Above and Batman Beyond

So as not to neglect our faithful citizens of Neo-Gotham, we have some important announcements, including our podcast hiatus, how we excitingly wrapped shooting our upcoming "Above and Batman Beyond: The Documentary," we talk about our recently released audio drama for "Return of the Joker," Ben's voice over work, as well as Ben's appearance on the "Batman Book Club" podcast in December for the ROTJ comic adaptation. Then, we have some schway audio straight from Wayne Manor for your post-holiday blues.

Enjoy our audio drama celebrating the 25th of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker! The adaptation combines sound effects, music, and voice performances from the 2000 film, along with the 2000 ROTJ novelization; narrated by your co-host, Benjamin David, and produced/edited by our podcast editor, Z. Nikolaev. In 2025 we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker! Batman Beyond started as an animated series and made the jump to comics in 1999, then the direct-to-video animated film came out along with a novelization in the year 2000, and a comic adaptation in 2001. For the occasion, we've made this audio drama, inspired by both the animated film and its novelization, bringing the story to the world of audio storytelling. Step back into Neo-Gotham and experience the chilling return of Batman's greatest enemy in a brand-new way. This audio drama combines the original screenplay and official novelization based on it, with the performances and music of the film, preserving deleted material, extended character moments and cut scenes that never made it into the final movie. As a result, the project is an expanded, uncensored, uncut, complete story experience. You can also find it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAN_K5koF1zgwuFiis-wTafIEJ_6j9AD6&si=_9VLwawIfEutfNpC Chapters: 00:00 Prologue 02:16 Chapter 1 13:52 Chapter 2 22:06 Chapter 3 31:13 Chapter 4 40:30 Chapter 5 52:15 Chapter 6 (incl. cut scenes) 1:02:16 Chapter 7 1:11:18 Chapter 8 1:19:53 Chapter 9: 35 years ago 1:33:03 Chapter 10 1:44:07 Chapter 11 2:00:34 Chapter 12 2:15:10 Epilogue 2:20:08 Credits Novelization by Michael Teitelbaum Based on the original script by Paul Dini Original story by Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and Glen Murakami Animated movie produced by Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Glen Murakami and directed by Curt Geda Characters voiced by Will Friedle as Terry McGinnis / Batman Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne Mark Hamill as The Joker Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn Angie Harmon as Barbara Gordon Tara Strong as Batgirl Dean Stockwell as Tim Drake Mathew Valencia as Robin Melissa Joan Hart as Dee Dee Don Harvey as Chucko Michael Rosenbaum as Ghoul Frank Welker as Woof Henry Rollins as Bonk Rachael Leigh Cook as Chelsea Teri Garr as Mary McGinnis Ryan O'Donohue as Matt McGinnis Lauren Tom as Dana Tan Vernee Watson-Johnson as Ms. Carr Mark Jonathan Davis as V.R. Newsman and Mary Cheer as Mrs. Tim Drake Original voice performances directed by Andrea Romano. Music from the Batman Beyond series composed by Lolita Ritmanis and Michael McCuistion Return of the Joker soundtrack composed by Kristopher Carter, featuring a performance by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. “Crash” song written by Mephisto Odyssey, Wayne Static and Julien Morris, and performed by Mephisto Odyssey featuring Static-X. Original sound design by Robert Hargreaves. Original foley by Gary Marullo. Novelization adapted by Z. Nikolaev and read for you by Benjamin David Audio production, additional sound design and sound editing by Z. Nikolaev. Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker animated film produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker novelization originally published by Scholastic Inc. Batman and all related titles, characters, and indicia are trademarks of DC Comics.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2017's "Justice League Dark." JL Dark continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @batman_beyond_fanpage. Justice League Dark is inspired by the New 52 Justice League Dark DC Comics from Peter Milligan Mikel Janin. The film stars Matt Ryan as John Constantine, Jason O'Mara as Batman, Camilla Ludington as Zatanna, Ray Chase as Jason Blood/Etrigan the Demon, Alfred Molina as Destiny, and Jeremy Davis is Ritchie.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) The epic conclusion, Neo-Gotham, to our 25th review special for 2000's Batman Beyond Return of the Joker. Similar to our Ep by Ep review series, we're going scene-by-scene with an in-depth analysis/review, Ben is joined by your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @batman_beyond_fanpage.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2016's "Justice League vs Teen Titans." JLvTT continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is returning guest/friend, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on the "League of Melanated Gentlemen" podcast. Justice League vs Teen Titans is loosely based on the "New Teen Titans: Terror of Trigon" comic run by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and others. The film stars Jason Omara as Batman, Stuart Allen as Damian Wayne/Robin, Taissa Farmiga is Raven, Jon Bernthal is Trigon, and Sean Maher plays Dick Grayson/Nightwing.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) We have arrived, Neo-Gotham. It has been 25 years. It's our one and only Beyond feature, it's our review for "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker." Similar to our Ep by Ep review series, we're going scene-by-scene with an in-depth analysis/review, Ben is joined by your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @batman_beyond_fanpage.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2016's "Batman: Bad Blood." Bad Blood continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is returning guest/friend, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on the "League of Melanated Gentlemen" podcast. Batman: Bad Blood is loosely based on the "Batman: Incorporated" and "Batman: Battle for the Cowl" graphic novels. The film stars Jason Omara as Batman, Stuart Allen as Damian Wayne/Robin, Ernie Hudson is Lucius Fox, Yvonne Strahovsky is Batwoman, and Sean Maher plays Dick Grayson/Nightwing.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with S2 Ep 7: "Once Burned." Our villain of the week is Ten and the Royal Flush Gang, with your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @batman_beyond_fanpage.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2015's "Batman vs Robin." BvR continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is returning guest/friend, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on the "League of Melanated Gentlemen" podcast. Batman vs Robin is based on the "Batman: Court of Owls" graphic novel by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. The film stars Jason Omara as Batman, Stuart Allen is Damian Wayne/Robin, Jeremy Sisto is Talon, and Sean Maher plays Dick Grayson/Nightwing.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S2 Ep 6: "Bloodsport." Our villain of the week is The Stalker, with your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @batman_beyond_fanpage.

Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2015's "Justice League: Throne of Atlantis." TOA continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson, @batman_beyond_fanpage. JL: TOA is based on the graphic novel arc, "Throne of Atlantis," in both "Aquaman" and "Justice League" titles, by Geoff Johns and Paul Pelletier. The film stars Matt Lanter as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Sam Witwer as Orm the Oceanmaster, Jason O'Mara as Batman, Rosario Dawson is Wonder Woman, Nathan Fillion is Green Lantern and Sean Astin is Shazam.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S2 Ep 5: "Hidden Agenda." Our villain of the week is the Terminal (the Joker), with with guest/friend of the pod, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on the "League of Melanated Gentlemen" podcast.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our DCAMU commentaries continue with 2014's "Son of Batman." SOB is the third the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is returning guest/friend of the show, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on the "League of Melanated Gentlemen" podcast. Son of Batman is based on the "Batman and Son" graphic novel by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. The film stars Jason Omara as Batman, Stuart Allen is Damian Wayne/Robin, Morena Baccarin is Talia al Ghul, Giancarlo Esposito is Ra's al Ghul, Sean Maher is Nightwing, and Thomas Gibson plays Deathstroke.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S2 Ep 4: "Lost Soul." Our villain of the week is the Lost Soul of Robert Vance, with your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli Benson @beyondolgy.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our bi-weekly DCAMU commentaries continue with 2014's "Justice League: War." "War" continues the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020. Joining Ben for the commentary is your co-host/Batman Beyond expert, Eli Benson @beyondology. Justice League: War is based on the "Justice League: Origin" graphic novel by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. The film stars Jason Omara as Batman, Alan Tudky as Superman, Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman, Sean Asitin is Shazam, Shemar Moore is Cyborg, Christopher Gorham is Barry Allen Flash. And, Steve Blum is the LORD OF APOKOLIPS: DARKSEID.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S2 Ep 3: "Joyride." Our villains of the week are the Jokerz gang, with returning guest/friend of the pod and Lego stop motion animator, Jayden, from @patriotmediafilms on Instagram.

From our network's new after show pod, "Too Many Shows: A TV Podcast" -In a world of way too many TV shows, we're here to guide you through the good ones, with pod reviews, commentary tracks, and YouTube livestreams. We begin our pod journey with FX/Hulu's 'Alien: Earth." Then, our next shows are S3 of "Tulsa King" starring Sylvester Stallone, followed by S4 of "Mayor of Kingstown" starring Jeremy Renner. Hosted by podcaster/filmmaker, Benjamin David.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Our bi-weekly DCAMU commentaries begin with 2013's animated movie, "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox." Flashpoint kicks off the New 52/DCAMU series of 16 movies from 2013-2020, ending with "Justice League Dark: Apokolips War." Joining Ben for the commentary is Spenser from the DC Animation with Spenser and Friends pod series. Flashpoint Paradox is based on the graphic novel by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert. The film stars Justin Chambers as Barry Allen/Flash, C. Thomas Howell as Reverse Flash, Michael B Jordan as Cyborg, Cary Elwes as Aquaman, Ron Perlman as Deathstroke; with returning the DCAU voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Dana Delaney as Lois Lane.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S2 Ep 2: "Earth Mover." Our villain of the week is Toxic Tony/Earth Mover, with returning guest/friend of the pod, Spenser, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series on his League of Melanated Gentlemen podcast.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Last time we spoke of Pop!s was a few pods ago, covering our first-ever line of Batman Beyond Funko Pop!s. So, today, Eli and Ben return for their Wave 2 Wishlist, assuming/hoping Funko puts out a Wave 2. Both your hosts chose 10 Pop!s for their wishlist and 5 honorable mentions. Eli will also return for our full-on Pop! Review episode this summer--once they're shipped--to complete our Funko Pop! trilogy Beyond.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) It's back! Like the Joker, we've returned for our 150th pod celebration to our Ep by Ep series, reviewing episode by episode of Batman Beyond. We've fittingly arrived at Season 2 Ep 1: "Splicers." Our villain of the week is Abel Cuvier and the premiere of his Splicers. Your co-host/Beyond expert, Eli, joins us for the kick-off of S2!

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Rounding out the summer of Superman here on the main feed is the return of our DC Animated Movie Show pod, as well as the 2010 animated classic movie, "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse." The film stars DC animated staples like Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Tim Daly as Superman/Clark Kent, Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman, then Summer Glau as Supergirl/Kara Zor-El, and Andre Braugher as Darkseid.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) FI.NA.LLY!! Our first-ever LINE of Batman Beyond Funko Pop!s have arrived. Eli and Ben are elated with their pre-orders, we break down the character designs and choices for Wave 1, and tease some possibilities for our upcoming "Wave 2 Wishlist Beyond" episode (hoping we eventually get a Wave 2). Eli will also return for our full-on Pop! Review episode this summer--once they're shipped--and then, again, we'll have a "Wave 2 Wishlist Beyond" episode to complete our Funko Pop! trilogy.

(Patrons: Enjoy early access to this and all future pods) Superman has finally arrived, and Eli joins Ben to talk both spoilers and non-spoilers for James Gunn's new Superman movie. David Corenswet stars as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult is Lex Luthor, with James Gunn both writing and directing.

(Patrons: Enjoy 3 days early access to this and all future pods) The summer of Superman continues with our Superman: The Animated Series commentary tracks. This week is the 1997 STAS/BTAS 3-part animated movie: "Batman Superman: World's Finest." Joining Ben is Spenser from the DC Animation with Spenser and Friends pod series. Today's commentary pod is just one of many for STAS. In fact, our Patreon Exclusive commentary is already posted for another team-up episode with BTAS Batman, "Knight Time." Then, the rest of S1 STAS commentaries are EXCLUSIVELY on Patreon.

Somehow, it's 20 years since “Batman Begins.” Ben welcomes first time guest, filmmaker and fellow DC nerd, Stew. We share memories of seeing ‘Begins' 2 decades ago, what it's like watching it now, and comparisons to the 20 years of live action Batman we've gotten since.

Kicking off the Summer of Superman, Eli joins Ben to celebrate the Supes of our DCAU with the 3-parter that started it all: Superman: The Animated Series "The Last Son of Krypton" (Eps 1-3). Today's commentary pod is just one of many for STAS. In fact, 2 Patreon Exclusive STAS commentaries are already posted, 1 for the team-up episode with BTAS Batman, "Knight Time," as well as the STAS premiere of Toyman, "Fun and Games" (S1 Ep 5).

Happy ROTJ 25! To celebrate the 25th of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, we've unlocked Part 1 of Eli and Ben's ROTJ commentary from the 20th back in 2020. We will be doing a 25th episode this summer, but that will be a full-on review, and not just a commentary track.

Have you noticed our 1st 100+ eps are no longer on the feed? Ben announces our exciting Patreon tiers: "Ally, All-Access Ally, and Patron Beyond." Starting at just $1, unlock all our archived pod eps, and MANY more perks like early access to new podcasts, EXCLUSIVE in-depth episode notes for each new pod, exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes of our Batman Beyond documentary, exclusive access to our OTHER podcast archives like "DC Collecticast" and the "DC Animated Movie Show. The list of schway perks goes Beyond!

Eli and Ben cover the new DC Studios slate of animated movies and series announced by James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios. We cover the Dynamic Duo animated movie, My Adventures with Green Lantern, the Blue Beetle animated series, and the Starfire and DC Super Powers animated series.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with S1 Ep 13 "Ascension." Our returning villain of the week for S1's finale is Blight (and Paxton) Powers. Returning guest, Spenser, joins the review, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S1 Ep 12: "A Touch of Curare." Our villain of the week is Curare, with returning guest, Jayden @patriotmediafilms from his Lego stop motion animation Instagram/YouTube channel. Jayden's vids inlcude Batman Beyond and will appear in our Batman Beyond documentary, so Follow Jayden's IG and stay tuned for more of his vids.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S1 Ep 11: "Disappearing Inque." Our returning villain of the week is Inque, with co-host/Beyond expert, Eli @batman_beyond_fanpage joining Ben for today's review.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S1 Ep 10: "Spellbound." Our villain of the week is Spellbinder, with co-host/Beyond expert, Eli @batman_beyond_fanpage joining Ben for today's review.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue, with S1 Ep 9: "The Winning Edge." Our villains of the week are powered by Bane's Venom, including a gruesome cameo from BTAS' Bane himself. Chamar and Andrew join us, from the "Cape or Cap" podcast, formerly "Yet Another DC Animated Podcast."

We return strong from holiday break with Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond. Our villain of the week is the Royal Flush Gang, in S1 Ep 8, "Dead Man's Hand." Spenser joins the review, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with the world premiere of Shriek in S1 Ep 7 "Shriek." Joining Ben for the review is returning guest and Bat fan Beyond, Paul Yang. Paul's first appearance was on our NY Comic Con pod back in 2018.

Another Ep by Ep review of Batman Beyond brings us the Terrific Trio in S1 Ep 6 "Heroes." Jayden @patriotmediafilms joins the review, from his Lego stop motion animation Instagram, including Batman Beyond Lego vids. Follow Jayden's IG and stay tuned for more of his vids in our upcoming Batman Beyond documentary.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with S1 Ep 5 "Meltdown," the famous episode featuring Mr. Freeze. Joining Eli and Ben for such an occasion, we have special returning guest, Lolita Ritmanis, music composer of Meltdown. Lolita is one of the 3 talented Dynamic Music Partners, also including Kristopher Carter and Michael McCuistion. The Partners composed the music for Batman Beyond, Return of the Joker, Batman: The Animated Series, Teen Titans, and many more DC Animation classics. -Stay tuned for more talks with DMP in our upcoming Batman Beyond documentary! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnxrlRZMO1w&list=PLmsQynst4qfEx9DRHzMnJQanlvuNl0Ke2&pp=gAQBiAQB -Listen to Lolita's music from Meltdown and more eps on the Batman Beyond OST Vol 1 and 2, now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6LmiVi7mVHtWSvL7o2eAEh?si=f61dfdb392504bd1

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with S1 Ep 4 "Golem." Spenser joins the review, from the "DC Animation with Spenser and Friends" pod series.

Ep by Ep reviews of Batman Beyond continue with the world premiere of Beyond villain favorite, Inque, in S1 Ep 3 "Black Out." James Strecker joins the review, from the powerful DCAU Watchtower Database YouTube channel.

The Batman Beyond 25th Celebration continues, as Eli and Ben revisit our Ep by Ep pod series for the pilot Episode, "Rebirth Part 2." We will also be reviewing ALL future episodes of Beyond, not just Rebirth, with a full reboot of the Ep by Ep series, going episode by episode of Batman Beyond. Subscribe for future Eps!

Celebrating 25 years of Batman Beyond, Eli and Ben revisit our Ep by Ep pod series for the pilot Episode, "Rebirth Part 1." We will also be reviewing ALL future episodes of Beyond, not just Rebirth, with a full reboot of the Ep by Ep series, going episode by episode of Batman Beyond. Subscribe for future Eps!

Ben announces our upcoming Batman Beyond documentary! Day 1 of shooting is complete, we're compiling our old interviews, conducting new interviews and so much more for the upcoming doc!

Returning pod guests, The Dynamic Music Partners, talk about the recently released Batman Beyond Original Soundtrack Vol 2. The Partners composed the music for Batman Beyond, Return of the Joker, Batman: The Animated Series, Teen Titans, and many more DC Animation classics. -Stay tuned for the rest of our talk with DMP in our upcoming Batman Beyond documentary! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnxrlRZMO1w&list=PLmsQynst4qfEx9DRHzMnJQanlvuNl0Ke2&pp=gAQBiAQB The Batman Beyond OST Vol 1's release was in December 2023, with Vol 2 dropping in September 2024. -OST Vol 2 on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1jw915hArEQaNoAkxWIErh -OST Vol 2 on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/at/album/batman-beyond-original-soundtrack-vol-2/1766075761 -Dynamic Music Partners Website: https://dynamicmusicpartners.com/

Recorded Live from our B David Studios YouTube channel, Ben gives his SPOILER REVIEW of Episode 3 of The Penguin, titled "Bliss". The Penguin is an HBO Original limited series featuring Colin Farrell as the title character, spun out of 2022's The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as Batman and directed by Matt Reeves. Reeves is onboard as Executive Producer of The Penguin with Colin Farrell reprising his role from the film.

Recorded Live from our B David Studios YouTube channel, Ben gives his SPOILER REVIEW of Episode 2 of The Penguin. The Penguin is an HBO Original limited series featuring Colin Farrell as the title character, spun out of 2022's The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as Batman and directed by Matt Reeves. Reeves is onboard as Executive Producer of The Penguin with Colin Farrell reprising his role from the film.

Recorded Live from our B David Studios YouTube channel, it's the Return of the Pod with Ben's non-spoiler review of The Penguin Episode 1. The Penguin is an HBO Original limited series featuring Colin Farrell as the title character, spun out of 2022's The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as Batman and directed by Matt Reeves. Reeves is onboard as Executive Producer of The Penguin with Colin Farrell reprising his role from the film.

Holy rumored Robin, Batman! Eli and Ben entertain The Batman Part 2 rumors about Robin and possible villains. We also hit Blue Beetle, the current state of superhero movies/TV, and we sadly say farewell to the great Arleen Sorkin, the original voice and inspiration for Harley Quinn. Follow Eli on his very powerful Instagram @batman_beyond_fanpage (link below). -Subscribe to the pod so you don't miss more upcoming episodes on DC Films.

Happy Dark Knight 15th! Scott @the.batfan joins Ben for the 15th Anniversary of The Dark Knight. We talk about our memories seeing the groundbreaking film back in 2008, the movie itself, Heath Ledger's historical performance as Joker, and Ben's brief reaction to Oppenheimer, as part of our discussion on the career of Christopher Nolan. Scott is a talented toy photographer/DC superfan. Follow him on IG @the.batfan (link below). -Subscribe to the pod so you don't miss more upcoming episodes on DC Films.

Recurring DC news guest/friend, Scott @the.batfan, and Ben give their full spoiler review and discussion on The Flash, the newest movie from DC films. Scott is a talented, sponsored toy photographer and DC fan to the core. Follow his incredible DC toy photos on Instagram @the.batfan. https://www.instagram.com/the.batfan/ -Subscribe to the pod so you don't miss more upcoming episodes on The Flash.