Subject: Batman: The Animated Newsletter #12
Date: Sunday, December 13, 1998 6:35 PM
Weeks of Dec 14 – 19/20, Dec 21 – 26/27
Volume 1,
MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELLOW BAT-FANS!
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INTRODUCTION
Jingle bells
Batman smells
Robin laid an egg.
The Batmobile
lost a wheel
and the Joker got away.
HEY!
As this is the Christmas edition of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”, we will be doing the most we can to fill it up with Christmas jeer…erm…cheer. Enjoy!
PS – Happy Hanukkah to all you Harley Quinn fans, too. Oy vey!
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WELCOME BACK!!!!
Dick Grayson has returned as co-editor of the newsletter, after a multi-week hiatus, due to school work. Welcome back, Dick!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Ty Templeton once again joins us for another interview, and we have a “BEST/WORST OF 1998” survey you can fill out if you like. Enjoy!
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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
The five-time emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992, running weekdays on the FOX network. 65 episodes later, season two began in 1994, airing only on Saturday, adding only 15 new episodes to the roster.
A year later, BTAS was re-introduced to the FOX weekday line-up. All the original episodes were brought back this time, as well as 5 new episodes, leaving the episode count at 85 in September of 1995.
The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn’t go on – but it was an excellent run. In 1997, BTAS was pulled from the FOX network. Was BTAS dead?
We were all proven wrong.
NEW episodes began airing bright and early on the morning of September 13th, 1997, on the WB network. Two years (less two days) after BTAS ceased production, it was reborn.
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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
In the fall of 1996, the creators of BTAS moved on and produced an animated version of the Man of Steel. The first season was made up of a mere 13 episodes, and while the show did not blow away audiences like BTAS did, “Superman” (STAS) still managed a fair amount of success. In it’s second season, it was teamed up with BTAS on the WB, making the full hour block of “Heavy Duty Dubbas” episodes a sure-fire winner. In fact, the series involved a three-part crossover with Batman, and has three more crossovers planned in the future. In 1997, the series won an “Outstanding Special Class Program” emmy, which it shared with BTAS. The series is moving strong and gaining even more steam as it blasts into Season Three…
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES
So, you’re a new subscriber and wish to see back issues of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”? Well, fear not, for a great friend of mine has offered to hold back issues of our newsletter at her site, for all to enjoy! Christmas has come early (and in bi-weekly installments) this year! The site is called “The Warner Bros. Club” and features an amazing amount of WB related games and information! For all you wanting to catch up, or look back, here is the URL:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc
The Warner Bros. Club site is also part of a much bigger site. The site is called TOON ZONE and contains three more WB related sites: Brian Cruz’s WB Cartoon Page, Colin’s WB schedule page, and the WB Comic Zone. The sites have been updated and somewhat revamped! Do you wanna see the people behind it? There’s also a site for that as well. This isn’t an official WB page but it’s so good, might as well be! There’s even a chat room and a great message board! If you’re looking for anything WB related check out this site! Definatly worth bookmarking!
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
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NEW EPISODE(S)
This section will just basically give an insight into what the new episodes are about and hopefully a synopsis of the episode. This section will feature both new Superman and new Batman episodes.
‘REBIRTH’
Batman Beyond #1, 2
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
The premiere of the new series! See what made Bruce Wayne give up the cowl, and how a teenager in futuristic Gotham City became Batman for the 21st century. This is a two-parter, for sure.
‘MAD LOVE’
Batman #106???
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
An adaption of the award-winning Dini/Timm comic, featuring Harley Quinn’s origin. Joker appears as well, of course, with Two-Face, Riddler, and Killer Croc (instead of Penguin) making cameos. There is still no definite word on whether this is a one-parter or two-parter. We’ll have to wait and see. Butch Lukic directs.
‘RISE OF THE DEMON’
Superman #??
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
Batman and Superman team-up for the third and final time, this time to take on the likes of Ra’s Al Ghul, who holds another twisted plot to return its globe to its natural state. Will it be a 3-parter as originally planned?
Hopefully!
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
The New Batman/Superman Adventures last this past year with high ratings and critical sucess! Kid’sWB airs the show Monday through Friday from 4-5 pm (eastern time) and now in a 90 minute block on weekends starting at 8:30am (eastern time). The time may vary for the various WB affiliates across Canada and the U.S. The schedule is set to change again in Septmeber or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for upcoming information!
THIS WEEK:
Mon 12-14-98: Batman #109 Judgement Day
Superman #18 Livewire
Tue 12-15-98: Superman #08 The Main Man (Pt. 1)
Superman #11 The Main Man (Pt. 2)
Wed 12-16-98: Batman #01 On Leather Wings
Batman #92 Joker’s Millions
Thu 12-17-98: Superman #27 The Prometheon
Batman #90 You Scratch My Back
Fri 12-18-98: Batman #107 Chemistry
Batman #52 Mudslide
Sat/Sun 12-19/20-98: Batman #84 Deep Freeze
Superman #47 Obsession
Batman #96 The Ultimate Thrill
NEXT WEEK:
Air dates for dates following Dec. 20 were not available at the time of delivery of this newsletter. Refer to Brian Cruz’s site or the official Batman/Superman website for updates. Links are provided in the links section of the newsletter.
Note: All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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EPISODE OF THE WEEK:
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
This section lets me tell you about my favorite rerun airing this week! You are not to miss this episode at all cost! Tape it if possible! All Batman and Superman episodes which have at least been shown once are eligible – but try to catch the new episodes if you can!
THIS WEEK:
Batman
Airs Dec. 14, 1998
JUDGEMENT DAY (#109)
No, I didn’t just pick this one because Two-Face is the star. This episode really is one of the best of the series because it gives us great insight into all involved characters, including Two-Face, Penguin, Killer Croc, and Batman.
A solo Batman episode is a welcome change, and the corrupt city hall officials angle in the story was great, too. As for the new vigilante, who can be compared in many ways to the Phantasm, is also really cool. This is a good one.
NEXT WEEK:
We don’t know the schedules…dang it.
THIS WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
I’ve picked on “The Main Man” two-parter in this category enough, so I guess that this week’s bomb is a toss-up between Superman’s “The Prometheon” and Batman’s pitiful “Joker’s Millions”. Both are actually OK stories, but after the episodes end, you feel as if you missed something…something just wasn’t right. Perhaps a good plot?
NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
We don’t know the schedules, so who knows? Agh!
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)
It seems that about every month or so the schedule for Batman changes again! So please be patient. We may not be able ot get the new episode schedule up in time but here’s the most current schedule for Batman:TAS on CARTOON NETWORK: It airs Monday thru Friday at 6 & 6:30pm and a midnight repeat (of the 6pm episode) Monday thru Thursday. We’ll note of any change.
Episode schedules for the Cartoon Network for any later dates were unavailable at the time of mailing this newsletter.
NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won’t be airing on KidsWB for quite some time! If you want to complete your collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just some friendly advice.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Bob Evatt)
Mr. Evatt is an experienced reviewer of the new BTAS episodes and has much of his work shown at the Lazarus Pit website, and is now contributing to this newsletter! His other reviews can be reached via this link:
http://effect.net.au/allan/lazarus-pit
NOTE: Mr. Evatt was unable to supply a review for this newsletter so Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton is filling in for him.
BEWARE THE CREEPER
Written by Rich Fogel & Steve Gerber
Directed by Curt Geda
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: November 7, 1998
My rating: ***1/2
Jack Ryder, co-anchor of Summer Gleeson’s “Gotham Insider” news program, is on location at the Ace Chemical plant, on the seventh anniversary of the Joker’s creation. The Joker crashes the party and, in the end, Ryder shares Joker’s fate; he falls into a vat of chemicals and is scarred forever.
Jack Ryder survived, however, and, like the Joker, has gone insane and tears the city apart – not to find the man who caused his life to be altered, but to steal the spotlight away from him, to be the most criminally insane person in Gotham – the Creeper.
Weird, weird episode. Creeper’s disposition makes him a lot like Jim Carrey – the Ace Ventura type of Carrey, mind you, so many, like myself, would find his manic behaviour tiring. However, his character fits – by this episode, we actually see the Joker as being sane – at least compared to this guy.
There were many good things about this episode. For one, we finally get to see a flashback of the Joker’s origin – never before seen on BTAS. His tale is always the same – the big ol’ chemical plant heist – but we got the details here. There was also a nice flashback to his pre-Joker days when he was part of the Valestra mob, seen in “Mask of the Phantasm”.
When I first heard that Harley was going to be in this episode, I admit I was disappointed – she’s been getting terrible roles lately. However, this episode acutally does her justice. The scene of her trying to celebrate Joker’s seventh anniversary by trying to act all seductive while submerged in a banana cream pie. Kinky. (Notice how she literally “gives him her cherry”. Nice touch…that one went right over my head at first.) Once the Creeper sees Harley, he is in love – well, cartoonish “man, she’s hot, I must have her!” love – so much of the episode focusses on him trying to rope her into his romantic clutches.
Joker’s Three Stooges mob was hilarious – right down to the “nyuk nyuk nyuk” phrases they uttered when defeated. The chase scenes (which pretty much filled up the whole episode) were well done, good animation, good sound, and Batman and Robin had good roles, too.
If you’re looking for something deep here, forget it, but for a fun episode, it’s really well done – it’s one of the few episode which were intended to be fun that actually turn out to be enjoyable. Compare it to the questionable “Joker’s Millions” and you’ll see what I mean. The only thing that may dissuade people from this episode is the Creeper himself – he gets a little too crazy sometimes.
Just as a special note, this episode has been dedicated to Bob Kane, creator of Batman, who died just four days before this episode aired. 1915-1998. Rest well, Bob.
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #1:
INTERVIEW WITH TY TEMPLETON
(by Dick Grayson)
TY was so nice he let me interview him yet again! Last time we just barely scratched the surface with the Guy and this time we hope to delve a little bit deeper! So sit back and enjoy some more time with Ty!
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BTAN1. In the last Q & A we basically asked you everything except well…where you were born, and your age and stuff so: What’s yer date of birth and where were you born?
TY1. I’m from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Been here my whole thirty-five years, though I seem to move from house to house a lot. I’ve collected up a wife, some kids and some cats along the way.
BTAN2. How did you first realize that comics (or BATMAN) was your calling?
TY2. I’m not sure I’ve ever come to a moment when I realized it was “my calling”. That’s a fairly loaded question. I’ve been a huge Batman fan all my life, though. When I was a kid, my heroes were Captain Kirk and Batman. As I got older, the teen version of me had real life heroes instead of fictional ones, and so I had more of a thing for John Lennon, Lenny Bruce, and Batman. There’s never been a time in my life when I wasn’t interested in or very fond of the whole Batman mythos. From the Adam West show, to the cartoons, to the fantastic comix that Neal Adams, Frank Miller, Denny O’Neil, Dick Sprang etc etc etc did…I really love this character. But, I never particularly made a life plan out of getting a job as a Batman writer. It was far more a matter of wonderful coincidences offering themselves up during my
career. I was in the right place at the right time, (literally, physically in the room) when the assignment for the Batman Adventures comic book was offered, seven years ago. If someone else had been in the room at the time, there’s a great possibility I’d be still a Batman fan, rather than a Batman creator, and you’d be asking me questions about my Spiderman career.
BTAN3. Which do you like more? Writing a story or drawing a story? And Why?
TY3. I like writing far more than drawing, and the reason is very simple. I’m a good writer, and a lousy artist. Drawing is a horrible process of seeing all my mistakes on the paper. I rarely draw anything I’d put my name to willingly; my drawings mock and snarl at me. Writing is usually a nicer process, and I’m far happier with the results.
BTAN4. A lot of fans know you left “Batman: Gotham Adventures” becuase of editorial differences? Have you been thinking about leaving for a long time or just recently?
TY4. I sort-of-almost-but-not-really thought about leaving during the last year of “Batman & Robin Adventures” because I thought the art on the last dozen or so issues didn’t live up to the standards set by Timm, or Parobek, or Burchett…it bugged me that our artists weren’t hitting the style, as talented as they were. But the art was always pretty good in service to my scripts, so I couldn’t really complain as a writer, it was more like the “fan” in me wanted to see the art hit the style better. My editor, Scott Peterson, was a joy to work with, even though we differed on how important hitting the “style” was…and I my thoughts about quitting weren’t all that serious back then. In fact, I still think some of the best issues I’ve written come from that last year run of that book. I still like #16, #18, #20-#22 as some of my most successful stories.
BTAN5. What’s the deal with BGA#10? Why did the editorial staff decide to cut it in half and will we ever see the second half?
TY5. The second half will be in . When I was told we were splitting up the two parts of the story by a number of months, I was assured we’d eventually do it, just not right away. At that point I was waiting for whatever issue of the book I could dedicate to the second half. Before I left, I at least wanted to finish that story… Part 2 was supposed to go in issue 11, but will be in issue 14 instead.
BTAN6. Do you know if you’ll be returning for any future animated stories (like an annual)? Any future prospects? A stint in NO MAN’S LAND or SUPERMAN ADVENTURES maybe?
TV6. It looks likely that I will, yeah.
BTAN7. Do you think in your 14 issues of B:GA you have had time to tell “YOUR” Batman tale? Any character you would bring back from the BTAS years? Why?
TY7. I told a lot of tales, not just one. I’d like to see Dagger Dixon show up in something…and there’s a part of me that would like to use the Hunchback again.
BTAN8. How do you think the BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES Batman differs from the mainstream BATMAN or even its television counterpart on BTAS/TNBA?
TY8. It’s better, man. No, all kidding aside…Rick and I tried not to make it different from its TV counterpart at all…anywhere that it differred was something we both tried to do away with. As to being different from the Earthquake Batman? Hmm. It’s a far closer version of Batman to the one Bob Kane, Neal Adams, Frank Robbins, Dick Sprang, Jim Aparo, and all the greats, worked on, than the version appearing in Earthquake Land. It’s the far more “true” version of the character, I think…at least that’s what our fans think…but hey, in North America, we’re the least of the Batman titles, so what do we know?
BTAN9. Any suprises we can look forward to in between now and ?
TY9. I hope the endings of all my stories will be surprises…and as such, will be diminished by discussing them here.
Ty the Guy.
BTAN: Too true. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see! Thanx a lot yet again Ty!
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Can’t get enough of Ty “the guy” Templeton? A couple months ago, editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton uploaded an audio file of a brief 60 second interview with Ty Templeton that he managed to record off the TV. Yes, this IS a shameless plug, but hey, if you want to hear it, follow this link:
TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
To go directly to the page the file is stored on, go here:
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/waves.html
The interview is listed in the “OTHER” category.
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #2
(by Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson)
YOU GET TO MAKE THE DECISIONS! YEP! We now give you a chance to vote on what you think is the best and worst of 1998. Here are the categories, and respond by sending the response form back to THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS (juno@direct.ca) Have fun! We’ll post the answers in .
1. BEST EPISODE OF BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES aired in 1998.
2. WORST EPISODE OF BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES aired in 1998.
3. BEST NEW CHARACTER DESIGN OF “BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES” in an episode seen in ’98.
4. WORST NEW CHARACTER DESIGN OF “BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES” in an episode seen in ’98.
5. BEST VOCALIZATIONS OF A MAJOR CHARACTER ON BTAS in 1998
6. WORST VOCALIZATIONS OF A MAJOR CHARACTER ON BTAS in 1998
7. BEST MUSIC SEQUENCE on a BTAS episode in 1998 (excluding main title)
8. BEST VISUAL FX on a BTAS episode in 1998.
9. BEST NEW CHARACTER on BTAS in 1998
10. WORST NEW CHARACTER on BTAS in 1998
11. BEST OVERALL CHARACTER on BTAS in 1998
12. BEST WRITER FOR AN EPISODE in 1998
13. BEST DIRECTOR FOR AN EPISODE in 1998
14. BEST “animated” BATMAN COMIC (i.e., GOTHAM ADVENTURES) of 1998.
15. WORST “animated” BATMAN COMIC of 1998.
16. BEST COVER of an ANIMATED BATMAN comic of 1998
17. BEST ANIMATED BATMAN ACTION FIGURE of 1998 (any in the “new” style).
Now, for Supes:
17. BEST EPISODE OF SUPERMAN in 1998
18. WORST EPISODE OF SUPERMAN in 1998
19. BEST ANIMATED SUPERMAN COMIC in 1998
20. WORST ANIMATED SUPERMAN COMIC in 1998
21. BEST NEW CHARACTER
22. WORST NEW CHARACTER
23. BEST OVERALL CHARCTER
And now, US!!!
(This is just for fun, but hey!)
24. OVERALL, JUST THE BEST DANG ISSUE
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You need not respond to all the questions, or even any, but feel free to do so! Thank you for your time.
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
Ms. Hysert has taken the Christmas vacation off, which she deserves after all her hard work – but she will return in January with another editorial about nothing (very Seinfeld-ish, huh?).
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
This is one of my favourite sections, where I get to boggle the minds of all our readers! *EVIL LAUGH* This trivia is all animated-related in some form, and can deal with ANY aspect of the show or comics. Some are easy, some are not. Now have fun – let’s see how well you do! Answers are provided beneath the “Animated Batman/Superman Sites” section.
46. In “Christmas With the Joker”, which of the following people was NOT in Joker’s “family”?
A: COMMISSIONER GORDON
B: MAYOR HILL
C: HARVEY BULLOCK
D: SUMMER GLEESON
E: HARLEY QUINN
47. Which of the following characters was NOT in “Holiday Knights”, but WAS in the comic that episode adapted?
A: TWO-FACE
B: THE SCARECROW
C: MR. FREEZE
D: NORA FRIES
E: CLAYFACE
48. Which is the only episode in which a wreath can be seen on someone’s door?
A: CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER
B: A BULLET FOR BULLOCK
C: HOLIDAY KNIGHTS
D: DEEP FREEZE
E: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
49. Which of the following villains has not been fought in a wintery/snowy setting on BTAS?
A: MR. FREEZE
B: CATWOMAN
C: MAN-BAT
D: THE WEREWOLF
E: ROLAND DAGGETT
50. Robin, referring to Batman, once said that we “don’t call him ‘Batman’ for nothing.” Why is that?
A: Cuz he looks like a Bat! Duh!
B: He meant to say “Catman” but the writers botched up the script. Oops!
C: Cuz he used a bat to defeat some enemies, or sumthin’.
D: It was in response to some Arkham doctors who said “he’s gone batty”.
E: He meant to say “Buttman” but BS&P thought the homosexual overtones might be too much for the kiddies.
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LITTLE FACTS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Here is a section that just points out various little facts that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!
CONBTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
1) Does Harley’s literal “giving of the cherry” in “Beware the Creeper” indicate that she and the Joker have never had an intimate relationship (ya’ll know what I mean)? Of course, Harley has desperately tried, at least once, in “Mad Love”.
2) In the Batman & Robin game for the Sony Playstation, one of the newspaper headlines on one of the clues you must pick up is “A. WEST TO MARRY B. WARD”. Heh heh.
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS
MOVIES
-Also it looks like BATMAN:THE ANIMATED MOVIE #3 is a definite YES!(woohoo!) – Boyd Kirkland says that there are no potential plot outlines available just yet.
-“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” will likely air on Kids WB sometime this season – no exact date has been given, yet.
ANIMATED SERIES’
– Butch Lukic was revealed to be the director of “Mad Love” in the recently-released “Batman: Animated”. Preview commercials of this episode have aired, and the animation looks like some of Dong Yang’s best work. There is still no definite word on whether this is a one or two parter.
– Plus some BATMAN BEYOND news…
– For those awaiting “Batman Beyond”, you are in luck! Preview commercials have begun to air on the WB network; these were initially seen during “Men In Black” on Dec. 12/13, 1998.
-A sneak peek of this series will be on the WB and affiliates on Jan. 10th, at 7 PM (EST). Check your local listings for details. The series officially kicks off on Jan. 16.
COMICS/BOOKS
– BATMAN: ANIMATED, by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd, has finally been released – was it worth the wait? Yep! It seems that the printing of HARDCOVER editions of the book were halted, so the majority of copies available to buy are softcover.
– Batman is missing for the first three months. Nightwing stays in Bludhaven. Robin leaves town with his father. The new Batgirl appears immediately. Gordon, Bullock, and Oracle appear to be staying. Azrael also becomes a more intricate part of the team. Huntress is also stickin’ around. Alfred most likely stays, too. The JLA won’t appear, and we’re going to see why. As for Spoiler…hmmm?
– Villains aplenty. Catwoman and Riddler abandon Gotham. Mr. Freeze seizes control of the power plant. The Scarecrow has a field day tormenting Huntress. Bane tries to gain control of the city – again. Penguin and Two-Face have major roles, but no details are given. The Joker doesn’t appear until close to the end, along with the new, improved Harley Quinn – whom will appear in civilian form mid-way through the crossover. Other villain heavyweights like Poison Ivy, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Firefly, and Ra’s Al Ghul will have roles as well, most likely, but no details are given for them, either.
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OTHER BATMAN RELATED NEWS
Movie News
-Brendan Frasier (who played George in “George of the Jungle”) is the latest name being tossed around for playing Batman in the next live-action movie. George Clooney is still tied to the project, so unless we hear he’s been let go (which would be BIG news), he’s still the front-runner for the role, again.
-I also recently heard that Patrick Swayze is being considered to play a gruffer Batman in a future film…but is it true? I just watched “Black Dog” (pitiful movie, IMHO), but I think he COULD pull it off, if need be. We’ll see. This could just be more fan-dreams…we’ll see…we’ll see…
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
“JOKIN’ AROUND WHILE GLIDIN’ AROUND ARKHAM, TWICE”
The second wave of The New Batman Adventures Figures features Wildcard Joker with Calling Card Cannon and Funny Guns. Get past the fact that the accessories are again asinine, and you still have a great figure. I love this figure. The colors are more vivid than ever, and the Joker is the personification of deadly acid. The sculpt rocks. His head is leaning forward ever so slightly, perfectly mimicking the posture of the character design. The card art, however, on the front is somewhat lacking. I think his eyes maybe slightly too big. You should be able to find him in stores fairly easily now.
Ignoring Force Shield Nightwing, (a repaint dubbed “Gold Rush Nightwing” by one witty person on the net) we have Knight Glider Batman. Normally, I’d ignore the repaints, but he comes with a really kewl hang glider as seen in “The World’s Finest” three parter, and later in episodes “The Ultimate Thrill” and “Critters.” I haven’t bought this one, but he’s pretty ever present on the shelves with ‘ole Gold Rush, and Street Strike Batman.
Also, we have a deluxe Silver Defender Batman repaint, (I won’t bother) and the two-pack Arkham Escape featuring a kewl retro looking Batman and the new Two-Face, plus the Arkham Asylum gate and a straight jacket for Two-Face. An excellent figure! Two-Face’s sculpt is done really well, and this time, the light cyan color is actually the color that the character is rendered in the designs. This new design is sleeker and a lot more evil looking than his original figure. Plus, he comes with a machine gun and a handgun, which are some of the most detailed accessories I’ve ever seen, in the fact that they’re not monochromatic. The Batman figure is ok too, though he is posed in an odd running position. Included is a stringed weapon for Batman. Another great thing is that this comes with an Arkham Asylum Gate, and a straight jacket for Two-Face. Kenner needs to make more like this pack, it was well worth my money! The card art was well done also. Where Batman is somewhat simplistic, Two-Face is pretty detailed and is drawn excellently!
Last in this wave, came a Knight Force four pack consisting of Batman, Batgirl, Nightwing , and Robin. All were from their first wave editions, with a more metallic paint job, and Batgirl was a repainted Wind Blitz Batgirl with TNBA colors. Batgirl has a dark blue metallic cape and cowl, and redder hair, plus yellow boots and gloves, a yellow in-lined cape, and a black suit instead of gray. The Nightwing figure is nice, because he features a darker blue metallic bird symbol. Robin is nearly identical to his original. Batman is the same, except the gray on his costume is silver. They came with nearly identical squeeze weapons. The packaging is also very nice. The back features drawings of all four characters as they appear in the cartoon, with a small blurb on each.
Next issue: Who knows? We’re up to date here! Stay tuned!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #8
TITLE: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: November 4, 1998 (Cover date is January)
RATING: ** (out of 5)
“No gun…?.”
“I know… but it’s a personality quirk. He’s got a thing about them.”
–A detective and Batgirl discussing Batman’s orders
SUMMARY: Batman and Batgirl are in Paris, France, to meet a detective there who has a lead on the League of Assassins. A member of it is hiding out in Paris, so they go and capture him. They arrive at an old monestary where they won’t be disturbed to try and get the location of the league’s headquarters from him, but he escapes. Batgirl hears a scream during her pursuit and sees the man cowering before a large shape in a cloak. He turns out to be an ex-policeman who was dying of cancer, so he attempted to recreate Clayface’s experiment on himself. A fire began as a result of the experiment, and the man was cooked into his form, so he can’t change it like Clayface. Idolizing Batman, he has become the defender of Paris. After the league member escapes again, he takes matters into his own hands a strangles the location out of him. Finally the man spills the truth, and the monster-guy reveals that he wouldn’t have killed the man; he was just making him think that he would.
COMMENTS: The art was well done in this issue (much more detailed than the actual series would be…). I also thought that it was nice that the Deadman issue (#6) was tied into this one.
CRITICISMS: This issue was pretty much pointless and a waste of time. Guy is captured; guy escapes; fight; guy is captured; guy escapes; fight, etc. I also didn’t care very much for the new character’s design, origin, or lack of a name.
BOTTOM LINE: There a better comics out there, unfortunetly, than this one.
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COMIC SCHEDULES
This section gives a little bit more indepth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. The price is $1.99 in the US and..grrrrr….$2.95 in Canada
“ANIMATED” COMICS
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #9
Dec. 2nd
Batman and Batgirl continue to trail the League of Assassins into Nepal, where they finally meet their diabolical leader…who is….?
NEXT MONTH: – Harley finally writes her tell-all book about the Joker and other Arkhamites! Nightwing and Robin appear.
NEXT MONTH: BATMAN: THE LOST YEARS TRADE PAPERBACK: A collection of all five Lost Years stories, featuring the origin of Nightwing and Tim Drake, with appearances of Batman, Batgirl, Joker, Two-Face, and Ra’s Al Ghul.
NEXT MONTH: BATMAN BEYOND #1 – An adaption of the animated debut of the NEW Batman.
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #28
Dec. 9th
What would you do if you were faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Ask Jimmy Olsen, whose mind has been mysteriously transferred into Superman’s body! Meanwhile, Superman, trapped in Jimmy’s body, is about to take an unscheduled trip… to Apokolips!
NEXT MONTH: – Bizzaro goes after Lois Lane again, and Lobo returns to take on the Man of Steel.
NOTE: Due to time-restraints and a lack of space in this newsletter, the MAINSTREAM COMIC section has been temporarily eliminated. If you would like to see it return, e-mail us at BTAN and if the demand is high enough, we’ll grant your wish.
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COVERING THE BASICS…
This sections helps you, the reader, find the best on the newsstand or comic shop. The covers below are covershots for BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, and/or related comic book/book merchandise. I hope this section makes it easier for you to find true qaulity. The covers are provided by DC CURRENTS, and TOONZONE. Any other source will be given their dues.
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #10
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga10.jpg
BATMAN ADVENTURES: THE LOST YEARS (Trade Paperback)
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/br/balytpb.jpg
BATMAN BEYOND #1 (of 6)
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bb/bbad.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #28
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa28.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #29
Cover picture is currently unavailable.
BATMAN: ANIMATED (new and improved pic!)
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/batanim.jpg
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SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER MESSAGE BOARD Yup, as you can tell by the title of this short little article, there has been a board put up for all the subscribers. With this board we can see what you subscribers think of the newsletter and what we can do to make it better for all subscribers. Here you can post about your favorite or least favorite columns or articles past & present. Please feel free to stop by. The URL is:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb205617
Check it out! You won’t regret it! It might be awhile before this section is updated but stay tuned!
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
KIDSWB!
http://www.kidswb.com
http://www.wbanimation.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://members.aol.com/bdavis2613/main.html
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
THE BATCOMPUTER
http://members.spree.com/batcomputer
BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO
http://www.warnerbros.com/subzero
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN F.A.Q. SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1216
THE BRUCE TIMM ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://www.aiusa.com/chip/timm/archive.htm
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/harlequinhideaway
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (unofficial site)
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
These are some of the best BTAS sites on the web at this time. Most sites are updated or have been recently and all are up and running.
If you’ve watched Batman on WB there’s a fair chance you’ve watched Superman as well. This show has picked up 40% more viewers this past season thanx to Batman. This series is one of the most underrated shows on TV becuase it’s stuck under Batman’s (pun intended) shadow. There’s one website that treats it as its own show and its a damn good website! I recemmend all who have seen this show to check out this site:
SUPERMAN:TAS
http://www.rain.org/~stas
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #46: ‘B, E’
Answer to #47: ‘C’
Answer to #48: ‘B’
Answer to #49: ‘D’
Answer to #50: ‘C’
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CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
BATMAN and all related property is a registered trademark of DC Comics. Visit DC Comics website at:
http://www.dccomics.com
DC Comics is owned and operated by Warner Brothers. Visit their website at:
http://www.warnerbros.com
Kids’WB! is a part of Warner Brothers. Visit the Kids’ WB! site at:
http://www.kidswb.com
If I’ve left any out I’ll probably be suee and homeless within a year so please tell me.
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!
Now that this newsletter is archived at THE WBC HOMEPAGE, those who haven’t subscribed have been asking how to do so. Well here it is for those who would like to subscribe:
To subscription requests email juno@direct.ca and that’s all ya do. Just put ‘subscribe’ and your email address in the
email message.
A little cash donation would be appreciated, but it’s not obligatory. (Dang!)
Also if you want to ask question about BATAMN/SUPERMAN or this newsletter then please send those as well! We will respond ASAP.
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton., editor
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TO ALL GOOD THINGS…
…there must be an end. We would like to thank the endless amount of contributors for contributing their editorials, columns, news, jokes, reviews and other articles. We hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it!
See ya next time!
CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
EDITOR: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton and “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz
BTAS REVIEWS: Bob Evatt and Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITORIAL: Laura Hysert
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Brian Cruz, Brian Davis, Eileen Delgadillo
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-P Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: “anonymous”
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane (who else?)
All elements in this newsletter have been copyrighted (copywritten?) by DC Comics, 1998.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM EVERYONE AT “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”!