As a fan of the dark and gritty world of Gotham City, I must say that the villains of Batman Beyond are truly remarkable. Among them, one character stands out as particularly captivating – the mutated Derek Powers, also known as Blight.
For nearly a century, Batman has been a prominent figure in the world of comics, making his debut in “Detective Comics” #27 back in 1939. Over the years, he’s amassed an impressive collection of foes, many of whom are considered some of the most formidable villains in the comic book universe. For six decades, Batman tales primarily centered around Bruce Wayne and his crusade against evil. He consistently spearheaded the fight against crime with the aid of his Bat-Team to safeguard Gotham City. However, a significant shift occurred in 1999 when “Batman Beyond” was introduced on television. This unique development saw Bruce Wayne being replaced as Batman for the first time, marking a new era in the Batman saga.
In the year 2039, it was Terry McGinnis who took on the mantle of Batman for a fresh era. He safeguarded Neo-Gotham while Bruce Wayne provided support from a distance, offering wisdom and strategic guidance. “Batman Beyond” marked a successor to “Batman: The Animated Series” and “The New Batman Adventures,” and unlike its predecessors, it presented a more daring and somber tone. Its rogues gallery, featuring both new adversaries and legacy foes, truly embodied this darker spirit. Here are some of the most impressive villains from the original series.
14. Big Time
Charlie “Big Time” Bigelow had been Terry’s friend since their days together as small-time crooks. However, while Terry took a turn towards becoming the latest Batman, Charlie continued down the path of criminality. In a robbery gone wrong, he came into contact with a mutagenic substance called Cerestone, which transformed him into a supervillain. He proudly adopted his nickname and became the menacing figure known as Big Time.
In a twisted turn of events, Big Time attempts to enlist Terry into his illegal activities, but Terry resists, which strains their friendship. This rejection pushes Big Time to the brink of violence against Terry, but just when it seems like all hope is lost, Bruce Wayne intervenes at the last possible second. With mere seconds to spare, Terry grabs his cape and cowl, readying himself to battle his ex-ally. In the end, Big Time plunges from a bridge and is presumed dead.
One fitting antagonist for the new Batman is Big Time, as he mirrors Harvey Dent’s role for Bruce Wayne. Similar to how Bruce couldn’t prevent Harvey from becoming Two-Face, Terry faces a comparable disappointment with Big Time. The tragic twist being that one of his former allies has transformed into an individual bent on taking his life, making Big Time one of Batman’s saddest adversaries.
13. Starro
Starro, a distinctive DC antagonist, was the initial adversary to face the Justice League, clashing with them during their premiere in “The Brave and the Bold” #28 from 1960. What sets Starro apart is his unique characteristics – he’s an extraterrestrial starfish-like creature hailing from a water world, possessing the ability to manipulate minds. In the series “Batman Beyond”, Superman confines Starro within his Fortress of Solitude for decades. However, in an unexpected assault, Starro jumps onto Superman and seizes control over the Kryptonian, enhancing his power significantly – and he has a hidden agenda.
For several years, Starro secretly manufactures clones under Superman’s garments, with his ultimate goal – as usual – being world domination. Utilizing a controlled Superman, Starro devises a plan involving Batman to locate and eliminate members of the Justice League Unlimited. However, this scheme is eventually uncovered, forcing Starro to escape to the Fortress, where the Justice League Unlimited confronts him. In the end, Batman manages to break Starro’s mental control over Superman, liberating him.
One enjoyable aspect of watching Starro in “Batman Beyond” lies in the resolution surrounding the enigmatic supervillain starfish. In the series finale, he’s returned to his home planet, ensuring no more damage can be inflicted on Earth. This conclusion neatly wraps up a villain’s tale that has been present for an impressive 40 years in comics. Starro’s cleverness makes him an outstanding adversary, but upon reflection, he’s merely a lost psychic starfish yearning to return home.
12. The Stalker
As an ardent admirer of mine own exploits, I’ve always been a formidable predator, prowling for the biggest games. One fateful encounter with a panther left me crippled, but a miraculous surgery granted me superhuman strength and agility. However, the thrill of hunting was no more as my newfound abilities made it too effortless. Thus, I found myself drawn to the ultimate challenge: none other than Batman, the dark knight who keeps Gotham City safe from peril.
Stalker confronts Batman, lures in Terry’s brother as a decoy, but Batman ultimately comes out victorious. Batman assumes Stalker is deceased, yet he resurfaces and is compelled to work for the National Security Agency. In this role, an unexpected alliance forms between them as they collaborate to find Falseface. Their pursuit leads them to their target, and Stalker rescues Batman in the process – a move he claims is simply to set up their ultimate battle.
The Stalker character in DC isn’t just like Marvel’s Kraven the Hunter copied and pasted, but there are definite parallels. A unique aspect of his storyline involves collaborating with his adversary to set up a climactic battle, which adds an intriguing twist to his persona. Regrettably, this epic confrontation never materialized on screen due to the show’s premature conclusion after its third season. If the series had continued, it would have been quite a spectacle.
11. Falseface
In terms of his past, very little is known about Falseface. However, a different character once went by the same alias during Bruce Wayne’s time as the Dark Knight. Falseface has an extraordinary talent – he can change the size, shape, and color of his face at will, but the method behind this ability remains mysterious. This skill allows him to slip in and out of locations undetected, assuming identities, and even managing to trick Batman during one encounter.
In another scenario, a character named Falseface is employed to introduce a virus within Gotham City. Unfortunately, he contracts the virus himself. Later, he assumes the appearance of Nelson Nash, which makes him conspicuous to Batman. A fight ensues between them, and in the heat of battle, Falseface’s true identity is exposed. He nearly succeeds in defeating Batman, but at the critical moment, the virus takes hold. Before he can escape, Falseface succumbs to the virus, leaving his ultimate end undisclosed.
As a comics enthusiast, I must say that the ability to transform oneself undetected gives any wrongdoer a significant advantage. While Marvel’s Chameleon possesses this skill, DC Comics’ Falseface stands out for his innate disguise abilities – he doesn’t require masks, makeup, or prosthetics. He’s a captivating adversary who, sadly, has only made brief appearances. In the series “Batman Beyond,” he was featured in the episode “Plague,” but his impact was undeniably strong.
10. Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is a longstanding adversary of Batman who has repeatedly disregarded the law in an attempt to rescue his spouse, Nora. What makes him a captivating supervillain is that he acknowledges the wrongness of his actions yet persistently flouts the law, all in the name of saving his wife. The incident that transformed him also granted him immortality, leaving only his head alive into the 21st century.
He spent decades in a storage facility before scientists transplanted his brain into a cloned body, returning him to normal. Initially, the process worked, and he started his life anew, but it didn’t last. His cloned body reverted to his previous state, requiring an advanced cryogenic suit to sustain him. He goes after the scientists who betrayed him and fights Batman. In “Batman Beyond,” Freeze actually saves Batman in his final act, allowing himself to be destroyed in the process.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but empathize with Mr. Freeze – one of Batman’s most heart-wrenching adversaries. The tragic tale of this icy foe is vividly portrayed in his quest for redemption through acts of kindness. In “Batman Beyond,” we witness a poignant finale for the remorseful supervillain who tormented Gotham City for decades. It’s a bittersweet yet noble conclusion for a man who, despite his villainous reputation, may have been more victim than truly evil.
9. The Royal Flush Gang
The Royal Flush Gang, comprising five individuals – the King, Queen, Jack, Ten, and Ace – has evolved in various forms throughout the years. However, the version that appears in “Batman Beyond” portrays them as a band of thieves who are all skilled in unique ways. The King is a master swordsman, the Queen excels with melee weapons, Jack specializes in knives, Ten possesses hacking skills, and Ace is an android.
The team made an appearance in several installments of “Batman Beyond” as well as other shows like “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited”. Their first appearance was triggered by the discovery that a new Batman was operating in Gotham, prompting them to seek revenge. A coincidence led to Terry dating Melanie Walker, who turned out to be Ten, causing events to take a turn for the worse.
In the early stages of Bruce Wayne’s life, Ten was similar to Catwoman – Terry had a strong bond with Melanie. Later, Melanie changed her ways and found regular employment, but her time spent with Terry during her criminal phase played a significant role in shaping Terry’s character. The group isn’t as effective when one member is arrested or incapacitated, which would have boosted their standing. As a team, they pose a substantial threat to Batman.
8. The Dee Dee Twins
Following the demise of the Joker, Harleen Quinzel retires her harlequin attire and abandons her criminal lifestyle. In due course, when Terry assumes the role of Batman, the grandchildren of Harley, Delia and Deirdre Dennis, have grown up and refer to themselves as the Dee Dee twins. Despite Harley’s efforts to instill goodness in them, the twins exhibit a penchant for mimicking their grandmother, developing an interest in the Joker.
Delia and Deirdre become members of a criminal group known as the Jokerz, continuing the legacy set by their grandmother long ago. When they initially encounter Batman, he underestimates them due to their youth and lack of experience. However, they swiftly prove him wrong, teaming up to defeat him. Although Batman may have been overconfident during their next encounter, eventually, they are apprehended.
The unique appeal of the Dee Dee twins lies in their link to Harley Quinn’s troubled past, specifically her harmful bond with the Joker. They are not only proficient in close-combat, but when they team up, they become a significant threat to Batman. Despite making their debut in the direct-to-video movie “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker” and a brief appearance in “Justice League Unlimited”, the Dee Dee twins have left a lasting impact.
7. Curaré
In the Society of Assassins, there’s no one more lethal than Curaré, whose identity remains a secret even to her peers – except for Batman. She is a master of martial arts and one of the deadliest women alive. Her preferred weapon is a razor-sharp scimitar that can slice through various materials, including bullets on their way.
Curaré embarks on a mission to eliminate Gotham’s District Attorney, but Batman and Barbara Gordon thwart her plans and apprehend her. However, she manages to flee, as the Society of Assassins punish disloyalty with death. Fearing for her life, Curaré eliminates each member of the organization, wiping their memories so they cannot pursue her. In a final act, she dismantles the society from within, earning her the title of the world’s deadliest assassin.
Over the course of his life, Bruce Wayne has encountered numerous assassins, but none have proven as deadly as Curaré. This makes her an exceptional antagonist for Terry and distinguishes her from all other adversaries, perhaps even Ra’s al Ghul, who taught her. With a variety of skills and an impressive appearance, Curaré stands out as one of the most remarkable villains in “Batman Beyond,” despite only appearing in two episodes.
6. Shriek
As a gaming enthusiast, let me put it this way: In many comics, they love to boost an ordinary talent into something supernatural. For instance, I, a sound tech whiz, developed a suit that lets me manipulate sound waves at will. I dubbed myself Shriek and decided to use my newfound power for nefarious purposes, which eventually caught Batman’s attention.
Initially, Shriek attempts to murder Bruce Wayne, a deed he fails at, resulting in him losing his ability to hear. Undeterred, he employs his special talents to render speech incomprehensible across Gotham. In his last episode on screen, Shriek captures Batman within an underground facility, aiming for his life. However, lengthy dialogue proves his downfall, and Bruce Wayne thwarts him, effectively halting Shriek’s criminal activities in the series “Batman Beyond.
Shriek is an intriguing antagonist as he doesn’t intentionally embrace the role of the villain. He’s forced into committing wrongdoings and eventually transforms into a villain following an initial setback. However, it’s important to note that attempting to assassinate Bruce Wayne was indeed malevolent behavior. Yet, his ultimate goal was not inherently evil; it was merely a stepping stone towards his objective. His comeback is what gives him an engaging and complex character as a supervillain.
5. Robert Vance
During the era of Batman (Bruce Wayne), Robert Vance was a thriving computer programmer and established the software company. Before succumbing to an incurable brain illness, he converted himself into digital form and remained dormant for three decades. Subsequently, his grandson Bobby unintentionally activated him online, leading to his execution of a long-prepared scheme to merge his digital self with a fresh physical body.
In an attempt to foil this scheme, Batman tries to counteract it. However, Vance manages to infiltrate Batman’s suit, intending to drown him. Thankfully, Bruce Wayne had set up a safety mechanism – a killswitch – within the suit, allowing Batman to halt Vance before he harmed his apprentice. This tactic leaves Vance defeated but alive. He then regroups and endeavors to move his consciousness into Bobby’s body. In the end, Batman uses magnetism to halt Vance, effectively eradicating him from existence forever.
One intriguing aspect of Vance as a villain for Terry lies in his unique capability to seize control over his suit. This trait compels Batman to wear an eye mask and engage in combat against his own Batsuit during one of the most captivating “Batman Beyond” battles. Additionally, Vance is intriguing because he has spent decades devising a strategy to postpone his own destruction, making him exceptionally cunning and deceitful. Although he only appears in a single episode, it’s an exceptional one, primarily thanks to the engaging portrayal of Vance.
4. Spellbinder
As a high school psychologist could be challenging, and it turned into a nightmare for Ira Billings. Instead of seeking other employment, he employed his skills to retaliate against the wealthy individuals he disliked: He resorted to manipulation, using mind control to make students steal from their parents, transforming himself into the malevolent figure known as Spellbinder.
In one of the episodes, Billings designed a unique suit, featuring an eye piece that hovered above his hand, capable of projecting mental images onto individuals. With Terry as his target, he aimed to extract information about Bruce Wayne. During their encounter, Spellbinder used this power to cast illusions of zombies and attempted to eliminate Batman, but the situation reversed and Spellbinder was apprehended. Throughout the series, there were multiple instances where Spellbinder controlled various people to fulfill his desires.
Billings is a formidable antagonist who possesses the ability to invade anyone’s thoughts, even those of Batman, making him an extremely perilous adversary. At one point, he deceives Commissioner Barbara Gordon into thinking that Batman had murdered Mad Stan, causing a manhunt. However, despite these challenges, Batman ultimately emerges victorious in their encounters, but each confrontation leaves him in considerable turmoil.
3. Blight
In his role as the dishonest head of Wayne-Powers, Derek Powers concocted a harmful gas that strayed from the ethical standards set by the Wayne sector of the company. During a confrontation with Batman, he inhaled this gas, leading to a necessity for radiation therapy. This treatment transformed him into a powerful, radioactive being with transparent skin, a change he initially concealed using a fake skin for public appearances. However, eventually, he accepted his new form and abilities, adopting the name Blight.
Much like how Batman encountered Blight before Powers underwent a transformation, the hero consistently foiled the villain’s schemes. In their ultimate confrontation, Blight grew enraged when his own son betrayed him, causing the submarine they were on to be destroyed and sunk, although Batman suspects he may have somehow managed to survive.
Powers was a villain long before his accident turned him into Blight, which is why he’s such a compelling character. Bruce Wayne was no fan of the man and confronted him in the boardroom on several occasions, but in Powers’ entanglements with Terry as Batman, the madness beneath the malice really shines through.
2. The Joker
Back in the day, it was believed that the original Joker had shuffled off this mortal coil, but boy, were we wrong! In “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,” he’s alive and kicking, causing chaos as ever! He’s now leading the Jokerz and even drops a bombshell on good old Bruce Wayne – turns out, he knows all about Terry. That little revelation really shook up Bruce’s perspective on things. But here’s the kicker: Forty years ago, the Joker and Harley Quinn abducted Tim Drake, Robin himself, and subjected him to unspeakable torment. They even brainwashed him, grooming Tim to become the next Joker. Talk about a mind-blowing twist!
In a striking turn of events, Tim metamorphoses into the Joker, exposing that he had hidden his consciousness within a chip placed behind Tim’s ear. As the confrontation ensued, Terry successfully destroyed the microchip, thus eliminating the Joker persona and restoring Tim to his original state. It’s undeniable that the Joker stands as Batman’s most formidable adversary. By exploiting a loophole in life and death, the Joker seized control of his one-time protege years later. The Joker is unquestionably evil, and his malevolence shines through brilliantly in this movie.
1. Inque
Scarcely any information is available about Inque’s identity or origins, yet whatever her past, she resorted to criminal activities for personal gain. Transforming into a metahuman through genetic mutation, she acquired the power to shape-shift in numerous forms. Initially employed by Derek Powers to undermine a competitor, this marked her initial encounter with Batman, leading to conflict. Inque effortlessly overpowers Batman, but escapes swiftly to evade him.
The next time I square off against Inque, I’ll be better prepared, but her overpowering strength and uncanny ability to morph her body make it tough for me to land a solid hit. Inque proves to be a formidable adversary, constantly challenging me throughout the series, making herself my most recurring villain. She’s sly and boasts unique talents that are hard to outmaneuver.
In the show “Batman Beyond,” Terry’s Batsuit may be remarkable, but he consistently faces his toughest adversary in Inque. As the series unfolds, her backstory is revealed, and her strained relationship with her daughter drives her to continually seek more wealth. This adds a human touch to the character yet also explains why she’ll go to any length to acquire what she desires. Indeed, Inque emerges as Terry’s most formidable foe in “Batman Beyond” and is among the most intriguing villains within the DC Animated Universe.
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2024-11-04 16:01