The DC animated universe features some of the beloved animated shows that fans revisit even today. Starting in the 90s, the franchise delivered iconic hits such as Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League. While the DCAU shows received popularity and fanfare over the years, one entry had to fight hard for fan appreciation.
Initially, Batman Beyond was received negatively by fans who only later came to love the series. The series now has a cult classic status among the fanbase. However, the initial hate aimed at Batman Beyond proves just how toxic DC fans can be at times. Here is why fans initially hated Batman Beyond and why it became a cult classic.
DC Fans Initially Hated on Batman Beyond Before Hailing It as a Cult Classic
Created by Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Alan Burnett, Batman Beyond premiered in January 1999. It served as a sequel to Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. Set decades into the future, the series follows Terry McGinnis, who assumes the identity of Batman after Bruce Wayne’s retirement.
When the series was initially announced as the continuation of Batman: The Animated Series, but with a teenager filling the shoes of the Dark Knight, it was met with negative reactions. During an appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, producer Glen Murakami revealed how fans initially hated the idea of the show.
“I feel like that every single show they hate in the beginning and then when it’s gone they love it.”
The re-imagining of Batman as a teenager in a techno-filled future certainly does not sound like the ideal way to carry forward the legacy of the original animated series. However, once the series premiered fans came to love it, and Batman Beyond later earned itself a cult status.
The series lasted for 52 episodes across 3 seasons and received mostly positive reviews. It was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards and five Annie Awards, thereby cementing its legacy as a worthy successor to Batman: The Animated Series.
Batman Beyond‘s Cult Classic Status Proves Just How Toxic DC Fans Can Be
Fans initially rejected Batman Beyond under the assumption that it would tarnish the legacy of the original series and the Dark Knight as a whole. However, the series did the opposite by proving itself as a worthy continuation and became a cult classic.
Fans have come to love the character of Terry McGinnis, who has been incorporated into the comic book side of things. There is also a clamor for a live-action Batman Beyond adaptation among the DC fan base. However, the initial hate aimed at the series is a reminder of just how toxic DC fans can be as they were too quick to judge Batman Beyond.
Similarly, the first season of Justice League was also somewhat poorly received before its reception improved over the years. On the other hand, DC fans despised Zack Snyder’s take on the iconic characters in the DCEU, only for a section to later vehemently demand that Snyder’s vision for the franchise be restored. These instances coupled with Batman Beyond‘s initial negative reception prove just how toxic DC fans can sometimes be.
Batman Beyond is streaming on Max.
