123Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of August 26 to September 1, 2002
Volume 4, 9
Rated: PG (as with all other things Batman-related)
THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “Just one week…one week until new episodes…”
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TEN YEARS AND COUNTING
On September 5 of this year, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES will be celebrating its tenth anniversary of production. This ranges everywhere from the show itself to the comics based upon it to books, toys, video games, merchandising…everything started on this date.
As a way to celebrate, co-editor Dick Grayson has set up a page at his WORLD’S FINEST site where he has big things planned for this momentous occasion, including creator interviews, reviews, and a poll that will ultimately decide what the “best episode ever” is. (This was recently decided as being HEART OF ICE. Quel suprise.)
To check it out, go to this URL:
http://wf.toonzone.net/btas10.htm
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YOU’RE A DIEHARD BAT-FAN IF…
Hello fellow subcribers! As part of our celebration of the 10-year anniversary of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, we’d like to take your suggestions of what is a sure-fire sign of being a die-hard Bat-fan. Submit your ideas to us at juno@dccnet.com – in September we’ll be taking a sampling of the best (depending on the number we receive) and publishing them in that issue.
Here’s an example – they can be either simple and straightforward or someone creative:
YOU’RE A DIE-HARD BAT-FAN IF…
…you collect everything Batman-related, like comics, action figures, etc…
OR
…you get all giddy inside whenever you hear the word “Batman” or any of his cast of characters mentioned in any other movies or TV shows, even if it’s for a mere instant.
Get the idea? It’s pretty simple…so enjoy!
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EAGERLY ANTICIPATING…
New episodes are on the horizon! Here’s what we can expect in the near future…
INJUSTICE FOR ALL
Airdate: Part One – September 6, 2002
Airdate: Part Two – September 13, 2002
When Lex Luthor discovers that he has contracted an incurable case of Kryptonite poisoning, he blames the Man of Steel. Using his vast personal fortune, Luthor hires a team of the world’s most powerful super-villains to destroy Superman and the Justice League. He taps Joker, The Ultra-Humanite, Solomon Grundy, Shade, Star Sapphire, Cheetah and Copperhead to assist him in his diabolical efforts.
A KNIGHT OF SHADOWS
Airdate: Part One – September 20, 2002
Airdate: Part Two – September 27, 2002
Morgaine Le Fey is an ancient sorceress who is assisted by the Demon, Etrigan in her quest for the legendary Sorcerer’s Stone. The Justice League must stop Morgaine Le Fey before she captures this object that would give her the power to rule the world.
METAMORPHASIS
Airdate: Part One – October 4, 2002
Airdate: Part Two – October 11, 2002
Synopsis: Unknown
THE SAVAGE TIME
Aidate: Original Sept. 7, now delayed until December.
A ruthless, repressive dictator named Vandal Savage has seized control of a distant world. To restore life as they know it, the world’s greatest collection of superheroes must travel back in time and team up with Sgt. Rock and his military squadron, the Blackhawks. Together, they must re-fight a world war in order to stop Savage from taking power.”
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NEWS AND RUMORS
(see back issues for older info)
ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-To read a recent interview Toonzone conducted with JUSTICE LEAGUE writer Stan Berkowitz, go here:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46181
-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, JLA)
-The three-part JL episode THE SAVAGE TIME has been delayed, and will not air on September 7 as originally planned. It will air around December 7 as a tribute to war heroes, instead.
-Starting the second week of September, JUSTICE LEAGUE will be airing on YTV at 6:30pm on Mondays and 11:30am on Saturdays; both these timeslots will air the same episode.
-The Justice League will appear on the two-part STATIC SHOCK episode, “A League of Their Own”, this coming year. Also, another episode will feature Batman and a number of villains, this time set in Gotham City.
-The season two premiere for JUSTICE LEAGUE could be entitled “Twilight of the Gods”; this episode is expected to feature the long-awaited reappearance of Darkseid.
-Corey Burton is returning to reprise his role as Brainiac! He’ll appear in both the JLA episode of STATIC SHOCK, and a JUSTICE LEAGUE episode.
-JUSTICE LEAGUE is finally coming to Canada! Though the schedule isn’t finalized, we can tell you that YTV will start airing episodes this fall.
-Here are some more JUSTICE LEAGUE episode titles, coming soon in Season Two!
(2 pts) Tabula Rasa
(2 pts) Only a Dream (possible Dr. Destiny appearance)
(2 pts) Maid of Honor (re-appearance of Ra’s Al Ghul)
(2 pts) Hearts and Minds
(2 pts) A Better World
(2 pts) The Terror Beyond
ANIMATED COMICS
-Ty Templeton is returning for a fill-in issue of GOTHAM ADVENTURES; Dan Slott will be the writer, and Ty will be the artist. Little is known about this issue, but it will feature the Creeper.
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #53
In stores August 28. Gotham gets strangled by a super-plant whose roots run clear to the Batcave. It’s got Poison Ivy written all over it…but where is she? And has she uncovered the Dark Knight’s secret? Batman must track it – and her – deep into the Amazon jungle to find out.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/batman/bga53.gif
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #54
In stores September 25. As a crime spree unfolds, a writer tries to get into the minds of Batman and his quarry – and only gets in the way. Will the writer get the story he’s looking for, or will she become the story?
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #55
In stores October 30. Batman finds himself caught in a deadly quarrel between mobsters, each claiming the other kidnapped his wife. He’s got to help them out – or risk a full-fledged mob war.
Cover: http://news.toonzone.net/images/bga55.jpg
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #56
In stores November 27. A riddle is left for the Batman that seems…wrong somehow. Who’s stealing the Riddler’s schtick? And who’s going to get to the copycat first: Batman or a mad-as-heck Riddler?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/batman/bga56.gif
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #10
Superman is taken down in battle and the Martian Manhunter must replace him as a hero to millions. But does the shy, reserved alien have what it takes to inspire all of humanity?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/dcuniverse/jladvs10.jpg
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #12
You’ll want to grab a sweater and light a fire as Mr. Freeze, Captain Cold, Killer Frost and a chilling cabal of icy super-villains attempt a hostile takeover of a small African nation. Can the League stop them in time or will they be the first victims of the “Cold War?”
Cover: http://news.toonzone.net/images/jladvs12.jpg
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #13
In stores November 6. Introducing the character find of the year…All-Star! This normal girl from the suburbs may just have exactly what it takes to become the Justice League’s newest member…or it’s first casualty. Find out what it takes to be one of the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes in “Local Hero.”
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/dcuniverse/jladvs13.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #2 of 5
In stores September 11. Detective Renée Montoya, investigating the theft of a mysterious chemical compound, follows the deadly trail of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, while Ivy tries to convince Catwoman and Batgirl that they should cooperate with her!
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-09/batman/gothamgirls2.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #3 of 5
In stores October 16. Harley Quinn gets control of a chemical formula everyone wants, which means that nothing goes as planned – not even for her best pal Poison Ivy. And Detective Reneé Montoya is hot on everyone’s trail…
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/gg3-art.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #4 of 5
In stores November 20. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn think they’ve succeeded in stealing Ivy’s plant formula back from the chemical company that stole it first. But it’s good girls vs. bad girls as Detective Renee Montoya finally catches up to – and teams up with – Batgirl!
-For more animated comic updates, go here:
http://www.toonzone.net/
OTHER COMICS
-Jason Hall (writer of GOTHAM ADVENTURES) will be next working on a five-part BEWARE THE CREEPER miniseries, due out in Spring of 2003. He will also be writing an upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES issue.
-BATMAN #608, on shelves in October, kicks off the uninterrupted twelve-part storyline – written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Jim Lee. The actual plot is not known at this time, but here is a list of the people involved: Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, the Joker, Two-Face, Huntress, and Superman. It looks like another murder-mystery type deal, as seen in Loeb’s already-classic LONG HALLOWEEN and DARK VICTORY stories.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/batman608.jpg
-A hardcover version of THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN and another reprint of THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES BACK are due out on October 30.
-DETECTIVE COMICS #775 – Greg Rucka’s final (sniff) issue on DETECTIVE COMICS.
-DETECTIVE COMICS #773: A story featuring Sasha Bordeaux’s time in prison. Also featuring Cucilla (one of the many Jokerized LAST LAUGH villains).
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/batman/detective773.gif
-BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #33 & 34: Batman and Bane actually team up to destroy the last of the Lazarus Pits; then, in , Bane brings Batman some startling news about his father.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/bgk34.jpg
-CATWOMAN #12:
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/catwoman12.jpg
BATMAN “HUSH” TITLES (12 parts)
-Part 2: BATMAN #609
Lying near death, Batman must turn to the least likely person from the Bat family for help: the Huntress! Meanwhile, Catwoman continues to hunt down the mysterious individual responsible for wreaking havoc in their lives – a path that leads her back to Poison Ivy.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/batman/batman609.jpg
MOVIES
-ONSTAR is holding a contest where a winner gets to have a walk-on role in whatever the next Batman movie will be.
*BATMAN: YEAR ONE (BATMAN 5) NEWS:
-More confirmation on the 2004 release date of BATMAN: YEAR ONE. Darren Aronofsky’s next film, LAST MAN, is being filmed this summer, and YEAR ONE is likely his next project. This should start filming by mid-2003, aiming for a summer 2004 release date. Thanks to BATMAN-ON-FILM.com and the GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS for this tidbit!
*BATMAN BEYOND: LIVE ACTION NEWS:
-It looks like an independent movie is being made. Check out this link and see for yourself:
http://www.batinthesun.com/
*THE FOURTH ANIMATED BATMAN MOVIE
-No new news here. It probably won’t be another BATMAN BEYOND movie, though.
*CATWOMAN
-Don’t count on this one any time soon.
*BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN
-Variety has revealed that the Wolfgang Petersen’s much-rumoured BATMAN & SUPERMAN movie is the front runner for release in 2004. With the second installment of the SCOOBY-DOO franchise coming as well as HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN in 2004, it still leaves three slots open that year for some big budget spectacle movies. Here is what Variety reported:
“Batman and/or Superman”: It’s been five years since the poorly received “BATMAN & ROBIN,” and the WB now seems ready to take its superhero responsibilities seriously.
Last year, the studio brought Darren Aronofsky on board to develop “Batman: Year One” with creator Frank Stack. But the superhero project that has the greatest likelihood of moving forward, Horn now says, is “Batman & Superman,” in which the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight join forces against evil. Wolfgang Petersen is attached to produce, develop and possibly direct.
LIVE ACTION TELEVISION
(All of the SMALLVILLE and BIRDS OR PREY scoops are courtesy of GOTHAM CLOCK TOWER and the KRYPTONSITE.)
-Though it is remaining in the current timeslot on the WB, in Canada, SMALLVILLE will move from its Wednesday timeslot at 8pm to a Thursday timeslot at 7pm, also on GLOBAL.
-BIRDS OF PREY’S Dr. Harleen Quinzel has been recast; Mia Sara is taking up the role.
-To view another BIRDS OF PREY trailer, go here:
http://www.thewb.com/Popups/Trailers/0,8204,57999,00.html
-We have the premiere dates for SMALLVILLE and BIRDS OF PREY! They are:
SMALLVILLE – Tuesday, September 24
BIRDS OF PREY – Wednesday, October 9
EXCLUSIVE INTERNET ENDEAVOURS:
-Keep checking out gothamgirls.com for new episodes in the season long “who-dunnit” story that is currently unfolding.
-Check out the following website for what looks to be a cute Batman parody:
http://thumb.com/batthumb/
TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-Wanna see pics of the PUPPETS OF CRIME four-pack, featuring a brand new Ventriloquist/Scarface picture? Go here:
Pic #1: http://66.221.124.161/g/?dispsize=800&mode=view&album=DC+Comic+Toys%2FBatman+Puppets+Of+Crime&pic=box1.jpg
Pic #2: http://66.221.124.161/g/?dispsize=800&mode=view&album=DC+Comic+Toys%2FBatman+Puppets+Of+Crime&pic=back1.jpg
-MATTEL has just gained the rights to Batman, Superman, Justice League, and a handful of other WB properties. They will have exclusive rights to merchandising all the action figures (etc) around the world, excluding Asia. Mattel used to hold the rights to Batman, but Hasbro/Kenner has been in the driver’s seat from 1989 until now.
-DC Direct will be releasing an Aquaman maquette (in the same style as the other 7 JLA maquettes) in 2003.
-We can look forward to the PUPPETS OF CRIME four-pack, featuring Undercover Bruce Wayne, Nightwing, a repainted Killer Croc, and a brand-new Ventriloquist/Scarface figure! Apparently, they’re due out in mid-August. For pics, go to the following link. Thanks to Bill Curtis for the link!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1726242346
-For some JUSTICE LEAGUE pics, check out this post at the TOONZONE message boards:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=389739#post389739
SPECIAL NOTE:
For more BATMAN, SUPERMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, BATMAN BEYOND, and related stories and news, check out the WORLD’S FINEST NEWSPAGE at:
http://news.toonzone.net
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CARTOON NETWORK SCHEDULE
In coming months, the CARTOON NETWORK will have the ability to show all of the WB’s superhero series. Until these dates, only BATMAN BEYOND and JLA will be on the air. Here are the times all will be shown:
NOTE: Starting on September 7, BATMAN BEYOND is being removed indefinitely from the CARTOON NETWORK schedule.
JUSTICE LEAGUE SCHEDULE:
Fri 08-30-02 JLA The Brave and the Bold (Pt. 2)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA The Enemy Below (Pt. 1)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA The Enemy Below (Pt. 2)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA In Blackest Night (Pt. 2)
Sun 09-01-02 JLA Fury (Pt. 1)
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Fri 09-06-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1) <———NEW!!!!!
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Paradise Lost (Pt. 1)
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Paradise Lost (Pt. 2)
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1)
Sun 09-08-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1)
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Fri 09-13-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2) <———NEW!!!!!
Sat 09-14-02 JLA War World (Pt. 1)
Sat 09-14-02 JLA War World (Pt. 2)
Sat 09-14-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2)
Sun 09-15-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2)
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Sat 08-10-02 BTAS #33 The Laughing Fish
Sat 09-07-02 BTAS #34 Night of the Ninja
Sat 09-14-02 BTAS #35 Cat Scratch Fever
SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Sat 08-31-02 STAS #28 Father’s Day
Sat 09-07-02 STAS #29 The Hand of Fate
Sat 09-14-02 STAS #30 Bizarro’s World
FOR UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULES:
http://www.toonzone.net/shows/cnschedules/
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CANADIAN EPISODE SCHEDULE
(BATMAN on YTV – courtesy of our friends at YTV)
Why YTV airs BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES at 3:30am on weekdays, I don’t know, but hey, that’s the hand we’ve been dealt. Set your VCRs!
YTV also has the rights to all of the BATMAN BEYOND episodes, which will air every Saturday mornings at 10:00am, and then Saturday nights (or, technically, Sunday mornings) at 12:30am.
And, starting the second week of September, YTV will be airing JUSTICE LEAGUE. It will air at 6:30pm on Mondays and 11:30am on Saturdays; both of these timeslots will air the same episode.
http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/worldsfinestpage/epsched.htm
http://www.ytv.com/ytvguide
news.toonzone.net
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
THIS WEEK:
Mon 08-26-02: BTAS #38 Heart of Steel (Pt. 2)
Tue 08-27-02: BTAS #39 “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?”
Wed 08-28-02: BTAS #40 Joker’s Wild
Thu 08-29-02: BTAS #60 His Silicon Soul
Fri 08-30-02: BTAS #50 Off Balance
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 09-02-02: BTAS #???
Tue 09-03-02: BTAS #???
Wed 09-04-02: BTAS #???
Thu 09-05-02: BTAS #???
Fri 09-06-02: BTAS #???
THE FOLLOWING WEEK:
Mon 09-09-02: BTAS #???
Tue 09-10-02: BTAS #???
Wed 09-11-02: BTAS #???
Thu 09-12-02: BTAS #???
Fri 09-13-02: BTAS #???
BATMAN BEYOND:
THIS WEEK:
Sat 08-31-02: 10:00am #12 Disappearing Inque
Sun 09-01-02: 12:30am #04 Golem
Sat 09-07-02: 10:00am #13 Ascension
Sun 09-08-02: 12:30am #05 The Winning Edge
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILER ALERT!)
(by “Belle Book”)
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
“Two-Face (Pt. 1)”
Written by: Alan Burnett
Teleplay by: Randy Rogel
Directed by: Kevin Altieri
Animation by: TMS
Rating (out of 5 stars): *****
District Attorney Harvey Dent is running for re-election, but he might be fighting internal demons, if the nightmare he has before joining Commissioner Gordon for a sting against Rupert Thorne is any indication. Then he has two bouts of rage. Fortunately, he’s getting psychiatric help dealing with a personality called Big Bad Harv, but he wants to keep the fact a secret. Naturally, Thorne finds out, and tries to blackmail Dent. Batman goes to his friend’s aid, but disaster strikes, turning Dent’s world upside-down.
Generally speaking Batman villains are first introduced either when they’ve already embarked on their criminal lives (Catwoman, the Joker, the Penguin) or just as tensions are about to push them into their respective criminal life (the Mad Hatter, Clayface, the Riddler). Two-Face is one of the criminals whose internal tensions push into his life of crime, but he’s different from the others whom this happens to. One big reason is that he is Bruce Wayne’s best friend, and therefore Batman has a connection to him that he does not share with any of the others. Second, we see Harvey Dent before he becomes Two-Face in two other episodes — “On Leather Wings” and “Pretty Poison”.
The storyline itself is very good. We see Harvey’s efforts to fight his enraged “bad side”, at first by running away from Big Bad Harv in the nightmare, and then by trying to get help from a psychiatrist. We see how the pressures of re-election can bring Dent’s hidden demon to the surface. And we see how even Batman’s best efforts can’t stop this demon from becoming dominant, thanks to Thorne’s men. Despite the sadness, however, there are moments of humor, most notably in Commissioner Gordon’s remark about what’s going on inside the warehouse where Thorne’s men are hiding.
Characterizations are very good, as usual. Grace, introduced as Dent’s fiancee in this episode, begins her role of standing by Dent in this episode. She’s the one who tells Bruce that Dent’s getting help for his problems. Though her role isn’t too important here, it will become important in Part Two. More important (and more interesting, in a way) is Commissioner Gordon. He has the most humorous moment in the episode, when Thorne’s thugs are fighting Batman in the warehouse. When he and Dent see a pair of arms grab a thug and pull him back inside from a window, Gordon says, “Looks like they got a case of Bat-infestation.” Hee-hee. Too true. Finally, once the thugs had enough and gave up, Gordon’s reaction to seeing Batman on the roof reveals that he’s both aware of who helped capture the thugs, and humble enough to thank Batman.
Candace, Thorne’s secretary, isn’t a strong character, but she’s effective. She’s best at sneaking around, as her scene at the psychiatrist’s office indicates. Thorne is more interesting. He realizes that Dent’s a threat to him, and is determined to neutralize the threat, though less by driving him out of office than by getting the guy to submit to blackmail. He also shows an insight about Dent that applies (without his knowledge) to Batman as well, when he says about Dent, “The brighter the image, the darker the negative.” What he doesn’t realize is that Wayne, like Dent, is a bright image, while Batman (like Two-Face or Big Bad Harv) is the negative.
Speaking of Batman, we get more glimpses of his human side in this episode. He is clearly worried about Dent, and advises him to get professional help; when it turns out he already has, he’s clearly relieved. Then when he finds out that Dent’s in trouble, he does not hesitate to follow Dent, and plays a key role in the battle to come. Unfortunately, Batman’s deflecting a thug’s shot contributes to the eventual transformation of Dent into Two-Face, because the shot hits an electric generator, which sparks the explosion that destroys half of Dent’s face. A final note I should make is that Wayne tells Dent that if there’s one thing he knows, “it’s how to keep a secret.” Considering that he’s Batman, I’d definitely agree.
But this is Dent’s episode. Here we see the birth of a villain who tries to destroy Batman, but is unaware of how closely tied he is to the person he’s trying to destroy. This is the source of much irony, though the irony’s hardly amusing. At first, Dent is trying to contain his dark side, but the pressures of re-election are clearly getting to him. That is why he’s resorting to the psychiatrist. Unfortunately, Thorne discovers his secret, and helps to release Dent’s dark side by attempting to blackmail him. When Dent eventually is in the hospital, the scene where the doctor unwraps the bandages, only to discover the true severity of the injuries, reminds me in a way of the scene in the Batman movie where Jack Napier is about to discover that he’s the Joker. And just like Napier in the movie, Dent asks for a mirror, sees what he looks like, and goes off the deep end, especially after Grace faints. The physical scars have helped Big Bad Harv become dominant, and Two-Face has been born.
As an episode which shows us how a Batman villain is born, this is one of the best ones, and therefore I give it 5 stars.
Belle Book
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COMIC REVIEWS
(BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
WANTED: We still need a reviewer for JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES comics. Send me an e-mail at juno@dccnet.com if you’re a JUSTICE LEAGUE fan and you’d like to take a stab at it!
GOTHAM GIRLS
ISSUE: “Cat’s Paw” (#1 of 5)
WRITTEN BY: Paul Storrie
PENCILS: Jennifer Graves
INKS: J. Bone
ISSUED: August 14, 2002 (Cover date: Oct 02)
RATING: **** (out of 5)
Now this is what the animated comics are supposed to be like! Sure, I figured that the GOTHAM GIRLS miniseries would be a light-hearted romp, but hey, when light stories are written well, they’re just as good as the darker ones that Bat-fans tend to enjoy more. On that note, I’ll start with the story. The whole issue is basically one extended fight/chase sequence between Batgirl and Catwoman – not that that’s a bad thing. The drawings are very nice and have great expression; their banter between each other is fun to read, too, even if the cheese factor is a little much. It’s a bit of the fun of the 60’s crossed with the style of the 90’s.
And hey, who doesn’t enjoy a good ol’ fashioned cat-fight? 😀
The only thing that I didn’t appreciate so much were the drawings of the background characters, like the various security guards going ga-ga over Catwoman, and all of Montoya’s cohorts at the GCPD. They’re all drawn to look quite goofy; even in a light-hearted story like this, I don’t think that was necessary. At least the five major females are all lookin’ good, and that’s what counts.
I knew instantly that as soon as Catwoman swiped the formula that Poison Ivy would be involved – but I didn’t expect her to be Catwoman’s contact. I have no clue where this story is going, and that’s half the fun!
-Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
;-Y
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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 and BATMAN BEYOND. 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 (or higher) in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the well-deserved “grrr”.)
If we are unsure of the exact date of when an issue is being released, just check out “DIRECT CURRENTS” for details:
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #53
In stores August 28. Gotham gets strangled by a super-plant whose roots run clear to the Batcave. It’s got Poison Ivy written all over it…but where is she? And has she uncovered the Dark Knight’s secret? Batman must track it – and her – deep into the Amazon jungle to find out.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/batman/bga53.gif
FOLLOWING MONTH:
In stores September 25. As a crime spree unfolds, a writer tries to get into the minds of Batman and his quarry – and only gets in the way. Will the writer get the story he’s looking for, or will she become the story?
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #10
Superman is taken down in battle and the Martian Manhunter must replace him as a hero to millions. But does the shy, reserved alien have what it takes to inspire all of humanity?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/dcuniverse/jladvs10.jpg
FOLLOWING MONTH:
Superman is taken down in battle and the Martian Manhunter must replace him as a hero to millions. But does the shy, reserved alien have what it takes to inspire all of humanity?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/dcuniverse/jladvs10.jpg
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Due to demand by some of our subscribers, we’ve decided to give a “Letters to the Editor” section a shot. Feel free to submit something you’d like to say to us, and each issue we’ll choose one to post and then reply to. (NOTE: It can be completely uncensored, positive OR negative, though any coarse language will be bleeped out. We want this to be a no-holds-barred column!)
* * * * * *
We didn’t get any letters this issue. What gives?
* * * * * *
TWO-FACE’S SIDE OF THE COIN
Uhhhhh…yeah. No letters equals no response from yours truly. Sorry, that’s just how the game works. 😀
;-Y
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
(by “M’ral”)
e-mail: mral@zoominternet.net
As you may have guessed, writing this trivia section is getting more and more difficult with each successive issue. It is. It SO is. I’ve decided that it needed a bit of a shake-up anyway, so we’ve brought a new trivia-master on board to test your knowledge. Some of you may know her from the TOONZONE boards. And some of you will be scared of just how much this individual does know. So, without further adieu, put your hands together for M’ral!
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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.
ALL ABOUT NUMBERS
781. In “The Demon’s Quest pt 2”, how many people would Ra’s Al Ghul’s plan have killed if it had been successful and his projections been accurate?
782. What is Batman’s cellphone number (as seen in “Old Wounds”)?
783. What were the dates of the year on which Paige Monroe was fired by Donna Day and Gotham Motors?
784. In “Appointment in Crime Alley”, at what time was Batman supposed to meet Leslie Thompkins?
785. In “What is Reality”, how many ways did the Riddler split his consciousness?
786. In “Sins of the Father”, when Batgirl shut down Two-Face’s gas bomb, how much time was left on the timer?
787. In “Riddler’s Reform”, what were the map coordinates of the Gotham Financial District, as given by the Riddler in one of his riddles?
788. What is Bane’s usual fee for a hit?
789. In “The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne”, how much did Two-Face, the Penguin, and the Joker pay Dr. Strange for Batman’s secret?
790. According to her medical record as seen in “Subzero”, how tall is Barbara Gordon?
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AND THESE ARE OUR FINAL ANSWERS (to the trivia)
Answer to #781: 2,056,986,000
Answer to #782: (300) 555-0169
Answer to #783: April 3, August 7
Answer to #784: 8:00 pm
Answer to #785: 32
Answer to #786: 2 seconds
Answer to #787: 3175:3701
Answer to #788: $5 million, US
Answer to #789: $51,240,685…annnnd…53 cents.
Answer to #790: 5’2″
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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, STAS and BEYOND countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!
CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
Wow, I think we’ve covered everything.
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
But have you?
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FIGURE THIS OUT!
(by Marc Rosenzweig)
Fear not, Marc will return shortly when there are new toys to review.
-Marc
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FEATURED BATMAN INTERNET ENDEAVOURS FOR THIS ISSUE
(feel free to submit something for our consideration)
WORLD’S FINEST: THE REVAMP
OK! It’s shameless self-promotion time!
Actually, I wouldn’t call it shameless, because WORLD’S FINEST, an affiliate of mine (and an affiliate of TOONZONE, another affiliate of mine) completed a site-wide overhaul about a week ago. Focusing on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, SUPERMAN, BATMAN BEYOND, and now JUSTICE LEAGUE, this site is a treasure trove of helpful information, both about the characters and the production of these four series’, such as:
-bios of virtually every character on each show
-episode info
-info on the various comic series’ based on these series
-picture galleries
-fan fiction
-behind the scenes stuff on each show
-interviews
-links to other great sites
-message boards
-annnnnnnd a link to this newsletter and its archives.
So take a look! If you like any of these shows, you won’t be disappointed!
http://wf.toonzone.net
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:
Wow, our links section has grown so big that we’ve had to eliminate it from the newsletter! Fear not, you can still find all these links at the WORLD’S FINEST NEWSPAGE, if you follow this Link:
http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/sections/links/links.php
NEWSGROUPS
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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
FORUMS
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http://forums.toonzone.net
(Our affiliate at Toonzone, of course.)
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/news/btan
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!
For those of you who are seeing this at the WBC HOMEPAGE BTAN ARCHIVES section and want to subscribe, just follow these simple instructions:
To subscribe email juno@dccnet.com, put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, and put the e-mail address you’d like the newsletter to be sent to in the body of the message.
We have also set up another back-up e-mail subscription address, here:
batmannewsletter@yahoo.com
For more information about the newsletter just email either of the previous
e-mail addresses – preferably the prior.
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, 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, & WORKING, TOO!: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
CO-EDITOR AT COLLEGE, ALSO WORKIN’: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Toonzone, Cartoon Network, and YTV
EPISODE REVIEWS: “Belle Book”
EDITORIAL: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, and anyone that writes in
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
FIGURE THIS OUT: Marc Rosenzweig
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo, Craig “Gookie” Crumpton
TRIVIA: “M’ral”
PROMOTIONS, JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD OUT: All our buddies at TOONZONE, particularly Dick Grayson
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
THE CREATION OF THIS NEWSLETTER INSPIRED BY: Alan J. Porter (of GWN)
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (who else?)
Batman and all related indica are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 2002.
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