Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of October 2 – October 15, 2000
Volume 3,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occasional griping”
THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “ARGH!!!! THE RELEASE DATE FOR ‘RETURN OF THE JOKER’ HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK TO DECEMBER 12th!!!! (see NEWS section for details.) THIS NEWS SUCKS!!!”
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SPECIAL NOTE
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR THIS ISSUE’S EDITION OF ‘NO MAN’S ISLAND’!!!! WE NEED YOUR VOTES!!!!
(Ain’t it great to be needed like that? Don’t you all feel so loved? Awwww…)
-Tim “Two-Face” Leighton
(too cuddly for his own good)
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EAGERLY ANTICIPATING…
New episodes are on the horizon! Here’s what we can expect in the near future…
‘OUT OF THE PAST’
BATMAN BEYOND
Airdate: October 7, 2000
Episode #??
Synopsis: Straight from the mouth of Stan Berkowitz, this episode will prominently feature Bruce Wayne.
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KIDS WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
Kids’WB! currently airs BATMAN BEYOND five or six times a week. Batman airs on weekday afternoons Monday-Friday, as well occasionally Friday morning before Pokemon. Remember, Kids’WB! is notorious for switching schedules around at the very last minutes. Batman Beyond currently airs at 11am (ET) on Saturdays and 4:30pm (ET) on weekdays. Check out these links if our schedule is not 100% updated:
http://www.ktla.com/backstage/programming/KIDSWB.htm
http://www.geocities.com/worldsfinestpage/airdate.htm
http://www.toonzone.net/shows
NOTE:
If our schedule is not updated, then go to the following URL. It will ALWAYS contain the most up-to-date schedule possible.
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Taping/2928/airdate.htm
ANOTHER NOTE:
The KTLA website (where we get our KidsWB schedules from) was NOT updated in time for this newsletter. We were able to find what DAYS BATMAN BEYOND will air on, but not what episodes. Keep checking back at their website over the weeks for updates!
THIS WEEK:
Mon 10-02-00: NONE
Tue 10-03-00: B-BEYOND ??
Wed 10-04-00: B-BEYOND ??
Thu 10-05-00: B-BEYOND ??
Fri 10-06-00: B-BEYOND ??
Sat 10-07-00: B-BEYOND #?? Out of the Past <——-NEW!!!
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 10-09-00: NONE
Tue 10-10-00: B-BEYOND ??
Wed 10-11-00: B-BEYOND ??
Thu 10-12-00: B-BEYOND ??
Fri 10-13-00: B-BEYOND ??
Sat 10-14-00: B-BEYOND ??
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
(BATMAN and BEYOND on YTV)
(courtesy of our friends at YTV)
YTV currently has the rights to air all 109 episodes of Batman, as well as the current 52 episodes of Batman Beyond. YTV usually airs these episodes in either chronological order, or in the original order they aired on Kids’WB! and FOX. Batman Beyond airs Sunday at 2:30pm (ET). Batman now airs at 3:30am Monday – Friday. If our schedules are not updated or are inaccurate, please use these links:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, NEW EPISODES OF BATMAN BEYOND BEGAN AIRING ON YTV!
(These have already debuted on the WB network, just not on YTV.)
http://www.geocities.com/worldsfinestpage/epsched.htm
http://www.ytv.com/ytvguide
THIS WEEK:
Mon 10-02-00: BTAS #65 The Worry Men
Tue 10-03-00: BTAS #53 Paging the Crime Doctor
Wed 10-04-00: BTAS #66 Sideshow
Thu 10-05-00: BTAS #67 A Bullet for Bullock
Fri 10-06-00: BTAS #68 Trial
Sun 10-08-00: BEYOND #30 Final Cut
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 10-09-00: BTAS #69 Avatar
Tue 10-10-00: BTAS #70 House and Garden
Wed 10-11-00: BTAS #71 The Terrible Trio
Thu 10-12-00: BTAS #72 Harlequinade
Fri 10-13-00: BTAS #73 Time Out Of Joint
Sun 10-15-00: BEYOND #31 Sneek Peek???
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THE CARTOON NETWORK
Cartoon Network has the right to air all 109 Batman episodes, as well as all 54 Superman episiodes. Come September, Cartoon Network will begin airing these. Shows. Batman currently airs during the weekday Toonami block at 6:30pm (ET). Superman will soon have a set airdate as well. Since Cartoon Network is unpredictable with their schedules, we are unable to keep up with them. Please, use these links to find out the schedule information you need:
http://www.geocities.com/worldsfinestpage/airdate.htm
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/TOONAMI/lineup/batman.html
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Justin Chen and/or Zanna)
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
The creative “team” for this column alternates between Zanna and Justin Chen, two loyal subscribers and great friends of ours here. Any other reviews printed here are written by editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton. Enjoy!
UNTOUCHABLE
Written by Hilary J. Bader
Directed by Dan Riba
Animation by Dong Yang, Koko
Original Air Date: September 23, 2000
Rating: *** of 5
DESCRIPTION: A new villain appears in Gotham that literally cannot be caught.
HIGHS: Neat visuals, good character interactions.
LOWS: Predictable story, little villain characterization.
OVERALL: Okay, but not up to “King’s Ransom”.
At a high security research lab, a strange masked man enters to steal a strange new isotope. Bullets, electricity, and even Batman fail to faze him. Bruce has an idea of what could be causing this, and he and Terry go to a Wayne-Powers facility to find out. There we meet a friendly researcher who shows off a gravity generating device, the grumpy old supervisor, and a teenage girl who’s lived in isolation her entire life.
That’s basically the background for this episode. The whole “invincible villain” plot has been seen before elsewhere. Given this, writer Hilary Bader (ugh) tries to throw in some extra aspects to improve it. Does it work? Read on to find out.
First I have to say this…the episode looked good. The villain, who seems to be named “Repeller” according to the captions, didn’t look all that special. But he produces a cool glowing aura that sparkles with energy and can be manipulated into various shapes and sizes. Also, the backgrounds here return to mostly dark colors and the animation is once again very fluid. No complaints on the visual part.
Also, the character interactions were good here, such as Bruce’s chat with the uptight supervisor.
Doc: “What makes you think you can rummage through my files like you own the place?”
BW: “Because I do. Bruce Wayne.”
When Terry takes a liking to the girl who lives in the facility, Bruce comprehends the situation perfectly…and tells Terry women used to throw themselves at his feet all the time. “I stepped over them,” he calmly explains. Dana acts like a real bitch about Terry’s predicament–there’s no other way to put it. She’s intolerant and rude about Terry’s interest in Irene (that’s the girl’s name). She lives in a bubble…does Dana really need to be that concerned? It still was rather nice watching Terry and Irene have fun though, and from the looks of it Terry must really have a thing for Asians.
Now for the negative side. The villain has very little motivation for what he’s doing. Apparently he’s only stealing rare chemicals because someone paid him to…we don’t find out who actually needs the stuff. Perhaps that will be addressed later on, but the Repeller’s persona remains thin. As an apparent one-timer, more personality ought to be given in this only chance.
The story also plays out rather predictably…we get two new male characters, one mean and one seemingly friendly. Who’s it gonna be? The “trick” might work on the kids, but most mature viewers could probably see the true identity coming.
This episode was entertaining to watch mostly because of the eye candy battles, not because the storyline was stellar. It’s not up to the level of King’s Ransom, but then again that was a tough act to follow. As far as one-shot villain eps go it’s worth watching, but don’t kick yourself if you missed it. Still, here’s hoping for an awesome INQUELING next time!
By J. Chen, aka The Overseer
overseer@pacificwest.com
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EDITORIAL
(by Robyn “Incorrigible” Johnson)
(aka “Harvette D. Robyn, II”)
THAT GOOD OL’ CONROY CRUSH!
The previous week had been hectic. So hectic, in fact, that I hadn’t packed a single thing! I snatched my overnight bag and one suitcase from the closet and hurriedly began filling each piece of luggage with the items I’d need for an overnight trip to Atlanta. Kevin Conroy was scheduled to appear at the Warner Brothers store in Lenox Square Mall, and yours truly was determined to be there when he came through those doors. My heart hammered in my chest with excitement.
Picking up the phone, I called a friend of mine who would be making the three and a half hour drive to Atlanta with me. She’d be ready by the time I got to her house, so I checked my “provisions” one last time: camera, tape recorder (to record that wonderful Batman voice), and smelling salts, just in case.
Having made an online reservation at a hotel near Lenox Square Mall the very day that I’d learned of Mr. Conroy’s scheduled appearance there, my friend and I drove straight into the parking garage of a very nice hotel and went inside. Very posh, this place. And so up-to-date that we didn’t even have to interact with real people! A welcoming kiosk in the foyer allowed me to register and even “program” two plastic cards that would act as keys to the room. The computer spit out a confirmation page and a room map from the tiny slit on its mechanical face, and we were across the lobby and riding the elevator up to our room in the blink of an eye. This was really cool!
Once inside the room, we checked everything out and unpacked. I was stoked! We had a few hours before the seven o’clock appearance of Kevin at the WB store, but I thought we might want to get to the mall and FIND the store before-hand. Besides, it was my understanding that Conroy was signing items that were purchased from the gallery section of the store, and I wanted some time to browse the store to decide what I wanted to buy.
Once at the mall, we made a bee-line for the Warner Brothers Studio Store. There were a few people milling around up front, but towards the back of the store, we encountered a few more die-hard fans. A small buffet table covered with fresh fruits and cheeses and ice-cold soda and bottled water crouched in one corner of the room. And against one wall flooded with light was a cloth-covered table and a single black chair. A ceramic Batmobile stood sentinel at one corner of the table….otherwise it was pristine. As a fitting back-drop, an Alex Ross Batman print hung high on the wall behind the lone chair.
I felt my heart jump into my throat and chanced a glance at my watch. It was 6:15 p.m., and Conroy was scheduled to appear at seven. Wow! I’d better find something from the gallery section and make a purchase! Wandering through the beautiful selection of production cels and limited edition prints, I found myself panicking….I wanted it all! But I found an animation cel of Batman standing on a rooftop with the batsignal blazing behind him and decided that this was the piece I wanted. After purchasing it, I dug into my purse for my camera and asked my friend to snap pictures when my time came to get the cel autographed. Things were coming together!
A short time later, those of us who’d bought items to be signed were asked to line up against one wall. It was almost time for Kevin Conroy to arrive! I was fortunate enough to be fourth in line, and as the time grew nearer, I felt my heart pounding against my chest again. And then I heard the quiet applause that ushered Kevin into the room, and I strained around thetaller man in front of my to get a glimpse of the man I knew so well from the many pictures I’d seen of him. My friend was taking pictures as promised, but the flash wasn’t going off! Ack! I tried in vain to get her attention, but she was as mesmerized by Kevin’s warm smile as everyone else, and my friend was paying no attention to me whatsoever. Not that I blame her. I’d rather look at Kevin Conroy too!
Kevin was dressed in black jeans and a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up past his wrists. His tall, lean silhouette and light reddish/blonde/brown hair belied the deep, resonant voice that rumbled out from somewhere in that lanky body. Blue eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and mischief and sincerity, and I felt an entire flock of goosebumps race down my back. Wow!
I was almost there….almost at the table behind which sat the “voice of Batman”…and my knees were knocking together. And then I heard it. That familiar, wonderful phrase that sent shivers down my spine:
“I am vengeance…..I am the night….I…AM….BATMAN!”
The crowd went wild! Kevin had intoned those magic words in that gravely Batman voice, and everyone in the store had stopped to listen. A small child in a stroller was right in front of the table where Kevin sat, and suddenly this little boy’s face screwed up into a mask of terror, and the little boy began to wail at the top of his lungs from the sheer intensity of Kevin’s voice. The boy’s mother picked him up and squeezed him tight, and everyone chuckled at the child’s reaction to Kevin’s booming voice. Kevin looked momentarily mortified, and he leaned over the table with a strange little grin curling the corners of his mouth and apologized to the boy’s mother. She smiled back at him and assured him that everything was okay, and the crowd chuckled collectively at the scene.
And fortunately, my friend had finally figured out that the flash would be a good thing!
In a heartbeat, it was my turn, and I willed myself to move. My legs felt like they had just turned to jelly, but I somehow managed to shuffle up to the table and hand the cel to Kevin himself. He looked up at me with those incredibly blue eyes and smiled such a broad smile that I thought surely I was drowning in light. Then he extended his hand and told me that he was pleased to meet me. I shook his large hand and mumbled something inane. He looked up at me again and laughed, and I felt like a nine year old with a crush on my science teacher.
I watched in dumbfounded awe as Kevin signed his name on the front of the glass-covered cel, and then he turned it over and tried to find a way to get the certificate of authenticity out of the frame so he could sign it too. It was a slow procedure because of the hanging wire being in the way, but I wasn’t complaining in the least. The more time it took him to remove the COA, the more time I got to stand there in front of him and gawk. *SMILE*
Finally, Kevin removed the COA and signed his name with a flourish.
“I’m gonna let you put this back,” he told me in his warm, mesmerizing voice.
“I can do that,” I assured him in a voice that sounded like Minnie Mouse.
He looked up and smiled again. Has the sun ever been that bright? If so, I’d never noticed. As I moved away, my friend took the cel from my hands and practically pushed me back towards Kevin. Not understanding at first, I scowled at her. But then it hit me….she wanted to get a picture of me with Kevin Conroy! Alright!
Kevin had already gotten to his feet and now stood waiting for me to step beside him. I jumped into place at his right, and he put his arm around my shoulders. Not one to pass up an opportunity like this, I wrapped my arm around his waist and grinned into the camera like Mistah J on Prozac. Although Kevin towered above me by at least ten inches, I was thankful for my 5’5″ frame, and I snuggled under his protective wing gladly. And even as I stepped away to claim my cel from my friend, she took the opportunity to get a picture of Kevin by himself staring right into the camera.
A few minutes later, I moved away from the table where Kevin sat and did an impromptu dance. Yeehaw, but I was happy! My friend and I found an inconspicuous spot just in front of the table and parked ourselves there to relish watching Conroy interact with the other fans. I couldn’t stop smiling!
A more gracious, accommodating, friendly man you will never meet than Kevin Conroy. He listened to every word that was spoken to him, signed dozens of gallery items, and generously posed for picture after picture as the evening wore on. Having finally remembered that I had my small tape recorder, I’d started recording several minutes before and just let it run. I caught Kevin laughing with fans several times, his voice rich and full of life, and then I asked one of the WB store employees if she could ask him to say something else in his Batman voice.
“Like what?” she inquired as she smiled at me.
“I don’t know. Anything with the name Robin in it,” I told her.
If you happened to read the heading to this article, you would have realized that my first name IS Robyn, and I wanted desperately to get a recording of Kevin saying that name. Hey, it made perfect sense to me! Thinking back to the cheesy, 1960s Adam West version of Batman, one phrase kept rolling through my mind:
“Robin, to the Batcave!”
Corny? Definitely. But it worked for me! The WB employee went to the table and bent down to speak to Kevin. He smiled and nodded his head. I stepped closer and held the tape recorder in Kevin’s direction. Watching his face, I saw this amazing transformation take place. Kevin’s eyebrows knitted together over his pale eyes, a serious look passed over his face, his chin dropped towards his chest, and then he bellowed, “Robin! To the Batcave!”
And without thinking and without a moment’s hesitation, I shouted out, “You got it!!”
Kevin and I stared at each other for the span of a heartbeat, and then the entire store erupted in laughter. My response had been automatic and completely spontaneous, and I felt my face redden in embarrassment. Kevin and I still stared at each other, and as the laughter died away, I put my palm against my chest and whispered in a little girl’s voice, “That’s me.” The smile that crossed Kevin’s face was heart-warming, and it served to ease the surprised chagrin I felt.
My friend and I hung around the store until almost nine, and I got several more pictures of Kevin as he interacted with fans and employees alike. With my tape recorder and camera safely tucked away into my purse, I wrestled my autographed cel under my arm and made my way into the mall itself. Realizing that we hadn’t eaten since breakfast, we decided to call for the shuttle and go back to the hotel.
Chattering like two magpies on a live wire, my friend and I relived the evening’s events over and over again, and she seemed to take great delight in my verbal outburst in the store. I couldn’t help but grin myself. Hey, when “Batman” orders you to the Batcave, you respond instantly! 🙂
My lasting impression of Kevin Conroy is that he is a true gentleman…courteous and polite, friendly and good-natured…and a joy to be around. If the opportunity arises for you to meet the man, I say go! Who knows? He might yell at you too! 🙂
-Robyn
(uh huh)
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NO MAN’S ISLAND
(the SURVIVOR rip-off…erm…homage)
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
My GAWD, was the formatting SHOT last issue? I’m sorry to everyone that was trying to figure out who we even had IN contention. Anyhow, here ya go! Enjoy! And keep those votes rolling in!
* * * *
It’s been just FIVE MINTUES since the bridges have been blown, and only the most venerable and the most vile of all Gothamites have opted to stay. “Why are we going through this whole ordeal again???”, Scarface asks angrily. “’99 was hellish enough for us, dummy!”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Scarface, sir.”
“Damn straight. Now get your hand outa there. I’ve gotta wedgie.”
Everyone has scrambled off to their own corners of the city. No real teams or cliques have been made, though it’s assumed that the Bat-squad and the GCPD are hanging out with their
respective groups. Not a peep out of the villains, though.
When asked for an interview, philanthropist Bruce Wayne was quoted, “Well, come on! When Mayor Hill suggested to level the city a second time for the purpose of this popular ‘reality TV’ fad right now, I was all for it! It sounds like a blast to me! I just wish that Bambi…no, Barbi…or was it Bobbi?…oh forget it…I just wish that whomever that girl was wanted to stay with me.” He blushed and quickly left for Wayne Manor to pack his things. Lucius Fox, Wayne’s assistant and right-hand man at Wayne Enterprises, was unavailable for
comment – but was said to be appalled at the idea.
Meanwhile, there have been rumblings that Mayor Hill has already struck a deal with LexCorp to rebuild the city when the game is through. Humble reporter Clark Kent said the following: “Believe me, you don’t want him to do that. Again. Just trust me on that one.”
Others have stepped forward with their comments:
Robin: “It’ll be cool! That, and I get to skip school. I can’t argue with that!”
Alfred: “I most definately CAN argue with that, Master Robin.”
Creeper: “Maybe if Napier’s voted off soon, Quinzel and I will FINALLY have some time alone! Heh heh heh!”
Thorne: “I only agreed to this awful idea because it counts as community service. I didn’t realize performing and entertaining counted towards that. Maybe Robert Downey, Jr., should give it a try.”
Catwoman: “I personally hate the idea. After everything I did to aid Batman in bringing Gotham back to life, we just level the city again? Just for a GAME SHOW? Geez!”
Bane: “I will beat you all. And then, I will break you.”
ROUND ONE OF VOTING HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
After two weeks stranded on the isolated urban island known as Gotham City, some of our contenders are already feeling the burn. There is a growing animosity between the “middle-weight villains” (Joker, Two-Face, Catwoman, Harley, Ivy, Scarecrow) and the physically incompetent villains (Riddler, Mad Hatter, Ventriloquist, Baby-Doll). The lightweight crew have been growing increasingly apprehensive of a total take-over by the middle-weights; the Riddler had the bright idea to eavesdrop on their plans.
Meanwhile, the Penguin tried to set up a deal between the two to prevent any possible warfare between these two cliques, but was shot in the forearm by ex-D.A. Harvey Dent who was taking aim at former accomplice Eddie Nygma. Quoth Dent, “We SWORE he would bleed green, we did. He was sent by the wimpy bunch to infiltrate our camp and steal our plans and war strategies! We didn’t expect Cobblepot to interfere. Not like we care.” Calendar Girl, aka Posh Spice, sat on the sidelines, not daring to get involved; she didn’t want to scuff her heels or mess her hair. The Joker was unavailable for comment; he just laughed, as per usual.
Now, the Riddler is in shock, and the Ventriloquist has proclaimed Scarface as the leader of their clique.
However, the Penguin managed to crawl away from the scene in the direction of where the Bat-camp is presumed to be, where he was intercepted by Leslie Thompkins and healed. “I suppose the Bat IS of some use,” Cobblepot said while puffing on a KOOL menthol cigarette. He currently bed-ridden in the Iceburg Lounge.
No members of the Bat-squad have been seen as of yet, though Detective Harvey Bullock has been seen prowling the streets; legend has it that there is a secret vault hidden on Commercial Drive filled to the brim with Homer’s D’Oh-nuts.
The heavies, Bane, Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, and Clayface, haven’t been spotted yet. “I miss him,” former child-actress Mary Dahl said, with Mr. Happy-Head in tow. “My Cwocky-Wocco. I haven’t seen him at ALL since this game began. I DON’T LIKE THIS GAME! I WANT MY MOMMY!” She threw a fit and accidentally tore off the arm of her band-leader, Scarface. Arnold Wesker freaked, and the dying Scarface immediately ORDERED his crew to do away with her. “I didn’t mean to…” Dahl sniffled. She promptly started crying so loudly that she was unanimously voted OFF of the island by all players – no one wanted to listen to her incesant crying.
Soonafter Baby-Doll was given the heave-ho, Calendar Girl was tossed into the river; the middleweight clan didn’t want to have anything to do with someone that wasn’t open to fighting dirty to stay alive. She couldn’t care less; the day before, she had just ran out of hair spray. “Sucks to be you,” said ex-model/actress Paige Monroe, “YOU’RE going to be the ones envying ME when this game is through. You hear me, ladies? SPLIT ENDS! CHIPPED NAILS! YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!” Yeah, Paige. Whatever. Mary Dahl instantly attached herself to Paige and begged her to be her mommy.
Here’s how the voting broke down:
Kicked Off:
BABY-DOLL (18.5%)
CALENDAR GIRL (12.5%)
Those who you DID vote for, but they’re still here:
ROLAND DAGGET (10%)
THE PENGUIN (7.5%)
SUMMER GLEASON (7.5%)
LESLIE THOMPKINS (7.5%)
THE PHANTASM (5%)
BANE (5%)
ROXY ROCKETT (5%)
HARLEY QUINN (2.5%)
TALIA (2.5%)
THE MAD HATTER (2.5%)
RENE MONTOYA (2.5%)
THE HUNTRESS (2.5%)
THE VENTRILOQUIST/SCARFACE (2.5%)
FIREFLY (2.5%)
THE DEMON (2.5%)
THE CREEPER (2.5%)
And now, here’s our up-to-date list of contenders.
BATMAN
ROBIN
BATGIRL
NIGHTWING
ALFRED
COMMISSIONER GORDON
DET. HARVEY BULLOCK
RENE MONTOYA
DR. LESLIE THOMPKINS
THE CREEPER
THE DEMON
THE HUNTRESS
ZATANNA
SUMMER GLEASON
THE JOKER
THE PENGUIN
CATWOMAN
THE RIDDLER
TWO-FACE
POISON IVY
THE SCARECROW
MR. FREEZE
THE MAD HATTER
BANE
KILLER CROC
THE VENTRILOQUIST/SCARFACE
HARLEY QUINN
CLAYFACE
FIREFLY
RA’S AL GHUL
TALIA
THE PHANTASM
LOCK-UP
MAN-BAT
ROXY ROCKETT
RUPERT THORNE
ROLAND DAGGET
E-mail juno@dccnet.com with your votes of the TWO you’d like to see cast off. Remember, we need TWO choices! (I stress that again. TWO!)
PS – Voting for this issue closes at midnight on October 13, 2000.
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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.
POTPURRI, BABY!!!
391. On what date did BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM premiere in movie theatres?
Answer: _____________
392. On what date did BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO premiere on video?
Answer: _____________
393. This was the ORIGINAL date that BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER was due to be released.
Answer: _____________
394. In order of original air date, what BTAS episode was the FIRST to feature the FULL name of a character (“secret identity” or not) in the title?
Answer: _____________
395. In order of original air date, what BTAS episode was the LAST to feature the FULL name of a character (“secret identity” or not) in the title?
Answer: _____________
396. Which Bat-villain has ever appeared in drag?
Answer: _____________
397. What episode did Kent Butterworth direct, but quit in the middle of production because it was “too weird”?
Answer: _____________
398. In what month of the year did that episode debut?
Answer: _____________
399. In which episode does Nora Fries have a speaking part?
Answer: _____________
400. On BATMAN BEYOND, who provides the voice of the absolutely mad Mad Stan?
Answer: _____________
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AND THESE ARE OUR FINAL ANSWERS (to the trivia)
Answer to #391: December 25, 1993
Answer to #392: March 17, 1998
Answer to #393: November 7, 2000
Answer to #394: JOKER’S FAVOR
Answer to #395: BEWARE THE CREEPER
Answer to #396: Clayface (as Annie in GROWING PAINS, and the woman in FEAT OF CLAY (Pt. 2))
Answer to #397: CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER
Answer to #398: November
Answer to #399: None
Answer to #400: Henry Rollins
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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!
CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
Nope.
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(by “Don Huff”)
1) In “Read My Lips”, when Scarface’s henchmen are breaking into the ship full of platinum with the acid spray, which is in the back seat, Rhino starts to crawl in the opening he made; you can see there is already a pile of platinum in the back seat of the boat! Then they go inside to get their first sight of the platinum and start to load it in the boat, but hey it was already there. What gives? Pretty funny, anybody else notice this?
(by “Todd”)
2) During the dinner scene with Harvey and Pam in “Pretty Poison”, Bruce flashes a credit card to the camera. The number looked suspiciously like a phone number so I jotted it down. I checked in the phone book and the area code corresponded with one in LA. But when I called, just for a lark, there was a recorded message indicating that the area code had been recently changed. I was wondering if anyone else may have noted the number…maybe it was the number for the production office, one of the staff or stars?
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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by Bill Curtis)
Last issue I mentioned the new figures for the direct-to-video feature: “Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker”. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see these figures before writing that column. The reason is – these figures STINK! Boo! HISS! While I applauded Kenner in my last post for finally producing a great Alfred figure, I now reprimand them for taking the cheap, easy way out with these new figures.
The line consists of 4 regular figures, and one deluxe figure. The problem is that Kenner didn’t bother to produce new figures; it just issued repainted old figures! “Arkham Assault Joker” (which doesn’t even look like the Joker from the upcoming movie!), is nothing more than a repainted “Wild Card Joker” from the Animated Batman line, “Gotham Defender Batman” is a repaint of “Detective Batman”, “Gotham Knight Batman” is “Future Knight Batman” (from the current “Batman Beyond” line. At least they finally got the colour right!), “Rapid Switch Bruce Wayne” is merely “Quick Change Bruce Wayne” from the Animated line (and features the same “young” Bruce, how the heck does that fit into Batman Beyond?), and finally “Golden Armor Batman” which is, you guessed it, another repaint!
My problem is: Kenner had the tools and the time to do some really cool figures, but instead chose to package repainted figures in the hopes of making a quick buck. Anyone who surfs eBay and other sites has seen just how creative people can be with existing figures being transformed into “custom” Batman, and Batman Beyond figures. A few creative folks even showed the blueprints on how to make your own “Old Joker’ from the upcoming movie: use a body from the Creeper figure, and trim down the hair from an animated Joker figure, paint the body and hands, and voila: New “Older” Joker figure, ready to rumble! If your average fan can be so creative, why can’t Kenner? My only conclusion is that because Batman animated is no longer running, and Batman Beyond is in its last first-run season, Kenner no longer feels the need to expend any effort on this lucrative line. A good comparison would be Toy Biz’s X-Men line: how many different repaints of Wolverine can you make? Answer: As many as they’ll keep buying!
C’mon Kenner: show a little respect; if not for the Batman line, at least for the intelligence of your customers!
Until next time: same Bat-time, same bat-channel!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
(BATMAN BEYOND by Bill Curtis)
(SUPERMAN ADVENTURES by Dick Grayson)
BATMAN BEYOND
ISSUE: “Terminal Velocity” (#12)
WRITTEN BY: Hilary J Bader
PENCILLED BY: Craig Rousseau
INKED BY: Rob Leigh
ISSUED: August 30, 2000 (Cover date, Oct 2000)
Rating: 4/10
Synopsis: A Psychiatrist working in juvenile prison is rehabilitating the inmates with psychotherapy, by way of killing off the criminal within them. Carter Wilson, the former leader of a clique of the Jokerz, is one prime candidate for rehab, but someone doesn’t want him rehabilitated.
At first reading, this story/plot would seem to be a rip-off of the Batman Animated episode “Double Talk”, where the newly reformed Ventriloquist is being haunted by Scarface, in an effort to get him to return to his life of crime. This story starts out that way, with a clever twist. Carter Wilson is being sought after by the Jokerz gang, in an effort to turn him back to the leader of the Jokerz; Terminal.
The plot twist is revealed that the person behind the kidnappings of the juvenile prison psychiatrist, and Max is none other than Carter Wilson himself! He’s now a split personality, and must constantly battle with Terminal for control.
Although the artwork has been passable lately, I don’t care for the trend of showing Batman Beyond with bug eyes, or one eye grossly distorted larger than the other. This doesn’t improve the artwork; it cheapens it, making it look more juvenile than it needs to.
Max is really developing into a fall-back character, a la Alfred/Robin. I’m wondering if it won’t be long before she’s Terry’s sidekick in action, if not in name.
The bond between Bruce and Terry was downplayed this issue, with Terry only making a couple of references via his comlink with Bruce, about Bruce being right about the Jokerz actions. This issues went more for action than interplay, which is sometimes not a bad thing, in moderation.
The issue concludes with the predictable rumble between Batman/Terry and the Jokerz along with Terminal/Carter. The saving grace is the epilogue: Carter is seen in profile painting back in obvious hospital/asylum care. When his doctor comments he has only painted half his canvas, he turns fully revealed as half-faced Carter, and half-faced Terminal, and comments that “he left the other half for me.” The reader is left to wonder which side of the personality will be the dominant one.
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COMIC SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS
This section gives a little bit more in-depth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES, BATMAN BEYOND, and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. Below each comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT SERVICE!
The price for any of these issues, unless otherwise posted, 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 #31
October 4th
Synopsis: Ty Templeton’s leftover Joker story! Don’t miss it!
Cover: Unavailable
FOLLOWING MONTH:
Synopsis: The Scarecrow is up to his usual sinister tricks as he unleashes a deadly gas that has the entire city of Gotham going completely crazy! Mass mayhem and destruction ensue as millions of Gothamites literally lose their minds. Can Batman and the gang save the masses from themselves?
Cover: Unavailable
BATMAN BEYOND #13
September 27th
Synopsis: Fears brought on by the Scarecrow’s fear gas (from OVER THE EDGE) are now manifesting themselves in the future-day Commissioner Barbara Gordon.
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/sept27/covers/down/dBMBCv13.jpg
FOLLOWING MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #48
???
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
FOLLOWING MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
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NEWS AND RUMORS
ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-An interview with DC editor Darren Vincenzo can be found at the following address:
http://www.sequentialtart.com/vicienzo.shtml
-The following artists are selling artwork on eBay. The following are their names and Seller ID’s:
Terry Beatty: beatty@machlink.com
Craig Rousseau: cerousseau
Tim Levins: tlevins
Min S. Ku: min3000gt
ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS, STAS, BEYOND)
-Starting with the next new BEYOND episode, Commissioner Barbara Gordon will no longer be voiced by Stockard Channing, but by 28-year-old Angie Harmon (of LAW & ORDER).
-THE ZETA PROJECT, the BATMAN BEYOND spin-off, will debut on the KidsWB on October 14.
-Rich Fogel is story editor of the series.
-Fogel has written two Beyond/Zeta crossovers for this coming season
-Hilary J. Bader, Kevin Hobbs, and Paul Dini have also contributed scripts
-Season One will include 13 episodes
-For pics and more information, go to:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/26/index.htm
-YTV has just got the rights to air episodes #27 – 52 of BATMAN BEYOND. It’s unknwon when these episode to air, but expect fall 2000. YTV may air all the episodes through in ONE run, unlike the first 26 episodes.
ANIMATED COMICS
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #32:
On sale November 1. The Scarecrow is up to his usual sinister tricks as he unleashes a deadly gas that has the entire city of Gotham going completely crazy! Mass mayhem and destruction ensue as millions of Gothamites literally lose their minds. Can Batman and the gang save the masses from themselves?
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #33:
On sale December 13. Batman begins to doubt whether his actions really make a difference in the world, and the guest-starring Phantom Stranger appears to show him what a world without a Dark Knight would look like – and believe us, it isn`t pretty! Batman sees first-hand that his quest has made the lives of his comrades much greater, as one by one they seem to follow the wrong path in the Stranger`s vision!
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/19/BGothAd33.jpg
-BATMAN BEYOND #15:
(Written by Jason Hernandez-Rosenblatt; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh; cover by Brian Stelfreeze)
On sale November 29. Just who is the mysterious new being called Erica Electra who`s been crossing paths with future Batman Terry McGinnis? Is she friend or foe? And will Terry`s girlfriend now have reasons to be jealous?
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Miscellaneous/BatmanMiscellaneous226298.jpg
-BATMAN BEYOND #15
Homeless men have been mysteriously disappearing from Gotham’s streets, thanks to the international terrorist group known as Kobra. But as Batman investigates, he quickly goes from hunter to hunted – and Bruce must somehow infiltrate Kobra to free the captured hero.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/19/BB16.jpg
OTHER COMICS
-BATMAN: OFFICER DOWN
Remember 1999? Remember the huge ramifications that NML had on the entire Bat-universe? In January 2001, all of the comic creative teams are making Batman’s battle against crime all the more gut-wrenching and all the more personal: Commissioner Gordon gets shot three times in the back. Brought to you by Greg Rucka, Matt Idelson, Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, Devin Grayson, Nunzio DeFilippis.
Feature Article: http://www.fandom.com/comics/Editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=234722
Cover: http://www.fandon.com/multimedia/Comics/News/ComicsNews234690.jpg
Cover (to BIRDS OF PREY #27): http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Comics/News/ComicsNews234691.JPG
-DARK VICTORY #13: Has Batman finally found the identity of the Hang Man killer (if, in fact, there’s only one)? What connection does the Hang Man have to Harvey Dent, and can the murders be stopped before the most horrifying killing of them all takes place? This time Batman is no longer alone in his quest for justice as a young, inexperienced Robin joins him. But will the addition of an untested partner prove to be more deadly than it’s worth? Witness the last stand of the crumbling criminal empire, as the Falcone Family faces off against Two-Face and a mob of freakish allies that includes the Joker, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy and Solomon Grundy. Will all of Gotham City be left in ruins before the last gang war is over? Which, if any, of the Falcones, the Marionis and the Vitis will survive? And how will the change the lives of James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and Batman?
The cover can be found here: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0007/20/BDarkVict13.jpg
-The second issue of HARLEY QUINN: On sale November 8. Harley finds herself alone, adrift and without direction. Even a bizarre cameo by Poison Ivy (among others) can`t get our darling little nut job out of her funk — but maybe a new job will? Enter Two-Face and a wild kidnapping scheme which only gets stranger as the job unravels! And if that weren`t enough, a familiar face is now hunting for Harley, and the Penguin drops by for a visit!
-The cover can be found here: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Miscellaneous/BatmanMiscellaneous226292.jpg
-The third issue of HARLEY QUINN features an all-girl slumber party. Oh, Ivy’s gonna be very happy about this.
The cover can be found here:
http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Comics/News/ComicNews232646.JPG
-Volume 4 of NML will be out December 20, 2000.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/19/BNoMansLndTP4.jpg
*The following 7 issues are all a part of DC’s ” This Issue: BATMAN DIES!” promotion for December. (That’s right! Batman dies in every one of the following issues in some way.)
-Bane appears in BIRDS OF PREY #26
-Two-Face and Montoya are again the focus of DETECTIVE COMICS #753.
-The Joker appears in ROBIN #85.
-Mr. Zsasz appears in GOTHAM KNIGHTS #12.
-Catwoman appears in NIGHTWING #52.
-Batman’s war against the Penguin continues in BATMAN #586.
-Cain re-appears in BATGIRL #11.
-ROBIN: YEAR ONE #2
On sale November 29. Robin squares off against the Mothman, the original Blockbuster, and Two-Face – all while trying to live the life of a normal teenager. When duty gets in the way of blooming romance, Dick at last learns the impossible cost he must pay to be a champion of good.
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Miscellaneous/BatmanMiscellaneous226294.jpg
-ROBIN: YEAR ONE #3
Robin’s first battle with Mr. Freeze.
MOVIES
-The release date for RETURN OF THE JOKER has been PUSHED BACK to December 12th, 2000. Why?
Undoubtedly, this was done with the idea that they’d sell more during the holiday season. Perhaps, but come on…this just isn’t fair, especially after all the work everyone did to bring it out WAY AHEAD of the original planned date (from November 7 to October 24). This all comes from Stan Berkowitz himself, and the folks at Amazon.com.
-BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER SOUNDTRACK (courtesy of ComicsContinuum) Blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is providing the lead song to the soundtrack of BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER. “Kenny Wayne Shepherd was an interesting experiment because his style, being more traditional blues, is a little bit further from the total head-banging heavy metal that we do for the show,” said Batman Beyond composer Kristopher Carter.
“So for the main title that he’s going to be playing on, we just made a new hybrid where we’ll have the orchestra, we’ll have the heavy metal, we’ll have the techno sound that we’ve had with the show, and then Kenny’s very unique blues voice on the top of it.”
“The Batman people called me and asked me to do the title track, the theme song I guess, to the new movie,” Shepherd said. “I’ve been a big Batman fan most of life, and I’m pretty
excited. That’s going to be the first piece of music people hear when the movie comes on. and it’s going to be my guitar. That’s really exciting because the beginning scene is usually what does set the mood for the movie and that’s when you have their most undivided attention.”
Also contributing to the soundtrack for the movie are Mephisto Odyssey and Static X.
“Batman Beyond was seen as an updating of the whole Batman legend,” Carter said. “And musically we wanted to try something different, too.”
-RETURN OF THE JOKER INTERVIEW WITH WILL FRIEDLE (courtesy of ComicsContinuum)
“You do learn a little bit about what happens to one of the Robins,” Friedle hinted in a preview tape for Return of the Joker that was distributed by Warner Home Video as part of a press kit, which also contained two new images from the film.
“For Batman fans, this doesn’t necessarily tie up a bunch of loose ends, but it incorporates so much of the old show and the Batman legend, that it’s a fantastic movie,” Friedle said. “It kind of ties everything together in such an interesting way, with the past and the future, and old villains meeting new villains and old heroes meeting new heroes. I remember reading the script and jumping up and down. It’s fantastic.”
“There is a huge plot point that is revealed,” said Kevin Conroy, the voice of Bruce Wayne.
“I never suspected that this is the way it was going to evolve. I don’t think any of us did.
It’s fascinating. It’s a really interesting concept, and I think the fans are going to love it.”
Friedle called voice recording “an incredibly interesting process.”
“The main thing that gets me psyched up to do it is the fact that I get to say that I’m Batman, which is just the coolest thing in the world,” Friedle said. “Talk about helping you get dates. It’s like, ‘I’m Batman.'”
-For NEW pics from RETURN OF THE JOKER, check here:
*Video cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/25/bbtape.htm
*Batman fights “Ghoul”: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/25/bb1.htm
*Batman in cloud of smoke: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/25/bb2.htm
-Mad Stan also makes an appearance in RETURN OF THE JOKER.
-CINESCAPE reports some BIG OFFICIAL BATMAN 5 NEWS!!!
After months of rumors, Darren Aronofsky has officially been tapped to direct the fifth Batman movie…and it will be an adaptation of BATMAN: YEAR ONE. According to Variety, besides Aronofsky, acclaimed writer-artist Frank Miller, writer of the Batman: Year One mini-series, has come on board the developing project to craft the coming film’s script with Aronofsky. Miller also created BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS and is currently working in its sequel.
As the title suggests, BATMAN: YEAR ONE tells the story of Bruce Wayne’s first year in the cape and cowl. The story also provides us glimpses of a young police Lieutenant named James Gordon in his first encounters with the Bat (regardless of how it was presented in Tim Burton’s Batman) as well as an interesting, different approach to Catwoman. One would hope that by adapting Year One, the series would be relaunched with a clean slate, thus allowing the use of other previously used, perhaps abused (and killed off), members of Batman’s rogues gallery, including the Joker, the Penguin, and Two-Face.
In addition, the trade reports that producer Eric Watson, who did his duties for Aronofsky’s PI and REQUIEM, may jump on Batman 5 as well.
Previously, rumors were flying that suggested that BATMAN 5 might not happen for quite some time due to the impending writer and actor strikes scheduled for summer 2001.
What is most surprising about this situation is that WB currently has another Batman movie in the works, BATMAN BEYOND, under the direction of Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans). Certainly, WB won’t put both films out in the same year, so it will be interesting to see how the studio schedules each of the films.
Aronofsky has also flatly stated that his meetings with Brad Pitt were NOT with regards to BATMAN 5.
-The sixth GOTHAM GIRLS webisode (featuring Catwoman) can be found at
http://www.gothamgirls.com
-Exciting sounds from BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER will be available in October on the Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker soundtrack, featuring a hot single from debut Warner recording act Mephisto Odyssey (featuring platinum act Static X). Guitar wonder Kenny Wayne Shepherd also appears on the soundtrack. Additionally, a music video for the song “Crash,” the first single from the soundtrack, will be running on music-video outlets beginning in October.” -The Batman Beyond website (www.batmanbeyond.com) will be adding interactive features that include a 10-minute “Return of the Joker” preview Webcast, a soundtrack sampler, a clip from the music video, interactive arcade games, character biographies, weekly contests and sweepstakes for chances to win great prizes, questions for the creators, chat events and much more. (all the previous movie info was taken from Alan J. Porter’s “Gotham Weekly News” newsletter)
-Director BOAZ YAKIN says this about his take on the BATMAN BEYOND feature: When asked if he can avoid the cliches of previous comic book films, Yakin answered, “Just because the characters are familiar and mainstream doesn’t mean we need to follow a traditional, generic arc with them. Everything I do I hope is really sophisticated, so this will not stop here.”
-YAKIN will also be co-writing the script and making it far more intense and more adult-oriented than ANY of the previous Bat-movies. At least that’s his intention.
-Considering that one of the RETURN OF THE JOKER action figures is entitled “Arkham Assault Joker”, it looks like the Joker…well…assaults Arkham Asylum at some point in the movie.
(Some titles of the tracks on the soundtrack seem to indicate this, too.)
-SUPERMAN 5 is back on track again? Apparently Brad Siberling (“City of Angels”) is directing, Russel Crowe is being eyed for the role of Superman, and Kevin Smith’s original script may be used after all.
LIVE ACTION TELEVISION
-Remember the BRUCE WAYNE television series? You can read a review of the pilot script by following the link provided. Note: Chances are that this won’t be made for quite some time, if at all.
http://filmforce.ign.com/news/1391.html
-The WB Network has just ordered 13 episodes of a pre-Superman ‘CLARK KENT’ series; they sure jumped on that one quick! ‘BRUCE WAYNE’ has been in production for months and it looks like they’ve cancelled it! 🙁
-To view anything regarding the Batman ONSTAR commercials, go here:
http://www.onstar.com
-Four online, interactive comic books (featuring Batman, the Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face, Alfred, and Commissioner Gordon) can also be found at the OnStar site.
-It looks like a fifth webisode featuring the Riddler will be coming soon.
-Check out http://www.fandom.com/batman for downloadable versions of the ONSTAR commercials if the official ONSTAR site is not being cooperative with your PC. Two of the commercials can also be found at http://www.adcritic.com – just search for “Batman”.
TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-Ubi Soft Entertainment and Kemco are teaming to publish Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker on the PlayStation game console, Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64 in North America. The games will also be published in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia under the name Batman of the Future: Return of The Joker.
-DC Direct has announced a new Batgirl statue is due in stores next April. Sculpted by Barsom Manashain the statue is Inspired by the animated-style cover to Batman & Robin Adventures #21 by Ty Templeton. This striking statue of Barbara Gordon, Batgirl, sits atop a Bat-Signal and measures 7 inches tall and 3.5 inches deep. Cost is $99.95 and ships on April 25. A photo of the statue can be found at the following:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/19/BatgirlStatue.htm
-TOYS R US may be producing an “Arkham Asylum four-pack”, featuring repaints of Batman, Two-Face, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy. Will the two femmes have new figures to correspond with their new designs? Thanks to the JokerInc newsletter for that newsbyte.
-I snagged some pictures of four of the upcoming RETURN OF THE JOKER action figures. Have a look!
GOTHAM KNIGHT BATMAN
http://images.honesty.com/cgi-bin/honesty-image/12309796/newbatman.jpg
ARKHAM ASSAULT JOKER
http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/bin/viewimage.x/000c8bb9/jamil/Mvc094s.jpg
GOTHAM DEFENDER BATMAN
http://imagehoset.auctionwatch.com/bin/imageserver.x/000cdbf1/toysexpo/BatBeyondJoke_a.jpg
RAPID SWITCH BRUCE WAYNE
http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/bin/imageserver.x/000d1497/toysexpo/RetJok_BruceWayne_a.jpg
-THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES will be available for Game Boy by Christmas 2000.
-Looking for a Batman-related costume this Hallowe’en? E-mail CowardlyLot@aol.com and put in a request! Go to http://www.fandom.com/batman/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=225572 for details
and great sample pics!
SPECIAL NOTE
For more BATMAN, SUPERMAN, AND BEYOND news throughout the week, check out the WORLD’S FINEST NEWS PAGE at:
http://www.geocities.com/bbeyond/news.html
____________________________________________________________________
FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
(feel free to submit your own for our consideration)
BATMAN NET
http://batman.fanhosts.com
Batman Net offers daily coverage of all the Batman Universe, from comics to animation and movies. If that’s not enough, try playing our Bat-Games or converse with other fans of the Dark Knight on Batman Net’s Interactive Message Boards. All this and more is just a bat-click away!
(Written by “Viceroy-Batman”)
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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
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/
GOTHAM GIRLS
http://www.gothamgirls.com
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIVE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
KID’S WB
http://www.kidswb.com
DC COMICS
http://www.dccomics.com
KTLA KIDS WB SCHEDULES
http://www.ktla.com/backstage/programming/KIDSWB.htm
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
THE DISCUSSION CENTER (same as above)
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Taping/2928/boards.htm
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
BRUCE TIMM ARCHIVE SITE
http://www.eurocompton.net/brucetimm
BATMAN ANIMATED: THE UNOFFICIAL FAN CLUB & FANZINE
http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk/club/
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.harley-quinn.com
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
ANIMATED STYLE ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://hjem.get2net.dk/twt/asaa/home.html
BATMAN CEL SITE
http://animation.acmecity.com/carbon/111
DARK JUSTICE
http://www.mania.com.au/~grahark/darkjustice/
ROGUE AVENUE, GOTHAM
http://www.ultros.com/rogue_avenue
THE BATMAN BEYOND INFO PAGE
http://www.rogue-spear.com/BB
THE VAULT
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Animation/Voice_Actors
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@dccnet.com
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 article, 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 archive contains 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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For those of you who are seeing this at the WBC HOMEPAGE BTAN ARCHIVES section and want to subscribe, just follow these simple instructions:
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For more information about the newsletter just email juno@dccnet.com Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading! Tell your friends!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
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TO ALL GOOD THINGS…
…there must be an end. We would like to thank the endless amount of contributors for contributing their editorials, columns, news, jokes, reviews and other articles. We hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it! Thank you for reading! See ya next time!
CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
EDITOR AT COLLEGE, NOT IN A DORM: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITOR AT COLLEGE, BUT IN A DORM: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz, RiddlerWB (at the official BTAS/STAS site), and YTV.com
EPISODE REVIEWS: Zanna/Justin Chen, and occasionally Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITORIAL: Help Wanted
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, Dick Grayson
NO MAN’S ISLAND: SURVIVAL IN GOTHAM: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
MERCHANDISE REVIEW: Various
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: 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
THE CREATION OF THIS NEWSLETTER INSPIRED BY: Alan J. Porter
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (who else?)
Batman and all related indicia are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 2000.
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