In Batman Beyond, Who Really Knows Terry is Batman?

Dialogues surrounding the Batman Beyond series often revolve around the mysterious vigilante, Terry McGinnis, who dons the cape as an heir to his mentor's legacy. But who are the individuals that know Terry is actually Batman? Bruce Wayne, Commissioner Barbara Gordon, and Tim Drake are some of the major names that spring to mind. However, the extent to which other characters or entities are aware of Terry's identity as Batman reveals fascinating insights into this future chapter of the DC world.

Key Characters Who Know the Truth

Bruce Wayne/Batman - Initially, Terry accidentally discovers the batcave and dons the Beyond suit, leading to Bruce reluctantly allowing Terry to become the new Batman. Even Joker seems to have pieced together the identity over time, along with other notable Batman associates, suggesting a level of intrigue and secrecy around Bruce's decision.

Barbara Gordon/Commissioner Gordon II/Batgirl - In the episode "Spellbound," Barbara discovers the truth, marking a pivotal moment in her understanding of the characters she supports.

Tim Drake/Robin 2/Joker Beyond - Following his transformation, Tim gains insight into Bruce's identity, as conveyed through his connection with the original Joker.

Other Notable Figures

Maxine Gibson - As a close friend of Terry, Maxine finds out Terry's secret in the episode "Hidden Agenda."

Tamara Caulder - A psychically gifted child, Tamara can read minds, including that of Batman. She communicates telepathically with Terry in "Mind Games."

Stalker - Despite using a special powder to spy on the Batman, Stalker fails when it comes to revealing Terry's true identity. Terry even goes as far as to tell his mother and brother his secret, only to be met with disbelief.

Superman - Given Superman's unparalleled vision, it is possible that he used it to uncover Terry's masked identity in the batcave during "The Call."

Static - When Static travels to the future, he collaborates with Terry, highlighting the interconnectedness of their missions in the 21st century.

Ian Peek - Despite placing a spy camera on the batmobile, Ian's mission ultimately fails, and Terry even reveals his secret to his family, but they do not believe him.

Kairi - Introduced in "Batman: The Animated Series" as a mysterious figure, Kairi's later appearances in "Curse of the Kobra" have a direct connection to Terry's identity, though the exact manner in which she knows is not explicitly detailed.

Amanda Waller - In a bizarre twist, Amanda Waller replaces Warren McGinnis's DNA with Bruce Wayne's, adding yet another layer to the complex history of Terry's transformation as Batman.

Dana Tan - Terry's companion, Dana discovers the secret prior to the epilogue, reinforcing the idea that Terry's identity is intimately connected to his personal circle.

Joker - Even though he is using Tim's body, the original Joker's subconscious remembers Bruce's identity as Batman. This revelation is eerily significant, as it underscores the psychological depth of these characters.

'Talia Al Ghul' (Ras Al Ghul in a Body) - Tessmacher's Talia bears a peculiar resemblance to this figure, indicating a complex and potentially life-changing connection between the characters.

Conclusion

Beyond the surface-level knowledge of Terry's identity, the internal dynamics within the Batman Beyond universe set the stage for a rich narrative exploration of trust, security, and the passing of the torch. Whether in the shadows or under the spotlight, the knowledge of Terry's identity reshapes the world in which he and his contemporaries exist.