Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker [The Official Screenplay] [Paperback]

Paul Dini (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

It's Gotham City in the 21st century and there are earth-shattering questions to be answered. Why did Bruce Wayne give up being Batman? What ever happened to Robin? And what became of Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker? Here is the official screenplay of the animated movie, chronicling the latest Batman adventure-an original, feature-length animated film made exclusively for video to be released Halloween 2000. In addition to the full shooting script, the book is filled with rare original art and storyboards used in the film's creation-printed for the first time ever-and two scenes cut from the movie, providing fans with a unique, inside look into the world of Batman Beyond. In this exciting screenplay, the missing chapters in the Batman legend are revealed for the first time. When Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker, returns from the dead, the future of Gotham City hangs on the heroism of the new Batman, young Terry McGinnis. But first, Terry must unravel the secret, unspoken history shared by Bruce and his former partners, Barbara (Batgirl) Gordon and Tim (Robin) Drake. This page-turner is filled with excitement for teen and adult fans and school-age readers. It's also an excellent reference source for professional and aspiring screenwriters, animators, and cartoonists.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Dini is the Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of various animated series including Batman Beyond, and has also won Eisner Awards for his writing of comic books such as Batman Adventures: Mad Love and Superman: Peace on Earth. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823077179
• ISBN-13: 978-0823077175
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,726,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Dini is the multi-award-winning writer of many scripts for Batman: The Animated Series, and has also written for the Superman and Justice League animated series. His comics work includes Batman: Black and White and Batman Adventures. Dustin Nguyen has pencilled the critically acclaimed WildCats 3.0 and The Authority.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Return of the Joker - VERY WELL WRITTEN, November 19, 2000

By 

Lawrence M. Lutz "volchkov" (NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker [The Official Screenplay] (Paperback)

After reading the screenplay for Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, I CANNOT wait for the video. This was VERY well written and explains what happened to the Joker, Harley Quinn & Tim Drake, (Robin), and why the Joker is still around after all this time in a believable and understandable manner. They even explain why Bruce walks with a limp & cane now, (& it's not because he got old either). I hope WB does not edit ONE SECOND of the screenplay as it will do it an injustice. As with the others, I do not want to give out any spoilers but I will say that there are many twists, suspenseful moments and surprises that'll make you want to read it over and over. This is a must read for anyone who follows BB and wanted to know where the rest of the "Batman family" is after all these years.

There are a few unanswered questions though like why Bruce stopped being Batman, (though that WAS explained in the very first episode), whatever happened to Nightwing & why Bruce has a costume "tribute" of Harley Quinn, especially after what she & the Joker did...sorry, can't give away any spoilers, (though if you're dying to know, just look at the character drawings in the back of the book to get an idea. That's as close as you'll get from me about a spoiler). However, those minor omissions are more than made up for by the clever & well written plot & story about the rest of the characters. I highly recommend this book for every Batman & Batman Beyond fan.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really, REALLY want to see this..., November 14, 2000

By 

Max F. Exter - See all my reviews

This review is from: Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker [The Official Screenplay] (Paperback)

I have never read a script before the actual film was released before, but I found myself unable to resist this one, based on things I had heard, and particularly since rumour would have WB editing the film for content.

This script is, in many ways, a bridge between the Batman series of old, and the newer one that centres around Terry as the protege' Batman. Though really, at this point he is largely past that point and is his own man. (Though unlike prior "kids" brought in by Bruce, Terry still seems to genuinely like the old guy)

The actual story revolves around a sudden and VERY unexpected return by the Joker who has long since been presumed dead. (And for very good reason) We get to see what happened between Bruce and Tim Drake (The second Robin, for those not familiar with the animated series) and we get a few other things resolved about what happened to Bruce and Barbara.

I won't get into any major spoilers here. That's what reading the script and seeing the film itself are for.

Ultimately, I fear the worst with what I have heard regarding editing. But for those who want the unedited version of this film, I STRONGLY recommend the screenplay. It is unedited, even if the film isn't. So at least you will know what you missed.

All in all, I highly recommend this. (And I don't give five stars for just anything.)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Batman Beyond : Return of the Joker, November 6, 2000

By 

Emily O'Kelley (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker [The Official Screenplay] (Paperback)

I had been waiting for this screenplay of what seemed like years and I was pleased to see that it met my every expectation! Paul Dini is a magnificent writer, who is extremely in touch with the world of Batman. He brings new life to Characters that have never been seen, and in some instances heard of, in the world of Batman Beyond. As a die hard Batman fan, I laughed, I cried, and was totally Blown away by the ending. I can not wait to see the movie! Paul Dini has truly out done himself this time! Bravo!