Subject: Batman: The Animated Newsletter #11
Date: Sunday, November 29, 1998 4:56 PM
Weeks of Nov 30 – Dec 4/5, Dec 6 – 11/12
Volume 1,
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APOLOGY (Tim TWO-FACE L.)
I apologize to not getting the previous issue of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter” on time for November 15. We were having computer problems and could not do a single thing to get one out on time. Thank you for all the loyal subscribers that e-mailed us, concerned about what was going on.
Thank you for your support! So here is the newest issue of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Enjoy!
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
(by Tim TWO-FACE L.)
D.A. HARVEY DENT AND THE DARK KNIGHT BATTLE NET-CRIME
Important notice! A while ago, our newsletter was experiencing problems, because someone had taken parts of our mailing lists and was sending unsavory messages to many of our long-time readers. Then, they began impersonating at least 150 of you – many of you have been mailed about this, if you were impersonated. I’ve been busy piecing the facts together to figure out who was capable of such inhumane atrocities.
I have recently discovered that all these impersonated messages have originated from the following e-mail address:
mike.savva@mail.virgin.net
All of these messages have been passed through the mail server at Virgin, newmail.virgin.net, and all of them have the following IP address:
194.168.54.44
Some of our fellow subscribers who have been impersonated have e-mailed the people at http://www.virgin.net to complain about this pathetic little nuisance.
Mr. Mike Savva is also known to use these addresses, some of which are on the newsletter mailing list:
blue10@thepentagon.com
mike11@mindless.com
ms9@usa.net
inv912@yahoo.com
With the last address, he pretends to be a female net-police-officer, and has been since May of 1998. They were trying to blackmail me to get rid of both my homepage AND this newsletter, both of which I did not and will never do.
If you have received any e-mails from this person I advise you to just ignore them. They are most likely filled with pointless crud and should not be dignified by intelligent people like yourself reading them.
If you have any complaints, feel free to e-mail us at “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”, e-mail the people at http://www.virgin.net, or e-mail Mr. Savva directly.
There are a number of other people who are a part of this net-threat, such as the people who use the following e-mail address: rebel@comports.com and chaffey@hotmail.com – but at least they have the courage to use their real name.
A certain “Mysterio” has also been connected to this mess by hacking into the e-mail addresses of one of our fellow subscribers and impersonating MYSELF to hurt that subscriber. “Mysterio” can be reached at the following e-mail address: mysterio@technologist.com
Now, I don’t want to start a lynch mob here – well, I DO, but that wouldn’t be very professional of myself, but I do suggest that if you feel strongly enough about this situation, e-mail the people at their respective addresses and complain.
I’m sorry that this is a bad start to our newsletter, but this is important and I thought this stuff should be said, so it won’t be happening again.
Thank you for your time.
Tim “TWO-FACE” L.
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to yet another bi-weekly installment of “BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER”! *APPLAUSE* This newsletter contains all sorts of information pertaining to “Batman: The Animated Series”, such as rumors, news, reviews, jokes, trivia, and more! And, just to balance it out, “Superman” has been included! Sit back and enjoy!
HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
The five-time Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992, running weekdays on the FOX network. 65 episodes later, season two began in 1994, airing only on Saturday, adding only 15 new episodes to the roster.
A year later, BTAS was re-introduced to the FOX weekday line-up. All the original episodes were brought back this time, as well as 5 new episodes, leaving the episode count at 85 in September of 1995. The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn’t go on – but it was an excellent run. In 1997, BTAS was pulled from the FOX network. Was BTAS dead?
We were all proven wrong.
NEW episodes began airing bright and early on the morning of September 13th, 1997, on the WB network. Two years (less two days) after BTAS ceased production, it was reborn.
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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
In the fall of 1996, the creators of BTAS moved on and produced an animated version of the Man of Steel. The first season was made up of a mere 13 episodes, and while the show did not blow away audiences like BTAS did, “Superman” (STAS) still managed a fair amount of success. In it’s second season, it was teamed up with BTAS on the WB, making the full hour block of “Heavy Duty Dubbas” episodes a sure-fire winner. In fact, the series involved a three-part crossover with Batman, and has three more crossovers planned in the future. In 1997, the series won an “Outstanding Special Class Program” Emmy, which it shared with BTAS. The series is moving strong and gaining even more steam as it blasts into Season Three…
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IN MEMORY
About a month ago, on Nov. 3, 1998, Bob Kane, creator of Batman, died at the age of 83. Details about his death are still unknown. When Bob created Batman in 1939 for DC Comics, I bet he had no idea how popular his creation would become.
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES
So, you’re a new subscriber and wish to see back issues of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”? Well, fear not, for a great friend of mine has offered to hold back issues of our newsletter at her site, for all to enjoy! Christmas has come early (and in bi-weekly installments) this year! The site is called “The Warner Bros. Club” and features an amazing amount of WB related games and information! For all you wanting to catch up, or look back, here is the URL:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc
The Warner Bros. Club site is also part of a much bigger site. The site is called TOON ZONE and contains three more WB related sites: Brian Cruz’s WB Cartoon Page, Colin’s WB schedule page, and the WB Comic Zone. The sites have been updated and somewhat revamped! Do you wanna see the people behind it? There’s also a site for that as well. This isn’t an official WB page but it’s so good, might as well be! There’s even a chat room and a great message board! If you’re looking for anything WB related check out this site! Definitely worth bookmarking!
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
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NEW EPISODE(S)
This section will just basically give an insight into what the new episodes are about and hopefully a synopsis of the episode. This section will feature both new Superman and new Batman episodes.
‘BATMAN BEYOND PREMIERE’
Batman Beyond #1, 2
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
The premiere of the new series! See what made Bruce Wayne give up the cowl, and how a teenager in futuristic Gotham City became Batman for the 21st century. This is a two-parter, for sure.
‘MAD LOVE’
Batman #106???
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
An adaptation of the award-winning Dini/Timm comic, featuring Harley Quinn’s origin. Joker appears as well, of course, with Two-Face, Riddler, and Killer Croc (instead of Penguin) making cameos. There is still no definite word on whether this is a one-parter or two-parter. We’ll have to wait and see.
‘RISE OF THE DEMON’
Superman #??
Air date: Jan. 16, 1999
Batman and Superman team-up for the third and final time, this time to take on the likes of Ra’s Al Ghul, who holds another twisted plot to return its globe to its natural state. Will it be a 3-parter as originally planned?
Hopefully!
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
The New Batman/Superman Adventures last this past year with high ratings and critical success! KidsWB airs the show Monday through Friday from 4-5 pm (eastern time) and now in a 90 minute block on weekends starting at 8:30am (eastern time). The time may vary for the various WB affiliates across Canada and the U.S. The schedule is set to change again in September or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for upcoming information!
THIS WEEK:
Mon 11-30-98: Superman #05 A Little Piece of Home
Batman #081 Harley’s Holiday
Tue 12-01-98: Batman #082 Lock-Up
Superman #31 Prototype
Wed 12-02-98: Superman #21 Mxyzpixilated
Batman #077 The Lion & The Unicorn
Thu 12-03-98: Batman #087 Sins of the Father
Superman #13 Two’s a Crowd
Fri 12-04-98: Batman #105 Girls’ Night Out
Superman #25 Brave New Metropolis
Sat 12-05-98: Superman #33 Apokolips… Now! – Part 1
Superman #35 Apokolips… Now! – Part 2
Batman #104 Legends of the Dark Knight
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 12-07-98: Batman #070 House and Garden
Superman #16 Action Figures
Tue 12-08-98: Superman #28 Father’s Day
Batman #079 Riddler’s Reform
Wed 12-09-98: Batman #094 Love is a Croc
Superman #12 Tools of the Trade
Thu 12-10-98: Superman #42 Where There’s Smoke
Batman #046 Almost Got ‘Im
Fri 12-11-98: Batman #102 Old Wounds
Superman #06 The Way of All Flesh
Sat 12-12-98: Superman #04 Fun and Games
Batman #086 Holiday Knights
Superman #45 Knight Time
Note: All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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EPISODE OF THE WEEK:
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
This section lets me tell you about my favorite rerun airing this week! You are not to miss this episode at all cost! Tape it if possible! All Batman and Superman episodes which have at least been shown once are eligible – but try to catch the new episodes if you can!
THIS WEEK:
This week is filled with goodies. The best of the batch is the Superman two-parter, “Apokalips…Now!”, but his “Little Piece of Home” and “Brave New Metropolis”, as well as Batman’s “Harley’s Holiday” and “Legends of the Dark Knight”. You’ll love this week!
NEXT WEEK:
Just like the week previous to this, the entire week is filled with great episodes! If you catch any of them, you’ll be thoroughly satisfied.
THIS WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Batman
THE LION AND THE UNICORN (#77)
This episode starts out OK, but as soon as Red Claw enters the story, it all goes downhill. The only redeeming value is that Alfred’s character is finally given some depth and history.
Airs Dec. 2, 1998
NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Two episodes this week are bombs. Superman’s “Father’s Day” is OK, but is all action-based, so the father-motif of the episode is never given the chance to shine. Batman’s “Holiday Knights” isn’t awful either, but the story is very rushed, and the sound is terrible; the choppy, vignette type of storytelling does not do the comic from which it is adapted justice.
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)
It seems that about every month or so the schedule for Batman changes again! So please be patient. We may not be able to get the new episode schedule up in time but here’s the most current schedule for Batman: TAS on CARTOON NETWORK: It airs Monday thru Friday at 6 & 6:30pm and a midnight repeat (of the 6pm episode) Monday thru Thursday. We’ll note of any change.
Mon 11-30-98: #04 The Last Laugh
#05 Pretty Poison
Tue 12-01-98: #06 The Underdwellers
#07 P.O.V.
Wed 12-02-98: #08 The Forgotten
#09 Be A Clown
Thu 12-03-98: #11 It’s Never Too Late
#12 I’ve Got Batman in My Basement
Fri 12-04-98: #15 See No Evil
#19 Prophecy of Doom
Mon 12-07-98: #10 Two-Face (Pt. 1)
Episode schedules for the Cartoon Network for any later dates were unavailable at the time of mailing this newsletter. Expect the episodes to air in episode-number order, more or less, though.
NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won’t be airing on KidsWB for quite some time! If you want to complete your collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just some friendly advice.
NOTE #2: Starting Monday December 7th, the Cartoon Network will only show one Batman episode on weekdays, at 6:00 PM Eastern/Pacific.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Bob Evatt)
Mr. Evatt is an experienced reviewer of the new BTAS episodes and has much of his work shown at the Lazarus Pit website, and is now contributing to this newsletter! His other reviews can be reached via this link:
http://effect.net.au/allan/lazarus-pit
NOTE: Mr. Evatt was unable to supply a review for this newsletter so Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton is filling in for him.
CHEMISTRY (***1/2)
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Butch Lukic
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: Oct. 24, 1998
JUDGMENT DAY
Written by Rich Fogel & Alan Burnett
Directed by Curt Geda
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: October 31, 1998
My rating: ****1/2
A new vigilante is in Gotham, and has sent the Riddler back to Arkham, the Penguin to the hospital in critical condition, and, if it weren’t for Batman interfering, would have killed Killer Croc by tossing him off the Gotham Gate Bridge. Now, he’s after Two-Face.
Cool story huh? Much like in “Lock-Up”, this episode introduces a new character who takes the law into his own hands, but goes too far. The new vigilante is known only as the Judge, a very Phantasm-esque character with a low booming voice, and dark, shadowy clothing; the only difference is that this person wears a judge’s white curled wig and carries a large wooden hammer or sword instead of a scythe.
We learn that a shifty politician at City Hall is using the Judge, much like how Commissioner Gordon uses Batman to rid the city of crime. Two-Face learns of this person’s involvement with the judge, who had already booby-trapped his hideout and turned it into a lethal gas chamber, and demands information, before setting off to kill him.
Only in the final scenes do we see who the Judge really is.
This episode was nothing short of incredible. No one knew this was coming, and it is easily head and shoulders above the other best episodes of the season, “Old Wounds” and “Legends of the Dark Knight”. In fact, the only new-style episode which tops it is last year’s controversial “Over the Edge”.
There are many good things in this episode. We get to see Batman work solo again, seeing someone finally come down hard on the Penguin was nice, and seeing how Penguin treats his “customers” was rather interesting – he respects Two-Face’s intelligence and considers Killer Croc to be rather…well…a dim bulb.
The sleazy politician which uses the judge to give himself a better public image was nice, and the Judge’s brutality was welcomed with open arms. Dong Yang’s animation was surprisingly excellent here, and they even added some CGI work in the final battle. Seeing Alan Burnett return to writing was a wonderful surprise, too. The best thing, in my opinion, was that we finally get to see Two-Face as the center of attention. Not since “Second Chance” has there been an episode that delves into his psyche like this. The scenes of where Batman and Two-Face actually work together to save themselves in the gas chamber were great – even though, once safe, Two-Face beat the crap outta Batman and took off. Even just visually speaking, Two-Face looks a lot better here than he did in “Sins of the Father”.
In the final scene, we learn that Two-Face is the Judge. In fact, his good side has split into two personalities, and the extreme-good side, completely separate from the other two, has taken a vow to clean up crime in Gotham by whatever means necessary. (Remember, prior to his transformation, Harvey Dent was part of the judicial system, as District Attorney – so it was his crime-fightin’ blood in the works here.) It’s shocking to see what this suggests…if Two-Face can kill Killer Croc with his bare hands, does he qualify as the third-toughest man in Gotham (behind only Batman and Bane, of course)?
The only bad point was the Riddler’s tiny one-line cameo. Sure, he was only a back-up character, but all these cameos are taunting me – because I really wanted to see a Riddler episode this season.
I’m surprised this episode wrapped up so well in just 19.5 minutes! But it did!
This is all just a tip of the ice burg. The episode is great, and you’ll love it, guaranteed. It’s a mix of action, drama, and mystery, and wraps up perfectly with a really cool shot of Two-Face going crazy in his cell at Arkham.
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EDITORIAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
Unfortunately, Ms. Hysert’s internet-access has been temporarily cut back, and she is also terribly busy with school work, but she will return for the next issue with another editorial about nothing (very Seinfeld-ish, huh?).
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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. Some are easy, some are not. Now have fun – let’s see how well you do! Answers are provided beneath the “Animated Batman/Superman Sites” section.
41. In which BTAS or STAS episode do we see Gothamites purchasing “Bat-merchandise”?
A: “CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER”
B: “FUN AND GAMES”
C: “BE A CLOWN”
D: “I AM THE NIGHT”
E: “RIDDLER’S REFORM”
42. In which episode does the Ventriloquist have a conversation with the Penguin?
A: “TRIAL”
B: “CATWALK”
C: “READ MY LIPS”
D: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
E: “THE ULTIMATE THRILL”
43. In which episode is Clayface verbally mentioned, but not have any lines?
A: “GROWING PAINS”
B: “HOLIDAY KNIGHTS”
C: “THE WORRY MEN”
D: “BATGIRL RETURNS”
E: “BIG, SCARY, MUDDY-FACE”
44. Which is the only episode Mr. Freeze appears in, but doesn’t have any lines?
A: “HOLIDAY KNIGHTS”
B: “THE WORRY MEN”
C: “DEEP FREEZE”
D: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
E: “JUDGEMENT DAY”
45. Which episode contains the most sexually explicit scenes on BTAS (according to popular belief)?
A: “PRETTY POISON”
B: “THE CAT AND THE CLAW (Pt. 2)”
C: “BEWARE THE CREEPER”
D: “HARLEY & IVY”
E: “HOUSE AND GARDEN”
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LITTLE FACTS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Here is a section that just points out various little facts that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!
CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
1) We’re not sure, but we think that John Glover (voice of the Riddler) did the voice of the councilman that worked alongside the Judge in “Judgement Day”. And that councilman sure seemed a lot like Arthur Reeves, didn’t he?
2) It looks like a new animation company has been added to the BTAS/STAS roster! Now joining TMS, Dong Yang, AKOM, Sunrise, Junio, and the rest, is the new animation company, JADE. This company was responsible for the most recent Superman episode, “Little Big Head Man”.
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS
MOVIES
-Also it looks like BATMAN:THE ANIMATED MOVIE #3 is a definite YES!(woohoo!) – Boyd Kirkland says that there are no potential plot outlines available just yet.
-“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” will likely air on Kids WB sometime this season – no exact date has been given, yet.
COMICS/BOOKS
– BATMAN: ANIMATED, Written by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd, was due to hit stores back on Sept. 23, but, alas, is not on schedule. It will now be released on December 1, 1998. Reserve your copy NOW!
– Sadly, it looks like writer/cover artist TY TEMPLETON will be leaving
“Gotham Adventures” after , do to editorial conflicts. NOOOO!!!!! He’s the best!
– Here is what’s coming up in the future for “Gotham Adventures”, by the way:
– #10 – Harley writes a tell-all book about the Joker. Features Robin and Nightwing, too.
– #11 – Batman and Nightwing VS. the Riddler, who is leaving clues to the crimes of OTHER villains. What the?
– #12 – Batman VS. Two-Face BS. The Judge
– #13 or 14 – a continuation of .
– Rumors still seem to be flying about the Spoiler becoming Batgirl #2…but now with her baby? Hmmm…
– As for other “No Man’s Land” rumors, here’s what’s in store:
– Batman is missing for the first three months. Nightwing stays in Bludhaven. Robin leaves town with his father. The new Batgirl appears immediately. Gordon, Bullock, and Oracle appear to be staying. Azrael also becomes a more intricate part of the team. Huntress is also stickin’ around. Alfred most likely stays, too. The JLA won’t appear, and we’re going to see why. As for Spoiler…hmmm?
– Villains aplenty. Catwoman and Riddler abandon Gotham. Mr. Freeze seizes control of the power plant. The Scarecrow has a field day tormenting Huntress. Bane tries to gain control of the city – again. Penguin and Two-Face have major roles, but no details are given. The Joker doesn’t appear until close to the end, along with the new, improved Harley Quinn – whom will appear in civilian form mid-way through the crossover.
Other villain heavyweights like Poison Ivy, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Firefly, and Ra’s Al Ghul will have roles as well, most likely, but no details are given for them, either.
ANIMATED SERIES’
– Three episodes of BTAS (#110-112?) are being held back for the summer of ’99.
After that, there may be no new BTAS OR STAS episodes for quite some time, depending on how much in demand “Batman Beyond” is at that time.
– Plus some BATMAN BEYOND news…
aside from findin’ out what happened to Tim Drake and Dick Grayson it is very possible that we’ll be introduced to Ra’s Al Ghul and SUPERMAN(!) in the second season!
-Sadly, it looks like “Batman Beyond” will be delayed again; it won’t be premiering until January 16, 1999.
– WB feels that “Batman Beyond” will be a huge success, so they’ve already planned 13 episodes for the series’ second season.
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OTHER BATMAN RELATED NEWS
Movie News
-Brendan Frasier (who played George in “George of the Jungle”) is the latest name being tossed around for playing Batman in the next live-action movie. George Clooney is still tied to the project, so unless we hear he’s been let go (which would be BIG news), he’s still the front-runner for the role, again.
-I also recently heard that Patrick Swayze is being considered to play a gruffer Batman in a future film…but is it true? I just watched “Black Dog” (pitiful movie, IMHO), but I think he COULD pull it off, if need be. We’ll see. This could just be more fan-dreams…we’ll see…we’ll see…
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
“JOKIN’ AROUND WHILE GLIDIN’ AROUND ARKHAM, TWICE”
The second wave of The New Batman Adventures Figures features Wildcard Joker with Calling Card Cannon and Funny Guns. Get past the fact that the accessories are again asinine, and you still have a great figure. I love this figure. The colors are more vivid than ever, and the Joker is the personification of deadly acid. The sculpt rocks. His head is leaning forward ever so slightly, perfectly mimicking the posture of the character design. The card art, however, on the front is somewhat lacking.
I think his eyes maybe slightly too big. You should be able to find him in stores fairly easily now.
Ignoring Force Shield Nightwing, (a repaint dubbed “Gold Rush Nightwing” by one witty person on the net) we have Knight Glider Batman. Normally, I’d ignore the repaints, but he comes with a really kewl hang glider as seen in “The World’s Finest” three parter, and later in episodes “The Ultimate Thrill” and “Critters.” I haven’t bought this one, but he’s pretty ever present on the shelves with ‘ole Gold Rush, and Street Strike Batman.
Also, we have a deluxe Silver Defender Batman repaint, (I won’t bother) and the two-pack Arkham Escape featuring a kewl retro looking Batman and the new Two-Face, plus the Arkham Asylum gate and a straight jacket for Two-Face. An excellent figure! Two-Face’s sculpt is done really well, and this time, the light cyan color is actually the color that the character is rendered in the designs. This new design is sleeker and a lot more evil looking than his original figure. Plus, he comes with a machine gun and a handgun, which are some of the most detailed accessories I’ve ever seen, in the fact that they’re not monochromatic. The Batman figure is ok too, though he is posed in an odd running position.
Included is a stringed weapon for Batman. Another great thing is that this comes with an Arkham Asylum Gate, and a straight jacket for Two-Face. Kenner needs to make more like this pack, it was well worth my money! The card art was well done also. Where Batman is somewhat simplistic, Two-Face is pretty detailed and is drawn excellently!
Last in this wave, came a Knight Force four pack consisting of Batman, Batgirl, Nightwing , and Robin. All were from their first wave editions, with a more metallic paint job, and Batgirl was a repainted Wind Blitz Batgirl with TNBA colors. Batgirl has a dark blue metallic cape and cowl, and redder hair, plus yellow boots and gloves, a yellow in-lined cape, and a black suit instead of gray. The Nightwing figure is nice, because he features a darker blue metallic bird symbol. Robin is nearly identical to his original. Batman is the same, except the gray on his costume is silver. They came with nearly identical squeeze weapons. The packaging is also very nice. The back features drawings of all four characters as they appear in the cartoon, with a small blurb on each.
Next issue: Who knows? We’re up to date here! Stay tuned!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #8
TITLE: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: November 4, 1998 (Cover date is January)
RATING: ** (out of 5)
“No gun…?.”
“I know… but it’s a personality quirk. He’s got a thing about them.”
–A detective and Batgirl discussing Batman’s orders
SUMMARY: Batman and Batgirl are in Paris, France, to meet a detective there who has a lead on the League of Assassins. A member of it is hiding out in Paris, so they go and capture him. They arrive at an old monastery where they won’t be disturbed to try and get the location of the league’s headquarters from him, but he escapes. Batgirl hears a scream during her pursuit and sees the man cowering before a large shape in a cloak. He turns out to be an ex-policeman who was dying of cancer, so he attempted to recreate Clayface’s experiment on himself. A fire began as a result of the experiment, and the man was cooked into his form, so he can’t change it like Clayface. Idolizing Batman, he has become the defender of Paris. After the league member escapes again, he takes matters into his own hands a strangles the location out of him. Finally the man spills the truth, and the monster-guy reveals that he wouldn’t have killed the man; he was just making him think that he would.
COMMENTS: The art was well done in this issue (much more detailed than the actual series would be…). I also thought that it was nice that the Deadman issue (#6) was tied into this one.
CRITICISMS: This issue was pretty much pointless and a waste of time. Guy is captured; guy escapes; fight; guy is captured; guy escapes; fight, etc. I also didn’t care very much for the new character’s design, origin, or lack of a name.
BOTTOM LINE: There a better comics out there, unfortunately, than this one.
There has been a board put up for all the subscribers. With this board we can see what you subscribers think of the newsletter and what we can do to make it better for all subscribers. Here you can post about your favorite or least favorite columns or articles past & present. Please feel free to stop by. The URL is:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb205617
Check it out! You won’t regret it! It might be awhile before this section is updated but stay tuned!
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
KIDSWB!
http://www.kidswb.com
http://www.wbanimation.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://members.aol.com/bdavis2613/main.html
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
THE BATCOMPUTER
http://members.spree.com/batcomputer
BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO
http://www.warnerbros.com/subzero
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN F.A.Q. SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1216
THE BRUCE TIMM ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://home.rr.nycap.com/cataldo/timm.htm
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/harlequinhideaway
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (unofficial site)
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
These are some of the best BTAS sites on the web at this time. Most sites are updated or have been recently and all are up and running.
If you’ve watched Batman on WB there’s a fair chance you’ve watched Superman as well. This show has picked up 40% more viewers this past season thanx to Batman. This series is one of the most underrated shows on TV becuase it’s stuck under Batman’s (pun intended) shadow. There’s one website that treats it as its own show and its a damn good website! I recommend all who have seen this show to check out this site:
SUPERMAN:TAS
http://www.rain.org/~stas
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #41: ‘D’
Answer to #42: ‘B’
Answer to #43: ‘D’
Answer to #44: ‘B’
Answer to #45: ‘A & C’ (open to interpretation)
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CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
BATMAN and all related property is a registered trademark of DC Comics. Visit DC Comics website at:
http://www.dccomics.com
DC Comics is owned and operated by Warner Brothers. Visit their website at:
http://www.warnerbros.com
Kids’WB! is a part of Warner Brothers. Visit the Kids’ WB! site at:
http://www.kidswb.com
If I’ve left any out I’ll probably be sue and homeless within a year so please tell me.
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!
Now that this newsletter is archived at THE WBC HOMEPAGE, those who haven’t subscribed have been asking how to do so. Well here it is for those who would like to subscribe:
To subscription requests email juno@direct.ca and that’s all ya do. Just put ‘subscribe’ and your email address in the email message.
A little cash donation would be appreciated, but it’s not obligatory. (Dang!)
Also if you want to ask question about BATMAN/SUPERMAN or this newsletter then please send those as well! We will respond ASAP.
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton., editor
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TO ALL GOOD THINGS…
…there must be an end. We would like to thank the endless amount of contributors for contributing their editorials, columns, news, jokes, reviews and other articles. We hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it!
See ya next time!
CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
EDITOR: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton and “anonymous”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz
BTAS REVIEWS: Bob Evatt
EDITORIAL: Laura Hysert
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Brian Cruz, Brian Davis, Eileen Delgadillo
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-P Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: “anonymous”
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane (who else?)
All elements in this newsletter have been copyrighted (copywritten?) by DC Comics, 1998.
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REST IN PEACE, BOB.