Subject: Batman: The Animated Newsletter #2 – July 13-25
Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 10:10 AM
Batman:The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of July 13-18/19, July 20-25/26
Sneek Peek #2
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BRIEF ANIMATED BATMAN HISTORY:
The five-time emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992 with the episode “Cat and the Claw” Part One. It ran on weekdays (and even during prime-time on Sundays for a month or so). 65 episodes (and millions of dollars in merchandise) later, season two began in 1994; sadly, this season died out with only 15 additional episodes, for the show was not raking in as much money as it previously was, and deemed as being “too dark” by parents. Also, in September of 1994, most of the first season episodes were shelved, and the 15 new ones were aired…only on Saturdays.
A year later, BTAS was re-introduced to the FOX weekday line-up. All the original episodes were brought back this time, as well as 5 new episodes (none of which were spectacular, but still good), leaving the episode count at 85 in September of 1995. Most thought the series ended right there without any closure, for the majority of the BTAS staff moved on to work on the new SUPERMAN cartoon which debuted the following September (1996). The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn’t go on. But the stories that had been told were excellent…much better than most comics and movies that have veer been produced. It was an excellent run. In 1997, after the WB’s five-year contract with the FOX network, BTAS was pulled from the TV, the last episode airing being “Trail”. Was BTAS dead?
We were all proven wrong.
As soon as BTAS left the FOX network, it was teamed up with Superman on the WB network. Better yet – NEW EPISODES WERE INTRODUCED! NEW episodes began airing bright and early on the morning of September 13th, 1997. Two years (less two days) after BTAS ceased production, it was reborn.
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INTRODUCTION:
This newsletter will feature airdate schedules for Batman/Superman. News and rumors on the show and little tidbits about the comics and movies.
This is the first newsletter dedicated to Batman:TAS (and OUR first, might we add), so be gentle (Tee Hee)! So sit back and enjoy…
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
The New Batman/Superman Adventures currently airs on WB and WB affiliates. If you want to know the WB affiliates in your area check your local cable operator or check out TV schedules. Times for these shows vary from affiliate to affiliate.The New Batman/Superman Adventures airs Monday to Friday at 4:30pm (eastern) on most affiliates). The weekend KidsWB! airs on either Saturday or Sunday depending on affiliate. Here is the this weeks schedule:
Weekday episodes:
JULY 13TH-Superman-MY GIRL (#10)
JULY 14TH-Batman-ROBIN’S RECKONING (Pt. 1) (#32)
JULY 15TH-Batman-ROBIN’S RECKONING (Pt. 2) (#37)
JULY 16TH-Superman-THE WAY OF ALL FLESH (#6)
JULY 17TH-Superman-LIVEWIRE (#18)
Weekend episodes:
JULY 18/19TH-(8:30am)-Superman-FUN AND GAMES (#4)
(9:30am)-Batman-RIDDLER’S REFORM (#79)
(10:00am)-Superman-MONKEY FUN (#26)
JULY 20TH-Batman-HARLEY’S HOLIDAY (#81)
JULY 21ST-Superman-STOLEN MEMORIES (#9)
JULY 22ND-Batman-MUDSLIDE (#52)
JULY 23RD-Superman-THE LATE MR. KENT (#32)
JULY 24TH-Batman-BABY-DOLL (#76)
Weekend episodes:
JULY 25/26TH-(8:30am)-Superman-IDENTITY CRISIS (#20)
(9:30am)-Batman-MEAN SEASONS (#98)
(10:00am)-Superman-HEAVY METAL (#34)
Note: All episodes after #85 of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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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.
‘LOVE IS A CROC’
Batman #94
Airdate: Saturday/Sunday, July 11th/12th, 9:30am
The episode features Batman and Batgirl going toe to toe with Killer Croc and a love struck Baby-Doll. When this episode aired in the UK it got mixed reviews. There is a bit of Batgirl humor and a lot of action! Read further below for an in-depth review!
‘THE ULTIMATE THRILL’
Batman #??
Original airdate: Tuesday, July 7, 1998 (UK)
This episode premiered at a comics convention in Oakland earlier this year, and has now been recently aired in the UK. This episode, featuring the uninteresting Roxy Rockett’s debut, is all action and no plot. PLOT DOES MATTER. We also get to see a preview of Farmer Brown (a future villain) in this episode, as well as appearances by Batman and the Penguin. The North American debut date of this episode is still unknown.
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EPISODE OF THE WEEK:
(by the Dynamic Duo)
This section is my favorite. This section lets me tell you about my favorite rerun airing this week! You are not to miss this episode at all cost! Tape it if possible! All Batman and Superman episodes which have already debuted are eligible.
THIS WEEK:
BATMAN
Episode #32
Airdate:Tuesday, July 11th
ROBIN’S RECKONING Part One
Synopsis: Without a doubt the one of the most powerful and best written episodes of the series. The animation of this episode is just amazing. The shading is so perfect and it makes it look like we’re seeing more then we actually are. The flashbacks are done great! The scene at Stromwell’s mansion is just amazing! The story revolves around Robin’s origin; he finds out that his parents’ killer is still in Gotham and during this both Batman and Robin remember that fateful night at Haley’s circus, nine years in the past. I can’t say much more about this episode because I won’t do it justice! Don’t miss it!
(Part Two airs on the 12th, and is also a terrific episode.)
Rating:5/5
NEXT WEEK:
SUPERMAN
Episode #32
Airdate: Wednesday, July 23rd
THE LATE Mr. KENT
Synopsis: This episode is great! One of the best Superman episodes of this season! This episode is a true classic from the beginning; it starts off swift and never stops gaining momentum. Clark Kent is dead. Killed by a car bomb while on the way to clear a man on death row of murder. The reason for Clark Kent not being able to ‘survive’ the car crash is a pretty damn good one. I don’t want to spoil this episode but trust me – Kent’s true identity a mystery until the end. (Hint: He’s been on the show twice already before this episode and is a supporting character). The ending is sort of a let down but it doesn’t ruin the episode at all!
Rating:4/5
THIS WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman-LIVEWIRE (#18)
Airs 7-17-98
It’s amazing how the quality of an episode can drop so quickly. The episode starts off great, but a mere 10 minutes into the episode, bad animation and bad writing force this story to commit suicide. Miss it!
NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman-HEAVY METAL (#34)
Airs 7-25-98
A poor introduction to STEEL and Metallo is reduced to a clichéd villain who spurts one-liner after one-liner and it doesn’t give a good reason how he escaped after the episode ACTION FIGURES.
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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
But THIS week, Bob was unavailable to submit a review so James Harvey is temporarily filling in for him!
EPISODE: “Love is a Croc” (#94)
WRITTEN BY: ???
DIRECTED BY: ???
ANIMATION BY: ???
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: July 11/12, 1998
NEXT AIR DATE: ???
RATING: *** (out of 5)
WHAT A CROC OF….
Wow. I don’t know what to say about this episode. I really don’t. This episode can work on about 5 different levels. It can be a love story. A story of revenge. Or betrayal. Or loyalty. Or a meaningless ‘kick the villain’s arse’ story. It works in all ways. The story is quite simple. After Baby Doll, now a hotel manager [go fig.] sees Killer Croc on the television, she gets a crush on him [just like how 5 year olds get crushes on teeny-bopper groups like BACKSTREET BOYS]. So she decides to spring him. She does and you can guess what happens after that.
There was something odd about this episode. During the whole episode it seemed like something was off. Was it the recorded voices? Was it the fact they used SUPERMAN:TAS footage? Was it about the sixth ‘destroy Gotham’ plot for the series so far?
I don’t know.
The new voice of Croc was okay. I liked his other voice better because it was so… well reptilian like. He sounded so perfect with that voice. Now he sounds like just someone trying to impersonate Croc and doing a bad job.
The return of Baby-Doll’s original voice was a treat. It brought back the innocence but on the down side also brung back the annoyance of the voice. Her look is sorta… differant as well. I sorta like the new look better becuase her old look didn’t fit in at all with the original B:TAS story. It was too… happy. This new look has a demonic edge to it – better in my opinion.
Now was it me or were the voices for Batman and Robi…oops Batgirl, a bit off? Batgirl sounded way older then she usually did and it sounded like Batman caught a cold in the sewer. It was like Kevin Conroy was impersonating Kevin Conroy doing Batman. It was odd at times. Batgirl wasn’t any better. She was completely off and bitched her whole way through the episode (well not the whole way but in the sewer). You’d think she’d be able to handle it after what she’s been through. But no.
On the plus side we see the return of the ‘Batman entrance’ music. You know? The music that always played during the original 85 episodes whenever Batman showed up? It returns. And its welcome.
Now to the animation…well…how can I put this? Its not as bad as SINS OF THE FATHER’s animation. It’s not as good as that in MEAN SEASONS or OVER THE EDGE…its just in between. The fight scenes aren’t done that well either. The motion is slightly off too. Motion in the new Batman episodes have been done great – but this episode it was a bit off. A
bit choppy at times and at other times… not moving fast enough or slow enough. I think this was a rushed episode.
Now the rating of the episode? Well I guess I’d be forced to give it a three out of five stars. Its not a completely terrible episode. The plot is pretty straight forward and easy to understand. Its one of those episodes you wouldn’t think you’d ever see but now that you have…you’re just glad its over. The appearance of two clips from the SUPERMAN show didn’t help the animation and the voicing was off. It deserves this three out of five.
If you wanna complain (which wouldn’t surprise me) or talk about this column (which would surprise me) then email me.
signed
JH
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
Cartoon Network got the rights to air 52 episodes of the original 85 episodes on their network. The episodes air 7 days a week at 6pm and 12:00am eastern time (7:00pm on Sundays and will no longer air on Saturdays starting the 11th of July). The episodes air in numerical order and not in episode order. If you want the channel ask your local cable or satellite operator. Here’s the schedule for this week:
JULY 12TH: #41 Tyger Tyger
JULY 13TH: #43 Day of the Samurai
JULY 14TH: #39 “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?”
JULY 15TH: #45 Terror in the Sky
JULY 16TH: #47 Birds of a Feather
JULY 17TH: #48 What Is Reality?
JULY 19TH: #42 Moon of the Wolf
(Schedules beyond July 19 were not available.)
NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won’t be airing on KidsWB until next season! If you want to complete your collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just some friendly advice.
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EDITORIAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
(Laura was unavailable to submit any material this week so, once again, James Harvey took over for her temporarily.)
“‘Superman’ – one of the best but most underrated shows on TV”
I wasn’t there when Superman: TAS premiered September 6th at 8pm eastern time with a 90 minute prime-time movie. I wasn’t there when the follow-up episode aired Sept 7th and got critical acclaim for its portrayal of the TOYMAN. I wasn’t there until about November or December. I stumbled upon this show by accident. I was channel surfing on an otherwise boring Saturday morning (SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN on FOX sucked real bad). I found it and I was pleasantly surprised. I remember it was an episode called THE WAY OF ALL FLESH and it spotlighted and introduced METALLO. This episode was just amazing.
I was an instant fan from the beginning. I was hooked on it from there. I couldn’t wait until next morning to see what was gonna be on next. I kept thinkin’ to myself: ‘This is from the same group who did B:TAS? But its so cheery and happy. The villains are complete screwballs and the sky is actually blue at day-time!’ I loved it. I got my hands on every episode I could.
Then I watched THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON.
Whoa….
This is how all series should start. I mean this thoroughly explained the Man Of Steel’s origin so perfectly. It introduced Lex Luthor as the perfect villian and it had the classic line from Lois Lane:
“Nice ‘S’!”
(No, not “ass”, but “S”! Though coming from Lois’ mouth, it could be either!)
This series portrayed the cast of SUPERMAN as it should be now:
Lois Lane is competitive, but not a bitch. Hell she gave Clark the cold shoulder not even 5 minutes after they first met. Jimmy Olsen is just trying to get approval (and a byline) from Perry White (which he achieves in LITTLE GIRL LOST).
Perry White’s character is just perfect. He’s not some hillbilly freak like in LOIS & CLARK:THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN.
and of course…
Clark Kent/Superman. I like how the dual identity is portrayed here. Clark is portrayed as a real journalist who doesn’t use the fact that he’s Superman to get news. Example? I believe it was SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #18 where he worked hard and checked out so many sources to get one story. If you haven’t picked up this series go now! Superman isn’t just this man in tights. He also has that mysterious edge to him. He doesn’t usually hang around after fights and talks to the police. Once he’s done he’s gone. It keeps an angle of mystery. Also I like how he has certain abilities. He can’t breathe underwater for more then two minutes. He also can’t survive prolonged Space travel. Giving Supes some limits to his powers is a welcome idea.
This show is also very revolutionary in a way. Where else is a supporting character a murderer and another supporting character is wiped off the face of the earth? And another blown up? You would definitely not see this on ABC or NBC or CBS or even the now kiddie channel FOX or the new UPN – only on WB. Have no clue what I’m talking about? OK, this’ll
explain:
– Detective Bowman ‘killed Clark Kent’ and some chick and framed someone else. He’s now dead (he was sent to the gas chamber).
– Mannheim became Darkseid’s patsy and was killed with a whim in the episode APOKOLIPS NOW Part One. He was killed by a nuclear explosion. If this was a Marvel show he’s become some radioactive villian probably.
– Dan Turpin (appeared in almost every episode) was killed by Darkseid at the conclusion of APOKOLIPS NOW Part Two. They even had a funeral and a tribute to Jack Kirby, whom Turpin was based upon. If you look in the funeral scene you will see about 10-20 real life people there disguised as mourners. This episode won acclaim from fans and critics.
This show is great but there is a sad part to it. I think its sad that only with the Batman returning and pairing with Superman on WB did his ratings climb. This was a great show that not a lot of people watched. Its a sad fact that this needed help.
But in a way I’m glad. Now about 50 % more people can enjoy the great episodes of Superman (and Batman) and bitch and complain about the bad ones, and glorify the good ones.
This show is a strong showing and I think can easily compare to BTAS’ first season. Sure, Superman had 13 episodes in the first season while Batman had 65, but these shows are so equal on so many levels. Like Batman (MOON OF THE WOLF, CAT SCRATCH FEVER), Superman had its share of bad shows (MAIN MAN two-parter, WARRIOR PRINCESS). But like Batman (HEART OF ICE, OVER THE EDGE, ROBIN’S RECKONING two-parter, TWO-FACE two-parter)
this show had its great shows (APOKOLIPS…NOW! two parter, THE LATE MR. KENT, FUN AND GAMES).
I can’t wait for the third season. There are so many surprises, and I can’t wait to see what hell Darkseid puts Superman through!
Also if you want to see more on Superman:TAS check out this website:
SUPERMAN:TAS
http://www.rain.org/~stas
you won’t regret it.
If you wanna bitch or praise about this column then email me!
signed
JH
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
This section tests your knowledge of (Before and during WB) Batman episodes. (Remember:The new episodes that air on WB are still in the same continuity). The questions can be anything from the littlest thing mentioned by someone or what happened to who in which episode and how. The majority of these questions will be multiple choice. So start rackin’ yer brain!Here goes!
2. What was the last of the original 85 BTAS episodes to be aired?
A: “BANE”
B: “BATGIRL RETURNS”
C: “CATWALK”
D: “THE LION AND THE UNICORN”
E: “THE TERRIBLE TRIO”
Answer under the ‘SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT’ section.
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BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES
DC recently ended their long running BATMAN ADVENTURES/BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES comic series to produce a 5 issue mini-series dealing with the lost time between SUBZERO and SINS OF THE FATHER (which takes place before HOLIDAY KNIGHTS). They then spun off a new animated Batman comic based on the new series airing only on KidsWB! The new animated Batman comic is based on the designs of THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES! Here’s the newest issue which hit the stands on July 1, 1998:
BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES #4
Standard format
32 pages
$1.99/2.85 can
Letter column contest
Synopsis:What’s the secret behind Catwoman’s new look? Catwoman’s new look in TNBA is related to a tragedy…and Batman must stop this from every happening..but can he? Find out in the ‘Lost Years’-ish tale! Look for the introduction of a new character!
NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE: Mr. Freeze returns (no, not Arnold Schwarzenegger thank God!) and decides its time ot finish what he’s started in the episode COLD COMFORT. But the return of a supporting character last introduced and seen in episode DEEP FREEZE may cause some problems! All of this and more in BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES #5, in stores in early August.
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COVERING THE BASICS….
This section will help you figure out what to look for on the comic racks! The links below will take you to the cover of the comic indicated.I hope to expand this section as the newsletter continues!
BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES #4
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga4.jpg
BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES #5
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga5.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #23
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dsma23.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #24
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dsma24.jpg
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Claws” (#4)
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: July 1, 1998
DATED: September, 1998
RATING: **** (out of 5)
“And then suddenly, there he was between us, this giant wall of man…coiled with rage…With an unfamiliar look in his eye. Because I’d crossed the line. He’d finally seen the real me…The kind of cruelty I’m capable of. He was never supposed to have seen that. I always knew it was the one thing about me he could never forgive…”
–Selina Kyle explaining Batman’s reaction to her attack on Amy Mercedes
SUMMARY:
Catwoman relates the story of “the night my heart broke… twice” to one of her pet cats: she helps Batman apprehend a gang, and as she is chasing a member down, he tells her that if she lets him go, he will take her to an illegal testing lab where cats and dogs are having strange chemicals tested on them. She lies to Batman, and then the man takes her to the Mercedes Cosmetics lab. When she looks into the building, at all the sick animals, her heart breaks. The animals need around the clock care, so Catwoman finds “someone special” to do the job – Amy Mercedes, the company’s owner. Batman visits the crime scene and sees evidence of Catwoman’s involvment. Selina reveals why she is so mad about the testing to Amy; she dyes her hair with Mercedes products. Batman finds the building in which Amy is being held, and
stops Catwoman from harming her, telling her that “Your heart’s in the right place, but this has to end.” Batman releases Mercedes, and, as she is leaving, she hits a cat. While Batman is catching the animal, Catwoman leaps into a rage, scratching Amy across the face, leaving her a set of whiskers all her own. Selina says that Batman could never forgive her, and, as she left, he never turned to look at her even once. Her heart broke for the second time. Selina then explains that she’s been one step ahead of the lawyers ever since then, and that she hasn’t run into Batman since, either. She doesn’t want to, though; she can never look into his eyes again: it would only break her heart once more.
COMMENTS:
I’ve never really cared for any of the Catwoman episodes of the animated series (exceptions being “Batgirl Returns” and “You Scratch My Back”), but I loved this issue. The psychoses of the villains have always appealed to me, as have the possibilites of some of them regaining normal lives (I liked “Double Talk” and “Second Chance” a lot). I am always
disheartened when they don’t, and at the end of this issue where it appears Catwoman will never be able to truly contain
her anger enough to be a hero, I was deeply affected. The summary above and these comments cannot do this issue justice; Rick Burchett and Terry Beatty’s artwork brings this standout to life, and it should be a crime to miss it. Also adding to to this issue is an elaborate sightgag (the gang at the beginning of the issue is the cast of Seinfeld) as well as the audience getting to see Catwoman’s old costume in the new style.
CRITICISMS:
All previews of this comic mentioned that it would reveal the secrets behind Catwoman’s new look. This issue doesn’t do that. It reveals why Selina has dark hair on the show, but the costume is never even mentioned.
I assume that the new costume is a reflection of her somewhat darker personality (now that Batman has seen her dark side, she has no reason to hide it any longer), but I, or anyone else can’t be sure. Also, I loved the art in this book, but some panels seem wrong or out of place (i.e. bottom right, page 6; or upper middle, page 21). These are minor concerns, though.
BOTTOM LINE:
If you’re looking for answers behind Catwoman’s costume change, you won’t find any. If you’re looking for a powerful story with great artwork, than you will.
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS
NEW NEWS
-New KidsWB! weekend!SUPERMAN and ANINMANIACS is gone! WE now have a
double dose of SYLVESTER & TWEETY and a triple does of THE NEW
BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. The weekday programming remains the same.
The new schedule is (in eastern time):
8:00am-PINKY AND THE BRAIN
8:30am-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
9:00am-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
9:30am-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
10:00am-MEN IN BLACK
10:30am-PINKY AND THE BRAIN
11:00am-SYLVESTER AND TWEETY MYSTERIES
11:30am-SYLVESTER AND TWEETY MYSTERIES
-Ty Templeton will (temporarily) no longer be doing covers for
BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES. He will now only concentrate on writings.
-13 episodes have been greenlighted for MEN IN BLACK.
OLD NEWS
BATMAN TOMORROW has new name!
-Due to promotional conflicts BATMAN TOMORROW has gained a new name! Raving Toy Maniac (http://www.toymania.com) has reported that its new name is BATMAN BEYOND. The change of name is a result of promotional problems (ie: “Today on ‘Batman Tomorrow’!”). The airdate (now mid-November) remains unchanged as does the premise of the show.
-Also BATMAN BEYOND related, DC Comics is publishing a 6 issue mini-series (now rumored to be ongoing) based on the series. It will be written by Hilary J. Bader, pencilled by Rick Burchett and inked by Terry Beatty. First issue hits the stands around the same time the show premieres.
-For all of you people who get CARTOON NETWORK listen up:
CARTOON NETWORK will air MASK OF THE PHANTASM on Aug 1st as part of their new ‘Saturday Night Movie'(which means no Bats on Saturday). This will be the network broadcast premiere of PHANTASM(expect WB to air it next year). Plus in November CARTOON NETWORK will air SUB-ZERO!
RUMORS
-Everyone knows that the new episode LOVE IS A CROC airs this weekend, right? Well rumor has it that WB is planning on airing another new episode in August. The episode is rumored to be THE ULTIMATE THRILL starring Roxy Rocket. Is this true? Only time (and the WB schedule) can tell.
-The BATMAN BEYOND mini-series is now rumored to be an ongoing series.
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ANIMATED MOVIE NEWS AND RUMORS
-Well it seems that SUB-ZERO has long surpassed MASK OF THE PHANTASM for video sales. The recent ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY video sales has SUB-ZERO at #5! That I will admit is pretty impressive! The movie hasn’t left the top-ten direct-to-video sales chart since March 17! THE BATMAN/SUPERMAN MOVIE ON VIDEO!
-On August 18th WB Entertainment will release the three part World’s Finest to video. The movie is 80 minutes long…which is kind of odd, seeing how the three episodes combined add up to barely 60 minutes. Included with the movie will be a mini-comic (probably the adaptation) and an offer for the BATMAN & ROBIN CARTOON MAKER.
Retail price is $16.99 – probably about$14-18.99 in Canada.
-No animated movie rumors this month.
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OTHER BATMAN RELATED NEWS
Movie News
-Look for BATMAN & ROBIN to air later this month or next on HBO (what a waste of commercial time!)
-It looks like Batman 5 will hit theatres no earlier than Summer of 2000. The budget and crew is undetermined at time but WB is expected to make an announcement in August about the film.
-Sadly, Joel Schmacher is still tied to the project as director, but promises a darker, less-flamboyant movie with a smaller, more centralized cast. (Of course, compared to “Batman & Robin”, “Batman Forever” fits all those characteristics).
-Plus:WB is planning on shooting scenes in Vancouver and London to get the spooky ‘X-files’ type shots in the next movie. Upon visualizing Batman and Robin chasing the Scarecrow through the dark woods (a la X-Files), it looks pretty awesome to me.
-But now George Clooney is saying that WB is pulling out of BATMAN 5 so what the hell is going on?
-Still no news on whether the Kurt Russel rumors are plausible.
Comic News
-The Batman creative teams for late 1998-99 have yet to be officially released but so far there’s quite a list:
Neal Adams
J. Scott Campbell
Kurt Busiek
Mike Deodato Jr.
Karl Kesel
Tom Grummet
more to be names at a later date.There is rumored to be 26 creators signed on so far
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Release dates of BATMAN COMICS for June:
ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN COMICS:
July 1st (Canada Day..woo-hoo!)
BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES #4 (1.99 US)
July 8th:
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #23 (1.99 US)
MAINSTREAM BATMAN COMICS
Currently:Gotham has been at the mercy of an earthquake and our heroes try to save Gotham and themselves from the destruction and the criminals that dare kick this city while its down!
July 1st:
BATMAN ANNUAL #22 (2.95 US)
BATMAN:GOTHIC tpb (new printing) (12.95 US)
BATMAN:SHADOW OF THE BAT #78 (1.99 US)
JLA:WORLD WITHOUT GROWN-UPS #2 (4.95 US)
July 8th:
AZRAEL #45 (1.99 US)
BATMAN #558 (1.99 US)
JLA:YEAR ONE #9 (1.99 US)
NIGHTWING #24 (1.99 US)
July 15th:
BATMAN-Full Circle (relist) (5.95 US)
BATMAN:OTHER REALMS (tpb) (12.95 US)
CATWOMAN/WILDCAT #2 (OF 4) (2.50 US)
YOUNG JUSTICE #1 (2.50 US)
July 22th:
BATMAN:GORDON OF GOTHAM #4 (1.99 US)
BATMAN:LOTDK #110 (1.99 US)
CATWOMAN #61 (1.99 US)
DETECTIVE COMICS #725 (1.99 US)
JLA #22 (1.99 US)
ROBIN #57 (1.99 US)
WARNING!As of August or September DC cover dates is raising all 1.95 US comics up to 1.99 US! Effects on other priced comics are unknown at this time.Stay tuned!Candaina prices on all 1.95 comics will be raised from 2.75 to 2.85.(now that’s fair,sheesh!)
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Animated Batman/Superman sites:
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
KIDSWB!
http://www.kidswb.com
http://www.wbanimation.com
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
SUB-ZERO
http://www.warnerbros.com/subzero
SUB-ZERO:THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://members.aol.com/bdavis2613/main.html
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN F.A.Q. SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1216
THE BRUCE TIMM ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://home.rr.nycap.com/cataldo/timm.htm
These are some of the best Batman:TAS sites on the web at this time. Most sites are updated or have been recently and all are up and running. Now…chances are if you’ve watched Batman on WB! There’s also a chance you’ve watched Superman:TAS and probably loved it! Well if so here’s a site that is the best Superman:TAS site on the web! (But it
hasn’t been updated since the May 2nd weekend).
SUPERMAN:TAS
http://www.rain.org/~stas/
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SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT!
Wondering what episodes you haven’t seen of Batman? Or possibly your missing that one SUPERMAN episode.Whatever the case is you should do yourself a favor and check out this site:
BRIAN CRUZ’S WB CARTOONS PAGE
http://pages.nyu.edu/~bpc200/index.html
This site contains some of the most up-to-date info on all WB animated shows and to most up-to-date (its up before The official KIDS’ WB! schedule usually) schedule! You won’t be sorry!
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Answer:’D’
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CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
BATMAN and all related property is a registered trademark of DC Comics. Visit DC Comics website at:
http://www.dccomics.com
DC Comics is owned and operated by Warner Brothers. Visit their website at:
http://www.warnerbros.com
Kids’WB! is a part of Warner Brothers. Visit the Kids’ WB! site at:
http://www.kidswb.com
If I’ve left any out I’ll probably be suee and homeless within a year so please tell me.
CREDITS LIST:
EDITORS: James Grayson-Harvey and Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
BTAS REVIEWS: Bob Evatt
EDITORIAL: Laura Hysert
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane (who else?)
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Well here’s it is! The first newsletter dedicated to Batman/Superman! I hope you’ve enjoyed the sneak peek at this hopeful newsletter! As time goes on we’ll be adding more features!
Editors of B:TAN are as follows:
Richard James Grayson-Harvey
Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
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