Batman Beyond (1999 — 2001)

Batman Beyond (1999–2001) is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics character of Batman. The story takes place in the then-distant year of 2019. An aging Bruce Wayne, despite being in his 50s, continues to fight crime as Batman in a new high-tech Batsuit. However, he now struggles with criminals who were once easily subdued and no longer fear him due to his loss of mystique. During what was meant to be a routine mission to rescue heiress Bunny Vreeland, daughter of Veronica Vreeland, Batman suffers a mild heart attack. He is then forced to defend himself against one of the kidnappers by using a gun, causing him great shame. Knowing his own frailty and fearing that he may eventually give into his temptation to kill if he continues fighting crime, Bruce decides to retire from being Batman once and for all.

At this point in his life, Bruce Wayne has experienced significant loss. His butler, father figure, and close confidant Alfred Pennyworth has passed away, while his crime-fighting partners Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, and Tim Drake have all retired and distanced themselves from him. Even his other allies – Jim Gordon, Leslie Thompkins, Hamilton Hill, Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya, Lucius Fox, and Summer Gleeson – have either retired or died naturally. Fast forward 20 years to Neo-Gotham – a futuristic Gotham City filled with towering skyscrapers and flying vehicles for the upper class. Now in his 70s and living alone at Wayne Manor except for his loyal guard dog Ace, Bruce remains dedicated to fighting crime despite his deteriorating health. It is clear through his unwavering determination and refusal to acknowledge his physical limitations (still wearing his old partner’s costumes) that he has suffered a tragic event in the past which is later revealed in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000).