Batman Beyond - TV-Y7
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Boomerang Cast: Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this cartoon series features frequent, gruesome violence, including bloodshed and even body-part removal. Kids often look up to super heroes, but the ones depicted in this series are dark, angry, and violent. Younger kids are more likely to be scared than inspired.
Families can talk about what it means to be a hero. Do you need to have super powers to be a hero? Batman doesn't have traditional super powers -- how does he qualify as a superhero? Are Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis good role models? What makes them heroes? Who are your heroes and why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
BATMAN BEYOND explores the escapades of a maturing Bruce Wayne (voiced by Kevin Conroy) and his young protégé Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle), setting its futuristic animated action in 21st-century Gotham City.
After rescuing Terry from a pack of Jokerz, Bruce becomes weakened by a recurring heart condition, leaving Terry to bring him back safely to Wayne Manor. When Terry discovers the Bat Cave and borrows the Batsuit to retaliate against his father's murderer, Bruce decides to train the high school student to be his successor. As crime rises in Gotham, more often than not Terry wears the suit while Bruce gives the orders.
Parents beware: This series is chock full of ultimatums and bloodshed that's fairly graphic by cartoon standards. Battles are conducted with fists, cutthroat language, and revolutionary weapons -- death is a main ingredient in every episode. And Bruce Wayne often takes vengeance on his rivals as if he were a villain himself, a conflict that has always been part of Batman's dark, complicated personality.
When watching Batman Beyond, expect sinister storylines and hostile characters. Although the show's violence is glamorized, Terry shows utmost respect for his mentor, as well as other legendary heroes, such as Superman. It's stylishly and elegantly animated and has won lots of critical praise, but it's probably not the best fit for pre-tween viewers.
Batman Beyond originally aired between 1999 and 2002; it's still on in reruns and is available on DVD. Fans might also enjoy The Batman and Justice League Unlimited (as well as Tim Burton's live action Batman movie; those looking for lighter superhero fare should check out Superman: The Animated Series.
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ViolenceMurders, fist fights, weapons, some blood, and removing of body parts. Pretty graphic for a kids' cartoon. |
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LanguageNo cursing, but some of the language is pretty coarse. |
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Social BehaviorBatman has always been a darker comic book hero, conflicted and moody. He works for justice, but sometimes uses questionable means to get there. |
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