Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of November 8 – November 13/14, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occasional griping” THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “WE WANT A BATMAN/SUPERMAN SCORE CD!”
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APOLOGY
Sorry about the delay in getting this issue out to all of you. Editor Tim “Two-Face” Leighton was having computer problems AND an already-busy day on Sunday, November 7; we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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SPECIAL PETITION
We all know that a BATMAN BEYOND score CD was released this past August. Fans were thrilled to be getting this, but were also peeved that the “regular” Batman/Superman shows have been overlooked. Who here would buy a BTAS/STAS CD set if one were ever made? Remember, the one BEYOND CD handled only 13 episodes in 40 minutes; BTAS has 109 episodes and STAS has 54 – that means it would be a multi-CD set, to be sure. Who would buy this? I DEFINATELY would!
Our friend RIDDLERWB has supplied us the following e-mail address. E-mail the people at RHINO RECORDS and demand a BATMAN and/or SUPERMAN score CD!
drrhino@rhino.com
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UPCOMING NEW EPISODES
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 new episodes for BATMAN, SUPERMAN, and BATMAN BEYOND.
‘HOOKED UP’
Batman Beyond #21
Air date: November 13, 1999
Batman has to come to Max’s rescue when she becomes addicted to a virtual reality world that is controlled by Spellbinder.
‘RATS’
Batman Beyond #22
Air date: November 20, 1999
Batman must protect Dana from a dangerous secret admirer…a lonely teenage outcast who lives underground with giant mutant rats as his only companions.
‘LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)’
Superman #44, 48
Air date: Fall of 1999
This two-parter features the final showdown between Superman and Darksied in which he strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth. This is being touted as the FINAL Superman episode EVER. However, I must say that I’ve read a synopsis of the episode, and it’s a doozie.
For synopses of all other upcoming second season BATMAN BEYOND episodes, check out of BTAN at this address:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES airs Mondays thru Fridays beginning at 4pm (ET). It also airs every weekend at 8am (ET). BATMAN BEYOND airs on the occasional weekday at 4pm (ET), sharing the time slot with THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. BATMAN BEYOND also airs every weekend at 9am (ET). Check your local listings for time and station in your area. If this newsletter section is not updated in time, please refer to either of these three links for schedule information:
http://www.batman-superman.com/batman/cmp/episodes.html
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/
http://www.ktla.com/backstage/programming/kids_framed.frm
THIS WEEK:
Mon 11-08-99: Batman #103 The Demon Within
B-BEYOND #12 Disappearing Inque
Tue 11-09-99: Batman #94 Love is a Croc
NO SECOND EPISODE TODAY
Wed 11-10-99: Superman #19 Target
B-BEYOND #07 Meltdown
Thu 11-11-99: Batman #109 Judgement Day
NO SECOND EPISODE TODAY
Fri 11-12-99: Superman #44 Demon Reborn
B-BEYOND #19 Hidden Agenda
Sat 11-13-99: Batman #106 Mad Love
B-BEYOND #21 Hooked Up
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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CANADIAN EPISODE SCHEDULE
(BTAS/BEYOND on YTV)
(courtesy of our friends at YTV)
-To find the episode guide and airing schedule of BATMAN and BATMAN BEYOND on YTV then please go to http://www.ytv.com and click on the YTV GUIDE icon at the bottom of the screen. To check out the schedule then click on BATMAN or BATMAN BEYOND in the time grid and it will have the schedule for the current week.
BTAS will air at 7:30am on weekday mornings (in all time zones), and BATMAN BEYOND will air at 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. YTV has the rights to show all 109 BTAS episodes. They also have the rights to air the first 26 episodes of BATMAN BEYOND (all of season 1 and the first half of season 2).
THIS WEEK:
Mon 11-08-99: BTAS #40 Joker’s Wild
Tue 11-09-99: BTAS #60 His Silicon Soul
Wed 11-10-99: BTAS #50 Off Balance
Thu 11-11-99: BTAS #48 What is Reality?
Fri 11-12-99: BTAS #33 The Laughing Fish
Sat 11-13-99: BEYOND #17 Lost Soul (?)
Sun 11-14-99: BEYOND #18 Bloodsport (?)
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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 BTAS, as well as both animated movies. BTAS airs Monday-Friday at 6pm (ET) and then repeated again at midnight. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then please go to either of these sites for the schedule:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html
http://homes.acmecity.com/animation/saturday/352/schedule.html
To see the 52 episodes that the CARTOON NETWORK does show, go to this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/eplists/batman-cn.html
NOTE: The schedules at Brian Cruz’ site are currently unavailable; if anyone knows of any other place where people can get listings for BTAS on the Cartoon Network, please e-mail us!
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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
NOTE: Due to the loss of the WGN, editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton has been virtually unable to review any new episodes. Until he can once again, we’ll be having someone substituting for him. Thank you to Justin Chen for this review!
BLOODSPORT
Written by Rich Fogel
Directed by Dan Riba
Animation by Dong Yang, Koko
Original air date: October 23, 1999
Rating: *** (out of 5)
For those of you out there who know a little something about literature, you’ve probably heard of “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. And if you don’t, then what it basically describes is a lone man’s battle on a remote jungle island against a deadly hunter who kills for the thrill of it. Replace the jungle with concrete and steel, and name the hero Terry, and you’ve got the premise for “Bloodsport”.
At Gotham’s fanciest hotel, a mysterious man is escorted by a bellhop into the penthouse suite. Expecting a tip, the bellhop is disappointed when the man doesn’t give any. Asking him if there’s anything else he needs, the answer is “Privacy”. On the balcony, a mosquito lands on the man’s hand, and begins to suck the blood out. The man notices, but doesn’t attempt to swat it. As the insect flies away, he lifts a tiny blowgun from his shirt and blows. As the blood splatters, the man smiles.
Meanwhile at the Evergreen Recycling Center, Terry is keeping a close watch on men taking apart cars. Bruce informs him through the comm. link that the cars are stolen. Using that as his cues Terry unleashes himself on the car thieves. As the fights, Bruce informs him that Terry’s mother asked him to pick up some milk on the way home. After a really intense battle, which is up to par with the last fight from “The Winning Edge”, Terry emerges victorious.
The next morning, Terry’s mother discovers that he never bought any milk. Terry apologizes, knowing that his mother is trying to obtain some type of certification to get a promotion at work. At the penthouse that night, the man has redecorated the room with hundreds of ceremonial artifacts as well as a fire in the center of the room. He is dressed in a loin cloth, with tattoos all over himself. A ragged scar runs down the length of his spine. On the floor is a drawing of various types of animals, and the bat is one of them. Grabbing a long staff, he vaults off the building into the cityscape below. He breaks a skylight on a building and enters.
Batman’s on the scene soon enough. The place is some kind of museum, with ancient monuments and relics. Suddenly a pair of darts emerges from the shadows, narrowly missing Terry. The man vaults into Terry, knocking him over. Terry gets back up soon enough and starts pummeling his attacker. But the man doesn’t go down, instead he catches Terry’s punches and begins to grapple with him. Terry flips over and throws the man across the room, but cannot get to him because a gas grenade is tossed in his face. Once the smoke clears, the man is gone.
Terry must apologize once more to him mom as he comes home. She has to leave for the night, so Terry takes his brother Matt to Cheezy Dan’s for dinner. A shadowy figure mysteriously watches Terry as he heads off. At the restaurant, Matt is busy playing video games when Terry looks through the skylight and sees the tattooed man. He asks Max (from “Hidden Agenda”), happens to be there to watch Matt. Terry then leads the man on a wild chase through the city. But no matter where he goes, his stalker is right on his tail. Hiding on a train, Bruce informs Terry that is man is really called “The Stalker”, and he’s wanted for poaching on three continents. Terry throws off his jacket to a homeless man on the train, and the Stalker pursues him for a while, allowing Terry to escape. Once back at Cheezy Dan’s, Terry is shocked to discover that Matt is missing, and his clothing is stuck to the wall with a dagger.
From that point on, we learn much about what’s been going on, including how the Stalker was able to get so close to Terry even if he was masked when they fought. We also learn about the Stalker’s past in some very powerful scenes involving his old hunting expeditions and his “rebirth” as the greatest hunter of all. What does the Stalker really think of Batman? It’s all answered right here. The final fight scene is amazing as well, with Batman trying to make his way through a trap rigged penthouse suite as he tries to rescue Matt. The episode ends with the Stalker badly injured, and he begins hallucinating, thinking Batman is some kind of devil. Vaulting off the balcony, he lands on a train track just as the nightly metro arrives. He’s too scared to even move.
“Hunting season’s over,” says Bats.
So what’s to like about this ep? Certainly the action is great and Terry’s family actually plays more of a role in this one. Also, it’s good how they at least attempted to explain the Stalker’s past instead of just popping him in out of nowhere.
So then why the three star rating? Well, lack of originality for the most part. I know many initially thought that Batman Beyond was Spider Man-ish, and while Terry has certainly began to shed his Peter Parker likenesses, Stalker is little more than Kraven the Hunter for Batman, and there really just isn’t anything to separate “Bloodsport” from anything else this season. Coming off of “Lost Soul” and “Hidden Agenda”, perhaps I’m being a bit hard on this ep, but that’s how I feel. This is by no means a bad episode, though. Remember that even a mediocre episode of Batman can give the best of any other show some real competition.
By Justin Chen, aka The Overseer
t_overseer@yahoo.com
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EDITORAL #1
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
Oh where, oh where has our Laurrrra gone? Oh where, or where can she beeeeee? Oh where, oh where has our Laurrrrra gone? I guess she’ll no longer work for freeeeeee….
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EDITORIAL #2
(by Kelly Tindall)
THE ROAD FROM NO MAN’S LAND
The status quo has shifted…
What is to become of our Gotham City after it is rebuilt? What of its heroes? What of its villains?
I sincerely hope in my heart of hearts that the editors of the Bat-books are not so black-hearted as to return things to their previous status quo…villain is loose! Catch villain! Done…
It simply cannot be. Two-Face has now had a taste, indeed, a full BITE of the power the Penguin has commanded since his release from prison. He has been a leader, the terrible likes of which history has only rarely seen. Can we expect the bifurcated one to return to a mundane existence of Arkham ‘rehab’? I think not!
Nor can we expect the average commonalities of the story to overtake the Joker. Indeed, history’s finest cartoon villain has found a match and a possible mate in the desolation of No Man’s Land. He himself hath proclaimed, “I shall MARRY Harley Quinn!” like a randy thirteen-year old. Can we expect him to be parted from a criminal catalyst such as the divine Ms. Quinn? Harley herself is due a few years of escape/recapture in the style of classic villains, but the Joker, well…interestingly, HE may be the one to demand something more from the psychopathic relationship.
Killer Croc? Scarface? Scarecrow? Ivy? They’ve all survived experiences to better themselves as people in the harsh climes of ravaged Gotham…Poison Ivy, after being a shepherd and de-facto mother to the children of the Park, cannot be expected to return to the shadows of Arkham! It is not hardly FAIR…she as much as anyone is responsible for the SURVIVAL of Gotham’s spirit, hardly its degredation! Regardless of the coersion that forced her philanthropy, she has become more than what she was.
The answer, constant readers? My children, we need only to look to a rival…MARVEL. Their relaunch of Spider-Man, although a desperate and sad move, has nevertheless spawned that which the Bat-titles needed an EARTHQUAKE to create…citizenship of its villains. One needs only to look to the most recent Spider-Man issues…not one or two but SEVEN MAJOR VILLAINS walk away at the end, free as babies with their diapers hanging off. With Carnage on the horizon, no less! THIS is what I mean.
I’m all for dark evil and overblown super-plots…they make comics interesting. But after No Man’s Land, can’t the group editors ask themself if there is something more to the Batman Rogue’s Gallery? One need only to look to “Arkham Asylum” or much of “Shadow of the Bat” to see that there IS, constant, there IS…but how much more has the earthquake wrought? HOW MUCH?
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EDITORIAL #2
(by Kelly Tindall)
THE ONE-SHOT VILLAIN
Lately, I’ve been noticing something odd – namely, the resurgence of the one-shot villain on Batman Beyond. It is a practice that seems to be popping up more and more, and I think it’s time to dissect the reasons behind the one-shot bad guy.
On Batman: The Animated Series, we saw very few one-shot villains. This made perfect sense, of course. The writers had decades of proven supervillains to use. We saw staggering intros to classic villains like Two-Face, Clayface, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and the Scarecrow. The only notable one-shot to come out of that show to become a series REGULAR would be Harley Quinn. Originally scheduled for a single bow (Joker’s Favor), Harley weaselled her way into a startling amount of episodes. (Note: When I mean one-shots, I mean SUPERvillains…regular shmucks like Tony Zucco and Nostromo don’t really count.)
After the writers were comfortable with the tried-and-true bad guys, we began to see some experimentation. Bane, a fairly recent addition to Batman’s universe, appeared once. Lock-Up, a miscalculated attempt to replicate Harley’s success, popped up in one unmemorable episode.
And then it all ended.
Once Batman & Robin was cancelled, it seemed the end. The people on the show split up and went their separate ways, working on other WB shows like Freakazoid! or moving on completely.
However, the Max and Dave Fleischer Superman cartoons hadn’t really been matched. So, the challenge that the WB team put upon themselves was to re-imagine the world of Superman.
This is where the one-shot comes in.
Superman’s rogue’s gallery is chicken-feed compared to that of Batman (or anyone, for that matter). Aside from Lex Luthor, Mxyzptlk, and Parasite, there were hardly any notable bad guys. While the writers busied themselves re-inventing otherwise lame villains like Toyman, others came up with one-shot villains that allowed the personality of Superman to come out. A one-shot villain appeared on Superman as often as a guest superhero.
In episodes like The Main Man (the Preserver), Hand of Fate (Karkull), and In Brightest Day (Sinestro), we see conflicts with simple villains that don’t carry the interest to appear again. This also crossed over into the new Batman shows, with one-shots like Calendar Girl, Farmer Brown, and Roxy Rocket, who (appearances in Knight Time aside) don’t really have the appeal of villains like the Joker or Two-Face.
Which brings us to The Future…Batman Beyond. We’ve already seen one-shots like Lost Soul (whose appearance was clear…to pit a powerless Terry against his own suit, a brilliant and necessary contrivance), Earth Mover (whose sole appearance was to deliver a moral message about loving those that love you), and Patrick the rat-boy (message: even though Terry ain’t around a lot, Dana, love him anyway. He cares for you). As we can clearly see, their sole appearances lend themselves to moving along the threads that make the show good.
The trouble with them is that it becomes difficult to get to know the new stock of bad guys, who I talked about last week. I’m worried that the new guard of villains like Spellbinder and Stalker aren’t going to get the chance to develop personalities…but I guess I have to wait and see.
Is the one-shot a bad thing? You be the judge. I’m outta here…this is bat country!
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AND THAT’S THE FACTS
(by “Reliable Source”)
(Yes, I understand that the title is grammatically incorrect. So sue us. Actually, nix that. Don’t sue us.)
(DISCLAIMER: For those of you who are not yet familiar, Reliable Source is an anonymous character who first surfaced on Batman: The Animated Message Boards, spewing forth ridiculous predictions about the future of Batman Beyond under the guise of spoiler warnings. His controversial posts created quite a buzz, and have landed him a temporary column with this newsletter. The thoughts and ideas expressed by this shady character are in no way officially connected to Kids WB, Batman Beyond, this newsletter, or anything that is decent or holy. That said, on with the show.)
This is Reliable Source, hoping you all had a very good and filling [American] Thanksgiving. Our letter this week comes from Mason Dixon of Atlanta, Georgia. Mason writes:
“Dear Reliable Source, is it just me or does Batman Beyond really suck lately? They had it going good in the first season but lately it makes me want to gag myself.”
Well Mason, lately I find BB to be of such a quality that it actually makes me wish I was watching Pokemon instead. But before I bestow an insult that incredibly low on the show, one has to keep in mind that the series is really still just getting started. Whereas with Batman: The Animated Series, the writers had half a century of groundwork already laid out for them, Batman Beyond is all new territory. So they tend to explore it with formulaic plots and two dimensional characters (anyone see “Rats”?)….
Folks, this is where we’d like some input from you. How is Batman Beyond doing? Do you agree with Mason Dixon’s line, that the show “sucks” and has gone downhill this season? Or do you think the show is still just as good? Please, send me your thoughts at Reliable_s@hotmail.com, I’ll print what YOU, the readers, have to say. Make your voices heard!
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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. Remember, answer the questions WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE ANIMATED CONTINUITY. Now have fun – let’s see how well you do! Answers are provided below.
Right now I’m watching the “Homerpalooza” episode of THE SIMPSONS on TV, and it hit me: base a quiz on MUSIC (and the music scene)! Let’s see how this works out, shall we?
221. Which was the first episode in which the Harley Quinn theme was used?
A: JOKER’S FAVOUR
B: ALMOST GOT ‘IM
C: THE LAUGHING FISH
D: HARLEQUINADE
E: HARLEY & IVY
222. Which of the following episodes won an Emmy for it’s score?
A: HEART OF ICE
B: A BULLET FOR BULLOCK
C: TWO-FACE (Pt. 1)
D: OVER THE EDGE
E: THE LAUGHING FISH
223. Who composed the original BTAS score?
A: Danny Elfman
B: Shirley Walker
C: Michael McCuistion
D: Elliot Goldenthal
E: John Williams
224. In which episode did the Nightwing theme first appear?
A: YOU SCRATCH MY BACK
B: ANIMAL ACT
C: SINS OF THE FATHER
D: OVER THE EDGE
E: CHEMISTRY
225. A choir provides the music during the opening credits of BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. If popular rumour is correct, what is, in fact, being said?
Answer: _____________________
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #221: E
Answer to #222: B
Answer to #223: A
Answer to #224: A
Answer to #225: Apparently these words are the names of the cast and crew of the movie sung
BACKWARDS. Strange, eh?
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LITTLE FACTS AND BLOOPERS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Here is a section that just points out various little facts and bloopers 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:
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(by “Lisa Blanc”)
1) In the episode “Prophecy of Doom”, the climax occurs upon a dangling replica of the solar system. Throughout batman’s fight with a con man (I believe his name is Lucas), eight planets are completely destroyed and one is damaged. However, at the end of the episode, two or three
whole planets, are still hanging from the replica. How many planets are in the bat-solar
system?
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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by anyone that wants to contribute)
Yes, that’s right. We have no designated writer for this column, so anyone that wants to contribute may – just submit an article to the editor and if he approves, you’ll see it here! This week our long-time subscriber named “Mage” has this to say:
For those avid collectors of anything animated, HasbroCollectors.com is the place to get the batstuff! For those unaware, currently they are offering four direct 12 inch animated characters.
(Drum roll…) Batgirl! Yes, I said Batgirl, she is wearing the black costume from the New Adventures, and she comes with batarangs and grappling gun. Very clean looking character too. Her hair is authentic Barbie style…which means? You can comb it, style it, doing anything you want with it. She is a keeper!
Next up is Robin 12 inch…sort of. Remember he is a kid, so he has to be smaller. The only problem I have with Robin is the fact that his cloth uniform ends at his waist. For some reason the guys at Hasbro gave him red plastic legs, no cloth covered ones. Oh well. He is still a keeper, he also comes with the same weapons that Batgirl came with.
Next on the list of heroes…a new one! This is the Supergirl 12 inch. Her design though is a little off. For one, her head is rather large. But why complain…she is in the animated style! Her outfit matches the show to a perfect 10.
The last figure in the 12 inch direct line is…(the suspense!)…Harley!! Yes! She looks the best! If that wasn’t enough,she comes without any weapons. That is a good thing? Yes. Who needs weapons when you have two hyenas! She is set! And her paint job is perfect. The guys at HasbroCollectors.com have outdone themselves…finally. Making these figures available through them makes it easier for us to get our hands on them. Do you know what I am talking about? How many of you actually purchased the 12 inch Joker? Hard to find, I know. Well, at least you can add these great figures to your collection, and no headache! Each figure will set you back $29.95 (shipping included in this price) What a bargain. Happy shopping everyone!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Alright, I wasn’t able to get a review of ANYTHING in for this issue of the newsletter…I’m already covering a zillion things as it is. So, here’s where I’m asking for YOUR input. Does anyone here want to review the “animated” comics? That’s right – you’ll have to keep up-to-date with BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES, BATMAN BEYOND, and any other animated-Bat-related titles that come out. Any takers? E-mail me at juno@direct.ca if you’re interested. Thanks!
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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”.)
If we are unsure of the exact date of when an issue is being released, just check out “DIRECT CURRENTS” at http://www.dccomics.com for details.
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #21
December 1st?
Synopsis: A young girl has been kidnapped and the only “eye witness” is a blind jazz musician. Can even Batman, the world’s greatest detective, use the information the old man provides to find the girl before the kidnapper takes his revenge?
Cover: Unavailable
NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Commissioner Gordon and Batgirl are in the spotlight of the first animated comic to hit the shelves in 2000!
BATMAN BEYOND #4 (ongoing)
December 22nd?
Synopsis: The Royal Flush Gang returns.
Cover: Unavailable
FOLLOWING MONTH: Issue #4.
Synopsis: The Royal Flush Gang returns.
Cover: Unavailable
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #40
December 8th?
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
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NEWS AND RUMORS
ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-Rumour has it that one of the Bat-Titles may be heading for the chopping block. The lowest selling titles is BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES, but that is always in the top 125 and constatly sells good. I’l try and get more info on this.
-Don’t forget that MASK OF THE PHANTASM and SUB-ZERO will be released on DVD on December 21! Just in time for Christmas!
-Terry Beatty has been and will be selling Gotham Adventures and Batman Beyond original art on ebay. His Seller ID is: wlee@muscanet.com Do yourself a favor and check out some great art!
“CURRENT” ANIMATED SERIES’
-The final SUPERMAN episode ‘Legacy’ could air as soon as January, but will likely air in May as the season/series finale.
-BTAS/STAS will return in the fall of 2001 with NEW EPISODES, when Batman Beyond goes on hiatus.
-Then again, there is ALSO word that BTAS/STAS WON’T return. So which do we believe? Hopefully the first…
BATMAN BEYOND
-The Stalker will be featured in BATMAN BEYOND #6, in February.
-1999’s 6-issue BATMAN BEYOND mini-series will be collected in tradepaperback in February. The cost will be $9.95 US. The cover can be found here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/bmbtpbth.jpg
-Synopses of episodes #17 through 36 have now been posted, thanks to the COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM. Check out of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER for a complete listing.
ANIMATED COMICS
-Batgirl and Commissioner Gordon will be in the spotlight for of GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
-Northern Canada is the backdrop, the kidnapping of oil is the crime, and Ra’s Al Ghul is the villain in of GOTHAM ADVENTURES. This issue comes out on February 2nd. The cover can be found here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/bmga23th.jpg
-Ty Templeton’s upcoming two-issue stint on Superman Adventures will be co-written with Dan Slott.
-Acclaimed writer Jay Faerber (GENERATION X) will be writing an issue of SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. Expect the issue in mid-2000. No regular writer has been attatched to SUPERMAN ADVENTURES as of yet.
OTHER COMICS
-An ongoing Harley Quinn series is planned for a mid-2000 release. Oh, please, shoot me now; here I thought that DC would be improving with the new creative teams next year. She can’t hold her own series – the Joker couldn’t, so why would a second-rate female-quota-fulfilling copycat villain be able to? Let’s all hope it gets canned, shall we?
-Here’s a sneek peek at the redesign of the BATMAN titles, courtesy of AnotherUniverse.com. The redesigns were done by Chip Kidd (BATMAN: ANIMATED). Opinions? Click this link to check it out:
BATMAN #576
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/gifs/comics2/Bm576.jpg
-Issue #5 of DARK VICTORY has Catwoman on the cover.
-Issue #6 of DARK VICTORY features the Penguin on the cover.
-The Two-Face/Montoya relationship will be picked up midway through next year in DETECTIVE COMICS #747.
-Expect to see Poison Ivy pop up in DETECTIVE COMICS sometime next year.
MOVIES
-Rumours have it that the WB want to use a gritty crime-drama as a backdrop for their next Bat-movie. In keeping with this “prequel” phenomenon in recent months, they’ve decided to use the much-underused “Two-Face” character in a Batman “prequel”, set sometime between “Batman Returns” and “Batman Forever”. Should this plan go ahead, word has it that the WB is attempting to woo Tommy Lee Jones back into the role, promising him what they originally promised when they signed him on for “Forever”, before either Carrey or Schumacher joined the crew: that the film would play out like a darker, more sinister version of his origin on the animated series.
TIM’S NOTE: Now if only Greg Rucka or Jeph Loeb could write this tale…I’d love that.
TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-In January, Burger King & Batman Beyond will team up for four weeks of action figures and kids meals. Once BK is done with Pokemon toys, they will start a four month promotional Batman Beyond Kids’ Meal pack. These will include all-new action figures made spefically for the fast food franchise.
-More BATMAN BEYOND figures are coming out – and these ones are actually GOOD! Here’s a link for:
JOKERZ TWO-PACK: http://209.197.117.27/databases/features/actionfigures/2/sub/22.3.34.jpg
BLACK-SUITED BATMAN: http://209.197.117.27/databases/features/actionfigures/2/sub/22.3.43.jpg
-Sadly, there are reports that some of the 140 Warner Bros. stores will be closing down indefinately.
-The SUPERMAN video game for Playstation will be out in the first quarter of 2000.
-The first issue of the Sega Dreamcast magazine says a Batman Beyond video game is due out in 2000.
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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…
JANUARY – APRIL: For synopses of what happened in the first four months of NO MAN’S LAND, go see Issues #26 and #27 of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
MAY, JUNE: For synopses of what how things really heated up in the fifth and sixth months of NO MAN’S LAND, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
JULY: For synopses of the many things that happened in the month that all of the other major players in Gotham broke back into the city, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”.
Follow this link: http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
AUGUST: For synopses of the many things that happened in the final full month of summer, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
SEPTEMBER: For synopses of the issues dealing with the set-up of the final crunch of No Man’s Land, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
OCTOBER: For synopses of the issues dealing with the “beginning of the end” of No Man’s Land, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
NOVEMBER: To become friends with Gordon once again, Batman made the ultimate sacrifice and revealed his identity to him; however, Gordon had his back turned, and does not WANT to know. They made up and banded together, joining forces to liberate Gotham in the final two months of NML.
Then in ASSEMBLY REDUX, the mysterious benefactor that sent Bane into Gotham is revealed to be Lex Luthor; he enters Gotham, along with the media, promising to clean up the city. The Penguin tries to muscle in on Luthor’s territory. It is revealed that Two-Face was not sent to Blackgate along with the other villains after his capture, but remains in Blue Boy territory; Petit tries to break into Gordon’s territory to kill him, and Huntress is with him; Montoya turns them away. Catwoman and Batman have a truce. It is revealed that the woman that was bargaining with the Penguin in JURISPRUDENCE was Mercy Graves. The Joker prepares his final assault on Gotham, with Harley along for the ride; Batman, knowing that the Joker will do anything to lure him out of hiding, informs Oracle to evacuate the city and bring everyone in Batman’s territory into Gordon’s.
Azrael and Batgirl evacuate the Joker’s territory, telling all the citizens to enter the safe Blue Boys sector. The Joker recruits a number of people to impersonate him; Azrael and Batgirl meet Joker and Harley face to face, saving a girl’s life. The “farm team” prepares for war.
Lex Luthor continues his plans to rebuild Gotham in SHELLGAME; Batman meets him on his turf (Lex took over 20 square blocks of Penguin’s territory), threatening him; Lex is scared out of his mind and sics Bane on him. Petit’s deterioration becomes more and more serious; Huntress begins to reconsider her alliance with him. Bruce contacts Lucious Fox in an attempt to get the public interested in NML again, and to get WayneTech involved, as well. Joker and Harley make their move, in an attempt to stop Luthor’s rebuilding scheme. NML reaches the 315-day mark.
SHELLGAME concludes as Lex Luthor sends Bane and Mercy out after the Joker and Harley, to keep them from interfering with their plans. They get their message across; the Joker backs off…for now. It is revealed that Luthor managed to hire Bane by offering him rule over Santa Prisca (the prison he was raised in). Batman meets up with Bane, and they come to an agreement; rather than fight, Bane says he’ll be leaving Gotham within a week. Petit continues to spiral down into the depths of insanity, worrying both Robin and Huntress. The Penguin tries to move in on Luthor’s territory; Luthor responds by nearly eliminating all of Penguin’s men. Lucius Fox and the rest of Wayne Enterprises come through and reopen NML.
Meanwhile, Catwoman is off doing work for the Penguin. How? Sabotaging Luthor’s materials. Penguin still wants to rule Gotham, as he has for the past 321 days. Penguin is then saved from Killer Croc by Bullock and Montoya, whilst Alfred comes to Robin’s rescue. Tim phones home to tell his dad that he’s alright; Mr. Drake freaks out and the next day the story about his son trapped in the hell of NML is all over the news.
BALLISTIC ROMANCE (in NIGHTWING) concludes with Petit and Huntress breaking up Dick and Babs’ little love-in. Huntress switches sides and saves their lives from Petit’s insanity.
That’s 73 issues of NML so far. For a complete list, e-mail us.
WHAT’S TO COME…
-December: NML concludes with the three-part “Endgame” story, and then a final reflection in the final issue of SHADOW OF THE BAT (#94). The hope of a new Gotham comes into view – which is when the event we’ve been waiting for finally hits. The Joker returns in a big way to “destroy hope”…by kidnapping and killing children. And this all happens during the Christmas season. Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Azrael, Oracle, Batgirl, and Huntress all have major roles. Lex Luthor completes his takeover of Gotham.
-ONE OF THE MAJOR HEROES WILL DIE BEFORE “NO MAN’S LAND” ENDS. (This is in Detective Comics #741). TWO OTHER “NAMED” CHARACTERS WILL ALSO BE KILLED.
-See below for more.
AS FOR THE OTHER HEROES:
-Azrael faces off against the Joker AGAIN in AZRAEL #61 – both guest-starring Batgirl.
-The Huntress hangs out with Petit for the remainder of NML.
-Tim Drake’s father breaks into NML to retrieve his son from the ghastly warzone – in December.
AND AS FOR THE REMAINING VILLAINS…
-Lex Luthor, the mysterious benefactor, continues his scheme to rebuild Gotham in his image; he and Mercy will be around throughout “Endgame”.
-Catwoman faces Mercy Graves in December.
-The Joker and Harley re-appear in “Endgame” in December. During Gotham’s Christmas season, just as NML draws to a close, to once and for all destroy Gotham and all of its citizens.
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FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
**HOLIDAY BAT-CHATS**
-Over the holiday season, the BATMAN/SUPERMAN Chat Room will be holding two chat events, one on Dec. 23rd, and the other on Dec.31st, for Christmas (Dec. 23rd chat) and New Year’s (Dec. 31st chat) respectively. The chat times will be 8pm (Eastern Time). Mark those dates on the calendar and hopefully we’ll see ya drop in on either or both of those dates! Here’s the complete info:
BATMAN/SUPERMAN Chat Events!
Where: Batman/Superman Chat Room
When: Dec. 23rd & Dec. 31st @ 8pm (ET)
Chat URL:
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Taping/2928/chatmain.htm
Other notes: You WILL need to get a chat handle registered before you can chat in the chat rooms, and please go through the rules first. Happy Holidays!
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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
—–
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
BATMAN BEYOND
http://www.batmanbeyond.com
YTV’s BATMAN BEYOND Page
http://www.ytv.com/shows/batman_beyond/
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
KID’S WB
http://www.kidswb.com
DC COMICS
http://www.dccomics.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
PSYCOMICS
http://www.psycomics.com
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
BATMAN & SUPERMAN:THE WORLD’S FINEST DISCUSSION CENTER
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk
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://zap.to/lazaruspit
THE DARK KNIGHT
http://www.darkknight.ca
BATMAN BEYOND: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
http://www.batmanbeyond.net
TIM WAN’S BATMAN BEYOND
http://come.to/batmanbeyond
DCU ANIMATED
http://welcome.to/the_dcu
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/harlequinhideaway
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
GOTHAM CITY LIMITS
http://www.batman.gexner.net
BATMAN: DEFENDER OF GOTHAM
http://www.fandom.com/batman
THE RIDDLER – EDWARD NYGMA’S PUZZLE WEBSITE
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/prospero.milan/nygma
THE BATMAN ACTION FIGURE PAGE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/7659/
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
JOKERZ TERRITORY
http://members.xoom.com/Jokerz84/index.htm
THE BATZONE
http://www.batzone.cjb.net/
JLA: THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://animation.acmecity.com/character/375
THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: THE UNOFFICIAL SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
ANIMATED TALES
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/2294/at
A TRIBUTE TO BATMAN
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/russkafin/batman.html
BATMAN CEL SITE
http://animation.acmecity.com/carbon/111
DARK JUSTICE
http://www.mania.com.au/~grahark/darkjustice/
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. And if you do submit something, please don’t just submit a basic review of an episode or a comic or something (because we have people writing for those purposes already) – write about an issue you’d like to discuss.
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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/newsletters/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, put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, and put the e-mail address you’d like the newsletter to be sent to in the body of the message.
For more information the newsletter just email juno@direct.ca
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading! Tell your friends!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
_____________________
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
EDITOR AT COLLEGE: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz & RiddlerWB (our friend at the official BTAS/STAS site)
EPISODE REVIEWS: Zanna/Justin Chen
EDITORIAL #1: The Ghost of Laura Hysert
EDITORIAL #2: Kelly Tindall
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
TOY REVIEW: Various
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
ROAD THROUGH NO MAN’S LAND: 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 & Bill Finger (who else?)
Batman and all related indicated are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 1999.