Date: Sunday, January 24, 1999 1:28 PM
Batman: The Animated Newsletter #15
Weeks of Jan 25 – 30/31, February 1 – 6/7
Volume 2,
THIS WEEK’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: BRING BTAS BACK! KEEP BATMAN BEYOND, BUT BRING BTAS BACK!
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another action-packed issue of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
“Gotham Adventures” inker TERRY BEATTY joins us with an interview by co-editor Dick Grayson, who has also supplied us with yet another comparison of the original BTAS episodes to the more recent TNBA episodes…who is the winner? Hmmm…Scroll down to see! Laura Hysert finally rejoins us with another wonderful newsletter – hope you enjoy!
NOTE:
Since it’s Batman’s 60th birthday this year, we’ve decided to give continual updates of the events throughout the year-long “No Man’s Land” event – there may be some spoilers, so read with caution! This news is in the “NEWS” section.
ALSO TAKE NOTE:
Remember some months ago when I (Tim, that is) revealed those jerks who were sabotaging the e-mail lists and impersonating subscribers and such? Well, I have been told that the e-mail address given was the address for the server, thru which everyone there used it. While I still believe I was still right in what I did, I have apologized to the person who runs the server (the name I gave in the newsletter) and I suggest that if there are still people out there harassing him personally about this, stop. He claims to know some people behind this fiasco (just as I do, too) so if you still have questions for any reason, ask him – but no hate mail, please. ‘Tisn’t nice. For all the new subscribers who have no idea what this is about – it’s not that important to ya, so don’t be losin’ any sleep over this. 🙂
Just thought I’d get that out in the open and settle this. Thank you for your patience.
– Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, editor
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DC’S ANIMATED LEGACY
In early 1990, in the aftermath of the blockbuster “Batman” film, ideas began to form about an animated Batman series. This task had been attempted in the past, from the 60’s to the 80’s, but the series were, moreover, a disappointment. However, in September of 1992, when “Batman: The Animated Series” debuted, it became a financial and critical success – seen as the best non-comics interpretation of Batman in history.
After 65 episodes, season two began in 1994 with a new name for the series – “The Adventures of Batman & Robin”. Like all other aspects of the Bat-mythos in that year, things lightened up a bit – mostly due to Robin playing a heavier role in the series. In 1995, the series passed away silently with 85 episodes, a feature-film, and 4 emmy awards under its Bat-belt.
In 1996, the BTAS team moved on to work on a series for DC’s other major hero, Superman. After 13 episodes, the season got off to a shaky start, but when it was paired up with Batman in the fall of 1997, it got the exposure it needed and began to thrive. In this year, Batman was renewed and 24 more episodes (including a number of crossovers with Superman) were given the go-ahead.
Just as the 1998/99 season of Batman/Superman was drawing to a close, the WB team surprised us once again with a new animated series – a futuristic version of Batman entitled “BATMAN BEYOND”. The season has just begun and it’s already a hit! This is the episode the WB team will be working on until the end of the 1999/2000 season. What will follow? Rumor right now is…MORE BATMAN (the regular one)! Woohoo!
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES
The real nice people at TOONZONE (thanx!) have set up an archive section at their site, storing back issues of BTAN. You can look back on past newsletters or maybe even print them out, if you don’t already. This has been very useful and got alot of positive feedback from subscribers wanting copies of past newsletters. The URL is:
TOONZONE’s BATMAN:TAN ARCHIVES
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/btan
If you’re interested in information about the newsletter or are just plain curious about some of our news, schedules, websites, etc… then please e-mail here:
btanarchives@hotmail.com
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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.
‘BLACK OUT’
Batman Beyond #3
Air date: January 30, 1999
The liquid-assassin by the name of Inque is out to knock off the new Batman – but who sent her?
‘IN BRIGHTEST DAY’
Superman #??
Air date: February 6, 1999
Classic DC hero Green Lantern makes his appearance on Superman.
‘LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)’
Superman #??
Air date: ??
This two-parter, featuring the final showdown between Superman and Darksied, will be the season finale, airing this May.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
This section of the newsletter highlights the schedule and times that WB airs The New Batman/Superman Adventures. For most affiliates it airs Monday – Friday at 4pm (ET) and Saturdays beginning at 8am (ET). WGN airs Batman/Superman Monday – Friday at 10am (ET) and Sundays beginning at 8am (ET). There’s a chance that your local WB channel airs it at a differant time. To find out when, we recommend you follow this URL (provided by Toonzone): http://www.toonzone.net/brian/stations/index.html
PS – Remember that “Batman Beyond” airs 30 minutes AFTER “Batman/Superman” is over, because “Men In Black” has been squeezed in between.
THIS WEEK:
Mon 1-25-99: Batman #033 The Laughing Fish
Superman #10 My Girl
Tue 1-26-99: Superman #18 Livewire
Batman #087 Sins of the Father
Wed 1-27-99: Batman #032 Robin’s Reckoning (Pt. 1)
Batman #037 Robin’s Reckoning (Pt. 2)
Thu 1-28-99: Superman #06 The Way of All Flesh
Batman #084 Deep Freeze
Fri 1-29-99: Batman #068 Trial
Superman #32 The Late Mr. Kent
Sat 1-30-99: Superman #27 The Prometheon
Batman #085 Torch Song
B-BEYOND #03 Black Out
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 2-1-99: Batman #91 Never Fear
Superman #24 Solar Power
Tue 2-2-99: Superman #33 Apokalips…Now! (Pt. 1)
Superman #35 Apokalips…Now! (Pt. 2)
Wed 2-3-99: Batman #96 The Ultimate Thrill
Superman #07 Feeding Time
Thu 2-4-99: Superman #04 Fun and Games
Batman #79 Riddler’s Reform
Fri 2-5-99: Batman #74 Catwalk
Superman #15 Ghost in the Machine
Sat 2-6-99: Batman #102 Old Wounds
Superman #?? In Brightest Day ——NEW!
B-BEYOND #04 ????
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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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)
CARTOON NETWORK ‘BATMAN’ SCHEDULE
Mon 1-25-99: #58 Blind as a Bat
Tue 1-26-99: #59 The Demon’s Quest (Pt. 1)
Due to the unpredictable airing schedule of Batman: The Animated Series on CARTOON NETWORK we may not be able to keep track or schedule changes, episode changes and when the animated movies air (either on TOONAMI or CARTOON THEATRE). To keep you most up to date, go to this section of TOONZONE to keep updated with what’s airing on CARTOON NETWORK and when:
BATAMN:THE ANIMATED SERIES ON CARTOON NETWORK
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html
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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.
MAD LOVE
Written by Paul Dini & Bruce Timm
Directed by Butch Lukic
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: January 16, 1998
My rating: ****1/2
Award winning comic. Great characters. Awesome series. Etc. Sounds like the great beginnings of a great episode huh? Well, you’d think…
Let me say that “Mad Love” was (and still is) my favourite comic book of all time. After watching this episode, I feel like it did not do the comic complete justice.
I often complain about Harley’s stupidity and pathetic roles in the more recent episodes on the show – but not here. She was perfect. No probs here.
Batman was just as good, too, despite his respectively smaller role. That laugh of his was really creepy. No probs here, either.
There were a few problems with the Joker – he wasn’t genuinely evil in the scenes he should’ve been, (such as when with Gordon), as portrayed in the comic. He never seemed truly evil or crazy as portrayed in the comic…his voice seemed a bit too light at times, too – but I can overlook this. There were plenty of great moments when he shone through.
The psychological element of the show was really well-done, nicely enhanced by Harley’s voice-over of the flashback scenes. This really brought about the chilling climax where she’s thrown out the window – I liked how they did that scene in slow motion, and there was no scoring at all.
I was quite surprised with some of the things this episode got away with. The Harley street-pizza scene, for one, the many scenes of blood for another, the “rev up your Harley” scene for YET another. Even a nice Star-Wars jab is taken at the beginning of the episode (which Mark Hamill, the voice of the Joker, is obviously connected to) – that was a nice touch. Seeing Paul Dini drooling as Harley enters Arkham for the first time was another subtle detail which was quite entertaining.
This episode had a lot going for it, and even the censors didn’t get in the way.
So what did?
Well, the score wasn’t as emotionally driven as I had hoped – it just kinda wavered in the background. (I can’t even really remember hearing either the Batman, Joker, OR Harley themes in this episode – I know they were there, but minimally.) The main problem was, of course, the timing. This episode was packed into just 20 minutes, even though large chunks of the storyline (which, on the whole, I can handle well enough). I just found the amount of time used between each seperate shot to be a bit too quick.
The scenes which were ommitted due to these time-restraints were the scenes of Harley sleeping her way to a higher GPA in college, and a couple of Harley’s dream sequences of her future with the Joker. One very small scene (which is why I was peeved about it being cut, cuz it was a really nice touch, explaining Joker’s ego) was the scene were the Penguin, Riddler, and Two-Face are taunting Joker in his mind while he realizes that Harley may end up killing Batman before he does. Poison Ivy’s cameo still made it into the episode though.
Now, I bet everyone feels this way to some extent; I feel it detracted from an otherwise excellent episode. Main complaint: Things happened so fast, especially in the first act, and they couldn’t really build up to anything to make the tension unbearable, which should have been how the viewer felt when watching this episode!
I often wonder if this episode would seem any better – or worse – if I hadn’t read the comic yet. Personally, I think the comic was better, and to do the story perfect justice, it should’ve been a two-parter. That would have solved all the problems – which is why the episode “Trial” also suffered. Anyhow, I still give this episode a near-perfect 4.5 stars outa 5.
And now, I’m done ranting…until BTAS picks up with new episodes after 2000. (That’s another gripe unto itself.)
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #1
INTERVIEW WITH TERRY BEATTY
(Interviewed by Dick Grayson)
I recently had the opportunity to email Terry Beatty (inker of “Batman: Gotham Adventures”) with some questions, and thankfully, he replied! He’s a pretty cool guy so just sit back and read through my little Q & A session with him! 🙂
BTAN#1. Please. tell us abit about yourself, so we can all get better acquainted.
TB#1. Currently inking Gotham Adventures and Batman Beyond for DC. Have an Eisner Award on my studio wall for “World’s Finest,” (Best Graphic Novel: New). I’ve been in the comics business for twenty years. Married to mystery novelist Wendi Lee (we met at San Diego Con). We have one daughter, Beth (age 12) – and three annoying cats. We live in a big ol’ drafty house in Iowa, in my hometown of Muscatine.
In addition to inking the animated-style Bat-books for DC, I paint the covers for Scary Monsters Magazine, sculpt “garage kits” for Fatman Productions, and collaborate with my wife on a (prose) short story now and then. I’m also an avid toy, and model kit collector. If anyone wants to know more, they can always check our website. There’s a page showing samples of my art, and a page devoted to my obsession with model kits — and LOTS of links to related pages:
http://www.muscanet.com/~wlee/
BTAN#2. Like everyone I ask, how did enter the the profession of comics? Would you say it was your goal or ambition? If so, why?
TB#2. My first professional work was a self-syndicated page of comics for weekly small-town papers and “shoppers” – produced by Max Collins and myself after coming THIS CLOSE to getting the “Annie” newspaper strip assignment from the Tribune Syndicate. After producing a year’s worth of “The Comics Page'” and never having quite enough clients to keep it going, we were asked by Dean Mullaney to create something for “Eclipse” magazine – that turned out to be “Ms. Tree” – which went on to be the longest-running private eye series in comic books. Everything else I’ve done has grown out of that.
And I’d wanted to be a cartoonist since I was five – learning to read from “80 Page Batman Giants” and Lee/Kirby/Ditko Marvels…
BTAN#3. How did you end up over in the Bat section of the DC Universe?
TB#3. My “Mike Danger” assignment was coming to an end at Tekno/Big, and I started scouting around, looking for another gig. I worked up a page of animated style Bat-art, and sent it to the licensing department at DC (the folks who produce art for t-shirts, lunchboxes, etc.) — and also sent a copy to the Bat-office, thinking maybe if Rick Burchett ever wanted to take a month off, I could fill in as inker. Little did I know, Rick was leaving the book to pencil “Superman Adventures” – and they were looking for a replacement! I got a call asking if I
wanted the assigment, and I said “yes” pretty darn fast. Rick eventually came back to the book – but as penciller – and I got to stick around. I’ve been on the job over two years now. And I never did hear from the licensing department!
BTAN#4. How is working in a small press company (like Eclipse) to working in a massive company (like DC Comics)?
TB#4. At DC, you don’t have to call the publisher’s Mom and ask where your paycheck is.
BTAN#5. I’m not sure alot of fans know, but you used to work on
Ms.TREE for Eclipse. How is that different from GOTHAM ADVENTURES
(besides the violence)?
TB#5. It was an entirely different experience. I co-created and co-own Ms. Tree (with Max Collins), and so have more invested in the property. But in some ways, working on the Bat-books is more FUN. I like the fact that we are producing an all-ages (not a “kiddie”) book, when the market is not producing a lot of material accessable to younger readers or the general public. And as a kid who grew up on reprints of Bill Finger/Dick Sprang Batman stories and who faithfully watched the Batman TV first run, it’s a kick to get to work on such a classic comic book character.
Plus it’s nice to be able to tell people what comics I do, and know they’ll have heard of it! Whatever success we had with Ms. Tree in the comics and mystery field – the general public is (I’m sorry to say) not aware of the character. Everyone, though, knows Batman. But not everyone knows, sad to say, that comic books are still being produced! We gotta do something about THAT!
Oh — and I should point out that while “Ms. Tree” started out at Eclipse, the feature moved on the A-V, then Renegade Press (with a stop-over at First Comics for “The P.I.’s” mini-series) – and ended up at DC.
BTAN#6. What is your best work to date, pencilling, inking, or whatever you enjoy most. Do you find it dificult to ink over pencillers who style differs from yours?
TB#6. My best work as a cartoonist (full art) is the “Johnny Dynamite” mini-series that Max and I did for Dark Horse a few years back. Good luck finding copies now, though…
As an inker, I have to say, my best work is in collaboration with Rick Burchett on the Bat-books – though I really did enjoy inking the artists I worked with on “Elfquest” and “Mike Danger” – some amazingly talented artists were involved on those projects. And inking Joe Staton (as I’m now doing on “Batman Beyond” #4 and up) is always a treat!
I can work in a variety of styles, so that’s not a problem. The only time inking is a chore is when the penciller simply doesn’t draw well. Thankfully, I’ve never had to deal with that much. Most of the pencillers I’ve worked with have been remarkably talented and thoroughly professional.
BTAN#7. How is inking BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES different from inking
BATMAN BEYOND?
TB#7. We seem to be packing more detail into the “Batman Beyond” pages. That didn’t change when Joe took over the pencils from Rick. Otherwise, it’s the same sort of slick, sharp line that I use in “Gotham Adventures.”
BTAN#8. Out of every Batman story you’ve read, what is your absolute favorite and why?
TB#8. I think “Mad Love” by Dini and Timm is the best mainstream comic book of the past twenty years. Paul is a terrific writer, and Bruce is a remarkable cartoonist who understands that “storytelling” does not mean pin-up poses and oddly shaped panels. It was a joy to read a
comic book that clearly came out of a classic tradition (Kurtzman, Wood, Kirby, Sprang) – yet still was as modern as could be. I wish we had more comics of this quality on the market today…
That said, I adore the work of Finger and Sprang – and have a real affection for Frank Robbins’ Batman stories. And I think my pal Max Collins wrote some terrific Bat-stories too – that unfortunately were not properly served by some of the artists involved– some of his
scripts would have been great for the animated-style books.
And it goes without saying that I’m crazy about each and every issue of “Gotham Adventures” and “Batman Beyond” – how could I NOT be?
BTAN#9. What’s it like working with (ex-inker, now penciller) Rick Burchett?
TB#9. Rick’s career and mine have been circling each other for years – he inks Joe Staton on “E-Man” – I ink Joe on “Guy Gardner.” He draws “Blackhawk” – I ink the “Secret Origins” Blackhawk issue. I draw “Ms.Tree” for DC – he draws “Midnight” the back-up feature in the book. I draw “Wild Dog” in “Action Comics Weekly” – he does a “Wild Dog” cover for the book… we both do illos for Chris Mills’ “Noir” magazine – (which reminds me that Bruce Timm and I both have both done covers for “Hardboiled” — a crime fiction zine) and FINALLY we get to work together on “Gotham Adventures,” after I ink other artists on the Bat-books for about a year.
Rick and I are of a similar age (OK, I’m a wee bit younger), have very similar influences, and have all the same books in our studio. We are fairly conviced that one of us is the “Earth-Two” version of the other. Differences? Rick has sons and dogs – I have a daughter and cats. Oh – and he draws better than I do.
Rick’s pencils are an inker’s dream – tight and clean – couldn’t ask for more.
BTAN#10. And final question: What can we expect from upcoming issues of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and BATMAN BEYOND (which should become ongoing)?
TB#10. Well, there’s Riddler, Two-Face, Harley, Bane and more comin’ back in upcoming issues of “Gotham” – I’m pencilling (and maybe inking) an inventory script by Ty Templeton (a Joker story) that will see print in “Gotham” at some distant date. I’m working on it in fits and starts when I have “down time” waiting for pages to ink. Since Ty is leaving the book (sorry to see ya go, Ty!), Kelly Puckett and Scott Peterson have written some scripts — don’t know who will be “regular” writer on the book at this point…
And we have some fill-in artists (Craig Rouseau, Tim Levins) coming up too, while Rick takes a (short!) break for another project or two. For “Batman Beyond” Blight (Powers) is the villian in #3 and in #4 Etrigan shows up to assist the new Batman in a battle against a supernatural menace.
Beyond that I don’t know – hey – I’m just the inker!
BTAN: Well thank you much Terry! I am really glad you were able to do this Q & A session! Thanx alot and keep in touch in the Batman/Superman chat room!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #2
(by Dick Grayson)
BTAS VS. TNBA
A while back, we had a feature where the original 13 episodes of BTAS were pitted against the first 13 of TNBA. BTAS won. Each were compared in order of air date, not episode number. Now, the second season of TNBA is done and we are ready to compare episodes 14-24 against each other and see which show had the better season.
So far Batman: The Animated Series has won – so here we go, round two:
#14 THE CLOCK KING (BTAS) vs THE ULTMATE THRILL (TNBA)
In one episode, we have a story about a man driven insane by being late for his court date. In another we have a story about a thrill seeking stunt actress. I see no competiton here. THE CLOCK KING is a great story about one man being pushed a bit to far, over one little thing. Meanwhile, the other is about a woman pushing herself way to far (but she does get off on it).
Winner: BTAS (1)
#15 THE LAST LAUGH (BTAS) vs CULT OF THE CAT (TNBA)
In THE LAST LAUGH we have the Joker spreading his own little brand of cheer all through Gotham on April Fool’s Day. Meanwhile in CULT OF THE CAT, we have a fairly good episode about a cult of cat worshippers stalking Catwoman. The animation in both is good, but THE LAST LAUGH barely edges out CULT OF THE CAT. CULT OF THE CAT is a good story, but how many cults have we heard of practice gene splicing? Meanwhile in THE LAST LAUGH, we have the Joker bringing his own special happiness to Gotham. The CULT fails.
Winner:BTAS (2)
#16 ETERNAL YOUTH (BTAS) vs CRITTERS (TNBA)
Poison Ivy returns in this pretty good follow-up tale to PRETTY POISON. She’s back and is wreaking havoc on all who destroy the forest! Meanwhile we have a story about a expert in genetics who, as revenge, lets loose a pack or mutated and deformed animals over Gotham. CRITTERS has been deemed with being the worst episode of Batman episode(beating out MOON OF THE WOLF). Though ETERNAL YOUTH isn’t the best Poison Ivy episode, it is way better then Farmer Brown’s little CRITTERS.
Winner: BTAS (3)
#17 TWO-FACE Part One (BTAS) vs ANIMAL ACT (TNBA)
This one…is actually sorta hard to pick. In ANIMAL ACT we finally see Dick Grayson return to his circus roots. But in TWO-FACE we see the amazing first part of one of the best origin stories ever told (not as good as ROBIN’S RECKONING though). The animation in TWO-FACE part one speaks for itself. ANIMAL ACT has fairly good animation but sometimes skimps on the much needed detail, and the episode sorta has a silly ending. If the ending to ANIMAL ACT was a bit more realistic, Mad Hatter would’ve been killed. TWO-FACE beats the ANIMALS!
Winner: BTAS (4)
#18 TWO-FACE Part Two (BTAS) vs OLD WOUNDS (TNBA)
This one is even harder to pick! OLD WOUNDS we see some of the fabled LOST YEARS between ‘SUB-ZERO’ and ‘SINS OF THE FATHER’. The second part of Two-Face’s origin is still great. The animation isn’t as good, but the story is very great, and very character driven, with a heart stopping, and suspenseful finale. Meanwhile, we see why Dick became Nightwing. The tension between Dick and Bruce and Babs. OLD WOUNDS boosts some of the best Dong Yang animation, and a lot fo true emotion.
And who can forget Robin slugging Batman? It’s a tie (I can see this causing a bit of a stir with the other co-editor…)
Winners :BTAS (5) and TNBA (1)
*TIM TWO-FACE’S DIVINE INTERVENTION* Dang right, DICK! *GRUMBLES AND FLIPS COIN WHILST RE-EMERGING INTO THE SHADOWS*
#19 FEAR OF VICTORY (BTAS) vs LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT (TNBA)
The introduction of Dick Grayson versus three great short stories. In FEAR we see the new look Scarecrow (one of the many ‘new’ looks he’d adopt) trying to raise money by fixing sports events. In LOTDK we see Batman from the point of view of three kids (well four if you count the short Joel Schumacer rip). I think for the first time, quantity beats quality. While FEAR is a great episode which tests our own fears, we can relate to the kids in LOTDK. We are basically those kids. We’re batfans ourselves. The VICTORY belongs to LEGENDS.
Winner: BTAS (5) TNBA (2)
#20 I’VE GOT A BATMAN IN MY BASEMENT (BTAS) versus GIRLS’ NITE OUT (TNBA)
Ah! Two really poor episodes going head to head. In BASEMENT we see a very poor introduction to Penguin. He’s even beat by pre-teen children in his first introduction. He even fences with Batman (and Batman uses a screw-driver as his sword…ugh). Now for GIRLS’ , it never really had much of a chance. It should’ve been more then one part. We have five main characters crammed into 19 minutes of plotless animation.
Livewire is annoying, Harley is wasted, and Poison Ivy..is well..Poison Ivy. Batgirl is even reduced in intelligence so she can seem as ‘cool’ as Supergirl. If Batgirl is about 21, then why is she acting like Supergirl (who is 16-17)?. It boggles the mind. Looks like the Penguin’s humiliating defeat isn’t as bad as the GIRL’S NITE OUT together.
Winner: BTAS (6) TNBA (2)
#21 VENDETTA (BTAS) vs CHEMISTRY (TNBA)
The introduction of Killer Croc versus Poison Ivy’s supposed final appearance. Killer Croc is out for payback against Bullock, and is it ever animated beautifully. The boat explosion with Batman on the dock is animated perfectly. But CHEMISTRY’s scene with Veronica Vreeland’s new plant husband attacker her is animated almost chillingly. The huge drawback of CHEMISTRY is its really quick ending. As soon as the boat goes down, the episode fades. We don’t se the usual epilogue that we usually see. In VENDETTA we see an amazing confession between Bullock and Batman at the episode’s finale. Looks like VENDETTA stays afloat while CHEMISTRY just sinks.
Winner: BTAS (7) TNBA (2)
#22 PROPHECY OF DOOM (BTAS) vs JUDGEMENT DAY (TNBA)
SINS OF THE FATHER wasn’t enough Two-Face, but JUDGEMENT DAY gave us him (them?), and much more, especially with a suprise twist at the end! In DOOM we see a con artist embezzling money out of superstitous rich folk. Bruce gets involved, almost killed. Some rich guy’s daughter gets kidnapped. Batman gets involved. All is well. In JUDGEMENT DAY we see a new vigilante called the Judge dish out some real harsh justice.
He brutally takes down Penguin, then Killer Croc, then Riddler. Now The Judge is after Two-Face. This confrontation, along with great animation, leads to a plot twisting finale! The verdict is in, and JUDGEMENT DAY has arrived!
Winner: BTAS (7) TNBA (3)
#23 THE FORGOTTEN (BTAS) vs BEWARE THE CREEPER (TNBA)
Homeless people are missing, being kidnapped off the streets – but the police are too busy to notice. Its time for Batman to get involved. He does, and during the investigation gets amnesia and ends up working in a strip mine.That is the premise behind the great episode THE FORGOTTEN. In BEWARE THE CREEPER, its been seven years since the Joker was born, and its celebreated by the Joker dousing TV personality Jack Ryder with laughing gas, and over exposure to the chemicals that made the Joker into the Joker! The result? A hilarious romp around Gotham, as Batman tries to stop Creeper from destroying the Joker, and Gotham. I think that the FORGOTTEN beats out humor. CREEPER is to comedy based, while FORGOTTEN has an original plot, and an amazing scene where Bruce regains his memories and his past.
Winner: BTAS (8) TNBA (3)
#24 MAD AS A HATTER (BTAS) versus MAD LOVE (TNBA)
One is about one man’s quest to win the love of a girl at any cost. The other, is a question of obsession. Both written by Paul Dini. HATTER gives us the heart breaking introduction of Jervis Tetch a.k.a. the Mad Hatter, and his love for a fellow co-worker, Alice, who is already engaged to another man. So,what do you do? In MAD LOVE we have the adaptation of one of the best Batman stories of all time.
After Harley bungles up one of the Joker’s plots, she questions her love for him, and how to win him back. This leads us to Harley telling her origin (with some really intense therapy scenes with the Joker) to a heart stopping finale. Both episodes are great stories with great animation but Harley’s story is the most tragic of all. Looks like LOVE beats the HATTER.
Winner: BTAS (8) TNBA (4)
Well there’s another season biting the dust. So do you agree with this? If you’d like to comment on this, please do at the BTAN message board or email us. It looks like the original Batman is still the best, but if TNBA makes new episodes on the level of LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, OLD WOUNDS, JUDGEMENT DAY, and MAD LOVE, it may one day overshadow BTAS! This article is only the opinion of Dick Grayson, and not any else associated with the newsletter. (And Tim didn’t cause me to have baised opinions on any Two-Face related stories…really! *FEELS A GUN POINTED TO MY HEAD*)
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
We were sitting in the living room of their basement apartment, two old high school friends and I, polishing off glasses of a very good Chardonnay white, and talking about our callings.
Each of us feel our callings are to be storytellers. Rob and Tara
self-published a black-and-white comic not too long ago, a labour of love that put them in the red. So they gave up the comic and got “real” jobs. Meanwhile, I’m in journalism school, learning a craft that demands my time and my soul, both of which I’m reluctant to give.
Even though we know our callings, the reality of rent and phone bills chase those passions further and further into the blurred edges of our lives. But that night we decided that having a calling, a purpose, was still the most important thing of all.
“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life coming home the way Tara does,” Rob said. Tara, after an almost 14-hour day spent commuting and working in a job she doesn’t love, came home tired and grumpy, with no
energy to do more than watch Buffy and talk to her boyfriend on the phone. Even eating was too much effort — by the time she went to bed, her cereal bowl of spaghetti Diablo was still only half-finished.
The trick, Rob said, is to find something to do that sends you to work happy every day. You must commit yourself to something with all the passion you can summon. And that’s your calling; it is, as someone said, the thing that lights a fire under your butt.
No one can say that Batman doesn’t have a calling. No earthly or heavenly court could convict him of not having passion, or of not committing his entire being to his purpose. To me, Batman is the character that epitomizes passion and dedication to a calling. When I want to get serious about my own calling, I place a four-inch-high plastic figure of Batman in front of my computer and type away. Frozen in a fighting stance, his face hard with a grimace, he dares me not to write.
We can argue about the motivations behind Batman’s purpose; we can debate whether or not he should be alone when he executes his calling; we can even start a flame-war over what kind of cape he should wear when he’s doing it. But these arguments overshadow the most important question. The one that would be the first we would ask ourselves, when we consider the various callings of our lives.
Does being Batman make him happy?
One line in “Knight Time” always sets me laughing. When Robin shows
Superman the videotape of Bruce that made him first think that Bruce wasn’t quite himself, he says, “See what I mean about him acting strange? He’s smiling.”
Batman rarely smiles. You would think if he were truly happy doing what he does, he’d smile more. Perhaps he traded his own happiness for the grimmer satisfaction of pushing back the tide of chaos and pain a little more each night. He never expected happiness – not after that night in the alley.
Or maybe he is happy. Maybe being Batman gives him a contentment that goes far deeper than just having a good day at the office. The freedom from the limits that the rest of us mortals suffer under, freedom gained for him by his mastery of physical and mental arts, perhaps this fills his soul. The challenge and exhilaration of dispensing violent justice on the drug pushers and murderers could be enough to make him grin in glee.
Or maybe even he is in that space between happiness and unhappiness, fulfillment and hollowness, that most of us inhabit. After all, he is the most human of superheroes.
I’m not going to give my opinion on this one. I’m leaving this up to you. Does being Batman make Bruce happy, or is his soul ever discontent? Or is he something in between? Is being happy really integral to following your purpose?
Send your opinions and comments to me via juno@direct.ca . Put my name in the subject line or something. And maybe, editors willing, we can publish some of the responses in the next newsletter. That’s assuming there are responses, of course. Ahem.
Laura
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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.
I figured that with the premiere “Batman Beyond” looming in our midst, this would be a good time to take note of some of the more important pieces of info you should know prior to watching the series.
61. In the animated series continuity, how many times has the Joker apparently “died”?
A: ONE
B: TWO
C: THREE
D: NONE
E: FOUR OR MORE
62. Which of the following characters has NEVER been shown with blood on them at any point in the BTAS continuity?
A: BANE
B: BATGIRL
C: THE JOKER
D: HARLEY QUINN
E: BATMAN
63. In the earliest episodes of the series, the Batcomputer actually had a voice (Richard Moll (Two-Face)). In one episode, Batman was in the Batmobile and the Batcomputer was assisting him in finding a certain criminal – which villain was he hunting for?
A: THE JOKER
B: MAN-BAT
C: POISON IVY
D: TWO-FACE
E: THE SCARECROW
64. On the old BTAS series (1992-1995), it was extremely rare to see any blood on screen. However, the blood of two people still managed to get through. Whose blood was it?
A: BATMAN
B: THE JOKER
C: KILLER CROC
D: THE MAD HATTER
E: RUPERT THORNE
65. Which of the following people ever accused Batman of killing children?
A: ALFRED
B: COMMISSIONER GORDON
C: THE SCARECROW
D: BANE
E: HARVEY BULLOCK
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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) Anyone notice that in “Batman Beyond”, Terry McGinnis’ high school is named after the current Gotham mayor, Hamilton Hill?
2) In the opening scenes of “Rebirth” (BEYOND), one of Ricky the Hook’s thugs from “You Scratch My Back” makes an appearance. Can you find which one?
3) Everyone knows this one, already, but I might as well add it…the “May the floss be with you” line in “Mad Love” was in direct reference to Star Wars, whom Mark Hamill was in (obviously). Mark Hamill also provides the voice of the Joker.
4) The man licking the glass in “Mad Love” is none-other than Harley-creator Paul Dini.
5) Summer Gleeson is back in “Mad Love”! Oddly enough, she doesn’t sound the same…weird?
CONTRIBUTED OTHERS:
Jim Apitz
6) In “Beware the Creeper”, when the Creeper is looking for a costume, he goes into Ditko’s vintage clothing. Steve Ditko is a DC comics writer. This last point I’m not sure of, but he definitely does work for DC on Superman.
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS GENERAL
MEN IN BLACK and BATMAN BEYOND now have their own official message boards. Check them out here:
http://wbboards.warnerbros.com
MOVIES
-“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” will likely air on Kids WB sometime this season – but this is mere speculation.
“CURRENT” ANIMATED SERIES’
– There is some rumor of a “Lost Years” episode featuring how the Scarecrow’s new design came about, to air sometime after “Mad Love” and “Rise of the Demon”.
– An internet interview with Kevin Conroy is approaching. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
– Be sure to check out The Bruce Timm Artwork Archive’s news section for pics of Green Lantern from this season’s ‘IN BRIGHTEST LIGHT’ Superman episode.
http://www.aiusa.com/chip/timm/news/news.htm
-“Rise of the Demon” may be indefinately postponed – not cancelled, just shelved for the time being.
-At the end of this month, the 1999-2000 schedule for the WB will be released. Batman/Superman, Batman Beyond, and MIB are all going to be there FOR SURE.
-“Legacy” will be the two-part season finale for Superman, featuring his final showdown against Darksied.
BATMAN BEYOND
-For all of you wondering what villians we’ll get to see in the next month of so on BATMAN BEYOND here’s a list. After the two-part premiere wraps up on the 23rd, we’ll see Inque in “Black Out” on Jan. 30th. This will be followed by 4 new episodes in a row which features these characters as villians:
(Feb. 06) Royal Flush Gang
(Feb. 13) SpellBinder
(Feb. 20) Blight (with Mr. Freeze)
(Feb. 27) and a suprise!
Thanx to Chip once again fore the news!
COMICS/BOOKS
Re: NO MAN’S LAND (LOTSA SPOILERS)
– Well, three issues into the story and we’ve seen Oracle show us where all the villains (but the Joker) have claimed territory in devastated Gotham. We have seen dealings with the Penguin and Ventriloquist, and a cameo by the Joker. The new Batgirl has appeared – but no significant members of Gotham society know this. (The new Batgirl’s debut was in “Shadow of the Bat #83” – it sold out immediately at my store – get it if you can!) Then, in the most recent issue, Batman has FINALLY returned (along with Alfred), 100 days after the bridges were blown up – but his absence was not explained. The GCPD have reclaimed the LoBoyz and Demonz territory of Gotham, threatening to kill anyone if they come back. Batman also has his first encounter with the new Batgirl.
“NO MAN’S LAND” BACK-STORY AND OTHER COMICS NEWS:
– Batman and Alfred return after 3 months of absense, running into the new Batgirl. After a time in Bludhaven, Superman and Nightwing come to Gotham to assist the Bat; ditto for Robin. The GCPD gets medieval on everybody’s hiney. 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:
-Riddler leaves, only to be persued by Robin and the Flash.
-Catwoman returns to Gotham about half-way through after New York proves to be a waste of her time.
-The Ventriloquist rules a large chunk of Gotham with an iron fist.
-Mr. Freeze seizes control of the power plant to stay alive – and to have something valuable to trade with the rest of society.
-The Scarecrow has a field day tormenting Huntress in the religious sector of town.
-Bane tries to gain control of the city – again – but has to break in from the outside.
-Poison Ivy seeks refuge in the “Central Park” in Gotham.
-Penguin seems to have the only access to points of the world OUTSIDE of Gotham, and basically rules the city.
-Two-Face has seized control of the political and financial districts of town.
-The Joker doesn’t appear as a major player until close to the end, along with the new, improved Harley Quinn – whom will appear in civilian form mid-way through the crossover.
-The Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Mr. Zsasz, and various other “lesser” villains have their own chunks of Gotham to rule as well.
-Other villain heavyweights like Firefly and Ra’s Al Ghul will have roles as well, most likely, but no details have been given for them yet.
– Lots of new NO MAN’S LAND info can be found at this site now: http://www.mania.com
– For all Superman fans, read this: The January issue of Cinescape includes a review of Les Daniels and Chip Kidd’s Superman: The Complete History, reviewer Frank Kurtz called it “A beautifully designed book that would do any coffee table proud”, and “even seasoned comics enthusiasts may find themselves surprised by the depth of the material.”
Re: ANIMATED COMICS
– It looks like Kelly Puckett and Scott Peterson, writer and editor of “Batman Adventures” (1992-1995) well at least write two issues of “Batman: Gotham Adventures” after Ty Templeton’s departure following .
– Rumor has it that if the “Batman Beyond” series and comic series are popular enough, it will become a continuing series, instead of just a six-issue mini-series as currently planned. The same happened with “The Batman Adventures” many moons ago.
– Joe Staton has been pegged as the artist for the BATMAN BEYOND comic series, while Terry Beatty is inker and Hilary J. Bader is writer.
– All five “Lost Years” comics will be sold together in “The Lost Years” Tradepaperback this month.
– Another current comic character will be making an appearance in BATMAN BEYOND! In Issue #4 of the comic series based on the TV show, Jason Blood/Etrigan will appear. Cool huh?
-Dini & Timm tell a wee bit about the upcoming Harley & Ivy mini-series:
“Three issues of fun…and showers,” said Dini.
“There’s a shower scene in every issue…” Timm said, “Tell your friends.”
-Sometime after , Bane will make an appearance in GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-As for the regular animated line, a wave featuring the new-style Mr. Freeze and three Batman variants is due sometime in 1999 – some have said this “MISSION MASTERS” assortment has been sighted in stores right now! I have seen pics of the Mr. Freeze figure and it looks really good, just like his original figure – it even has the detachable head and spider legs!
-There have been alot of rumors floating around that there is an Animated Batman game in the works. Check out the full details at Brian’s Batman Page (URL provided below in the website section)
-TITUS has just announced that the N64/PLaystation video game based on Superman: The Animated Series will be released on May 25th, 1999. The extra long delay is reportly due to some control problems. (Remember, however, the “Batman & Robin” Playstation came had an extended delay, too, only to make the game superb. Hopefully SUPERMAN will be just as good!)
-More pictures of the “Batman Beyond” figures have been released! Follow this link to see a figure of the Jokerz Leader!
http://www.aiusa.com/chip/timm/news/news.htm
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
“THE BATS, THE CAT, THE CLOWN, AND THE CROW”
Since Mr. Smith was unable to provide a toy review for this newsletter, we have dug up his earliest toy review from BTAN #04, discussing the first wave of “animated” Bat-figures. Enjoy!
The second wave of figures of TAS line brought some nice surprises. We
got a Bruce Wayne figure with Snap-On Batman Armor. Ok, so Bruce Wayne’s “racing outfit” looks nothing like normal clothes. (No, I’m not a superhero in disguise!), but I thought it was kewl that the Batman “cowl” looked just like the motorcycle helmet he wears in episodes like
“Two-Face (Pt. 2)”. The card art was nothing to scream about, yet not overtly horrible at the same time.
The big surprise for me was the Man-Bat figure with Flapping Wings and Tow Cable. Never did I expect this one! The sculpt is really close to the show, but very hard to balance. I happen to have a shelf with a lip, so his wings fold over the lip, and his feet push against the lip. That way he stands up “on his own.” Or, one can try applying putty to his feet to help him stand on his own. The tow cable – yeah, whatever. The wing flapping action is kewl, and it’s nice that he has bending elbow joints, but they get loose easily, and he doesn’t flap his wings so well. The card art is great, true to the show’s design.
Then there was the Joker. Like Two-Face, Kenner dropped something into the white paint, and so we get, not the white color his face was in the show, but the bluish color his face is in the new style. Yuck. Also, he was missing the black shadowing around his eyes, so he doesn’t look as sinister. He came with a smile gas mask (like in “The Last Laugh”) and “Laughing Gas” Spray Gun, which was just a stupid water shooting orange thing – good for spraying younger siblings with! I liked the sculpt, because it allowed me to pose him with his finger pointed (at my Batman) as if to say “I got you!” The card art was mediocre, because the body was drawn well, but the face and head totally sucked. It looked as if the style was changed.
Kenner released a Scarecrow figure as a late edition to the second wave.
The version released had red glowing eyes, two unpainted teeth, and yellow straw hair. Personally, I always preferred the Scarecrow’s look from the first episode, since it looked the closest to the comic version, but at that point, I was happy to get any incarnation of the Scarecrow! He came with a crow that could “sit” on his arm and “Thrashing Sickle,” which, with the help of a wheel on his back, could spin around as he held it. Still, I thought it was a good figure, and he isn’t terribly hard to balance. The card art was ok, except the crow looked like it was done in a different style, and the Scarecrow had odd wrinkles under his eyes.
Catwoman was also released with the late second wave. As usual, Kenner delayed putting the female figure on the back of the card(ala Catwoman from Batman Returns line). I don’t know what Kenner was thinking when they sculpted her. Balance was definitely not one of the top criteria on this one. She came with a whip,(from the Returns line, used in the Legends line too) Whipping Arm Action, and Claw Hooks(Which are stupid, because they were ridiculously huge, and useless to a cat burglar ). Also included, was a little rubber Isis, (her cat) that sits around her neck and helps to cover up the fact that Catwoman’s neck is too short, and her shoulders are so square and tense, she looks like she’s having a panic attack. Also, like the Returns Catwoman, she’s got a funky attack position, that’s hard to balance. Her feet are big flat paddle looking things. Plus, her eyes are painted so that each eye looks to a different side. The card art is acceptable, except that the cat around her neck looks nothing like Isis.
Also during this wave, vehicles like the Batmobile, and Batman on the Batcycle were released. Included, were the Jokermobile, and stupid ones like the Hoverbat, and the B.A.T.V. Later came the insipid Bat-signal jet, and the impossible to find Robin Dragster. The stupid variation Batmans in this wave consisted of Skydive Batman, who was black and orange (Criminals won’t be able to spot you!), and Infrared Batman, who was black and red.
So, what’s in the next issue? Hmmm…we’ll keep ya posted!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Mightier Than the Sword” (#10)
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: January 6, 1999 (Cover date is March)
RATING: ****.5 (out of 5)
“Harleeeey! Harleeeey! Come out, come out! Daddy can’t kill you if daddy can’t find you…”
–The Joker’s call to a runaway Harley.
SUMMARY: On the news, Summer Gleason (yep, she’s back!) reveals that Dr. Harleen Quinzel, after being declared sane and released from Arkham, will release a tell-all book about her years with the Joker. The Joker hears this and is furious. He uses the escape plan of Poison Ivy (a beanstalk that breaks through the prison’s wall) to escape. Meanwhile, Harleen has been put up in a hotel under an assumed name by her publisher. The Joker, however, attacks the publisher at home to force him to tell her location. After a night of writing Harleen finds Nightwing and Robin (Batman and Batgirl are still in Tibet; see last issue) at her window. They want to protect her, but she runs away from them right into the Joker. He disposes of Robin through some gas which Nightwing has to take care of. Harley escapes and, after awhile, she goes back to her room. That’s where the Joker is, reading her book which turns out to be a romance novel about a female master criminal and a crimefighter named Owlman. The Joker is furious because if it’s published he’ll be a laughing stock. He is about ready to kill her when he bursts into uncontrolable itching caused by Ivy’s plant. It’s Harley’s turn for revenge as she takes out all of her grief on the Joker. She’s ready to smash his head with a typewriter when Nightwing returns. She doesn’t want to return to Arkham so she calms down, and
Nightwing takes the Joker away. She says she never wants to see him again as long as she lives.
COMMENTS: This was a great issue, and I was glad to finally see Harley stand up for herself and resist the Joker instead of falling for him at the end as she tends to do. The story was great, the art was great, and I am glad to see the return of reporter Summer Gleason. Also, the Bruce Timm cover was a GREAT touch. This was a very powerful issue that managed to get some humor and action scenes in at the same time.
CRITICISMS: My only criticism comes from the fact that although Harley is now free, sane, and seemingly has finally given up on the Joker, this scenerio will most likely not be carried through to the television show. I’m certain that the nest time we see her, she’ll be out helping Mr. J and being persued by Batman. Nothing lasts forever…
BOTTOM LINE: A well told and well illustrated tale; highly recommended!
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COMIC SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS
This section gives a little bit more indepth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. We have meshed this section with our “COVERING THE BASICS” section, to make the newsletter much more succint. Below each comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT SERVICE!
The price is $1.99 in the US and..grrrrr….now a whopping $3.25 in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the “grrr”.)
“ANIMATED” COMICS
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #11
Feb. 3rd
At long last, the Riddler is back, but with a twist – he’s leaving clues to the crimes of OTHER villains in Gotham. What’s Eddie up to?
Cover:
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga11.jpg
NEXT MONTH: – Two-Face has escaped again, but this time he’s been slipped a trick coin that’s rigged to come up heads every time. Coupled with his rather tenuous grip on reality, it results in his becoming a suicidal force for good in Gotham. The Judge is also set to re-appear.
Cover:
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga12.jpg
Cover of #13:
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga13.jpg
BATMAN: THE LOST YEARS TRADE PAPERBACK
Jan. 20th
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.
Cover:
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/br/balytpb.jpg
BATMAN BEYOND #1
Jan. 20th
An adaption of the animated debut of the NEW Batman.
Cover:
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bb/bb1.jpg
NEXT MONTH: Issue #2 – A comics adaption of the second part of the animated debut of the NEW Batman.
Cover: Unavailable
Cover of #4:
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmb4.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #30
Feb. 3rd
Part one of a two-part story, in which Superman discovers the public claims he’s been missing for a year! Jonathan and Martha Kent are declared dead, and Superman’s true parents from Krypton return. What the…?
Cover:
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa30.jpg
NEXT MONTH: – The conclusion of a two-part story. Blasted a year into the future, Superman stands as the final line of defense for Earth. And the threat he’s trying to protect the planet from? Himself.
Cover: Unavailable
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HELPING ALL YOU COLLECTORS OUT THERE
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
I know that there are many people out there that collect Batman OR Superman items – like myself. I only started a year ago and, believe me, finding some of these items (like action figures) that were released a couple years ago is pretty tough! So, I decided to start up a little section in the newsletter to help out our fellow Bat-fans. I can only personally guarantee that my entries are 100% true, for I saw these items with my own eyes. So we’re working on the honour system here. Sound fair?
Well, if this section proves to not be a help for anyone, I’ll just abandon it. But I thought I should give it a try. If anyone has any items they’d like to post in this section, feel free to do so – just give a brief description, name, e-mail address. Thank you!
Well, here we go! I hope this helps out someone out there!
1. LOOKING FOR SUPERGIRL? Editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton (that’s me!) has found three Supergirl action figures (animated style) in store on his travels through his hometown of Vancouver, Canada – but he doesn’t want ’em. Does anyone? Or are these figures not as rare as people have said? E-mail me at juno@direct.ca if interested.
2. LOOKING FOR NIGHTWING? Editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton (it’s me again) has one extra “CRIME-SOLVING NIGHTWING” that he’s willing to get rid of. Still in a mint package, this is the only animated Nightwing figure that is NOT a shoddy re-paint – it actually has the same colouring as Nightwing on the show. I was gonna give it to my brother, but alas, he already has one. E-mail me at juno@direct.ca if interested.
———-
WANTS TO BUY
1. DARKSEID. We are looking for one Superman: The Animated Series DARKSIED figure. E-mail the following address if you are able to help our fellow subscriber out! E-mail: kbenso@msn.com
2. MR. FREEZE. A “Mission Masters” figure for this character is desired by editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton – if anyone knows where one can be found, please e-mail him at this address: juno@direct.ca
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SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT
OK, well, we didn’t have a new site for this week, SOOOOO…here’s a link to the homepage run by fellow editor Tim Leighton, “TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR”! WOOHOO! (Shameless plug alert.) If you want reviews and opinions on the movies OR animated episodes of Batman, wanna get animated pics, sound bytes, pics in general, wanna read poetry, and whatnot, drop on by!
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
PS – Next week there won’t be a shameless plug here. 🙂
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:
* – indicates a shameless plug for a site a certain double-faced editor created with his bare hands – in other words, a shameless plug.
OFFICIAL SITES
—–
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
BATMAN BEYOND
http://www.batmanbeyond.com
KIDSWB!
http://www.kidswb.com
http://www.wbanimation.com
BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO
http://www.warnerbros.com/subzero
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
DC COMICS
http://www.dccomics.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
UNOFFICIAL SITES
—–
*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
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
THE BRUCE TIMM ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://www.aiusa.com/chip/timm/archive.htm
ANIMANIA
http://hjem.get2net.dk/twt/home.htm
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/harlequinhideaway
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
THE BATCOMPUTER
http://members.spree.com/batcomputer
BATMAN:FOREVER KNIGHT
http://batman.techv.net
WORLD’S FINEST
http://members.spree.com/sip/worldsfinest
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: THE UNOFFICIAL SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN F.A.Q. SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1216
MESSAGE BOARDS, INC
—–
HEAVY DUTY DUBBAS DISCUSSION CENTER
http://members.spree.com/sip/hddboards
BATMAN:TAN MESSAGE BOARD
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb205617
NEWSGROUPS
—–
news:alt.comics.batman
news:alt.comics.catwoman
news:alt.comics.superman
news:alt.tv.cartoon-network
news:rec.arts.animation
news:alt.animation.warner-bros
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #61: ‘E’
Answer to #62: ‘A’
Answer to #63: ‘E’
Answer to #64: ‘A, D’
Answer to #65: ‘D’
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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 e-mail:
juno@direct.ca
and that’s all ya do. Just put ‘subscribe’ and your e-mail address in the e-mail message.
A little cash donation would be appreciated, but it’s not obligatory.
(Dang!)
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
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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
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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
COLLECTOR’S CORNER: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Brian Cruz, Brian Davis, Eileen Delgadillo, Dick Grayson
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-P Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane (who else?)
All elements in this newsletter have been copyrighted (copywritten?) by DC Comics, 1999.
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AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO TERRY BEATTY FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS ISSUE’S INTERVIEW! Thanks Terry!