When Does Return Of The Joker Take Place
Okay, let's talk about when Return of the Joker actually happens. You know, that slightly bonkers, but utterly brilliant, animated movie featuring a future Batman facing off against... well, you know who.
The Future is Now (Well, Then)
So, forget everything you thought you knew about timelines. Return of the Joker is set roughly 40 years after the events of Batman: The Animated Series. Think of it as a really, really long gap year for Gotham's criminals.
It's a future Gotham, complete with flying cars and way cooler Bat-gadgets, and a new Batman in the form of Terry McGinnis. He's not Bruce Wayne under the cowl, but a teenager hand-picked by Bruce.
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Age Before Beauty (and Crime Fighting)
Bruce Wayne is much older, acting as mentor to Terry. Picture a grumpy, but lovable, grandpa Batman dispensing wisdom (and occasionally yelling at Terry to clean up his room, probably).
The original Batman's world has evolved quite a bit. But the more things change, the more they stay the same, especially when the Joker is involved.
The Joker's...Back?
That's the big question, isn't it? How can The Joker be back in the future? Didn't he, you know...? (Let's just say things didn't end well in the past).
The movie throws you this curveball right from the start. The Clown Prince of Crime is somehow resurrected to terrorize Neo-Gotham. It's like Gotham couldn't resist giving the old villain another shot.
Unraveling the Mystery
The fun of Return of the Joker is unraveling this mystery. How Joker could possibly be back is a big part of what makes this movie so compelling.
It's a tale of revenge, secrets, and mind-bending twists. There are some shocking revelations about what really happened between the original Batman and the Joker. Prepare yourself!
Past Meets Future
What makes this movie fascinating is the clash between Batman's past and future. The past trauma of Bruce Wayne comes back to haunt both him and Terry in devastating ways.
The movie shows us how impactful The Joker was on the past. But it also shows how far reaching his evil could be decades later.
More Than Just a Date
Ultimately, the specific date doesn’t matter as much as the themes of the story. Return of the Joker is about legacy, redemption, and confronting your demons (sometimes literally).
It's a tale that transcends time. It's about the battle between good and evil, and how that battle continues, no matter the era.
A Timeless Classic
So, while it’s the future, the real appeal of Return of the Joker is its timeless quality. It's a reminder that some stories, and some villains, never truly go away.
It's a fantastic addition to the Batman canon, and a wild ride you won't soon forget. Just don't expect a simple answer to when it all takes place - the real fun is in the journey.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch this masterpiece. Maybe with a bowl of popcorn and a very large cup of coffee. Gotham needs its heroes, even if they're just watching from the couch.
