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Batman The Animated Newsletter #52

Batman The Animated Newsletter #52

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of January 10 – January 15/16, 2000
Volume 3,
Rated: PG for some “low-key coarse language and occasional griping”

THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “IT’S AN HONOUR JUST TO BE
NOMINATED…oh, screw that, I’M HERE TO WIN!”
__________________________
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The results are in! After a week’s extension on voting, the votes for the second annual GOLDEN OVAL AWARDS (yeah, it’s no longer just known as the BTAN POLL AWARDS any more) have been tabulated. Scroll down just below the episode review section to read the results!

-Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
editor
__________________________
EAGERLY ANTICIPATING…
New episodes are on the horizon! Here’s what we can expect in the near future…

‘TERRY’S FRIEND DATES A ROBOT’
Batman Beyond #26
Air date: January 15, 2000
One of Terry’s friends – Howard Groote – tries to impress the in crowd by dating a beautiful girl who is actually an extremely advanced robot. Things get out of hand when her programming goes haywire and she trashes his house before Batman can finally shut her down.

‘EYEWITNESS’
Batman Beyond #27
Air date: January 22, 2000
Because Commissioner Gordon thinks he sees Batman involved with the untimely death of Mad Stan, Batman must run from the law. Fortunately, Bruce uncovers the truth and proves Batman to be innocent: the murder was a hallucination, engineered by Spellbinder.

‘LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)’
Superman #44, 48
Air date: February sweeps, 2000?
This two-parter features the final showdown between Superman and Darksied in which he strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth. This is being touted as the FINAL Superman episode EVER. However, I must say that I’ve read a synopsis of the episode, and it’s a doozie.

For synopses of all other upcoming second season BATMAN BETOND episodes, check out of BTAN at this address:

http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan _________________________
WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)

THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES airs Mondays thru Saturday; BATMAN BEYOND also airs on these days. Check local listings each day for what show is on at what time.

http://www.batman-superman.com/batman/cmp/episodes.html
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/
http://www.ktla.com/backstage/programming/kids_framed.frm

THIS WEEK:
Mon 01-10-00: Superman #51 Superman’s Pal
B-BEYOND #12 Disappearing Inque

Tue 01-11-00: Batman #93 Growing Pains
Superman #36 Warrior Queen

Wed 01-12-00: Superman #22 Speed Demons
Batman #72 Harlequinade

Thu 01-13-00: Batman #94 Love is a Croc
Superman #54 A Fish Story

Fri 01-14-00: Superman #42 Where There’s Smoke
B-BEYOND #19 Hidden Agenda

Sat 01-15-00: Superman #53 Unity
B-BEYOND #26 Terry’s Friend Dates a Robot ———> 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 and BATMAN BEYOND on YTV then please go to http://www.ytv.com and click on the YTV GUIDE icon at the bottom of the screen. To check out the schedule then click on BATMAN or BATMAN BEYOND in the time grid and it will have the schedule for the current week.

BTAS will air at 7:30am on weekday mornings (in all time zones), and BATMAN BEYOND will air at 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. YTV has the rights to show all 109 BTAS episodes. They also have the rights to air the first 26 episodes of BATMAN BEYOND (all of season 1 and the first half of season 2).

THIS WEEK:
Mon 01-10-00: BTAS #85 Batgirl Returns

Tue 01-11-00: BTAS #87 Sins of the Father

Wed 01-12-00: NO EPISODE

Thu 01-13-00: BTAS #88 Cold Comfort

Fri 01-14-00: BTAS #89 Double Talk

Sat 01-15-00: BEYOND #06 Shriek

Sun 01-16-00: BEYOND #10 Dead Man’s Hand
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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://homes.acmecity.com/animation/saturday/352/schedule.html

To see the 52 episodes that the CARTOON NETWORK does
show, go to this link:

http://www.toonzone.net/brian/eplists/batman-cn.html

NOTE: The schedules at Brian Cruz’ site are currently unavailable; if anyone knows of any other place where people can get listings for BTAS on the Cartoon Network, please e-mail us!
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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: ALRIGHT! I’ve been messing up WHO is writing WHAT for this column for too long now. If you wanna see who’s writing each review, just go to the bottom – they all sign it there. Sorry Zanna and Justin! I feel so foolish…agh…*HALF OF MY FACE BLUSHES*

NOTE: Since there are no new episodes to cover, I went back and inserted a copy of my review of YOU SCRATCH MY BACK from 1997. No real reason for it, aside from the fact that I’ve never reviewed it in this newsletter until now.
-Tim

YOU SCRATCH MY BACK
Written by Hilary J. Bader
Directed by Butch Lukic
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: November 15, 1997
My rating: ***

This episode features the debut of the new character designs of two major staples in the Batman universe: Catwoman and Nightwing. Let me start off first by saying that I’m disappointed that Nightwing’s origin episode came MUCH LATER than this episode (in “Old Wounds”) – and there’s still a lot to be covered. Oh well…you can’t win them all. Joker and Penguin still don’t have origin stories, either.

The show opens on the docks, where Nightwing is perched atop a building watching a shipment come in…much like how Batman would. You can instantly see the similaritiesbetween Nightwing and his mentor here. Batman and Batgirl show up, willing to lend a hand; Nightwing shuns them and es, and Batman actually lets a criminal get away, saying to Nightwing, “He’s all yours,” in a sarcastic tone.

Nightwing has the same body structure as Batman, but no cape…an cyan-coloured eagle-type emblem is imprinted on his chest, vaguely similar to Robin’s symbol in *SHUDDER* Batman & Robin. He has a small pair of “wings” at the back of his costume which allow him to glide through the air. The only thing I don’t like about this costume is his mask…it’s just a V- shape piece of fabric which, when worn, make it look like he has no nose.

Instantly, we see Dick Grayson as an adult…as Jay Leno once said, “not Boy Wonder, but Guy Wonder”, which he is…he has a grimmer tone of voice, yet still maintains the youthful edge he is famous for.

Following a lead, Nightwing arrives at the penthouse of Ricky “The Hook”, (a Brazilian mobster, a Captain Hook wannabe) where he runs into Catwoman, who was also at the dock. Catwoman instantly becomes Nightwing’s partner (even though she didn’t talk it over with him) and they raid the penthouse, looking for the shipping schedules – because Nightwing knows that something major is coming into port soon.

Catwoman has changed a lot…she looks a lot like her Batman Returns counterpart. In the old BTAS, Catwoman was tall and quite muscular…now, she appears to be very small (even smaller than Harley!) and slim (much like Michelle Pfeiffer), with a pale white skin complexion and no pupils in her eyes (like with Batman, Robin, and Nightwing’s costumes). As for Selina Kyle, her hair is now black (the true Catwoman colour in the comics) and short (kind of like Mercy Grave’s hairdo from the Superman cartoon), her eyes are darker, and her language and body motions are much more…seductive. She teases Nightwing on several occasions, and provides the viewer with a lot of subtle sexual stuff (much like Poison Ivy in Pretty Poison).

After they get the information they are looking for, Ricky’s men find them and attack…’Wing and the Cat jump out the window and seek refuge in a swimming pool, before leaving. Batman is on their heels.

Batman then arrives at Selina Kyle’s apartment, telling her to stay away from Nightwing. Selina argues that Nightwing is a big boy now, and he can do what he wants…then Nightwing comes in, and reitterates that fact. Batman is left out in the cold…or is he?

Nightwing and Catwoman arrive at the dock on the appointed night of the shipment from Brazil. They sneak onto the boat and search through the crates, which contain priceless artifacts from Brazil. It was Ricky’s plan to sell out his home country by stealing their heritage and making money off of it for personal gain. We soon see Catwoman smashing all the artifacts… to find the Cat’s Eye emerald…

Catwoman had placed the emerald inside one of the statues while in Brazil, to sneak it out of the country when she stole it…which is why she was so interested in the shipment the whole time…for HER personal glory…she was playing Nightwing for a sap the whole time. But then Batman and Batgirl arrive, and Catwoman, feeling that Nightwing had let them go, does not understand how they got there…that’s because HE set HER up. See? Tough to explain, but fun to watch. Then Ricky comes into things, and an all-out-brawl begins.

This episode ends far too quickly, which is a problem I’ve noticed with ALL the new BTAS shows… but the relationships between Nightwing and Batman, Catwoman, and Batgirl are developed nicely. The dialogue is good, and Nightwing is a welcome addition to the BTAS family. Even Ricky “the Hook” had some cool stuff going for him…I wonder if he’ll return? I also liked how Catwoman finally is a full-fledged criminal again, much unlike the majority of her roles in the previous BTAS episodes. The animation is great, too – the final act on the boat is given a hazy look to show the mist over the river…looks really cool! It’s a fun show. Gotta see it!

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THE GOLDEN OVAL AWARDS
Phase two: Results

The results are in. Many loyal BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER subscribers responded to our poll, making it the most successful ever. (Ever? There’s only been TWO – but hey, it’s still the best yet.) The eligible episodes/comics/toys were:

All the BATMAN BEYOND episodes, “Mad Love” from BTAS, and “In Brightest Day”, “Superman’s Pal”, “Absolute Power”, “Unity”, “Fish Story”, and “The Demon Reborn” for STAS. As for toys, it’s hard to draw the lines here, but as far as action figures are concerned, all MISSION MASTERS lines of the animated Bat-toys are OK, as well as anything BATMAN BEYOND related.

As for the comic series’, all issues of BATMAN BEYOND are eligible, all issues of GOTHAM ADVENTURES from #10-21 are eligible, and all issues of SUPERMAN ADVENTURES from #29-40 are A- OK, too.

THE REALMS OF THE ANIMATED UNIVERSE:

#1. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” EPISODE

There was a really wide range of answers for this category – too many to mention. Leading the pack was MAD LOVE with 23.7% of the vote. A somewhat close second was BLACK OUT with 15.8%.
Tied for third place were the Batman Beyond episodes MELTDOWN, LOST SOUL, and SHRIEK, each with 10.5%.

#2. WORST “BTAS/BEYOND” EPISODE

This category was a lot easier to decide. Two Batman Beyond episodes tied as being the worst of the pack, each with 33.3% of the vote: HEROES and RATS. The other three entries, THE WINNING EDGE, MIND GAMES, and JOYRIDE, each came in with 11.1%.

#3. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” DESIGN

This category is with regards to the design of the visual look of any character or object in the series. The new Batsuit was the winner with 26.7% of the vote; Inque came second with 21.7%, and Spellbinder in third with 15%. Other worthy mentions were Blight, the futuristic Mr. Freeze, and the new Batmobile.

#4. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” DESIGN

The sure-fire winner(s) in this category are the various members of the Terrific Trio, with 40% of the pollsters hating their guts. Many also said that if there was a runner-up category, they’d choose these people. Nice to feel loved, huh?

#5. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” VOICE

This category came down to a close race between three players. 31.3% of you voted Will Friedle (the voice of Terry McGinnis) as the best Bat-voice. Tied for second were Sherman Howard (Blight/Derek Powers) and Kevin Conroy (Bruce Wayne), with 25% each. Shannon Kenny (Inque) and Stockard Channing (Barbara Gordon) are other worthy mentions.

#6. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” VOICE

The WORST voice was a much more spread-out category. Ryan O’Donahue (Matt McGinnis) won with 20% of the vote. Other worthy mentions were the guy that does Shriek’s voice (how professional of me), Lauren Tom (Dana Tan), and, oddly enough, considering the results of the previous question, Will Friedle.

#7. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” MUSIC SEQUENCE

The opening credits sequence for BATMAN BEYOND was regarded by the fans as the best musical sequence in the show. At least 26.7% of you thought so.

#8. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” VISUAL EFFECTS

The opening credits to BATMAN BEYOND was also regarded as having the best visual effects this season. (Gotta love that spinning Bruce Wayne head, huh?) 38.5% of voters felt that way.

#9. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” ‘GOOD GUY’

People still like the REAL Batman a lot more, and it shows. Bruce Wayne stole the show in this category, with 63.2% of the vote. This was FOUR TIMES ahead of the second place contender, the show’s star, Terry McGinnis, with a mere 15.8%.

#10. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” VILLAIN

This category played out just as I expected. The two best villains of the series are also the two that won’t be appearing AT ALL this season: Blight and Inque. They each recieved 26.3%.
Other worthy mentions were Mr. Freeze (30.8%) and Curare (23.1%).

#11. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” ‘GOOD GUY’

One third of voters absolutely abhor the new character of Max Gibson. (33.3%). Tied for second place at 13.3% were Dana Tan, the Terrific Trio, and Barbara Gordon.

#12. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” VILLAIN

This came down to a head-to-head race between Willy Watt and Patrick the Rat-Boy, each getting 26.3% of the vote. The Terrific Trio, as I expected, was another highly popular choice.

#13. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” WRITER

I don’t understand it, but Paul Dini somehow managed to beat out the competition in this category AGAIN, despite his minimal written contributions to the three series this year. He got 39.2% of the vote. Coming in a close (and unexpected) second was Hilary J. Bader at 28.6%.
Other worthy mentions were Stan Berkowitz and Robert Goodman.

#14. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” DIRECTER

This race came down to two people, resulting in a 50-50 tie. These two were Butch Lukic and Dan Riba. Many people voted for Bruce Timm as well, but, amazingly, he didn’t direct a single episode over the whole year – at least according to the episode credits.

#15. BEST “GOTHAM ADVENTURES” COMIC

Ty Templeton is still the best-loved animated comic-writer, and it shows in the results. Two of his stories, GOTHAM ADVENTURES #10 and 11 (the recent Harley Quinn and Riddler stories, respectively) tied with 30% of the vote. Other choices, each with 10%, were Ty’s (Two-Face), and Peterson’s #15 (Bane), #16 (Alfred), and #19 (Lion/Prairie Girl).

#16. WORST “GOTHAM ADVENTURES” COMIC

The worst comic, voted by 27.3% of you, was , featuring the Lion Man and Prairie Girl.
Coming in second was the Alfred issue, #16, with 18.2%. The others all bottomed out at 9%:
Issues #13, 14, 15, 17, 18 (Man-Bat), and 21.

#17. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC

A resounding 75% of you felt that Bader’s Issue #1 of the ongoing series, featuring the two Batmen going head to head with each other, was the best issue of the series.

#18. WORST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC

Likewise, a resounding 57.4% of you felt that Bader’s worst work was Issue #5 of the miniseries, featuring the mummy that had the hots for Dana.

#19. BEST “GOTHAM AVENTURES” COMIC COVER

Three comic covers won in this catergory. Each with 18.1% of the vote, the covers to issues #10 (Joker/Harley), #12 (Two-Face the crime-fighter), and #15 (Batman vs. Bane) were seen as the best. Virutally every other issue was nominated in this category as well.

#20. BEST “BATMAN BEYOND” COMIC COVER

Just as in Question 17, everyone loved all aspects of the first issue of the ongoing BEYOND series. 45.5% of you felt this issue had the best BEYOND cover of the bunch.

#21. BEST “BTAS/BEYOND” ACTION FIGURE

36.3% of you felt that the relatively new new-style Riddler figure from the MISSION MASTERS line was the best animated figure of the bunch. Worthy mentioned, all tied for second place, were Mr. Freeze (MISSION MASTERS), Blight, and Future Knight Batman.

#22. BEST “STAS” EPISODE

56.3% of you found the latest Batman/Superman crossover, THE DEMON REBORN, to be the best Superman episode of the season.

#23. WORST “STAS” EPISODE

Go read Question 13 again. Paul Dini was voted as the best writer of the bunch, yet his Superman episode UNITY was the worst of the bunch – at 46.7%. Seems odd. SUPERMAN’S PAL came in a close second at 40%.

#24. BEST “STAS” COMIC

There was no winner with this category. Issues #28, 31, and a Mr. Mxyzyptlk (sp?) issue all tied.

#25. WORST “STAS” COMIC

Same situation as the last category. Issues #33, 34, and an issue where a janitor falls for Lois all tied.

NO MAN’S LAND

#26. BEST OVERALL CHARACTER

Batman kicked butt in this category with 40% of the vote. Two-Face came in second with a fitting 20%. All other entried tied at 10%; these characters were Commissioner Gordon, Nightwing, Huntress, and the new mute Batgirl.

#27. BEST HERO

Batman and Nightwing both tie in this category with 33.3%. Oracle and Huntress get worthy mentions.

#28. BEST VILLAIN

The editor should be happy about this one. His namesake Two-Face won this category with 40% of the vote; the Penguin came in a close second with 30%. Other worthy mentions were the Joker, Harley Quinn, and Billy Pettit.

#29. WORST HERO

The new, mute Batgirl, oddly enough (considering Question 26) beat the pants off the competition in this category. She got 44.4% of the vote. Worthy mentions include Robin, Azrael, and Huntress.

#30. WORST VILLAIN

Despite her surge of popularity this year, after being injected into the mainstream continuity and all, Harley Quinn still bottomed out as the worst villain of the year, with 30% of the vote. Clayface came in second with 20%. Other entried were Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Lock-Up, Gearhead, and Killer Croc.

#31. BEST STORY-ARC

Two story-arcs were seen as the best of NML by our voters.
With 22.2% of the vote each, CLAIM JUMPING (by Greg Rucka)
and FEAR OF FAITH (by Devin Grayson) came out on top.
Rucka’s SHELLGAME, ENDGAME, JURISPRUDENCE, and FRUIT OF THE EARTH, and Chuck Dixon’s ESCAPE FROM BLACKGATE arcs are also worthy mentions.

#32. WORST STORY-ARC

42.9% of you felt that Larry Hama’s LOW ROAD TO GOLDEN MOUNTAIN was the worst story-arc of NML.
Other nominees were UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, THE CODE, and BREAD AND CIRCUSES.

#33. BEST SINGLE-ISSUE STORY

50% of voters felt that Devin Grayson’s SPIRITUAL CURRENCY was the best single-issue story of NML. Other worthy mentions were HOME SWEET HOME and Rucka’s ASSEMBLY.

#34. WORST SINGLE-ISSUE STORY

Likewise, 50% of you voted Larry Hama’s POWERPLAY as the worst issue of NML. Other nominees were Dixon’s CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY, Hama’s HOMECOMING, and Rucka’s ASSEMBLY REDUX.

#35. BEST WRITER

Greg Rucka stole the show in this category with 66.7% of the vote.
Splitting up the remaining third of the vote in equal parts were Devin Grayson, Bob Gale (NO LAW AND A NEW ORDER), and Chuck Dixon.

#36. WORST WRITER

83.3% of you voted Larry Hama as the worst writer during the NML arc. Other nominees include Devin Grayson.

#37. BEST ARTIST

Mike Deodato (CLAIM JUMPING, HOMECOMING, THE CODE) and Scott McDaniel (the NIGHTWING titles) tied for first place in this category with 28.6% each. Other nominees were Jim Balent (CATWOMAN titles, I believe?), Dale Eaglesham (FEAR OF FAITH, SPIRITUAL CURRENCY, parts of ENDGAME), and Alex Maleev (NO LAW AND A NEW ORDER, I think?).

#38. WORST ARTIST

D’Israeli (BREAD AND CIRCUSES) was regarded as the worst-suited artist in NML, with 40% of the vote. Jim Balent, Frank Terran, and Paul Ryan were also voted for.

#39. FAVOURITE MOMENT OF NML

This category was left so wide open that the possibilities for answers were virtually endless. The only moment that recieved more than one vote (two, count ’em, TWO!) was the moment when Lex Luthor makes his first appearance in Gotham at the very end of ASSEMBLY REDUX.
That recieved 20% of the vote. The following each recieved 10%:
-Batman saves Alfred when he returns to NML in NO LAW AND A
NEW ORDER
-Two-Face defeats Batman in CLAIM JUMPING (Re: TAILS – YOU LOSE)
-Batman strips Huntress of the Batgirl-mantle in ASSEMBLY
-Gordon makes Harvey Dent put Two-Face on trial in JURISPRUDENCE
-Batman unmasks himself to Gordon in FALLING BACK
-Helicopters bearing gifts for Gotham arrive in ENDGAME
-The Joker kills Sarah Essen in ENDGAME
-Gordon shoots the Joker in the leg in ENDGAME

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
#40. BEST “BTAN” ISSUE

Three choices tied as the best of the year. , featuring the BATMAN BEYOND season two plot synopses; , our year end issue; hell, some just couldn’t decide, so they said they ALL rock. (Yay us!) Each of these got 16.7% of the vote. Other issues were an issue in which we had an interview with Jeph Loeb, an issue with Ty Templeton, , Issue 48, (featuring our interview with Greg Rucka), and (featuring our editor’s editorial on Paul Dini).

Thank you to everyone for voting! This poll wouldn’t have been possible without you! That’s two awards ceremonies down, an endless amount to go. See you all again in 11 months!
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EDITORIAL
(by Kelly Tindall)

Happy Anniversary!

Hi, guys! Sorry it’s been so long since my last little letter, but I’ve been trapped underground with a Great Dane and a midget named Harold.

Since it’s my birthday today, I’m feeling festive, so let’s pay call to another blessed event that happened one year ago today; the sneak preview and first ever showing of Batman Beyond.

Yep, for better or worse, it’s a year old today. It’s given us thrills, chills, spills, a delightful young hottie named Dana, and a crusty old man named Bruce. And a Bat-Hound.

It’s been a good year, guys, and I hope that the year 2000 is going to be a great one, in Gotham City and everywhere else. Happy new year, guys ‘n gals!
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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 landed him a temporary column with this newsletter. The thoughts and ideas expressed by this shady character are in no way officially connected to Kids WB, Batman Beyond,
this newsletter, or anything that is decent or holy. That said, on with the show.)

Let’s get right down to it: Is this it for The New Batman/Superman Adventures or what? I haven’t seen a new episode for
quite a while, plus I’ve heard a lot of rumors that it’s over, or that there will be a new show in 2001. Is ‘Legacy’ really the Superman finale? If so, will Batman get a finale? Well, since you are Mr. Reliable Source, I am sure you will finally clear this all up for me…
I must know!!!”

That is a question that you are not alone in asking. Many others have wondered the same thing. Well wonder no more, Wondering Woman! These words of wisdom will end the wondering for one and all.

Though WB has said that ‘Legacy’ (most likely airing sometime between now and the year 3425, give or take a year) will be the finale of Superman, this is both true and misleading. There is already a revival series in the works, “The NEW New Batman/Superman Adventures”! As we saw near the end of the Superman series, Superman works best with guest stars. Why, in the final months we saw guest shots by Steel, Supergirl, Green Lantern, AquaMan, and Batman. The producers reason that more guest stars equals bigger ratings, and right they are. After all, it was the appearance of Supergirl that really made “Unity” the great episode that it was, right? Because of this, the new series will be chock full of guest stars.

“The best part is, we have this great animation work already done,” said a spokesman for the WB. He then produced a film canister that had the name “Super Friends”crossed out in magic marker, and “The New New Batman/Superman Adventures” written under it. Draw your own conclusions.

Thank you Wondering Woman for writing in, and thank you all, for this friendly, friendly world. Until next week, I remain Reliable Source. You can write to me at Reliable_S@hotmail.com. More as I hear it!
_________________________
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)

This is one of my favourite sections, where I get to boggle the minds of all our 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.

I have no real theme for this section of the quiz. Just go and knock yourself out, K?

246. Which of the following people has a Gotham street bearing the same name as theirs on BTAS?

A: Dr. Leslie Thompkins
B: Commissioner Jim Gordon
C: D.A. Harvey Dent
D: Bruce Wayne
E: Denny O’Neil

247. Which of the following episode(s) have a circus of some type involved in the story?

A: BIRDS OF A FEATHER
B: ROBIN’S RECKONING (Pt. 1)
C: BE A CLOWN
D: SIDESHOW
E: ANIMAL ACT

248. Which of the following has the Penguin NOT used to attack Batman (or any of his crew) with?

A: An umbrella
B: A screwdriver
C: Hummingbirds
D: Pigeons
E: Penguins

249. In the opening title for the “The Adventures of Batman & Robin” batch of episodes, which characters, aside from Batman and Robin themselves, make an appearance?

A: Alfred
B: Batgirl
C: Tony Zucco
D: The Joker
E: Two-Face

250. Aside from Talia, name one other relative of Ra’s Al Ghul that has appeared on the series.

A: There aren’t any others aside from Talia
B: Ubu
C: Jonah Hex
D: Arkady Duvall
E: Haddam Susein
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #246: A, E
Answer to #247: B, D, E
Answer to #248: E
Answer to #249: B, C
Answer to #250: D
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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:
1) The pirate-esque thug in “The Man Who Killed Batman” (he’s the one that wanted to take down Sid after Sid apparently killed Batman) appears again in “Batgirl Returns” – very briefly, mind you, when Batgirl and Catwoman are caught in the middle of a fight at the Stacked Deck.

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(by “Jpx98”)
2) In the Superman episode “Father’s Day”, the head waiter taking down names looks and sounds looks like the Ventriloquist.

3) In Batman Beyond #3 (ongoing comic series), Dr. Cuvier looks like the way he did before Terry pumped with splicer’s DNA on the show . But never said how changes back from monster he became.

(by “Brian Davis”)
4) The amazing penetrating box! In “Rebirth (Pt. 1)”, when Terry is bringing the box of belongings into his room and his brother is standing at the threshold of the door, watch closely…the box goes straight through Matt’s fore-head!
Spooky…

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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by anyone that wants to contribute)

No one had any words of wisdom regarding merchandising for this issue of the newsletter. It’s only a matter of time until someone finds something to write about…patience is a virtue.
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COMIC REVIEWS
(GOTHAM ADVENTURES by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
(BATMAN BEYOND by Tim Wan)

Welcome a new member to the newsletter staff, everyone! Tim Wan (many will know him for his great BATMAN BEYOND site – check out the links section for more) has hopped aboard to help me with the comic-reviewing duties. I will still be covering GOTHAM ADVENTURES, but the OTHER Tim will be covering all issues of the ongoing BATMAN BEYOND
series. Let’s put our hands together and welcome him to the newsletter!

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Minute Differences” (#22)
WRITTEN BY: Scott Peterson
PENCILLED BY: Tim Levins
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: January 5, 2000
RATING (out of 5): ****

The first animated story of the millenium. So?

Number 22. Ahh, my favourite number. I feel very close to this number, and it’s not very difficult to pinpoint why. That said, I expect a lot from an issue bearing such a number. (Nice segue, huh?)

I was originally disappointed to discover that Peterson had stopped the tradition of using Two-Face (my namesake) in of either series. It’s a very minor complaint, to be sure. Why? Well – even though my day would’ve been made had the tradition continued, what WAS used was a terrific story, nonetheless.

Family. The whole issue was about family – for both the heroes and the villains. Even though Commissioner Gordon and Batgirl are regulars in the Bat-stories, we rarely see them working together – or even standing side by side, for that matter. This was a rare treat, and leaves much to be explored in future issues – or episodes of the animated series, should it continue in the future.

The villains, virtually nameless, are intriguing, too. They break out of jail, not commit crimes, but to visit their terminally ill mother. This is very touching; what’s even more fantastic is Gordon’s response to them, saying that if they hadn’t caused the deaths of many people themselves, they would have been able to spend years with her. That’s pretty deep, actually. It surprised me. I loved it.

I also made a rather interesting discovery – does Batgirl have a scar? It would seem that in the majority of the panels throughout the issue, Levins has added an extra line underneath Barbara’s right eye. I originally thought it was just a fold in her skin, to show her winking or something of that sort, but even when she’s holding a completely straight face, it’s there. Where’d this come from? Every scar has a story to tell, does it not?

Great issue. I recommend it to all of you out there!

;-Y
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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 #23
February 2nd?
Synopsis: Northern Canada is the backdrop, the kidnapping of oil is the crime, and Ra’s Al Ghul is the villain.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/bmga23th.jpg

NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Batman and Batgirl must track down the missing Nightwing and Robin, who are being held by a villain who has outwitted them both. Batman can track the heroes down, but will he follow their footsteps right into a trap? This issue also features Killer Croc.
Cover: Unavailable

BATMAN BEYOND #6 (ongoing)
January 26th
Synopsis: Leaping from the TV screen: the sound-manipulating villain called Shriek! Deafened and imprisoned after his defeat by Batman, Dr. Shreeve has escaped! Now he’s developed a device that uses sound waves to disrupt and disintegrate Batman’s equipment… and he’s a decibel away from destroying the Bat-suit and the man underneath
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/bmb5.jpg

FOLLOWING MONTH: Issue #6.
Synopsis: The Stalker returns.
Cover: Unavailable

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #41
January 12th
Synopsis: Twenty-two single-page stories in a single issue!
Featuring art by an array of artists that includes Ty Templeton, Rick Burchett, Philip Bond, Joe Staton, Craig Rousseau, Aluir Amancio, Neil Vokes, Bret Blevins, Cameron Stewart, Mike Manley, Darwyn Cooke, and more, the stories focus on theMan of Steel, his supporting cast and several of his deadliest enemies, including Luthor, Metallo and Mr. Mxyzptlk!
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/sma41.jpg

NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
___________________________
NEWS AND RUMORS

ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-THE NO MAN’S LAND NOVELIZATION HAS HIT BOOK SHELVES AND NEWSSTANDS!
Greg Rucka’s Batman adaption of the mega-successful NO MAN’S LAND crossover has finally been released as a hardcover novel. Prices vary from location to location.
Editor’s note: GO PICK IT UP! IT ROCKS!
-THE BATMAN BEYOND INFO PAGE will be holding a contest.
The prize and rules of the contest are posted up at the site:
http://www.rogue-spear.com/BB
-Check out the VERY FIRST Batman Beyond chat room at this URL:
http://mercury.beseen.com/chat/rooms/p/10496
*Note: You must register a handle before chatting, which you can do
at the above URL given*
-KIDS’WB! is expected to make their mid-season announcemnt soon, as well as their fall 2000- 2001 season announcement in the next six weeks. It’s still unsure if (or how many times) BATMAN/SUPERMAN will return, due to the fact that KIDS’WB! has about 4 to 5 new series on the way.
-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!

ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS, STAS, BEYOND)
-It looks like KIDS’WB! won’t be airing LEGACY in January as originally predicted, but could air during Febuary sweeps. We’ll keep ya posted!

ANIMATED COMICS
-Last week, we reported that after Mark Millar leaves SUPERMAN ADVENTUERS, long-time fan-favourite Ty Templeton (GOTHAM ADVENTUERS) will jump one board for a few issues; Ty himself has confirmed that, at this point in time, this is NOT true – but does leave the door open to the possibility SOMEDAY. (Note: He’s really busy already.)
Sorry for the crossed lines there, fans.
-GOTHAM ADVENTURES # 4: Batman and Batgirl must track down the missing Nightwing and Robin, who are being held by a villain who has outwitted them both. Batman can track the heroes down, but will he follow their footsteps right into a trap? This issue alsofeatures Killer Croc. Ships on March 1.
-The Terrific Trio story slated for BATAMN BEYOND #3 might still be published, and could be published befpore the first 12 issues are complete.
-Terry Beatty will be penciling an upcoming issue of GOTHAM ADVENTURES.

OTHER COMICS
-Talia will be appearing in DETECTIVE COMICS somewhere around 0.

MOVIES
-AIN’T IT COOL NEWS has a hole trove of info regarding the future of all BATMAN film and TV franchises. Check out the following link for the scoop!
http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=4946
-The BATMAN: DEFENDER OF GOTHAM website has aquired a whole load of information about the pilot to the proposed BRUCE WAYNE series.
There are some spoilers so be careful. It’s a great run-through at this URL:
http://www.fandom.com/batman/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=50702
-The BATMAN BEYOND movie will be animated by TMS. (Good move, WB. Excellent.)
-Paul Dini, who wrote the script for Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,
says that the voice recording for the BEYOND movie has been completed.
He then said: “One bit of guest-star news I can give you is that among
the many new villains introduced in the film are twin hit-girls both named Dee-Dee,” Dini said. “They are played by everyone’s favorite teen witch, Melissa Joan Hart.” Hart, the star of ABC’s Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, has worked with the Bat-crew before. She did the voice of Saturn Girl in an episode of Superman. Look for more details on
-Batman 5: Ben Affleck is apparently close to signing onboard the fifth Batman project for an estimated $15 million, though he has set a rather strange condition. A WB source revealed to the The Sunday Mirror that “Ben has told studio executives he’d love to be the fourth Batman, but he really wants Gwyneth to play Catwoman alongside him…Ben thinks they would have brilliant on-screen chemistry together, and has promised he will work on her to get her on board”. Paltrow is apparently a huge fan of Michelle Pfieffer’s version of the role in 1992’s “Batman Returns”, and helping to cement the possibility is that she and Affleck, whose highly reported relationship ended around a year ago, appear to be becoming a hot item again. Can it be pulled off? Unsure. Personally I can see Affleck as the Bat, but Paltrow as Catwoman just doesn’t click – she just doesn’t convey that “unsure if she is good or bad” sense the character needs and which Michelle did so well.
-Then again, in a post on his affleck.com messageboard, the 27-year-old star slammed shut the door on the gossip saying “As I’m sure most of you might infer, this story is absurd.
There is no Batman script, no movie being planned, they have not called me or my agent and Gwyneth is much more the “Electra” (daredevil reference) type…I really have no idea where they get this stuff. It is as if someone sits in a room and quite literally invents it”. If that doesn’t clear things up, who knows what will, and to read the specific post in question click here.

TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-A 9″ BATMAN BEYOND figure with a cloth costume will be released later this year.
-Starting January 3, Burger King & Batman Beyond teamed up for four weeks of action figures and kids meals. Once BK is done with Pokemon toys, they will start a four month promotional Batman Beyond Kids’ Meal pack. These will include all-new action figures made spefically for the fast food franchise. Go to http://www.burgerking.com for details.
-THE BATMAN BEYOND BOARD ( http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb163084 )
has gotten picutres of the 8 toys to be released by BURGER KING
beginning January 3rd! The link for the post is here:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi?acct=mb163115
&MyNum=946238506&P=No&TL=946238506

-With anticipation of the novel BATMAN: NO MAN’S LAND being released in January, DC Comics online has given NML it’s own section. It includes information on both the hardcover novel, and the Youger Readers version, as well as excerpts. Follow the URL given:
http://www.dccomics.com/features/nmlbk/nmlbk.htm
-The SUPERMAN video game for Playstation will be out in the first
quarter of 2000.
-The first issue of the Sega Dreamcast magazine says a Batman Beyond
video game is due out in 2000.

__________________________________
FEATURED BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE

*THE WORLDS FINEST HAS REVAMPED THEIR MESSAGE BOARDS!*

Due to problem beyond the control at WORLD’S FINEST, they were forced to drop their famous INSIDE THE WEB boards, and opt for new BOARDHOST boards. These new BOARDHOST boards will keep the problem from never occuring on the WORLD’S FINEST boards again, impostering. With these new boards, thesite has definatly been enhanced! Check it out!

BATMAN, SUPERMAN, & BEYOND: THE WORLD’S FINEST
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest

BATMAN/SUPERMAN
http://members.boardhost.com/worldsfinest1

BATMAN BEYOND
http://members.boardhost.com/worldsfinest

ANIMATION & SCI-FI
http://members.boardhost.com/worldsfinest2

COMIC BOOK DISCUSSION
http://members.boardhost.com/worldsfinest3

Check them out!

__________________________
ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:

* – indicates a shameless plug for a site a certain double-faced editor created with his bare hands – in other words, a cheap advertising technique.

OFFICIAL SITES
—–
THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
BATMAN BEYOND
http://www.batmanbeyond.com
BATMAN BEYOND VIDEO SITE
http://www.batmanbeyondvideo.com
YTV’S BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES PAGE
http://www.ytv.com/shows/batman_animated/
YTV’s BATMAN BEYOND Page
http://www.ytv.com/shows/batman_beyond/
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
KID’S WB
http://www.kidswb.com
DC COMICS
http://www.dccomics.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
PSYCOMICS
http://www.psycomics.com
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
VOICE CHASERS
http://www.voicechasers.org

UNOFFICIAL SITES
—–
*TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BATMAN, SUPERMAN, & BEYOND :THE WORLD’S FINEST DISCUSSION CENTER
http://welcome.to/worldsfinest
THE DISCUSSION CENTER (same as above)
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Taping/2928/boards.htm
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BATMAN UK (BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE)
http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk
RA’S AL GHUL’S THE LAZARUS PIT
http://zap.to/lazaruspit
THE DARK KNIGHT
http://www.darkknight.ca
BATMAN BEYOND: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
http://www.batmanbeyond.net
TIM WAN’S BATMAN BEYOND
http://come.to/batmanbeyond
DCU ANIMATED
http://www.DCUAnimated.zzn.com
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/harlequinhideaway
GOTHAM CITY LIMITS
http://www.batman.gexner.net
BATMAN: DEFENDER OF GOTHAM
http://www.fandom.com/batman
THE RIDDLER – EDWARD NYGMA’S PUZZLE WEBSITE
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/prospero.milan/nygma
THE BATMAN ACTION FIGURE PAGE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/7659/
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
ARKHAM ASYLUM
http://animation.acmecity.com/saturday/352
JOKERZ TERRITORY
http://members.xoom.com/Jokerz84/index.htm
THE BATZONE
http://www.batzone.cjb.net/
JLA: THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://animation.acmecity.com/character/375
ANIMATED TALES
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/2294/at
A TRIBUTE TO BATMAN
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/russkafin/batman.html
BATMAN CEL SITE
http://animation.acmecity.com/carbon/111
DARK JUSTICE
http://www.mania.com.au/~grahark/darkjustice/

NEWSGROUPS
—–
news:alt.comics.batman
news:alt.animation.batman
news:alt.comics.superman
news:rec.arts.sf.superman
news:alt.tv.cartoon-network
news:rec.arts.animation
news:alt.animation.warner-bros
__________________________
QUESTIONS, SUBMISSIONS, AND FAN-MAIL

If you have any questions, problems, links do not work, or anything else then please e-mail this address with your problems and we’ll try to fix them as soon as possible. Also if you’d like to send any fan-mail then please send it to this address:

juno@direct.ca

As for submissions, feel free to submit an article or opinion on anything pertaining to BTAS. Keep in mind that as the editors, we have the right to edit your submissions if we deem it necessary. Such instances would include problems with length, grammar, and language. If we do feel we must edit something, however, we will do our utmost to ensure that the opinion and the basic message of the submission does not change, as that is the most important part of any artcile, and everyone is entitled to it. And if you do submit something, please don’t just submit a basic review of an episode or a comic or something (because we have people writing for those purposes already) – write about an issue you’d like to discuss.
__________________________
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES

The very kind people at TOONZONE were nice enough to give us our own little section of their huge and diverse website. The archives contain past newsletters and is semi-regularly updated with the latest one. To check it out go here:

TOONZONE’s BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
http://www.toonzone.net/wbc/newsletters/btan
__________________________
LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!

For those of you who are seeing this at the WBC HOMEPAGE BTAN ARCHIVES section, and want to subscribe just follow these simple instructions:

To subscribe email juno@direct.ca, put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, and put the e-mail address you’d like the newsletter to be sent to in the body of the message.

For more information the newsletter just email juno@direct.ca
Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading! Tell your friends!

-Tim TWO-FACE Leighton and Dick Grayson, editors
__________________________
TO ALL GOOD THINGS…
…there must be an end. We would like to thank the endless amount of contributors for contributing their editorials, columns, news, jokes, reviews and other articles. We hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it! See ya next time!

CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER

EDITOR: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITOR AT COLLEGE: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz, RiddlerWB (at the official BTAS/STAS site), and YTV.com
EPISODE REVIEWS: Zanna/Justin Chen
EDITORIAL: Kelly Tindall
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, Tim Wan
MERCHANDISE REVIEW: Various
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Dick Grayson, Eileen Delgadillo, Brian Cruz, Brian Davis
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-Y Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
DELIVERY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
E-MAIL RECEPTION HANDLING: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (who else?)

Batman and all related indicated are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 2000.
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Batman The Animated Newsletter #52

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