Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of March 1 – 6/7, 1999
Volume 2,
THIS WEEK’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “MISTAH J. IS PRETTY FLY FOR A WHITE GUY.”
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another action-packed issue of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
In this issue, we bring you an interview with STAS and comic writer Mark Evanier! Scroll down and enjoy!
NOTE: Following this newsletter, issues of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter” will be delivered at weekly intervals, and not bi-weekly – this is to compensate for the “Batman Beyond” episodes which are being aired every weekend now. This is also to shorten the newsletter, so all of our subscribers with free/limited e-mail providers can read the newsletter. This means that all of our features from our writers, such as comic reviews, toy reviews, and editorials, may not appear in every issue. We may go back to the bi-weekly format in May, but for the time being, this is it. Stay tuned!
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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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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.
THE LOSS OF THE WB ON WGN: Beginning this fall, the WB will no longer be carried on WGN-TV’s national feed to avoid conflicts with other WB affiliates. WGN-TV will continue carrying the prime time WB in the Chicago area. If you’re outside the Chicago area and know of no other way to pick up the WB, you may call them at (818)977-5000 for more information. This is taken from the info section of the WGN website, http://www.wgn.com . Thank you for Peter Destructo for pointing this out.
‘DEAD MAN’S HAND’
Batman Beyond #5?
Air date: ???
The Future Knight takes on the Royal Flush Gang – and one of them develops a crush on Terry. Rumor of a Catwoman appearance of sorts.
‘SHRIEK’
Batman Beyond #6?
Air date: ???
Powers hires another villain named Shriek (who uses sound-waves as a weapon) to nix the Bat.
‘DEMON REBORN’
Superman #??
Air date: ??
BATMAN’S FINAL CURRENT-DAY ANIMATED APPEARANCE! This episode, originally entitled “Rise of the Demon”, features Batman and Superman teaming up to take down Ra’s Al Ghul. One parter, probably – WOOHOO! THE BAT IS BACK! This’ll probably air in May.
‘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.htmlPS – Remember that “Batman Beyond” airs 30 minutes AFTER “Batman/Superman” is over, because “Men In Black” has been squeezed in between.
Mon 3-01-99: Superman #22 Speed Demons
Batman #83 Make ‘Em Laugh
Tue 3-02-99: Superman #12 Tools of the Trade
Batman #64 Read My Lips
Wed 3-03-99: Superman #10 My Girl
Batman #67 A Bullet for Bullock
Thu 3-04-99: Batman #30 Perchance to Dream
Superman #29 The Hand of Fate
Fri 3-05-99: Batman #66 Sideshow
Superman #36 Warrior Queen
Sat 3-06-99: Batman #106 Mad Love
Superman #46 Absolute Power
B-BEYOND #02 Rebirth (Pt. 2)
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)
THE CARTOON NETWORK was able to get the exclusive rights to 52 episodes of the classic Batman: The Animated Series, as well as MASK OF THE PHANTASM and SUB-ZERO. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then please go to TOONZONE for the complete episode schedule:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html
3-01-99: #23 Vendetta
3-02-99: #24 Fear Of Victory
3-03-99: #25 The Clock King
3-04-99: #26 Appointment in Crime Alley
3-05-99: #27 Mad As A Hatter
NOTE #1: MASK OF THE PHANTASM will be airing on CARTOON NETWORK again at 8pm (ET) on March 13th. It also looks like Kids’WB! won’t be airing MASK OF THE PHANTASM at all.
NOTE #2: BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO will be airing again on CARTOON NETWORK on May 22nd at 8pm (ET) as apart of their CARTOON THEATRE
NOTE #3: CARTOON NETWORK will be having a BATMAN ‘SUPER-CHUNK’ on May 29th. The 3 hour BATMAN Super-Chunk will be from 4pm-7pm (ET). The ‘SUPER-CHUCK’ means that we’ll have three hours worth of BATMAN episodes.
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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. You can find more of his reviews at these links:
MAIN PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BTAS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/bats.html
BLACK OUT
Written by Robert Goodman
Directed by Dan Riba
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: January 30, 1999
My rating: ****
This episode, while not carrying the emotional baggage introduced in “Rebirth” is still an awesome episode is terrific foreshadowing of forthcoming episodes.
In Future Gotham, various Foxtecha facilities are being sabotaged, causing a great amount of suspicion. (Foxtecha is a company founded by Lucious Fox (remember Bruce’s ol’ buddy?), one of the few companies in Gotham that Derek Powers doesn’t own.) We soon learn that a “liquid spy”, known as Inque, is the saboteur. She works for Powers, who is in competition with Foxtecha to have the government grant them allowance to build some sort of space station; Powers must win, so he cripples his competition, to make them uneligible.
Terry (the “new” Batman) is then sent out by Bruce Wayne to combat Inque. Bruce (who is connected to Powers’ dealings, for his company is named “Wayne Powers”) does not want to be connected to these acts, and still holds ties to the Fox family; besides Inque endangering innocent lives, this is why Bruce feels this villain should be blotted out ASAP.
The finale of the episode takes place in…the Batcave, of all places. Inque sneaks in, and there is a huge fight in which nearly every character ever introduced to the Bat-mythos is referred to in some way.
Awesome episode. First off, Inque is just really cool to watch. Dong Yang’s animation is superb; Inque’s shapeshifting is very reminiscent of Clayface’s, but while he was a big hulking mass of mud, Inque is sleek and glimmering. (Comparing abilities, though, Clayface still has the edge, cuz Inque can only change shape, while Clayface can change his voice, colouring, etc…) Inque really likes to hide out in the shadows, and is lightning quick. Her dialogue is minimal, but that is OK, because she makes up for that with all of her cool shape-shifting. That alone makes the episode fun to watch.
The Batmobile is introduced. It’s more like the Batwing, though, but hey, it’s there – the interior is very Frank-Miller-ish, like the Batmobile seen in BTAS’ “Legends of the Dark Knight” episode.
We also get to see Barbara Gordon at the GCPD, and learn she hasn’t spoken to Bruce for ages. This is foreshadowing for things to come.
Derek Powers’ character is also expanded, as we learn that after the nerve-gas situation in “Rebirth”, he has to wear a protective skin to hide his radioactive body. The catch is that this skin only lasts 24 hours, and then flakes off; we get to see it flaking in this episode, and scares the bejesus out of Inque. Ugh.
In the finale of the episode, we finally get to see a large portion of the Batcave’s trophy room. In BTAS, we saw only Two-Face’s giant penny in “Over the Edge”, and then in “Rebirth (Pt. 1)” we saw that, in addition to the Joker card, Calendar Girl’s dinosaur, Harley’s costume the Scarface puppet, and the costumes of all the “heroes”. Here we see all this and more, including the full costumes of the Gray Ghost, Catwoman, the Riddler, the Penguin, Firefly, the Mad Hatter, and Mr. Freeze. Bruce should be counting his blessings for running into Freeze, for it was through the use of his freeze gun that allowed Terry to defeat Inque before she escaped into Wayne Manor.
The most astounding part of the episode, however, was when Inque first attacked Terry in the Batcave – she went down his throat! EWWW! But it looked awesome, just about as awesome as when he threw her right back up. That was pretty disturbing, actually…but cool.
It’s also nice to note that Terry is never referred to as “Batman” here – and that’s a good thing. Bruce is the only Batman! ONLY ONE! So there.
Anyhow, great episode. The relationship between Terry and Bruce is strengthening, the animation was terrific, and it looks like the new rogue’s gallery is off to a great start. Must see it! 4 stars outa 5.
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THE ORIGINAL 85
(by E. Nygma)
E. Nygma was unable to submit his reviews for the printing of this letter, but fear not, he will return shortly!
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
A number of weeks ago, I asked a question about whether Batman’s calling made him happy. I got a grand total of one response. Does that mean only one person on this subscription list has an opinion about this subject? Hmmm…I wonder…
Now, I warned you that if I liked your responses, I’d submit them for publication in the newsletter. Well, I the one response I got is a good one. So congratulations Nick the Boy Wonder, you get the coveted editorial slot this week! (Heaven knows, I don’t fill that slot enough…)
Surprise Guest Editorial (it’s a surprise to the author, too)
(by Nick, the Boy Wonder)
I think that Batman is beyond happy.
It will never happen. Bruce’s vow was too global for only one man to bear. Stop crime? Heck, even swat teams, federal agencies, police forces, capital punishment, and moral values cannot stop crime. Bruce is angry at this. Angry that his last promise to his fallen parents will go unkept. Smile? Batman? NEVER.
Batman is TOO human. But he wants to be everywhere at once. Even Superman can’t do that (which he is currently finding out, in the comics). Batman suffers from a personal rage against himself for not doing the impossible. Look at him: the perfect mind (so to speak), body, reflexes, the perfect stragetist, and yet the tide slams him nightly against the wall.
Bruce Wayne died in Crime Alley. Bruce would only be happy if his parents were alive – and that will never happen. Bruce has never gotten over their deaths, and probably never will. Money, women, cars and friends would make anybody else the happiest person in the world. But these mean nothing to Bruce. They’re all pawns, a means to an end, for Batman.
It’s sad, though. Of all the men in the world that REALLY deserves someone in his life (and Alfred doesn’t count, I mean of the female gender) it would be Batman. But…that’s not in “the plan” and probably never will be. He is but one man. The true essence of human spirit. The tengu.
The Boy Wonder
Nick
“For every day, there’s a Dark Knight”
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The only addition I wish to make to this response is that Bruce has chosen other goals over happiness. Yes, he is a victim of fate. Like Sisyphus, he is committed to a goal that he will never fully attain. I think he knows that, even if it pains him to admit it. Yet every night he is driven to strive for that goal – the elimination of crime – despite its impossibility. He has to commit himself every night to that battle, even though he knows that in the end, no matter how many triumphs he wins, he will lose that battle. But it is in the fighting, the unwillingness to accept his fate and the fate of the world, where he finds meaning.
Does this meaning give him happiness? Perhaps not. Perhaps it breeds a sense of purpose, a strong will, a path of contentment. He has chosen this. That is the key: he has chosen this life for himself, he has forged it from his pain, and created goodness and beauty. That’s more than so many of us could hope to achieve in our lives. So perhaps it is enough for him.
From the ashes of the child Bruce Wayne he created himself anew, using his will, his pain, and his brilliance to make a new man, and a new life. His strength is blazing, a brilliant brand seared into his world. Perhaps happiness is too feeble for such a man.
Laura
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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
– a column dedicated to “Batman Beyond”
(by Ed Wiser)
ewiser@iglou.com
Mr. Wiser was unable to submit an article for this column at the printing of this newsletter. But fear not, he WILL return shortly!
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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 in the following section.
76. The Phantasm has appeared in only one other story besides the movie “Mask of the Phantasm”. What was the name of that story?
A: “SHADOW OF THE PHANTASM”
B: “SHADOWS OF DESPAIR”
C: “BATMAN: THE PHANTASM MENACE”
D: “REVENGE OF THE PHANTASM”
E: “SHE’S BACK. AND THIS TIME, SHE’S MAD.”
77. On BTAS, there has been one person besides Kirk Langstrom that took up the Mantle of the Man-Bat. Who was it?
A: Batman
B: Leslie Willis
C: Francine Langstrom
D: Jack Napier (in a nightmare sequence)
E: Dennis Rodman
78. In which of the following Ra’s Al Ghul episodes has Talia NOT appeared?
A: THE DEMON’S QUEST (Pt. 1)
B: THE DEMON’S QUEST (Pt. 2)
C: AVATAR
D: SHOWDOWN
E: OFF BALANCE
79. Which of these BTAS characters have, at the printing of this newsletter, made the cross-over to the mainstream Batman continuity?
A: HARLEY QUINN
B: LOCK-UP
C: SUMMER GLEESON
D: BABY-DOLL
E: NORA FRIES
75. In the episode “Baby-Doll”, what role in Mary Dahl play after quitting her “Baby-Doll” sitcom?
A: None. She never played anything besides Baby-Doll.
B: Juliet (from “Romeo and Juliet”)
C: Lady Macbeth (from “Macbeth”)
D: Bat-Mite, in a made-for-TV movie in Gotham entitled “Super-friends”.
E: Ophelia (from “Hamlet”)
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #76: ‘A’
Answer to #77: ‘C’
Answer to #78: ‘D’
Answer to #79: ‘B, E’
Answer to #80: ‘C’
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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) Ron Perlman, who does the voice of Clayface on BTAS, also does the voice of General Jax-Ur on STAS.
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:]
(Kelly Tindall)
2) Didja notice in “Warrior Queen” that one of the punks Maxima kicks the tar out of bears a striking resemblance to Spunky from “Baby Doll”?
3) In “Where There’s Smoke”, the rich fellow who unsuccessfully tries to buy his way into the Metropolis Yacht Club is the comedian whom Joker forces to become Condiment King in “Make Me Laugh”. Later, inside the club, we see one of Bruce Wayne’s honies. She’s dyed her hair brown and changed her dress, but she’s otherwise identical to the way she appeared in “Mask of the Phantasm”. Finally, Volcana’s fence is the same design of one of the hoods almost murdered by Toyman in “Fun and Games”.
4) In their two most recent appearances, the Joker’s Three Stooges have had different voices. In “Holiday Knights”, one was voiced by Ron ‘Clayface’ Perlman…but in the bravura “Beware the Creeper”, they are all done by Stooges impresario Billy West, of “Ren & Stimpy” fame.
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
Our usual toy reviewer, Kevin Smith, was unable to provide a review for this issue – so, instead, Craig “Gookie” Crumpton is supplying his thoughts on HASBRO’s new line of “Batman Beyond” toys.
-Info on BATMAN BEYOND from TOYFARE (with commentary on the new toy line)
(by Craig “Gookie” Crumpton)
There’s a good chance many of you info-junkies/Bat-maniacs already caught this info on THE BRUCE TIMM ARCHIVES before it went down, or have bought a copy of Toyfare Magazine this month to get it. But just in case any of you missed it, I just wanted to give all the Bat-fans out there a heads-up on the “BATMAN BEYOND SOURCE BOOK: An exclusive look at the animated series and toys” in the April edition of TOYFARE MAGAZINE.
Well, besides the keen trivia and info from Dini and Timm on various details…oh, yeah, there are some pics and such about the new toy line too. Unfortunately, these toys don’t offer much to this particular action figure collector. Maybe if I were in the 2nd grade again, these action figures would be something I’d throw a tantrum for in the toy store in order to get my mom to buy them for me. Key word: IF I was in second-grade again. The appeal to this “grown-up” action figure collector is very low here. (I say “grown-up” because saying “adult action figure collector” might give you the wrong impression of me.)
In the new Batman Beyond action figure line there are eight (count ’em), EIGHT different variations of figures for Batman (and that’s just in “Wave 1”, mind you), and wouldn’t you know not ONE of ’em looks like the one in the tv show? Heck, all they had to do was leave the painted blue highlights off the “Future Knight Batman” (with “cipher wings and magna-blades”,
whatever the hell those are) and we’d at least have one reasonable facsimile. Simple as that, but of course Hasbro screws that up in favor of making action figures with more “play value”.
You think they might actually ask a kid once what kinda action figures he likes to play with, especially if it’s from a tv show he likes. Oh, this would be justice, to watch the following scenario take place between one of Hasbro’s toy designers and his 7-year-old son…
DAD: You wanna see what daddy tucked under his shirt and stole from work?
SON: Uh-huh!
DAD: It’s the new Batman toys your daddy designed!
SON: Ooh! Like on Batman Beyond?
DAD: Well, kinda like that.
SON: Lemmee see! Lemmee see!
(Dad brings toys from behind his back)
SON: What the hell are those?
DAD: Why, they’re the new Batman toys, son!
SON: The new Batman don’t look like that.
DAD: But these are more fun to play with!
SON: I wanna action figger that looks like the one on tee-vee!
DAD: But these are neat, see? Look at these cool flapping wings, and this thing launches a little hook with a string attached that you can annoy your sister with.
SON: I wanna action figger that looks like the one on tee-vee!
DAD: But look at the colors! Look how bright and gaudy they are!
SON: I wanna action figger…
DAD: Yeah, I know…that looks the one on tee-vee. *sigh* You know, you’re right–they don’t look anything like the one on TV. This one’s wings look like dried-up cheese dip residue, and this other one looks like a zebra that’s half albino. Well, what would you think about him
having a pet dog for a sidekick that has a missle-launcher on its back?
SON: Does his dog on tee-vee have a missle-launcher? I don’t think so!
DAD: *sigh* You’re right again. But you just don’t understand, son. We work really hard to make toys that kids like to play with.
SON: I wanna action figger that looks like the one on tee-vee.
DAD: I’m sorry, son. But the decisions just aren’t up to me. “The Man” decides what kind of toys kids will like – “The Man” really does know what’s best for kids. Okay, maybe “The Man” never had any kids of his own because he never married “The Woman” but that doesn’t mean he
doesn’t know what kids like to play with.
SON: I wanna action figger that looks like the one on tee-vee.
DAD: ARGH…maybe I can make better money drawing comics for a living…
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Yeah, you read that correctly – “Ace, The Bat-Hound” is actually getting his own action figure, complete with missle-launching accessory. The reason? I’ll let Hasbro explain in their own eloquent way: “Since there aren’t any second-tier heroes in Batman Beyond–like Robin, Nightwing, or Batgirl, Bruce Wayne’s pet dog Ace fill that slot. Paired with Batman, the two make a formidable team, prepared to take down even the fiercest of fores.” Hmm…how clever! Sounds very plausible to me. I’ll take three of them, please!
[author makes gagging sound here]
The only villain that the eight Batmans (and Ace, the Dog-Wonder) get to do battle with is the Jokerz Leader, who comes with a Hover-cycle at least. So I guess the only episode any kid (or collector) would ever be able to re-enact would be one in which there are all sorts of “Schumacher-neon-esque”-painted and heavily-accessoried Batman clones terrorizing Gotham, if they decide to do something so lame as that.
And like the rest of you must be asking, what about the other villains so far like Mr. Fixx, Inque, Freon, Magma, Future Freeze, The Royal Flush Gang, and Golem (with the nerdy kid who’s psychically linked to electric things), or even some of the other members of the Jokerz gang? What about them? Any of them? Nope. According to what I read before me, you can expect “Wave 2” (tentatively set for June/July release) to offer “a continuation of the themed Batmans, as more specific situations–like water, speed, etc.–present themselves. Oh joy.
Also, you can expect Blight (any guesses as to if he’ll come with a Derek Powers exoskeleton?)
and a transforming Terry-into-Batman figure. Way down the road, if you’re lucky, you may just see an old Bruce Wayne figure and possibly (though highly unlikely) an old Superman figure if he ever makes an appearance on the show.”
Wow! How cool! Grumpy old men figures! What kid wouldn’t want one of those?!? I can visualize them already! “Geriatric Bruce Wayne” has shin-kicking action, and comes complete with his nifty cane and heart medication accessories, and his hunchback opens to reveal a water cannon! And “Retiree Superman” features real garlic scratch-and-sniff smell, broken hip and slobbering action, and includes a real cloth bathrobe, walker and bedpan accessories.
Okay, I’ll be honest and say I’d actually pay real money for an action figure of the old version of Bruce Wayne…provided he looks like he does on the tv show, of course.
Anyway, despite all my ranting, it’s definitely worth the $4 (or $5.49 Canadian) purchase of Toyfare Magazine to have this nifty little booklet. And besides, Toyfare’s a great magazine anyway – my favorite monthly read and the best mag of its kind on the shelves today. However, if you don’t enjoy the occasional potty, cheese, breast and butt joke, you won’t like this magazine much. If I weren’t a toy collector, I think this mag would still be worth the 4 bucks if only for the “Twisted Mego Theatre” feature.
*TWO-FACE’S DIVINE INTERVENTION*: “And that’s the end of that chapter.”
Craig “Gookie” Crumpton
–Remember, they’re not toys, they’re ACTION FIGURES, DAMMIT!!!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
Our comic reviewer Aaron Maurer was unable to submit a comic review for this issue, because no new “animated” comics have been released since the printing of the last newsletter. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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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 #12
March 3rd
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
NEXT MONTH: – It’s the return of Mastermind, the Perfessor and Mister Nice (from the pages of the original BATMAN ADVENTURES series)! This criminal trio has faced its share of challenges in the past, but now a visit from a strange child could lead to the dissolution of their partnership, if not their very lives! Can Batman save some of his greatest enemies?
Cover of #13: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga13.jpg
BATMAN BEYOND #3
March 17th
One of the all-new villains from the Batman Beyond animated series menaces the Batman of the future. As the radioactive foe known as Blight tries to procure a substance that will help him render inert all the sources of power in Gotham City, Batman might have to choose between stopping the villain and saving a group of homeless kids who get in the
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bb/bb3.jpg
NEXT MONTH: Issue #4 – Etrigan, the Demon, makes an appearance.
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmb4.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #31
March 3rd
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: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa30.jpg
NEXT MONTH: – Meet Daily Planet janitor Ben Sullivan’s girlfriend…Lois Lane? Ben, a mild-mannered staffer with a huge crush on Lois, accidentally becomes the object of the reporter’s affections when she’s hit by a supervillain’s hypnotic device. Now Ben’s in seventh heaven while Superman not only must foil a foe who can plant hypnotic suggestions in anyone’s mind, but also find a way to break Lois’s trance before it becomes irreversible!
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS
OTHER
-The DC Comics site has set up a new section, filled with abut 100 message boards each designed for a single specific DC comic book! To check it out go here:
http://dcboards.warnerbros.com/
-Color me corrected. My doubting the truth to the rumors of the Supergirl/Lobo animated series is no more. Bruce Timm confirms that both projects were indeed in the early stages. Although no final decision by the WB has been finalized, the Supergirl series looked less likely to happen but Lobo (oddly enough) “looks real good for a 13-episode commitment this fall,” Timm was quoted as saying. (Thanks for the info, Gookie!)
MOVIES
-Rumor has it that the third animated Bat-movie will dive deeper into the romantic relationship between Dick and Barbara. But the burning question for most people is…WHO’S THE VILLAIN?
-Batman 5 rumors have resurfaced, but nothing new. Schumacher states he wants to do a “Year One” film with an unknown actor under the cowl. One mentioned Leonardo DiCaprio, but Schumacher said NO. Good choice.
“CURRENT” ANIMATED SERIES’
-Evan Dorkin talks more about his stay and what should’ve been on SUPERMAN :THE ANIMATED SERIES, and his new episode on BATMAN BEYOND. Go here: http://www.mania.com//columns/animated/animated021999.html
-Kevin Conroy appears in an exclusive interview and talks about Batman: TNBA, Batman Beyond and why making WORLD’S FINEST was so fun in the latest issue of SCI-FI TV. SCI-FI TV #4 (April 1999) has a cover price of $4.99US/$6.50CAN.
BATMAN BEYOND
-Batman Beyond’s Rogue Gallery expands with these new villinas; Shriek, Curare, and the Terrific Trio! These villians will debut later this season. Also Ten, a member of The Royal Flush Gang, falls in love with Terry in their upcoming episode! Thanx to Chip Cataldo for the
news!
-And contrary to what it seems, Powers’ lackey Mr. Fixx will return for more appearances this season.
-BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE has the cover art to the BATMAN BEYOND: The Movie (REBIRTH Pts 1 & 2) being released May 18th. The pic can be found with this link, or at the updates section of Brian’s Batman Page (see links in link section): http://www.amazon.com/covers/0/79/074/146/0790741466.l.gif
-Check out of WIZARD magazine for an in-depth look at the creation of “Batman Beyond”! This issue’s cover date is Feb. 1999.
ANIMATED COMICS
– Sometime after , Bane will make an appearance in GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
OTHER COMICS
– 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.”
-Can’t find any issues of the first NML arc? Well that’s becuase they’re sold out! But DC is reprinting their runaway hit NML opener on March 24th. The tradepaperback will collect the first four issues of NML, “No Law and a New Order”. The price? A very affordable $5.95.
-JEPH LOEB will be joined by ED MCGUINESS as the new creative team of SUPERMAN
-DEVIN GRAYSON is leaving CATWOMAN as of . She will be replaced by JOHN OSTRANDER, who will be doing a 6 issue stint on the title.
TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-The second wave of “BATMAN BEYOND” figures may contain more Jokerz members, and will definately include a BLIGHT figure.
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THE ROAD THROUGH NO MAN’S LAND
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Yes, I know this isn’t really an animated topic, but I thought, hey, it’s Batman’s 60th anniversary, and this is the big event they’re pulling off, so I should have a section dedicated to this year-long crossover. Besides, so far it’s been excellent in every issue. We have this section split up into two parts – the first saying what has already happened, the second previewing what’s to come. Enjoy!
UP UNTIL NOW…
After 100 days of absence, Batman has returned, and took down the Ventriloquist and Scarface; Rhino no runs that sector of town under Batman’s control. The GCPD have eliminated the “lesser” gangs in Gotham by starting up a bloody turf war. Batgirl has appeared here and there, and has also encountered Batman himself. Pretty much all the villains have made an appearance as a cameo by now.
The Scarecrow took up refuge in the “Faith Sector” of town, and tries to get them to get into a major gang-war with the Penguin and Black Mask. The Huntress is the only hope once Father Chris agrees to store Penguin’s weapons at the church in exchange for food. Batman and Huntress eventually take the Scarecrow down – but he’s still on the loose.
In the most recent story, we see a flashback of Rene Montoya in Downtown Gotham, where she runs into good-Samaritan Two-Face, who is helping the people there, due to the luck of the coin. Batgirl saves a couple from the Joker’s old hideout, and Harold (Batman’s mechanic) runs into Gotham to “help fix things”.
That’s 9 issues of NML so far. For a complete list, e-mail us.
AS FOR THE OTHER HEROES:
Superman just paid a visit to Bludhaven, to help Nightwing with dealing with the influx of homeless Gothamites. Robin and the Flash are still in hot pursuit of the Riddler and Cpt. Boomerang. They will return to Gotham, but when?
Catwoman’s not really a hero, but I’ll include her here anyhow. She’s still searching the world for more pretty things. Paris didn’t satisfy her – but will New York?
WHAT’S TO COME…
-In the first half of March, Batman will be dealing with the remnants of Black Mask’s gang, and then in the second half of March, takes on the Penguin himself.
-May, we see the GCPD confront the Penguin, and Batman confronts Two-Face.
-See more below.
AND AS FOR THE REMAINING VILLAINS…
-Mr. Freeze seizes control of the power plant to stay alive – and to have something valuable to trade with the rest of society. His story involves – a plumber?
-Bane tries to gain control of the city – again – but has to break in from the outside – across the river filled with land mines.
-Poison Ivy seeks refuge in the Robinson Park.
-Penguin seems to have the only access to points of the world OUTSIDE of Gotham, and basically rules the city, living in luxury. The GCPD will move in on him during the first major turf war in NO MAN’S LAND.
-Two-Face has seized control of the political and financial districts in Downtown Gotham, and has a unique tie to Rene Montoya of the GCPD. While the GCPD confronts the Penguin, Batman tries to take Two-Face down but fails in his first attempt. Two-Face then releases Russian assassin “Echo” from Blackgate Prison, who goes on a killing spree, with a bounty on Batgirl’s head.
-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 Clayface, Firefly, and Ra’s Al Ghul will most likely have roles as well, 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
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TWO-FACE’S TRADING POST
(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!
IMPORTANT: Many fans have been unable to see any of the new-style BTAS episodes, and any of the STAS or BATMAN BEYOND episodes. Can someone who is in the know point out a website that tells the copyright laws regarding taping episodes off the TV and selling them to people who want ’em? I’m not saying we’re doing this – but I know it would help many out. So if anyone has any official info on this (or, better yet, if someone from the WB network contact us), that’d be great. In the meantime, we won’t be selling or trading any home-recorded BTAS episodes here.
Well, here we go! I hope this helps out someone out there!
There is nothing available to sell at this point in time.
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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. CLAYFACE. Anyone know where to get a “Legends of the Dark Knight” Clayface figure? I know it’s not animated, but it still counts for this column…can anyone help? E-mail: juno@direct.ca
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FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
Brian Davis is one of the people that helped make our newsletter known to the public way back when we started in July of 1998. And now he’s started his OWN newsletter, featuring the Bat-mythos seen in the eyes of those in the UK. Subscribe today!
——
Starting soon, a brand new Batman newsletter from the United Kingdom. Brian Davis, well know UK Batfan will be bringing you all the gossip regarding Batman from the UK. There will be exclusive news, reviews and interviews. You will get the news as it happens !!! Hear what the UK think of the latest Batman projects. This monthly newsletter will be very entertaining for fans in all parts of the world. To subscribe simply go to :
http://members.aol.com/BDavis2613/mailer.html
If you would like to write a letter or ask some questions for the letter
section then please e-mail me at: BDavis2613@aol.com
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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 cheap advertising technique.
OFFICIAL SITES
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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
VOICE CHASERS
http://www.voicecharsers.org
UNOFFICIAL SITES
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*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
GOTHAM GAZETTE
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp
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
BATMAN BEYOND MULTIMEDIA
http://www.prophecysite.com/batman.htm
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
ARKHAM ASYLUM
http://animation.acmecity.com/saturday/352
JLA: THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://animation.acmecity.com/character/375
THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: THE UNOFFICIAL SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
MESSAGE BOARDS
—–
HEAVY DUTY DUBBAS DISCUSSION CENTER
http://members.spree.com/sip/hddboards
SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED MESSAGE BOARD
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb158314
NEWSGROUPS
—–
news:alt.comics.batman
news:alt.animation.batman
news:alt.comics.superman
news:alt.tv.cartoon-network
news:rec.arts.animation
news:alt.animation.warner-bros
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QUESTIONS & FAN-MAIL
If you have any questions, problems, links do not work, or anything else then please e-mail this address with your problems and we’ll try to fix them as soon as possible. Also if you’d like to send any fan-mail then please send it to this address:
btaninfo@yahoo.com
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES
The very kind people at TOONZONE were nice enough to give us our own little section of their huge and diverse website. The archives contain past newsletter and is semi-regularly updated with the latest one. TO check ’em out go here:
TOONZONE’s BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER 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:
btaninfo@yahoo.com
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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, 1999. All Rights Reserved.
Visit DC Comics website at:
http://www.dccomics.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
BATMAN BEYOND COLUMN: Ed Wiser
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
ORIGINAL BTAS REVIEWS: “E. Nygma”
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
ROAD THROUGH NO MAN’S LAND: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
TWO-FACE’S TRADING POST: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
VARIOUS NEWS BITS: “Gookie”
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Dick Grayons, Eileen Delgadillo, Brian Cruz, Brian Davis
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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