Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of October 18 – October 23/24, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occasional griping”
THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “VICTOR TO NORA: ‘Would you like FRIES with that?’ HEH HEH.”
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COMING SOON
In of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER we will be presenting an interview with famed NO MAN’S LAND/DETECTIVE COMICS/FINDER/KEEPER/SMOKER writer GREG RUCKA. Be there! It’ll be something you don’t want to miss!
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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.
‘BLOOD SPORT’
Batman Beyond #18
Air date: October 23, 1999
The Stalker – a cybernetically enhanced wild animal hunter – grows bored with Big Game and goes after the only challenge left in the world: Batman.
‘ONCE BURNED’
Batman Beyond #20
Air date: November 6, 1999
Batman/Terry’s emotional resolve is put to the test when an old girlfriend, who also happens to be the notorious Ten of the Royal Flush Gang, reverts back to a life of crime. The situation becomes further complicated when he learns that she’s being forced to steal to save her family from kidnappers.
‘LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)’
Superman #44, 48
Air date: Fall of 1999
This two-parter features the final showdown between Superman and Darksied in which he strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth. This is being touted as the FINAL Superman episode EVER. However, I must say that I’ve read a synopsis of the episode, and it’s a doozie.
For synopses of all other upcoming BATMAN BETOND episodes, check out of BTAN at this address:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES airs Mondays thru Fridays beginning at 4pm (ET). It also airs every weekend at 8am (ET). BATMAN BEYOND airs on the occasional weekday at 4pm (ET), sharing the time slot with THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. BATMAN BEYOND also airs every weekend at 9am (ET). Check your local listings for time and station in your area. If this newsletter section is not updated in time, please refer to either of these three links for schedule information:
http://www.batman-superman.com/batman/cmp/episodes.html
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/
http://www.ktla.com/rebuild/programming/kids_framed.htm
THIS WEEK:
Mon 10-18-99: B-BEYOND #04 Golem
Batman #92 Joker’s Millions
Tue 10-19-99: Superman #16 Action Figures
Batman #99 Critters
Wed 10-20-99: Batman #52 Mudslide
Superman #36 Warrior Queen
Thu 10-21-99: Superman #30 Bizzaro’s World
Batman #71 The Terrible Trio
Fri 10-22-99: B-BEYOND #13 Ascension
Batman #102 Old Wounds
Sat 10-23-99: Superman #53 Unity
B-BEYOND #18 Blood Sport ———NEW!!!
All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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CANADIAN EPISODE SCHEDULE
(BTAS/BEYOND on YTV)
(courtesy of our friends at YTV)
-To find the episode guide and airing schedule of BATMAN on YTV then please go to http://www.ytv.com and click on the YTV GUIDE icon at the bottom of the screen. To check out the schedule then click on BATMAN in the time grid and it will have the schedule for the current week.
-To find the episode guide and airing schedule of BATMAN BEYOND on YTV then please go to this http://www.ytv.com and click on the YTV GUIDE icon at the bottom of the screen. To check out the schedule then click on BATMAN BEYOND in the time grid and it will have the schedule for the current week.
BTAS will air at 7:30am on weekday mornings (in all time zones), and BEYOND will air at 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. YTV has the rights to show all 109 BTAS episodes; it is still unclear as to whether they’ll be showing any of the new STAS or BEYOND episodes as of yet, but we’ll keep you posted!
THIS WEEK:
Mon 10-19-99: BTAS #30 Perchance to Dream
Tue 10-20-99: BTAS #06 The Underdwellers
Wed 10-21-99: BTAS #34 Night of the Ninja
Thu 10-22-99: BTAS #36 The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne
Fri 10-22-99: BTAS #41 Tyger, Tyger
Sat 10-23-99: BEYOND #12 Disappearing Inque
Sun 10-24-99: BEYOND #11 A Touch of Curare
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)
THE CARTOON NETWORK was able to get the exclusive rights to 52 episodes of the classic BTAS, as well as both animated movies. BTAS airs Monday-Friday at 6pm (ET) and then repeated again at midnight. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then please go to either of these sites for the schedule:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html
http://animation.acmecity.com/saturday/352/
To see the 52 episodes that the CARTOON NETWORK does show, go to this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/eplists/batman-cn.html
NOTE: The schedules at Brian Cruz’ site are currently unavailable; if anyone knows of any other place where people can get listings for BTAS on the Cartoon Network, please e-mail us!
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
All of Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton’s reviews of the new-style BTAS episodes and BATMAN BEYOND can be found via these links, which link to “Two-Face’s Tower of Tranquility and Terror”:
MAIN PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BTAS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/bats.html
NOTE: Due to the loss of the WGN, editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton has been unable to review any new episodes. Until he can once again, we’ll be having someone substituting for him. Thank you to Zanna for this review!
JOYRIDE
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Butch Lukiz
Animation by Koko, Dong Yang
Original air date October 2, 1999
My rating: **** (out of five stars)
The Jokerz gang are at the right place at the right time to take a “Joyride” on an experimental government craft. The vehicle is nuclear powered, which in this future is illegal, and still worse, the reactor is malfunctioning.
The Jokerz drive the stolen craft into the BeeFee Burger for free take out and mayhem. Terry witnesses the antics. He activates a signal on his belt buckle (nice touch), makes a fast change into the Bat suit, and the Batmobile arrives via autopilot. The chase is on!
GOOD POINTS:
As the producers promised for this season’s stories, Terry looks less of a sidekick and more of a Batman. Terry leaves behind his wisecracks and is more intimidating, even when he says, “Please”. Loved that line!
The writers keep giving BTAS and TBSA fans little hints about past characters. This episode showed a skeleton wearing a tattered jacket with a pink flower in the lapel in the abandoned mine scene. A former Jokerz member, or Mr. J. himself? The use of a flashlight in the mine scene was effective and well rendered, too.
The ejection seat idea was great! What’s a Batman series without one!
This episode reminded me of the early BTAS stories which featured mob bosses, not deranged arch-criminals. The Jokerz and the T’s are in costumes because they are in gangs, not because of genetic mutations, chemical accidents, or various forms of insanity. Sometimes Batman should deal with the more mundane criminals (even those stupid enough to use a rubber chicken as a weapon).
I liked the ending. The subplot about the unininitiated gang member, Lee, ran a subtle thread about gangs throughout the episode.
BAD POINTS:
Bruce was an observer in this episode — he only had three words, “So stop them!” I miss hearing Bruce’s voice. (It’s a girl thing!)
While I like the little hints about the past, it’s a bit like Chinese water torture. But, a note to the writers, DON’T STOP!
Zanna_Z@Yahoo.com
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EDITORAL #1
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)
Laura Hysert was unable to send us an article…so, to fill in for her, we have Craig “Gookie” Crumpton, giving us a review of a recent article highlighting BATMAN BEYOND. Enjoy!
BATMAN BEYOND ARTICLE REVIEW
(by “Gookie”)
I’ve been bursting at the seams to spill the beans on this…
The Winter Edition (Volume 1, #4) of AnimeFantastique has an incredibly in-depth article on Batman Beyond, written by Dennis Fischer. Okay, so it’s not actually 15 full pages – 2 of them are opening splash pages with the logo and Terry as Batman. And you gotta love this opening teaser: He de-powered the Power Rangers and forced ABC to endure One rough Saturday Morning. This article is overflowing with some very specific details on the characters, backgrounds and a great deal of insight into the production and development of the series.
Several of the “key players” for the show were interviewed extensively for this article – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett and also voice director Andrea Romano. There are also recent photos of each of them (except Romano) in their “natural habitat”. It’s easily the most detailed and informative article published on BB to date. Also included are a number of background pics (free of any characters mucking up your detailed viewing of them), screen grabs, model sheets, details on the voice characterizations, 2 pages on the show’s design, and an episode guide of the whole first season with “behind-the-scenes” details from Timm, Dini and Burnett.
Just to whet your appetite, here are a few samples from the article. Oh, a word of caution: POTENTIAL SPOILERS lay ahead.
On Terry’s past, from Alan Burnett:
“We are…starting to add to his background. A few years before [Terry became Batman], he was actually in juvenile hall… things had gotten that bad for him. So he’s a troubled kid who is now making good and is determined to proven himself beyond just avenging his father’s death.”
Paul Dini further explains:
“Initially, when we [were developing Terry’s character], and told his story with him avenging his father’s death, we asked, ‘What’s going to come up?’ Theoretically, he’s avenged his father’s death and brought [those to justice] who did it; why should he go on being Batman? We decided to…tweak it and give him more of an ongoing mission and responsibility.”
According to Dini, a Batman who has been a lawbreaker himself will likely have more compassion for the criminals he apprehends: “We want to make him into somebody who has seen both sides of the law so there will be some compassion there. But there will also be a sense of responsibility to society as a whole.”
Alan Burnett on Derek Powers:
“We [wanted] a central villain for the series, at least for the first season. By the time this gets published, you’ll find out that he dies in the thirteenth show.” [I guess that puts to rest any rumors of Blight’s having survived that episode. –G]
On the Background Music:
This one should be kinda obvious to some, but the inspiration for BB’s “orchestration” came from Bruce Timm’s providing Shirley Walker with music by Nine Inch Nails, White Zombie and the Propellerheads, telling her, “If you guys are going to get this gig, the music has got to sound really ballsy, has to sound much nastier than you have ever envisioned before.”
Paul Dini on Censorship:
“The biggest complaint [from the censors] was about sexuality. I have a number of really, really excellent artists on staff who just excel at drawing pretty girls, and I have a lot of really red-blooded males doing the storyboards…so they truly like to push the envelope in terms of good girl art.”
Dini on the possibility of “returning” villains:
“A lot of our [new] villains [have] their origin in the older villains. Spellbinder comes from the same family as the Mad Hatter. We’ve only really featured one of the old villains, Mr. Freeze, [though] Bane [had a cameo appearance] in his old, old age… which isn’t all that good for him. That’s all you’ll ever see of him. Ra’s Al Ghul is in there somewhere, and we haven’t dealt with him yet, though we have a couple of ideas that we’ll hold back on until we figure out what we want to do for sure. For the most part, we’re going to hit new villains in this series and not have resurrections going on.” [This puts to rest yet more rumors rather matter-
of-factly. -G]
And one other detail fans will be interested to know – Bruce Wayne does regain control of his company.
-Gookie
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EDITORIAL #2
(by Kelly Tindall)
Kelly Tindall was unable to submit a review for this issue of BTAN. He will return shortly.
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AND THAT’S THE FACTS
(by “Reliable Source”)
(Yes, I understand that the title is grammatically incorrect. So sue us. Actually, nix that. Don’t sue us.)
(DISCLAIMER: For those of you who are not yet familiar, Reliable Source is an anonymous character who first surfaced on Batman: The Animated Message Boards, spewing forth ridiculous predictions about the future of Batman Beyond under the guise of spoiler warnings. His controversial posts created quite a buzz, and have now landed him, at least at this moment, a temporary column with this newsletter. The thoughts and ideas expressed by this character are in no way officially connected to Kids WB, Batman Beyond, this newsletter, or anything that is decent or holy.)
Greetings and salutations. This is Reliable Source, back once again for another edition. We’ll kick things off the same way that we have as of late, with a reach into the old mailbag and a question from one of our readers.
This week’s letter comes from Onyx The Sorceress. Miss Onyx writes: “A lot of people complain about the lack of plot in the episodes. Do you think the Batman Beyond episodes would be better if the fans’ fanfictions were used instead, or not?”
Well, you bring up an interesting point. The thing most people don’t realize is that much of what ends up on the show is actually written by fans. You see, the target audience for B.B. is kids. Because of that, WB has taken the revolutionary step of hiring children for their writing teams.
For example, Hilary J. Bader. She is only four years old. And she does a damn good job, for a four year old. But seriously, folks, fanfiction is a great thing. It allows fans of a particular series to create their own ideal stories for the show that they love. I myself enjoy fanfiction very much, like the one where Harley and Ivy realize their true passion for… um, well, thanks for writing in, Onyx, perhaps I best move on.
In other news, WB was apparently threatened with the potential menace of the sure-to-be-blockbuster “Spider-Man Unlimited.” The execs at Warner balked and sold the rights to B.B. to Saban Entertainment. Saban has announced that the title of the show will be changed to “Batman Zeo,” and will feature Terry training a whole team of Batmen to become The Batman Rangers. Spinoffs are already in the works, including the much anticipated “Batman Rangers In Space.”
As for the upcoming Batman Beyond movie by Dini and Timm, Saban has purchased the rights to it as well. It will now be live action, with Will Friedle playing Terry McGinnis. However, all the action scenes will be taken from bad Japanese kids shows, with Mr. Friedle dubbing in the voice. Bruce Wayne will now be a big head in a giant glass tube thing, and most of the enemies Terry fights will look “like muppets on steroids, just like every piece of crap show we do,” muttered one disgruntled Saban exec.
Will we ever see the WB episodes that were already produced? No one is saying right now, but Hiaram Saban himself only laughed maniacally as he threw a film canister into his fire place. Draw your own conclusions. And the toy lines? “They will suck more than ever, we will see to that,” said the spokesman for Hasbro Inc. “Watch, we will make the first line of figures look like masterpieces. I promise.” I was then beaten severely and thrown out a second story window once they realized I was a reliable source reporting for a newsletter.
Unfortunately that brings us to the end of another column. Thanks for taking the time to read this (those of you that still are reading at this point), and thank you to Onyx for writing. You too can have your letter featured here, by dropping me a line at Reliable_S@hotmail.com. As always, more as we hear it.
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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.
. Let’s see what we can do with this for our newsletter, huh?
191. Name episode #41 of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.
192. Name episode #41 of SUPERMAN.
193. 41 divided by 2. Round it up to the nearest whole number. Then minus one. What episode of BATMAN BEYOND corresponds with this number?
194. 41 times two, plus the numerical answer to Question #193. What episode of BTAS is this?
195. Is it possible to buy episode #41 of SUPERMAN on tape?
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA
Answer to #191: TYGER, TYGER
Answer to #192: WORLD’S FINEST (Pt. 3)
Answer to #193: HOOKED UP
Answer to #194: OLD WOUNDS
Answer to #195: YES!
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LITTLE FACTS AND BLOOPERS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Here is a section that just points out various little facts and bloopers that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!
CONBTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
We’re blind!
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
Evidently, it’s contaigous.
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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by Kevin Smith)
Oh_Ho77@hotmail.com
You’d think that with all this Bat-merchandies overcrowding our stores that we’d have SOMETHING to write about here, huh? Hmmm…we’ll get an article in here soon, we promise!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)
Mr. Maurer was unable to submit a review for the printing of this newsletter, so editor Tim “Two-Face” Leighton is here to fill the void.
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Like a Bat outa Gotham” (#18)
WRITTEN BY: Scott Peterson
PENCILED BY: Tim Levins
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: September 1, 1999 (Cover date is November)
RATING: **.5 (out of 5)
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COMIC SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS
This section gives a little bit more indepth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. Below each comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT SERVICE!
The price is $1.99 in the US and..grrrrr…a whopping $3.25 in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the “grrr”.)
If we are unsure of the exact date of when an issue is being released, just check out “DIRECT CURRENTS” at http://www.dccomics.com for details.
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #20
November 3rd?
Synopsis: Poison Ivy makes a comeback in a story featuring none other than… breakfast cereal?
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/
comics/covers/download/dbmbga20.jpg
NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: A young girl has been kidnapped and the only “eye witness” is a blind jazz musician. Can even Batman, the world’s greatest detective, use the information the old man provides to find the girl before the kidnapper takes his revenge?
Cover: Unavailable
BATMAN BEYOND #2 (ongoing)
October 20th?
Synopsis: The shadowy villainess known as Inque has found a way to get Gotham’s citizens to commit her crimes for her. She hopes to use the ill-gotten gains to finance a cure for her inhuman condition, but she doesn’t realize that becoming human again may cost more than just money. Can Batman capture her…and save her from a cure that is worse than the disease?
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/
comics/covers/download/dbmbd2.jpg
FOLLOWING MONTH: Issue #3.
Synopsis: The Terrific Trio returns.
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/
comics/covers/download/dbmbd3.jpg
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #39
November 10th?
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
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NEWS AND RUMORS
ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-Terry Beatty has been and will be selling Gotham Adventures and Batman Beyond original art on ebay. His Seller ID is: wlee@muscanet.com Do yourself a favor and check out some great art!
-An 8-page preview of the NO MAN’S LAND novel will be found in DC#741, which hits shelves on December 15. This will bump up the already large issue to 48 pages; it will cost $2.50 American, and presumably $3.75 Canadian.
-I can tell you that in Feb. 2000, these animated films will DEFINANTLY be released:
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Batman: Sub-Zero
World’s Finest
Batman Beyond: Rebirth
Check out the following address for more info: http://www.mania.com.au/~grahark/darkjustice/
-KIDS’WB! has a new series coming in January! But what’s differant about this seires is that it’s a CGI-Series. The Name? MAX STEEL!If you want to know more about this upcoming Kids’WB! Animated Series then check out these links:
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/buzz/index.asp?x_date=10/14/99
(scroll down a bit to get the info)
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9910/14/index.htm
Note: This same page also features information on 3 new BATMAN BEYOND episodes, HIDDEN AGENDA, BLOODSPORT, and ONCE BURNED (scroll down a bit to get the info)
“CURRENT” ANIMATED SERIES’
-BTAS/STAS will return in the fall of 2001 with NEW EPISODES, when Batman Beyond goes on hiatus.
-Then again, there is ALSO word that BTAS/STAS WON’T return. So which do we believe? Hopefully the first…
BATMAN BEYOND
-BATMAN BEYOND will now be airing on GLOBAL on Saturday mornings at either 8:30 or 9:30; check local listings!
-Synopses of episodes #17 through 36 have now been posted, thanks to the COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM. Check out of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER for a complete listing.
ANIMATED COMICS
-Poison Ivy will be appearing in GOTHAM ADVENTURES #20.
-Batgirl and Commissioner Gordon will be in the spotlight for of GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
-Lock-Up is planned to be used in the near future.
-Ty Templeton’s upcoming two-issue stint on Superman Adventures will be co-written with Dan Slott.
-The Royal Flush Gang will appear in BATMAN BEYOND #4.
-If you want pics for BATMAN BEYOND issues #1-3 go to GOTHAM CITY LIMITS http://www.batman.genxer.com
OTHER COMICS
-Wanna read what Rucka and Grayson have set for the final two months of NML? There are some slight spoilers and A LOT of teasers! This article will no doubt make any heavy NML enthusiast very excited for the NML finale. The URL is:
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/comics/interviews/rucka101599.html
-Jeph Loeb describes what he aims to do with the SUPERMAN books, as well as a few suprises he has instore for the very near future in a very recent interview with ANOTHER UNIVERSE. The URL is here:
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/comics/interviews/loeb101599.html
-The Paul Dini/Alex Ross tale “Batman: War on Crime” will be released on November 17, 1999.
-Batman, Robin, Gordon, Two-Face, and Joker will have large recurring roles throughout DARK VICTORY.
-Issue #2 of BATMAN: DARK VICTORY (in November) will feature the Riddler.
-Issue #3 of BATMAN: DARK VICTORY (in December) will feature the Scarecrow.
– of BATMAN: DARK VICTORY (next year) will feature Mr. Freeze
MOVIES
-CINESCAPE ONLINE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING:
“Goldsman Talks BATMAN”
Now, don’t get too excited. Akiva Goldsman isn’t talking about writing another Batman movie script. On the other hand, he does have some ideas on how he thinks the franchise works as well as his opinions on recent rumors of Keanu Reeves’ interest in the franchise.
While talking to the UK’s Empire magazine, scribe/producer Akiva Goldsman gave his opinions of the Batman film franchise even as he defended his work in the series, saying, “There are scenes in Batman Forever which are as true to the version of Batman that I believe in as I think I know how to write, or arguably could be written. They’re psychologically acute, dark character scenes. They actually do exist in Batman and Robin – you just can’t find them.”
Goldsman continues, “The most interesting Batman ever, in my opinion, on page or script (and I think the inspiration for the movies ultimately) was Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns, which is an aging semi-retired Batman at the end of his career who has been responsible for the death of many Robins and who comes out of retirement because a young girl decides to put on that Robin costume and go and fight crime.” He then adds, “Now think how politically incorrect that was and how insane a notion it was to contort the franchise in that way and yet it breathed new life into it for new generations of kids. That’s what you do with Batman. You bend him and twist him and see what happens.”
Regarding Empire’s recent story about Keanu Reeves’ take on the Batman franchise, the magazine reports that Goldsman had never heard it before and even laughed at it initially. He then explained why he doesn’t think a Keanu as Batman movie project is likely saying, “The ideal sort of version would be Keanu and the Wachowskis. That would be cool. My guess is it’s not true, because I think Warners currently has a a tremendous amount invested very successfully in The Matrix as does Keanu and the Wachowskis. If I were them, I would do what was planned [on The Matrix sequels].”
TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-The new line of Batman bean bags have been out since September at least: Batman “Beyond”, Riddler, Penguin, Joker, Harley.
-Batman/Superman World’s Finest Boxed set offers previously released figures with new paint decos/accessories. Set includes Batman, Superman, Joker and Lex Luthor. Except for Luthor, all designs are to model with the animated series. This is also due out soon.
-Last item from Previews is the new porcelain statue of Harley based on Bruce Timm’s design. It’s pretty darn expensive though. There are pics in WIZARD #99.
-The new Batman Beyond Maquette and two limited edition Batman Beyond gallery pieces are both available from wbstore.com, as are the Ron Lee mini-Batgirl porcelain figure, The History of Batmobile Cars (gallery piece), Batman/Superman vinyl coin bank (not to mention the cookie jar), medium Batman bust (smaller $20 version of the $55 bust)
-A BATMAN BEYOND costume will be available in Kmart, Target, and Wal-Mart for this upcoming Halloween.
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THE ROAD THROUGH NO MAN’S LAND
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
Yes, I know this isn’t really an animated topic, but I thought, hey, it’s Batman’s 60th anniversary, and this is the big event that celebrates it, so I should have a section dedicated to this year-long crossover. Besides, so far it’s been excellent in every issue. We have this section split up into two parts – the first saying what has already happened, the second previewing what’s to come. Enjoy!
UP UNTIL NOW…
JANUARY – APRIL: For synopses of what happened in the first four months of NO MAN’S LAND, go see Issues #26 and #27 of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
MAY, JUNE: For synopses of what how things really heated up in the fifth and sixth months of NO MAN’S LAND, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
JULY: For synopses of the many things that happened in the month that all of the other major players in Gotham broke back into the city, see of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”.
Follow this link: http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
AUGUST: For synopses of the many things that happened in the final full month of summer, see of Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
SEPTEMBER: For synopses of the issues dealing with the set-up of the final crunch of No Man’s Land, see of Batman: The Animated Newsletter”. Follow this link:
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
OCTOBER: Batman foils a scheme where some hoods promise citizens an escape from Gotham; meanwhile, Catwoman battles Maxie Zeus in New York City for the discs that are “vital to saving Gotham City”. Azrael aids Catwoman in breaking back into Gotham, Superman pays Batman another visit, and things heat up *WINK WINK* between Nightwing and Oracle.
Then, in NO MAN’S LAND #0, we learn that Batman abandonned Gotham for Monaco the day the bridges were blown, and Talia was the one that forced him to go back. We also learn the details as to why the Huntress became Batgirl.
Then in NO MAN’S LAND SECRET FILES we see various congress reports, newspaper clippings, character bios (including Penguin, Harley, Ivy, Dr. Thompkins, and newcomers “Mute” Batgirl, Cain, and Echo). We also see a tale of a dying man during the day the bridges were blown, where he encounters the Penguin, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, and the Huntress.
That’s 61 issues of NML so far. For a complete list, e-mail us.
WHAT’S TO COME…
-October: Two-Face breaks his deal with Gordon, kidnaps him, and puts him on trial in “Jurisprudence” – BATMAN #572 and DC #739.
-November: Batman confronts Gordon. The “Outside Interest” is revealed. Bane assembles all the remaining villains – Joker, Penguin, and Harley – for a final blow-out. The Joker, realizing that Batman has totally neglected him since NML began, tries to get his attention in the worst way possible.
-December: NML concludes with the three-part “Endgame” story, and then a final reflection in the final issue of SHADOW OF THE BAT (#94). The hope of a new Gotham comes into view – which is when the event we’ve been waiting for finally hits. The Joker returns in a big way to “destroy hope”…by kidnapping and killing children. And this all happens during the Christmas season. Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Azrael, Oracle, Batgirl, and Huntress all have major roles. The outside interest makes his/her move.
-ONE OF THE MAJOR HEROES WILL DIE BEFORE “NO MAN’S LAND” ENDS. (This is in Detective Comics #741).
-See below for more.
AS FOR THE OTHER HEROES:
-Batman MIGHT reveal his identity to Gordon in November.
-Robin goes up against Killer Croc in Robin #71 and 72.
-Azrael faces off against the Joker AGAIN in AZRAEL #60 and 61 – both guest-starring Batgirl.
-The Huntress hangs out with Petit for the remainder of NML.
-Commissioner Gordon is kidnapped by Two-Face in BATMAN #572 and DC #739, in October. Batman later confronts him in LOTDK #125.
-Tim Drake’s father breaks into NML to retrieve his son from the ghastly warzone – in December.
AND AS FOR THE REMAINING VILLAINS…
-Killer Croc appears in ROBIN #71 and 72, in October and November.
-Two-Face cuts his deal with Commissioner Gordon and promptly kidnaps him; he puts him on trial in the two-part “Jurisprudence”, this October. Apparently he is the second-last villain to be defeated. (How fitting.)
-Bane re-appears, and the “outside interest” is revealed in SOTB #93, in November.
-Catwoman battles Maxie Zeus in CATWOMAN #75, and then seeks refuge in the Penguin’s territory in CATWOMAN #76, in November; she then faces Deadman in December.
-The Joker and Harley re-appear in November in the two-part “Shellgame”, just as Gotham is beginning to be re-built. This leads directly into the three-part “Endgame” in December, during Gotham’s Christmas season, just as NML draws to a close, to once and for all destroy Gotham and all of its citizens.
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Volunteer Editors Needed for Batman Directory
======================================== Greetings, Bat-fans.
Long-time subscribers may remember me as Gookie – I contributed a few things to earlier issues of BTAN. I’m still a subscriber, but I’d like to present an opportunity to any BTAN subscribers interested in becoming volunteer editors with Netscape’s Open Directory Project – http://dmoz.org
ODP is currently the fastest-growing and highest-rated Internet directory. It’s a revolutionary idea that puts the maintaining of an Internet directory into the hands of volunteer editors, allowing them the liberty to construct a personal database on a particular subject that can be used as a resource for others. ODP also has a major advantage over other internet directories and portals because we have a program to detect broken or moved links. This helps to keep the directory fresh, up-to-date, and error-free.
This is what I have done for the Voice Actors category at ODP which I now call “The V.A.U.L.T. – The Voice Actors Ultimate Links Treasury” – the single-largest directory of voice actor – related links available on the Internet:
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Animation/Voice_Actors/
Besides The V.A.U.L.T., at ODP I also help to maintain the Animation category as a whole, and am a listed editor for the Batman category. But although I review new submissions as they come in, I don’t have the time to build up a comprehensive directory of animated Batman sites as I’d like to, or to properly organize the category.
That’s why I’m asking for help to build up and organize the Batman category as a resource for fans. Here are the details:
No experience is necessary except that volunteers be objective, have a good writing style and a willingness to work and communicate with other volunteers in building up the directory. If interested, please write to Craig at voiceroy@dmozed.com and give a brief explanation why you’d like to become an editor. I’ll review all replies and do my best to help get you approved as editor. All applicants will be considered, but I make no promises as to who will be approved. That’s for ODP staff to decide, but I will do what I can for you.
Additionally, if any webmasters would like to submit their sites to ODP, you’re more than welcome to, and my fellow editors and I will be glad to review them. If related to Batman animation, submit them to this link:
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Animation/Cartoons/B/Batman/
For non Batman-related sites, simply browse ODP to find an appropriate category:
http://dmoz.org/
Thank you for your time,
Craig “Voiceroy” Crumpton
Arts Editor for Netscape’s Open Directory:
http://dmoz.org
Principal Editor for The V.A.U.L.T. – “The Voice Actors Ultimate Links Treasury”:
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Animation/Voice_Actors
Toon Zone Staff: http://www.toonzone.net
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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
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THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
BATMAN BEYOND
http://www.batmanbeyond.com
YTV’s BATMAN BEYOND Page
http://www.ytv.com/shows/batman_beyond/
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
KID’S WB
http://www.kidswb.com
DC COMICS
http://www.dccomics.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
PSYCOMICS
http://www.psycomics.com
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
VOICE CHASERS
http://www.voicechasers.org
UNOFFICIAL SITES
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*TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BATMAN & SUPERMAN:THE WORLD’S FINEST DISCUSSION CENTER
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk
GOTHAM GAZETTE
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
RA’S AL GHUL’S THE LAZARUS PIT
http://zap.to/lazaruspit
THE DARK KNIGHT
http://www.darkknight.ca
BATMAN BEYOND: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
http://www.batmanbeyond.net
TIM WAN’S BATMAN BEYOND
http://come.to/batmanbeyond
DCU ANIMATED
http://welcome.to/the_dcu
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/harlequinhideaway
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
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/
BATMAN/SUPERMAN SNAP JUDGMENTS
http://www.snapjudgments.com/batsup.html
THE BATCOMPUTER
http://members.spree.com/batcomputer
BATMAN: FOREVER KNIGHT
http://batman.techv.net
WORLD’S FINEST
http://members.spree.com/sip/worldsfinest
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
ARKHAM ASYLUM
http://animation.acmecity.com/saturday/352
JOKERZ TERRITORY
http://members.xoom.com/Jokerz84/index.htm
THE BATZONE
http://www.batzone.cjb.net/
JLA: THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://animation.acmecity.com/character/375
THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: THE UNOFFICIAL SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158
ANIMATED TALES
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/2294/at
A TRIBUTE TO BATMAN
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/russkafin/batman.html
NEWSGROUPS
—–
news:alt.comics.batman
news:alt.animation.batman
news:alt.comics.superman
news:rec.arts.sf.superman
news:alt.tv.cartoon-network
news:rec.arts.animation
news:alt.animation.warner-bros
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QUESTIONS, SUBMISSIONS, AND FAN-MAIL
If you have any questions, problems, links do not work, or anything else then please e-mail this address with your problems and we’ll try to fix them as soon as possible. Also if you’d like to send any fan-mail then please send it to this address:
juno@direct.ca
As for submissions, feel free to submit an article or opinion on anything pertaining to BTAS. Keep in mind that as the editors, we have the right to edit your submissions if we deem it necessary. Such instances would include problems with length, grammar, and language. If we do feel we must edit something, however, we will do our utmost to ensure that the opinion and the basic message of the submission does not change, as that is the most important part of any artcile, and everyone is entitled to it. And if you do submit something, please don’t just submit a basic review of an episode or a comic or something (because we have people writing for those purposes already) – write about an issue you’d like to discuss.
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES
The very kind people at TOON ZONE were nice enough to give us our own little section of their huge and diverse website. The archives contain past newsletters and is semi-regularly updated with the latest one. To check it out go here:
TOONZONE’s BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!
For those of you who are seeing this at the WBC HOMEPAGE BTAN ARCHIVES section, and want to subscribe just follow these simple instructions:
To subscribe email juno@direct.ca and put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
For more information the newsletter just email juno@direct.ca Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading! Tell your friends!
-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
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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
EDITOR AT COLLEGE: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz & RiddlerWB (our friend at the official BTAS/STAS site)
BTAS REVIEWS: Justin Chen
EDITORIAL #1: The Ghost of Laura Hysert
EDITORIAL #2: Kelly Tindall
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE UK: Brian Davis
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
ROAD THROUGH NO MAN’S LAND: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
TWO-FACE’S TRADING POST: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Dick Grayson, Eileen Delgadillo, Brian Cruz, Brian Davis
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-P Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (who else?)
Batman and all related indicia are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 1999.
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