Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of March 29 – April 3/4, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occassional griping”
THIS WEEK’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “. The number two. Come, let us worship. WORSHIP!!! Two! Two!!! *CHOIR* TWO!!!!”
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another action-packed issue of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”!
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PASSING A MILESTONE
Since the last newsletter, we have crossed the 700 subscriber mark! WOOOOOHAAAA! Thanks to all our subscribers for supporting our newsletter – free of charge, of course. (Argh).
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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.
KidsWB will soon be shown on a new channel called “WeB” – I know little about this – but if you can get that channel, I’m pretty sure the WB shows would be on.
‘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.
‘A FISH STORY’
Superman #??
Air date: ??
Aquaman appears on STAS.
‘UNITY’
Superman #??
Air date: ??
A Superman and Supergirl team-up.
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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.
Mon 3-29-99: Batman #057 Shadow of the Bat (Pt. 1)
Batman #061 Shadow of the Bat (Pt. 2)
Tue 3-30-99: Superman #16 Superman #16
Batman #085 Batgirl Returns
Wed 3-31-99: Batman #105 Girl’s Night Out
Superman #25 Brave New Metropolis
Thu 4-01-99: Superman #43 New Kids in Town
Batman #107 Chemistry
Fri 4-02-99: Batman #094 Love Is a Croc
Superman #47 Obsession
Sat 4-03-99: Superman #42 Where There’s Smoke
Batman #099 Critters
B-BEYOND #04 Golem
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
Mon 3-22-99: #42 Moon of the Wolf
Tue 3-23-99: #43 Day of the Samurai
Wed 3-24-99: #45 Terror in the Sky
Thu 3-25-99: #47 Birds of a Feather
Fri 3-26-99: #48 What Is Reality?
NOTE #1: 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 #2: 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 Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
All of Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton’s reviews of the new-style BTAS episodes and BATMAN BEYOND can be found via these links, which link to “Two-Face’s Tower of Tranquility and Terror”:
MAIN PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BTAS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/bats.html
DEAD MAN’S HAND
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by ???
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: March 20, 1999
My rating: ***1/2
Batman vs. The Royal Flush Gang, a gang so obsessed with playing cards, they make the Queen of Hearts look sane.
An old group of villains return to Gotham – the Royal Flush Gang, a gang from the upper echelons of society (a la “The Terrible Trio”) who have existed for generations, and have a fetish for anything relating to playing cards. Meanwhile, Terry is having problems with his girlfriend, Dana Tan; she has officially broken up with him because he is never around, do to the errands he is constantly running for his boss, Bruce. After they break up, Terry encounters a girl named Melanie, and instantly falls for her; soonafter the viewer, and Terry himself, learns that Melanie is a part of the Royal Flush Gang, which makes battling them a lot more personal for Terry.
Basically, that’s it. There are many good things about this episode:
-Terry insists that he wants to actually have a life, and Bruce does his utmost to force him to work for him.
-The action sequences are terrificly done – constant movement of the camera gives it a very “The Ultimate Thrill” type feel. As corny as the romantic subplot is at times (that cheesy rock music when Terry and Melanie meet for the second time is a bit much), it works well.
-The sequence where Terry and Melanie are fighting each other in costume but always checking their watch to make sure they make it to their date was kinda cool. It’s odd, though – in the future, whereas wristwatches should be the size of a penny (or a certain scarred coin, if you will), they’re half the size of your arm?
-I guess Batman still does have his famous grappling hooks at his disposal, huh? That was nice to see.
-The idea of a gang with a playing-card theme isn’t as cheesy as I first thought. Hmmm – is there a Joker reference here though?
-The scene in which Bruce relates Terry’s love relationship with Melanie with his earlier tangles with Selina Kyle was a nice touch – it’s always nice to see the past being brought up now and again.
There are only a couple problems with this episode – only two members of the Royal Flush Gang are developed at all. The reluctant Melanie, known as “Ten” in the group, is the obvious focus of the gang (she looks like a Two-Face/Harley Quinn hybrid if you ask me). The King is somewhat developed, too, as he is the one that provides the history of the gang. With all the others, it’s like, “wow, there’s the queen – the old girl member”, “wow, there’s the Jack (ass?) who is not very nice at all”, and “wow, there’s that mute Bane wannabe with a big spade slapped on his chest”. There’s a lot of room for development here.
The only other problem was that this otherwise fine episode wrapped up way to quickly. If this episode were given as little as 2 minutes more, it would have been fine. All in all, it’s enjoyable, if you can manage through the occassional cheesy musical sequence. 3.5 stars.
PS – Melanie never returned Terry’s coat, did she? I originally thought that was gonna lead to Terry making the connection between Melanie and the gang, but it looks like it just turned out to be a blooper.
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
BITCHES, BIMBOS AND GLAMOUR DOLLS, Part One
That’s a very odd title. I wonder if Tim and James will let me get away with repeatedly writing the word “bitch” in my editorial. Hmm.
I see this as the introduction to a series of editorials exploring (ha!) the women of BTAS and STAS. This seems like a good idea now. Heaven only knows if it will seem like a good idea when my fever subsides. I’ll tell you later.
Let’s take a quick look at the heroines and villainesses, shall we? We’ll start with the villainesses first. That is such a stupid name. “Villainesses.” It’s almost as bad as “authoresses.” Maybe worse, because you can hardly say it. And “heroine.” You know what that sounds like. Not very flattering at all. And the whole idea of cutesifying (Word Creation
Alert!) titles for women is just…but I digress.
The Villains:
Harleen, the Bronx Sleaze: Slept her way to a Psychology degree. Abandoned her job and acquired a thick, slummy New York accent when she started following the Joker around like a sick, sick puppy. Points to the writers for broaching the subject of abuse, though.
Pamela, the Ice Princess: Poison Ivy’s so cold, she makes Mr. Freeze look like a jalepeno pepper soaked in gasoline (no, kiddies, don’t try this at home. It’s called a SIMILE.). You have to admire her poise, her audacity (she put a whole new twist on marrying for money), and her new hair style. Wish she didn’t get caught so easily, though.
Selina, the Bitter Glamour Grrl: She really loved being a blonde. It made her so happy, she went out and stole pretty shiny things. But then she found out her hair dye manufacturers were bad, bad critters. Now she’s gone goth and bitter, but she still steals pretty shiny things.
Livewire, the Snarky Brat: We all hate her. She’s so damn annoying. She’s not really a villain; she’s that dirty-faced kid down the street who stands at the edge of your yard and shoots spitballs at your dog.
And the Heroes:
Barbara, the Kept Woman: We all want a sugar daddy. Some nice billionaire who will buy us lots of neat things and dress us up in Donna Karan gowns and take us to balls. So we really can’t blame Barbara for jumping at the chance when it presented itself. Too bad she had to sacrifice her independence and self-respect for it.
Kara, the Perky Cheerleader: You have to love her Dorothy-like wonder and innocence. Even if she dresses like a Main Street hooker. But why the kid gloves? Is she afraid of ruining her nails? Is it possible for a Kryptonian to break a nail? And if so, why doesn’t Superman wear gloves? I’m betting that’s the reason Batman wears ’em.
Lois, the Bitch Goddess: Ah, the bitch goddess. Gifted with an eternal spring of acidic barbs, she got straight A’s in school and still managed to have all the cool guys chase after her. But she’s so consumed with her own agenda, she forgets that other human beings exist on this planet. Could explain why she has a crush on a muscle-bound alien.
As you can tell, I have little use for how women are portrayed in the animated series nowadays. There are some bright spots, though – like how Barbara was portrayed before she got a tour of the BatCave. And there’s Maggie, Montoya, and Dr. Thompkins. All this and more will be explored…in time.
That is, as long as I don’t wake up and exclaim, “This is crap! What was I THINKING?” I bet this is how Wing Commander made it to the screen: the entire cast and crew, doped up on Extra Strength Tylonel Cold.
Laura
Recovering Bitch Goddess Extraordinaire
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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 based on the show. Some are easy, some are not. Now have fun – let’s see how well you do! Answers are provided in the following section.
This week is “Batgirl Week” on KidsWB, so I thought I should have a quiz dedicated to her, in the animated form.
Quote, by Alicia Silverstone: ” [in the next Batman movie] I think Joel Schumacher will be Batgirl.”
96. According to original air date, in which episode did Batgirl/Barbara Gordon make her first appearance on BTAS?
A: THE CAT AND THE CLAW (Pt. 1)
B: I AM THE NIGHT
C: BATGIRL RETURNS
D: SHADOW OF THE BAT (Pt. 1)
E: HEART OF STEEL (Pt. 1)
97. Who else in Gotham has Batgirl’s blood type?
A: Commissioner Gordon
B: Selina Kyle
C: Alfred Pennyworth
D: Nora Fries
E: Rupert Thorne
98. In the one-shot comic “The Batgirl Adventures”, around what holiday/observance is the story set?
A: Christmas
B: Halloween
C: Easter
D: Hannukah
E: None
99. What is the name of the voice actress who provided Batgirl’s voice in “Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero”?
A: Melissa Gilbert
B: Tara Charendoff
C: Adrienne Barbeau
D: Mary Jay Bergman
E: Mark Kay Bergman
100. What was the reason Barbara Gordon became Batgirl?
A: Commissioner Gordon was shot and she wanted to avenge his injury.
B: She had a crush for Dick, learned about him being Robin, and wanted to impress him.
C: Because “Uncle Alfred” was sick, and cyber-Alfred told her what to do from there.
D: Commissioner Gordon was in jail and she had to clear his name.
E: The FOX TV network needed higher ratings.
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #96: ‘B’
Answer to #97: ‘D’
Answer to #98: ‘A’
Answer to #99: ‘E’
Answer to #100: ‘D’
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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) Awww…wasn’t the “stealing your heart” metaphor at the end of “Dead Man’s Hand” just the nicest subliminal message you ever saw? 🙂
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
ktsmit2@ilstu.edu
Oh_Ho77@hotmail.com
I’m surprised. When I asked for readers’ opinions on what figures they wanted to see, I didn’t think anyone would reply, much less be able to write in twice on this subject. I’ve gotten more responses, and as promised, I’m letting them be heard. Editor, Tim Two-Face L. e-mailed
me his picks:
1. The Penguin (new style – or even a better remake of the old style, at this point!)
2. The Scarecrow (new style)
3. The Ventriloquist (old style)
4. Catwoman (new style)
5. Batgirl (a SOLO one, normal looking, new style)
6. Firefly
7. Poison Ivy (new style)
8. Clayface (new style)
9. ALFRED! (come on, we need ‘im!)
10. A GCPD two-pack of sorts (Gordon/Bullock), or, if we can only get a solo figure, use just Gordon.
*****
Reader, Leonard Armstrong, voiced his opinions too. I thought he had some really good ideas! His suggestions for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” line would really appeal to collectors. Who wouldn’t want a Carrie Kelly Robin and a Framk Miller Batman???
-This first set are all from the “Legends of the Dark Knight” episode of TNBA.
-Dark Knight Returns Batman (from the second segment.)
-Carrie Kelly (female) Robin (from the second segment.)
-Mutant Leader (from the second segment.)
-“Old Chum” Batman (from the first segment.)
-“Old Chum” Robin (from the first segment.)
This next set are some characters I’d like to see from “Batman Beyond.”
-Terry McGinnis
-Older Bruce Wayne and Ace
And finally…
-Green Lantern (from STAS, “In Brightest Day” episode.)
-Commissioner Gordon
-Detective Bullock
-Alfred
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Never an Option” (#12)
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: March 3, 1999 (Cover date is May)
RATING: **.5 (out of 5)
“Of course you get to live. You’re one of the good guys.” -Two-Face to Batman
SUMMARY: After being caught in customs, some smugglers take a hostage, but Two-Face surprisingly drops in and stops them. Later, at police headquarters, Harvey Dent’s psychiatrist discusses several cases of Two-Face acting as good guy with Batman and Commisioner Gordon. She reveals that Harvey is using a weighted coin that always lands good side up; this coupled with his identity of the Judge has caused him to make decent decisions. She is worried, though, that Harvey has some sort of death wish since the Judge sentenced him to death for all his crimes. Batman finds out from an accomplice of Two-Face what he is planning
next, but he is inabled by a statue, so Harvey gets away. However, through deductive reasoning, Batman figures out what Harvey is up to. Meanwhile, Two-Face is planning to get out of Gotham with help from members of the Janus Corporation (see “The Lost Years” for background). However, he double-crosses them, and sends them out with parachutes. Batman has been clinging to the outside of the plane this whole time and he swoops in for a skirmish with Dent. Only one parachute is left and the controls to the plane are ruined, so Two-Face says that if the good side comes up, Batman gets the parachute and Harvey dies. Batman tells him that the coin is rigged, but he says it doesn’t matter, and when good side comes up, he leaps out of the plane. Batman takes the parachute and jumps after him, grabbing him and opening the chute just as the plane crashes.
COMMENTS: This issue had some good things going for it. First, it incorporated characters from the show (Harvey’s shrink, the twin henchguys (Min and Max)) nicely. It’s always interesting to see supporting characters again, and this book does a great job. Next, the reference to Two-Face’s drug smuggling a few years ago was made. This was a nice, relevant reference to the Lost Years. Also, the art in this issue was, as always, superb. (Check out the final page, for example.) I also like the little gags and nuances a lot. Don’t the two drug smugglers from the very beginning of the issue bear a suspicious resemblance to Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob?…
CRITICISMS: All in all, I didn’t feel that this story had too much depth. It was just another “switch the coin on Two-Face” escapade with a few rather pointless fights. However, I did like the ending; the last few pages were very dramatic and hopeful. Still, it was too little, too
late.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re a fan of Two-Face, you might enjoy this; otherwise, you may be disappointed.
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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. 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…a whopping $3.25 in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the “grrr”.)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #13
April 7th
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: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga13.jpg
NEXT MONTH: – The final issue of “Gotham Adventures” written by Ty Templeton (we’ll miss you)! This issue follows-up on the storyline in , where Harley resists being seduced by the dark side and returning to the Joker. Her romance novel is panned by critics so she goes on a rampage involving…mind control?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga14.jpg
BATMAN BEYOND #4
April 21st
Etrigan, the Demon, assists Batman in fighting crime in the futuristic Gotham City.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bb/bb4.jpg
NEXT MONTH: Issue #5 – On a field trip to the Gotham Museum of Natural History, Terry and his class are menaced by what appears to be a re-animated Egyptian mummy! Other strange events follow as several students contract a mysterious emaciating disease. Is there a connection between these strange occurrences and the new foreign student in school who seems obsessed with Terry’s girlfriend Dana?
Cover: Not available.
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #32
April 7th
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!
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa32.jpg
NEXT MONTH:
Superman’s greatest enemies have never figured out that Clark Kent and the Man of Steel are one and the same person — until now. Who’s learned the world’s greatest secret, and how can Clark prove him wrong before he reveals it to the entire world?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa33.jpg
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS
ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-Mania.Com seems to have the inside scoop about Kids’WB! next season. Use this URL to go and check out the information:
http://www.mania.com/columns/amhh/amhh031999_kidswb.html
“CURRENT” ANIMATED SERIES’
-The current animated series has only about 5 more Superman episodes (one of which being a Batman crossover), all of which will air by May. After that, BTAS/STAS will not return until Sept. of 2000 at the earliest.
BATMAN BEYOND
-One of the new villains which has yet to appear this season is named Curare.
-The Comic Book Continuum has an article about this weekend’s BATMAN BEYOND episode, if you want some more info on the episode go here:
http://detnews.com/metro/hobbies/comix/stories/9903/17/index.htm
ANIMATED COMICS
-Also it seems that BATMAN BEYOND will only be a limited series, with a new ongoing series (so far titled BATMAN: ADVENTURES BEYOND) premiering in the fall with Hilary J. Bader still writing, but as of yet, an undetermined art team.
-We all knew it was gonna happen. Mark Millar’s run wasn’t gonna be forever. Get the inside dirt on his final issues of SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, which includes some new characters as well as the most off-beat issue I’ve ever heard of! Its’ all here and all ya gotta do is scroll down some:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/comicwire
**NOTE: I’m not sure if this link will work Monday, so this news might be reposted next weekend with the updated link (the link for this page chages frequently as new news updates are made every Monday and Thursday)
OTHER COMICS
-What’s DC up to this year? Follow this link: http://www.mania.com/newsarama/dc99.html
-For more, see the “Road Through No Man’s Land” section below.
MOVIES
-The third animated Bat-movie is on the way! The first script has been submitted to the WB; the plot hasn’t been released, but it HAS been released that, at this point in time, there are NOT plans to have it shown in theatres. They are aiming for an August/September 2000 release date.
-The Gotham Weekly News says that there is a rumour that recent Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow could be the actor chosen to play everyone’s favourite feline fatale in the rumoured “Catwoman” movie.
-NBC will be showing “BATMAN FOREVER” from 8:30pm to 11pm on April 4th
TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-The “Mission Masters” series continues in Wave 4 of the new-style animated figures. Riddler is the featured villain and there will undoubtedly be a multitude of hero variants – including a new Batman, and, finally, another Robin (Tim Drake)!
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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 that celebrates it, 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. It is then revealed that Batman is not working out of the Batcave anymore, but Arkham Asylum.
Then 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”.
In earlier March, Batman confronts the Penguin in the Iceberg Lounge – and he wins a small victory, and the Penguin loses some of his power in Gotham; the word of Batman’s re-appearance spreads like wildfire. Gordon makes a deal with the devil – figuratively speaking – but no one knows who this devil is. Many think it is Two-Face (there are some hints), but no one knows for sure at this point.
In the most recent story, mob boss/cult-leader Black Mask, who owns the largest chunk of Gotham, tries to take the GCPD sector, putting Oracle in grave danger; she is just about to kill him, but Batgirl gets in the way. And, believe it or not, Lock-Up and KGBeast make appearances, too – and they’re on Batman’s side, in seems.
That’s 12 issues of NML so far. For a complete list, e-mail us.
AS FOR THE OTHER HEROES:
-Robin and Nightwing return to Gotham in June!
-Robin’s first duty is to aid Batman in saving Poison Ivy from Clayface.
-Nightwing tries to bring order back to Blackgate prison.
-The Spoiler gives birth in Robin #65.
-Superman arrives in Gotham this April in Batman #566, and will later return in October.
-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? She will eventually return to Gotham.
-Azrael will confront the Joker in April.
-A single issue focusing on Alfred’s dealings with No Man’s Land will also come out soon (LOTDK #118).
-And it seems that new GCPD officer Petit, who has a thirst for blood, gains control of most of the GCPD, leaving Gordon in the cold. I bet Bullock still sticks with ‘im, though.
-Speaking of which, a one-shot focussing on how Bullock is handling No Man’s Land is also due out.
WHAT’S TO COME…
-For the rest of March, we will see Batman and Batgirl confronting underworld kingpin Black Mask.
-May, we see the GCPD confront the Penguin, and Batman confronts Two-Face. The Penguin and Two-Face stories are said to be two of the most important segments in the battle in No Man’s Land.
-Francine Langstrom comes to the Penguin for help, which results in Man-Bat returning to Gotham.
-Batgirl’s identity will be revealed in June, in “Legends of the Dark Knight” #120! But rumor is that there may be MULTIPLE Batgirls?
-Also in June, Robin returns to aid Batman in the three-part “Fruit of the Earth” story-arc, featuring Poison Ivy and Clayface.
-See more below.
AND AS FOR THE REMAINING VILLAINS…
-Lock-Up and KGBeast will re-appear in smaller roles, presumably, after their first NML appearances in Batman #565.
-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?
-Poison Ivy has sought refuge in the Robinson Park and turned it into a Garden-of-Eden paradise. But then Clayface appears and turns this Eden into a Hell for Ivy.
-Bane tries to gain control of the city – again – but has to break in from the outside – across the river filled with land mines. This is in Detective Comics #736, in July.
-Man-Bat appears, thanks to the Penguin
-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 the 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 with the Joker AND Poison Ivy in August.
-The Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Mr. Zsasz, and various other “lesser” villains have their own chunks of Gotham to rule as well.
-Ra’s Al Ghul, meanwhile, is in Washington D.C. battling Anarky in his new ongoing series.
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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?
ALSO if you are LOOKING for something, e-mail me and I can put your request in the “WANT TO BUY” section. There is the possibility that a fellow subscriber is willing to sell what you’re looking for!
IMPORTANT QUERY: 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!
1. KILLER CROC. Editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton has a spare Killer Croc figure lying around, in a mint package. E-mail juno@direct if interested.
2. THE MAD HATTER. Yup! Editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton has one spare BTAS “Mad Hatter” figure (in a mint-condition package) in his possession that he is willing to get rid of. This is the only Mad Hatter figure in existance (to our collective knowledge), and is a wonderful figure besides! Sure, that was a shameless plug, but it IS a cool figure. If interested, e-mail him at: juno@direct.ca
3. THE CREEPER. Anyone want this figure? Mail Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton and he’ll be able to find one for you. E-mail: juno@direct.ca
4. Wow! Look at all this! If you want any of the following, or are even interested, e-mail Craig at NextNexus@aol.com -Scans are available for all the figures, too. All figures are MOC (mint, on card), and from the various BTAS lines.
Quick-change Bruce Wayne (red outfit)
Quick-change Bruce Wayne in yellow outfit = $35 RARE!
Turbojet Batman
Anti-Freeze Batman
Sky Dive Batman
Decoy Batman (orange “Mask of the Phantasm” card)
Total Armor Batman (“MotP” card)
Robin (w/Turbo Glider)
Dick Grayson/Robin
Ninja Robin
Joker, green face (w/”Laughing Gas” spray gun – original BTAS Joker fig.)
Jet Pack Joker, rare green face (“MotP” card)
Penguin MOC
Mr. Freeze (original deco)
Man-Bat
Clayface
Harley Quinn
Bane (original BTAS card)
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WANTS TO BUY
1. 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
2. COMBAT BELT BATMAN, BTAS BATMOBILE. If you know where to find these figures – or a BTAS Batwing (I’m pretty sure one was made) e-mail this address: cnwitkow@concentric.net ___________________________
FEATURED BAT-SITES FOR THIS ISSUE
**BATMAN NEWSLETTER IN THE UK**
Starting soon, a brand new Batman newsletter from the United Kingdom. Brian Davis, well known 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 e-mail here:
batmanUK-subscribe@listbot.com
If you would like to write a letter or ask some questions for the letter section then please e-mail Brian 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
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.voicechasers.org
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
GOTHAM GAZETTE
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
RA’S AL GHUL’S THE LAZARUS PIT
http://www.aitnet.et/lazaruspit
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/SUPERMAN SNAP JUDGMENTS
http://www.snapjudgments.com/batsup.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:rec.arts.sf.superman
news:alt.tv.cartoon-network
news:rec.arts.animation
news:alt.animation.warner-bros
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QUESTIONS, SUBMISSIONS, AND 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:
juno@direct.ca
As for submissions, feel free to submit an article or opinion on anything pertaining to BTAS. Keep in mind that as the editors, we have the right to edit your submissions if we deem it necessary. Such instances would include problems with length, grammar, and language. If we do feel we must edit something, however, we will do our utmost to ensure that the opinion and the basic message of the submission does not change, as that is the most important part of any artcile, and everyone is entitled to it.
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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 newsletters and is semi-regularly updated with the latest one. To check it out go here:
TOONZONE’s BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/btan
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!
For those of you who are seeing this at the WBC HOMEPAGE BTAN ARCHIVES section, and want to subscribe just follow these simple instructions:
To subscribe email juno@direct.ca and put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
For more information the newsletter just email btaninfo@yahoo.com
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading! Tell your friends!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
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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
EDITORS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton and “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz
BTAS REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITORIAL: Laura Hysert
BATMAN BEYOND COLUMN: Ed Wiser
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
“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
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Dick Grayson, 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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