Batman Beyond: Terry McGinnis Origins

Terry McGinnis - Batman Beyond Origins

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re breaking down the origin of the futuristic Batman Terry McGinnis. Some major spoilers are ahead.

Creation

Unlike the many heroes and villains who first appeared in the pages of newly-minted comic books, Terry McGinnis made his grand debut in a different medium altogether: TV. When the legendary “Batman: The Animated Series” concluded, it seemed only natural that the higher-ups would want to keep the money train moving. It was an incredibly tall task to create a sequel series to arguably one of the greatest pieces of Batman media ever. Making things even more difficult, the crew had to make Batman much younger to appeal to teens. With those intense instructions in mind, “Batman Beyond” was born. As the brainchild of Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett, “Beyond” brought us to the future of the DCAU. It didn’t just introduce cyberpunk-inspired cities, or suddenly darken the tone. It also created characters that would change the status quo forever. Don’t get it twisted, this may’ve been a show about Batman, but the star wasn’t Bruce Wayne. Audiences would quickly be introduced to the Batman of the future: Terry McGinnis.

A Turbulent Upbringing

Born to parents Warren and Mary McGinnis, Terry would grow up in Neo-Gotham with a less-than-squeaky clean record. He’d develop a rebellious attitude after the birth of his younger brother Matt that would put him at odds with his now-divorced parents, and later the law too. He’d get roped into a gang by Charlie “Big Time” Bigelow and develop a reputation as something of a juvenile delinquent. Terry’s relationship with his father would also grow to be a tense one. The headstrong and reckless high schooler’s attitude frequently clashed with the no-nonsense Wayne-Powers research scientist. Terry didn’t often connect with his dad, and that’s something that he would ultimately regret in the end. With his difficult home life and violent temper, there’s a question you might be asking yourself. How could this guy ever become Batman?

Becoming Batman

Following an argument with Warren, Terry left their house and had a run-in with the Jokerz, a street gang who modeled themselves off of the original Clown Prince of Crime. Rescuing his girlfriend Dana from them, Terry would get aid from none other than an elderly Bruce Wayne. Though Bruce was impressive, the fight put a strain on his tired body, and Terry helped get him back into Wayne Manor. Not long after, he stumbled into the Batcave and discovered that Bruce used to be Batman. And not much longer after that, Bruce would kick him out of the manor. While Terry was quick to brush the experience aside, fate would ultimately lead him back. Remember what we said about him regretting not connecting with his dad? He’d heartbreakingly discover that his father’s house was broken into while he was gone. Not only that, Warren had been murdered. The Jokerz were originally believed to be the culprits, but Terry would later learn that it was carried out by the corrupt Derek Powers. Determined to avenge his dad, he ended up stealing the Batsuit for himself. While he initially took the suit to enact revenge, it eventually became clear that Neo-Gotham once again needed a Batman. And so with the passing of the torch, Terry officially became the newest Caped Crusader.

Abilities

Terry’s Batsuit is incredibly technologically advanced. Through the suit, he can achieve flight, gain amplified strength and agility, and even turn invisible! But as the saying goes, “The suit doesn’t make the man.” While it’s no secret that Terry isn’t the mental or physical powerhouse that Bruce was, he does just fine on his own. He’s a skilled fighter and not too shabby as an acrobat. Once he started properly training under Bruce’s tutelage, his expertise only grew. All in all, he’s a quick, highly skilled, and resourceful young superhero. Sure, he often relies on the suit, but he’s proven that he can hang just fine without it if need be.

The Prodigal Son

Despite going on to operate as Batman for many years and develop a close-knit relationship with Bruce, things weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. A shocking revelation played out that changed the dynamic between Terry and Bruce forever. Even more shockingly, it didn’t even happen in “Batman Beyond!” After the show already ended, an episode of “Justice League Unlimited” titled “Epilogue” revisited Terry’s story, and dropped bombshells along the way. In a massive twist, it would be revealed that Bruce Wayne was Terry’s real father. When Amanda Waller acquired some of Batman’s DNA, she had it implanted into Warren McGinnis. This caused Bruce’s DNA to override Warren’s, so as Terry (and later Matt) would be born, they’d biologically be Bruce’s children. Though he’d later make peace with Bruce, this new change to Terry’s lineage divided the fans. While some might’ve considered it unnatural and forced, others welcomed the change. But one way or another, what we can all agree on is that Terry was meant to be Batman.

Integration Into Comics

Only a select group of DC characters have been able to make the jump from TV to comics, and Terry is one of them. The “Batman Beyond” cartoon would launch several tie-in comic books that featured new and exciting stories for Terry. After that, he’d get to appear again as part of DC’s greater comic book multiverse. With “Countdown to Final Crisis,” readers were introduced to Earth-12, a world featuring comic book versions of Terry and the Justice League Beyond. In 2010, he’d get his very own limited series that saw him fight a future version of Hush and others. But it’d only be a matter of time before Terry would get folded into the mainline Prime-Earth continuity. After the 2011 “New 52” reboot, Terry would debut officially in the canon through the divisive comic event called “Futures End” in 2014. Once that storyline ended, he’d headline his own series called “Batman Beyond: Rebirth” as part of DC’s Rebirth initiative. He’d be a prominent fixture in books from there. Most recently, he’s starred in comics like the series “Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic”. All things considered, he’s been a pretty busy superhero!

Popularity

With a cult classic show that expanded on the mythology and a new life within the comics, Terry McGinnis has staked his claim as Batman. He’s arguably the best possible successor to the mantle and someone that a lot of fans just can’t quite get enough of. In fact, for years so many have been clamoring for more. Like perhaps a live-action or animated “Batman Beyond” film or a revival of the original show. It’s uncertain if plans like those will ever come to fruition, but we know we’d absolutely love to see them unfold one day! So to summarize, once Terry was created, he had a lot that he’d have to prove to the fans, after all, he wasn’t Bruce Wayne. But those stark differences to Bruce ultimately ended up being what made him so great. He was a breath of fresh air: younger, faster, and snarkier. Sure, it’s hard to beat the original, but we think that he comes pretty darn close.

What’s YOUR opinion on Terry McGinnis? Share your thoughts in the comments!