movie such as Bruce Wayne’s heart condition which was first mentioned in episode 11.

However, there are also some inconsistencies with this timeline. For example, Barbara Gordon (formerly Batgirl) appears in her wheelchair throughout most of the movie even though she was cured in season two, episode 18. There are also some differences in character designs and voice actors which suggest that the movie was made separately from the show.

Conclusion

So, to sum up – Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker does take place during the TV series but there are some inconsistencies with the timeline and character designs. Despite this, the movie is still considered to be a great addition to the Batman Beyond universe and a must-watch for any fan of the show.

Remember: It’s important to keep in mind that while timelines and continuity are important in any fictional universe, they shouldn’t detract from your enjoyment of the story. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy watching Terry McGinnis kick some Joker butt!