Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of December 13 – December 18/19, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occasional griping”
THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “EVERYONE SUPPORT THE ‘BRUCE WAYNE’ TV SHOW!”
___________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT
It’s that time of year again! As the year…decade…century…
millenium (Y2K! Y2K! Beware!) comes to a close, it’s only natural
to do a “year’s best” poll. Just like last year, we’re giving you fans out there the opportunity to vote for the best/worst of 1999 in a wide range of categories. Below, just after the credits section of the newsletter, you’ll see a list of categories to vote in; all you gotta do is submit your
answers back to us by New Year’s Eve to be included in the poll. Results will be posted in the first issue of the New Year, due out on January 3 or 10th – we haven’t decided yet.
Don’tcha feel special?
Don’tcha just wanna go out and vote RIGHT NOW!?
Don’tcha just hate how I keep saying “don’tcha”?
Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
-even more hyper than last time
______________________________________________
MERRY CHRISTMAS! YOUR COMPUTER CRASHED!
Anyone here have a game called “Elf Bowling”? Addictive, isn’t it?
I’m making this message here for one reason and one reason alone – anyone who has this game on their PC is doomed on Christmas day, for the makers have put a virus into the program on that day, set to go off on Dec. 25.
The reason I bring this up is because a lot of my Bat-friends have given me this little game, unknowing of how destructive it is. My advice to you? DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY and you shall be saved. DELETE ALL SHORTCUTS TO IT, and make sure to EMPTY YOUR RECYCLE BIN and DELETE ANY E-MAILS TO WHICH THIS
PROGRAM WAS ATTACHED.
It was fun while it lasted. Ironically enough, my high
score on that game – twice – was 222. (No joke!)
I just wanted to tell everyone here so we all WILL have a merry Christmas, and not have our computers crash. Oh, and tell all your friends, too, K? Spread the word.
NOTE: I also got an e-mail saying this is a hoax. Wait until after December 25 and see, just to be on the safe side.
Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
-who misses the game already
___________________________
APOLOGY
(by Laura Hysert)
You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t submitted anything lately to the BTAN (now there’s an understatement), even though the editors have been kind enough to reserve me a spot. For this, I am sorry. I’m afraid I didn’t make it clear enough to the editors that I am unable to submit
an editorial regularly, or even often. But since this misundestanding has now been cleared up, I just want to officially tell you that I will not be submitting regular articles to the BTAN.
Er, not that I ever did before.
I enjoy writing these pieces, but in my life and in my writing right now, I am devoting more time to other pursuits and projects. A better way of putting it is this: I still love Batman, but I can’t think of anything to say about him right now.
When I’ve refilled that particular creative well, and Bat-inspiration hits again, I will submit something to this newsletter. But it isn’t fair to other writers whose Bat-wells are overflowing to keep a regular slot open for me. So I’ve asked Tim to take my feature out of the newsletter.
But the moment my Bat-well is refilled, you’ll be the first to know!
Laura
P.S. If anyone can tell me what the krunk a Bat-well is,
please contact me at batsy@netcom.ca
___________________________
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
___________________________
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.
‘BABEL’
Batman Beyond #25
Air date: January 8, 2000
Shriek returns, throwing Gotham into chaos with a device that distorts all sound waves, making communication impossible. In exchange for normalcy, Shriek demands a ransom of Batman’s life.
‘LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)’
Superman #44, 48
Air date: January 2000
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 BETOND episodes, check out of BTAN at this address:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
__________________________
WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES airs Mondays thru Saturday; BATMAN BEYOND also airs on these days. Check local listings each day for what show is on at what time.
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 12-13-99: Batman #81 Harley’s Holiday
B-BEYOND #06 Shriek
Tue 12-14-99: Superman #26 Monkey Fun
Batman #71 The Terrible Trio
Wed 12-15-99: Batman #46 Almost Got ‘Im
Superman #23 Double Dose
Thu 12-16-99: Superman #20 Identity Crisis
Batman #92 Joker’s Millions
Fri 12-17-99: Batman #77 The Lion and the Unicorn
B-BEYOND #17 Lost Soul
Sat 12-18-99: NO EPISODES SHOWN TODAY
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.
_____________________________
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 12-13-99: BTAS #67 A Bullet for Bullock
Tue 12-14-99: BTAS #68 Trial
Wed 12-15-99: BTAS #69 Avatar
Thu 12-16-99: BTAS #70 House and Garden
Fri 12-17-99: BTAS #71 The Terrible Trio
Sat 12-18-99: BEYOND #?? NO EPISODE???
Sun 12-19-99: BEYOND #?? NO EPISODE???
____________________________________________
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!
____________________________
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!
NOTE: ALRIGHT! I’ve been messing up WHO is writing WHAT for this column for too long now. If you wanna see who’s writing each review, just go to the bottom – they all sign it there. Sorry Zanna and Justin! I feel so foolish…agh…*HALF OF MY FACE BLUSHES*
REVENANT
Written by Hillary J. Bader
Directed by Kyoung (Kydung?) Won Lim
Animation by Koko, Dong Yang
Animation Co., Ltd.
Original air date: December 11, 1999
My rating: ***1/2 (Out of five stars)
A mysterious vandal is plaguing Hamilton Hill High School. The students think the vandal is the ghost of a dead student, Garrison Jacobs. Terry sees the vandalism and an attack on several students, including Dana, Chelsea, and especially, Nelson Nash. Later, in the Batcave, Terry is skeptical about the ghost. Bruce has witnessed the supernatural, but isn’t convinced in this case. After another ghostly incident, Terry connects all the attacks to one suspect, Willie Watt. Terry and Batman both go after Willie.
This episode reminds me of the villain-first-appearance stories from the Batman series. Most of these stories were shown in two parts. The first part sets up the situation that creates the villain or his special abilities and then the second part shows the villain committing crimes with his new m.o. (modus operandi or method of operation). REVENANT is Willie’s second part, m.o. episode.
GOOD POINTS:
REVENANT is a good, dual meaning title. The ghost seemingly returns from the afterlife and Willie Watt returns from a long absence.
Terry exhibits some detective skills in this episode when he deduces that the vandalism and attacks are targeting specific people and connects all the incidents to Willie Watt.
Bruce appears for one scene in this episode and gets some good lines. “I’ve seen it all, demons, witch boys, immortals, zombies. But this thing, I don’t know, it feels so…so high school.”
Terry also gets some good lines. After the shower scene, Terry wonders, “An invisible boy in the girls’ shower, why didn’t I think of that?” Later, when Commissioner Barbara Gordon closes the school down temporarily, Terry speaks to her and says, “You’re a hero to my people”.
Terry cleverly tricks Willie into revealing his psychic powers and admitting to the school vandalism.
Willie is still isolated and ignored by his family, but he is no longer a scrawny misfit. Now he is a muscular, bullying misfit with strong telekinetic powers and reason to dislike Terry and Batman. Future Willie stories should prove interesting.
As a secondary story, Terry’s brother Matt misses his father and even wishes he could contact his father’s ghost so that he won’t forget him. At the episode end, Terry and Matt spend some time together reminiscing.
BAD POINTS:
While the animation is good, one scene has a small mistake. In the very wet shower scene, the girls are soaked and have dripping wet hair. However, when they run out of the shower room, their hair is completely dry and styled!
When Terry goes to Juvenile Hall, he alludes to the fact that he’s been there. Come on writers, tell that story!
Yet again, Terry is armed with some type of weapon to capture a villain, but the weapon only has one dose or projectile. Can’t the Batbelt carry extras?
Since Terry spoiled Willie’s future plans, why didn’t Willie go after Terry instead of Nelson at the end?
Zanna (Zanna_Z@Yahoo.com)
__________________________
EDITORIAL!
(by Kelly Tindall)
THE WORLDS WE LIVE IN, THE WORLDS WE CREATE
The Japanese animated film, “Princess Mononoke”, had its last showing at the ancient Plaza Theatre last night. I was there, along with a decent-sized crowd of curious animation fans and late-comers. I had come again to see the finest animated film I’ve ever had the joy to see, and to expose such a film to another of my disbelieving friends. Moments in, they became believers.
One of the most striking things about the world director/writer/animator/lyricist Hayao Miyazaki created for this film, his undeniable masterpiece, was that he created a WORLD. It wasn’t a mere background for the action, it wasn’t a place for character exposition. It was a WORLD, a fully functioning universe complete with hierarchies, jealousies, and epic battles.
It’s a world that is hardly considered in animation today.
Except, of course, for Batman.
While it is hardly fair to compare something as basically rushed and incomplete as a television cartoon to something as polished as a film, the point remains. The creators behind Batman, Superman, and most recently Batman Beyond went out of their way to create a world where every character had a place, no matter how odd or unconventional they may be. When you see an oddity like Clayface, he fits in with normal people like Summer Gleeson or Renee Montoya. They all belong to Gotham City.
Now, we have the most recent universe to explore; the world of an aged Bruce Wayne and a brand- new Batman. It’s not the Gotham of the past, a place we thought we knew simply because it appeared to be the ‘present’ (with black-and-white t.v.s and rotary phones). It’s a Gotham of the future, a place that may exist one day or never come to pass…but its all brand-new, and that’s part of the joy of watching.
In our new time, we see a world where high technology affects everyone, not unlike our own time. Instead of special contact lenses, people add cat’s eyes. Beyond merely watching a television, a gigantic wall panel actually IS a televsion. Cars fly, people seem to be made of frozen flesh and inky fluid, and the world, to those who are new to it, has become a loud and often terrifying place.
That’s part of the beauty. We don’t know this world, but we have two excellent guides. First, of course, is Terry, a young man to whom this rush of fast and loose technology is merely a standard of life. Second, but no less important, is Bruce.
Bruce is our eyes and our ears in the world of tomorrow. He is a man who never grew out of that one shattering moment when the two most important people died in front of him. He grew up, learning more about the deep recesses of science, technology, and even magic than almost any other man. He became Batman. And then he stopped, put away the mask, and waited patiently for the time when he would be needed again.
He’s arrived, of course, into this strange and bizarre world. He can learn to adapt to it, of course…he’s BATMAN, he’s designed to do so. But it’s new to him. And it’s new to us. And we learn together, just as we learn to face the darkness in our own hearts and lives with Terry, and learn to get along with our elders, our mentors, and our teachers. The ideas of Batman; respect, heart, mind, body, and strength, against all else…those are the constants that bridge the gap between the past and the future.
__________________________
GUEST EDITORIAL
(by Lisa Blanc)
Lisa Blanc first contributed a guest editorial for our newsletter wayyyy back in . Let’s all welcome her back for another installment of her thoughts about various aspects of the Bat-universe. *FANFARE*
*****
“BRUCE WAYNE: The Television Show? Sources have told the Comics Continuum that WB is interesting in doing a pilot about Bruce when he is 18 and training around the world. It seems that the proposed live-action BRUCE WAYNE show has a writer. The writer slated for the series is THE IRON GIANT screenwriter Tim McCanlies. This show looks ever more possible that it could actually happen, and sooner then expected as well!”
—BTAN editor Tim “Two-Face” Leighton, .
I’m sorry, call me a cynic if you will, but when I read this, I was anything but joyful. In fact, I let out a dismayed whine as I suspect many others have or will if this comes to be. I love Bruce, please don’t think otherwise, but this is a BAD IDEA…. Let me expand upon why.
First and foremost: Live action? No more horrid words have ever echoed into the rocky precipices that form the Batcave. Batman was created with pen and paper, and that is where he should stay. With a live action series it is inevitable that the shows will steadily lose their focus – only one in fifty episodes will deal with young Bruce’s devotion to vengeance and justice, and the other 49 will be filth and nausea. Taking advantage of his youth and lack of supervision, writers will waste no time in turning Bruce Wayne’s crusade to another 7:00 drama for horny teenagers. It’ll be Dawson’s Creek, except Bruce’s world travels will of course prompt the writer to supply him with a girl in every international port-of-call. Live action shows are based on sex appeal, and cartoon images avoid that to a much greater extent. Do I have to remind you of the appalling *ahem* anatomy shots in the last Batman movie. A show based on sex and selling advertisement space with Bruce Wayne as a pretense would nauseate me and label Batman nothing more than a sex fiend with some hobby along the lines of stopping crime when he’s not flirting.
Secondly: No actor, no matter how good, can ever accurately portray someone who has lived so long in two dimensions. As a phantom created to thrive in our imaginations, Batman is intangible, tortured, and yet somehow wonderfully supernatural. There is some essence in Bob Kane’s creation that makes him more than a man, less than a god, subject to fault yet painfully close to infallibility, and actors cannot grasp that, it seems, without having lived it themselves or being EXTREMELY gifted. This is not the kind of talent you’re going to find in someone who must be passed off as 18 years old. The supernatural mystique of Batman in drawn form – the way his cape sits perfectly on his shoulders, or the shadows of a bat which he sometimes casts, the perfect arch his Bat-a-rang makes, or his perfectly noiseless tread- can’t be represented by the ordinary people that actors are. This is why the movies are written to be pathetically corny instead of true to the character. This is why no actor can portray Bruce Wayne.
Finally: I imagine it will actually do me physical harm to see the Bruce Wayne I’ve grown to love transmuted into a Terry McGinnis wanna-be. I’m sorry, but McGinnis’ character, attitude, lack of devotion – he is a poorly developed character unfit to stand next to Wayne under the title Batman. NO TRAINING (actually that’s a separate issue I have with BB), no loyalty, and I fear (reasonably) that these traits would become mixed in with the devotion and nobility of Batman to try and somehow “average them together” and get a reasonable estimate of what Brucie would be like at a younger age. *shudder* To sum this up, I think that I would see bits of McGinnis in Bruce and that would make me dislike him severely, something I don’t want to do. I look at the lack of development in McGinnis, and I sense that the same failure to present a reasonable facsimile of a Bat-in-training would exist in Young Bruce.
So, sorry if I rambled, but I hope you see my point. I think I would feel differently if this was a movie idea, and I must admit that Michael Keaton was close in character to the Bat. Still, I DO NOT like this series idea, and would be glad if I made you question it at all.
Good day.
+)[it’s a smiling cyclops]
__________________________
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.)
Folks, this week I got a letter in the ol’ mailbag that really opened my eyes. If you remember, the last two weeks were devoted to a survey of sorts, on how Batman Beyond is doing.
I got this letter from Peter Destructo: “Whatever happened to your undercover work at WB Animation, Reliable Source? I mean, Tim [Two-Face] is doing a poll soon. Who needs your polling? Go back to what you do best!”
Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that I have lost track of my mission, to be a reliable Reliable Source and bring you the most up-to-date information that I possibly can. And for this, I humbly apologize, and take 50 lashes with a wet noodle. As soon as I read this letter, I promptly took action.
Under cover of night and shadow of moonery, I scaled the walls of the WB Studios and hid inside a potted plant outside the producers’ offices. Now, since I always protect my sources, I cannot name names. Let’s just call these people Paul Timm and Bruce Dini, which are of course not their real actual names. Apparently, these men and WB have made an unprecedented decision. Seeing as Batman Beyond and Pokémon are the network’s two hottest cartoons, they are planning a crossover movie event of epic proportions…POKEMON BEYOND!
Ash, Brock, and Misty hear of Batman and think he is some rare type of Pokémon, an evolved version of Golbat. They go to Gotham and are attacked by the Jokerz. Ash promptly dispenses several monsters from his Pokéball and scares the gang away. A spy for Paxton Powers witnesses this, and tells his boss, who immediately wants a sample of this amazing Pokéball technology, and dispatches Shriek and Inque to steal it for him. Soon, Batman finds that he must guard these three kids from the threat of his enemies. Things are further complicated when Misty develops a huge crush on Terry. There is a great catfight between her and Dana.
I don’t know about you, but I say break out the popcorn, this one could sink the Titanic.
Thank you, Mr. Destructo, for writing in, and remember that you all can contact me at Reliable_S@hotmail.com. More as I hear it!
__________________________
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 reader! *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.
I’m restless…therefore I’m just gonna throw down some miscellaneous questions here. Enjoy.
231. Name the episode in which the SOCIETY OF SHADOWS first appeared.
A: NIGHT OF THE NINJA
B: OFF BALANCE
C: DAY OF THE SAMAURAI
D: THE DEMON REBORN
E: THE DEMON’S QUEST (Pt. 1)
232. Which of the following were NOT villains that appeared in the episode MAKE ‘EM LAUGH?
A: The Condiment King
B: The Pack-Rat
C: Mighty Ma
D: Dark Helmet
E: The Mad Hatter
233. At the time of this newsletter’s publication, which of the following villains have yet to make more than one appearance in the BATMAN BEYOND series (including both TV and comics)?
A: Inque
B: The Terrific Trio
C: Blight
D: Dr. Cuvier
E: Shriek
234. Which of the following people does NOT know Batman’s true identity?
A: Dr. Leslie Thompkins
B: Ra’s Al Ghul
C: Dr. Hugo Strange
D: The Joker
E: The Mad Hatter
235. At the end of the episode “TWO-FACE (Pt. 1)” what colour is the eyebrow over Harvey’s bad eye?
Answer: ____________
____________________________
ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #231: B
Answer to #232: C, D
Answer to #233: C, E
Answer to #234: E (The Joker DOES know, but doesn’t know he knows)
Answer to #235: WHITE – it’s a blooper, though. It SHOULD be black.
___________________________
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:
1) William H. Macy (FARGO, PLEASANTVILLE, MYSTERY MEN) provides the voice of Aaron (the guy that befriended Inque) in the episode “Disappearing Inque”.
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(by “Peter Destructo”)
1) Are Batman’s cape and cowl connected or not? Most people would say “yes” immediately. In most of the references to it, they are connected. However, “Over The Edge,” Batman easily whips off his cape and fills it with rocks to whip it around in the big fight. BUT, elsewhere in that scene, the person he is fighting with takes him by his cape and spins him around! What is going on here?
(by “CKent15”)
2) In the BTAS episode “Old Wounds,” when Robin is following Connor, he uses that flying/gliding trick that he does later as Nightwing. However, In The Lost Years comics, which this story is adapted from, Dick didn’t learn that trick until much later, when he was training with natives in Brazil.
3) Not really a goof, just a cool little tidbit… in the Batman Beyond episode “Rats,” the rat character is showing Dana his collection of things that no one wants. As an example, he holds up an action figure of the magma character from “Heroes.” Is this the producers way of acknowledging the fan sentiment that “Heroes” sucked?
___________________________________________________
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!
OTHER COMICS
-The Comic Continuum now has the March solicitations for DC, uncluding the BATMAN and SUPERMAN titles, as well as alot of cover pics! To check ’em out, use this link:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9912/14/index.htm
-At the Comic Book Resources BATMAN message board, there’s a post up with Rucka’s comments toward ENDGAME:3 and the Epilogue. To check it out, follow the URL…
http://www.comicbookresources.com/
boards/articles.cgi?artid=4538&board=2
-Want to know more about Metropolis’s Urban Renewal? Check out this ANOTHERUNIVWERSE.COM Superman article:
features/superman2k121799.html
-Along with THE BANNER, new villains next year will include Whisper D’Aire (‘TEC) and Samsara (GOTHAM KNIGHTS).
-The Huntress is a major player in issues #63 and 64 of AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT.
-Man-Bat returns in ROBIN #76.
-Alex Toth (inspiration behind BTAS) will be providing the cover to the BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE softcover slated for a March release.
-Paul Ryan (Fantastic Four, GREEN LANTERN) will be one of the regular alternating artists on
BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS. Paul Ryan is slated to alternate with NML’s Dale Eaglesham.
-REALWORDS: BATMAN will hit the shelves in March, followed by REALWORLDS: SUPERMAN, REALWORLDS: WONDER WOMAN, REALWORDS: JLA. The REALWORLDS projects take DCU Super-hero and throws them into ‘real-life’ surroundings and situations.
-The Joker and Harley take action against Lex Luthor in ACTION COMICS #765.
-Remember that SUPERMAN/BUGS BUNNY 4 issue crossover slated for summer of 1999? Yeah, well there was some difficulty but it’s back on track for a May 2000 release.
MOVIES
-BRUCE WAYNE: The Television Show? Sources have told the Comics Continuum that WB is interesting in doing a pilot about Bruce when he is 18 and training around the world. For more on this somewhat bizarre (but cool) news, go to this link:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/30/index.htm
-It seems that the proposed live-action BRUCE WAYNE show has a writer. The writer slated for the series is THE IRON GIANT screenwriter Tim McCanlies. This show looks ever more possible that it could actually happen, and sooner then expected as well! For the latest news update (Thursday) go to this link:
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/buzz/index.asp?x_date=12/2/99#7274
Here’s another link with some info: http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=4806
(Thanks to THX1138 for supplying that!)
-Fans of the new animated TV hit will not want to miss this cutting-edge collection, which includes the premier movie Rebirth and four exciting bonus episodes, Golem, The Winning Edge, Dead Man’s Hand and Meltdown. The collection is armed with futuristic Bat-technology, dazzling effects and a youthful Bat attitude! This is on DVD. Due out December 21.
TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-A review of the NO MAN’S LAND novelization by Greg Rucka has hit Psycomic and the novel looks great! Read the review yourself:
http://www.psycomic.com/articles/current/sjnomansland_19991211.shtml
-With anticipation of the novel BATMAN: NO MAN’S LAND being released in January, DC Comics online has given NML it’s own section. It includes information on both the hardcover novel, and the Youger Readers version, as well as excerpts. Follow the URL given:
http://www.dccomics.com/features/nmlbk/nmlbk.htm
-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. Go to http://www.burgerking.com for details.
-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.
__________________________________
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: For synopses of the issues dealing with the wrapping of of many important tales and the revelation of the mysterious benefactor, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
DECEMBER: Helicopters fly into Gotham on November 29 – day 333 of NML – bringing the bare necessities and joy for the forthcoming Christmas season. LexCorp, Wayne Enterprises, Star Labs, and the US Government come together (some grudgingly) to rebuild Gotham. Gordon is reinstated as Police Commissioner; Montoya is given a promotion by Essen with regards to her dealings with Two-Face; Bullock and Hardback are joined by a number of volunteers to police Gotham City, with more coming by the New Year. Petit grows even more barbaric; Huntress remains in his camp just to keep him in check. Batman hunts for the Joker, and goes to Penguin, Ivy, Ventriloquist, and Two-Face for answers; no one lends him a hand. On Christmas Eve, when all the “good guys” (the cops, the Bat-squad, and Leslie) are having Christmas dinner, Petit’s camp is attacked by the Joker. He finally makes his move.
Installment #2. Billy Petit is dead. The Joker draws him out of his lair, offing many of Petit’s own men; Petit kills Foley (who’s like his right-hand-man) and is then shot by the Joker. The Joker is attacking the stronghold to kidnap the children inside; Huntress stands in the way, and the Joker shoots her once, twice, and thrice. To be continued.
That’s 75 issues of NML so far. For a complete list, e-mail us.
WHAT’S TO COME…
-December: Batman and all his allies unleash a no-holds-barred war on the Joker, the final fight to reclaim No Man’s Land.
-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 – guest-starring Batgirl.
-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.
-During Gotham’s Christmas season, just as NML draws to a close, the Joker returns to once and for all destroy Gotham and all of its citizens.
__________________________________
FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
*MASSIVE WORLD’S FINEST WEBSITE UPDATE*
There have been alot of changes at BATMAN, SUPEREMAN, & BEYOND: THE WORDS FINEST. For one thing, it is now frames capable and non-frames capable. Expect two unenhanced versions of the site to go up soon as well, seeing how the site is graphic based and heavy. There have been a lot of new additions:
A new COMIC BOOK DISCUSSION Chat Room
(URL at the site)
A new COMIC BOOK Discussion Board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mn916995
The ANIMATION board is now ANIMATION & SCI-FI
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb158314
The additions of reviews, sounds, more news links, misc. links, & much more!
Plus a tonne of more updates, which can be viewed in the ALL-NEW Updates section. The biggest update is the combination of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE and WORLD’S FINEST. The site is much bigger and has alot more variety then before. This site has almost everything for a BATAMN/SUPERMAN/BEYOND, or even a comic or animation fan. There have been new updates almost daily so check back often!
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
Note: The Christmas Chat on Dec. 23rd @8pm (ET) and the New Year’s Chat on Dec. 31st @ 8pm will be held in the BATMAN/SUPERMAN chat room of WORLD’S FINEST! Don’t be late!
___________________________________
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
BATMAN BEYOND VIDEO SITE
http://www.batmanbeyondvideo.com
YTV’S BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES PAGE
http://www.ytv.com/shows/batman_animated/
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, & BEYOND :THE WORLD’S FINEST DISCUSSION CENTER
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BATMAN UK (BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE)
http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk
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://www.DCUAnimated.zzn.com
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/harlequinhideaway
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/
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
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
WHAT’S TO COME…
-December: Batman and all his allies unleash a no-holds-barred
war on the Joker, the final fight to reclaim No Man’s Land.
-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 – guest-starring Batgirl.
-Billy Petit continues to hover on the brink of insanity,
and the Huntress sticks around to keep him in check.
-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.
-During Gotham’s Christmas season, just as NML draws to a close, the Joker returns to once and for all destroy Gotham and all of its citizens.
__________________________________
FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
I’d just like to say thanx to Peter Oblivion of the BATMAN BEYOND
Message Board at World’s Finest. Thanx to his website, there have
been more and more hits on the message board. This in turn, means
more hits on the complete WORLD’S FINEST website, and hopefully
more subscribers for the newsleter (all of which are connected).
He’s been doing a great job shamelessly promoting the message board,
which isn’t even apart of his site! Great job, and thanx!
-signed
Dick Grayson
Peter Oblivion’s Website – http://www.rogue-spear.com/BB
World’s Finest – http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
___________________________________
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
BATMAN UK (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
_______________________________________
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.
___________________________
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
___________________________
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
(at the official BTAS/STAS site), and YTV.com
EPISODE REVIEWS: Zanna/Justin Chen
EDITORIAL: Kelly Tindall
GUEST EDITORIAL: Lisa Blanc
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, Tim Wan
MERCHANDISE 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:-Y 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.
_____________________________________________________________
1999 POLL FORM
Alright! Fill this out and e-mail it right back to juno@direct.ca
if you’d like to be included in our poll for the best of 1999!
NOTE: The eligible episodes in the “animated series” categories
are all the BATMAN BEYOND episodes, “Mad Love” from BTAS, and
“In Brightest Day”, “Superman’s Pal”, “Absolute Power”, “Unity”,
“Fish Story”, and “The Demon Reborn” for STAS.
As for the comic series’, all issues of BATMAN BEYOND are eligible,
all issues of GOTHAM ADVENTURES from #10-21 are eligible, and all
issues of SUPERMAN ADVENTURES from #29-40 are A-OK, too.
THE REALMS OF THE ANIMATED UNIVERSE
#1. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” EPISODE
#2. WORST “BTAS/BEYOND” EPISODE
#3. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” DESIGN
#4. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” DESIGN
#5. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” VOICE
#6. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” VOICE
#7. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” MUSIC SEQUENCE
#8. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” VISUAL EFFECTS
#9. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” ‘GOOD GUY’
#10. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” VILLAIN
#11. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” ‘GOOD GUY’
#12. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” VILLAIN
#13. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” WRITER
#14. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” DIRECTER
#15. BEST “GOTHAM ADVENTURES” COMIC
#16. WORST “GOTHAM ADVENTURES” COMIC
#17. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC
#18. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC
#19. BEST “GOTHAM AVENTURES” COMIC COVER
#20. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC COVER
#21. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” ACTION FIGURE
#22. BEST “STAS” EPISODE
#23. WORST “STAS” EPISODE
#24. BEST “STAS” COMIC
#25. WORST “STAS” COMIC
NO MAN’S LAND
#26. BEST OVERALL CHARACTER
#27. BEST HERO
#28. BEST VILLAIN
#29. WORST HERO
#30. WORST VILLAIN
#31. BEST STORY-ARC
#32. WORST STORY-ARC
#33. BEST SINGLE-ISSUE STORY
#34. WORST SINGLE-ISSUE STORY
#35. BEST WRITER
#36. WORST WRITER
#37. BEST ARTIST
#38. WORST ARTIST
#39. FAVOURITE MOMENT OF NML
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
#40. BEST “BTAN” ISSUE
_______________________________________