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Batman The Animated Newsletter #9

Batman The Animated Newsletter #9

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of Oct 19 – 24/25, Oct 26 – 31/Nov 1
Volume 1, Issue #9
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to yet another bi-weekly installment of “BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER”! *APPLAUSE* This newsletter contains all sorts of information pertaining to “Batman: The Animated Series”, such as rumors, news, reviews, jokes, trivia, and more! And, just to balance it out, “Superman” has been included! Sit back and enjoy!

HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
The five-time Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992; it ran on FOX on weekdays (and even during prime-time on Sundays for a month or so). 65 episodes (and millions of dollars in merchandise) later, season two began in 1994, airing only on Saturday, adding only 15 new episodes to the series.
A year later, BTAS was re-introduced to the FOX weekday line-up. All the original episodes were brought back this time, as well as 5 new episodes (none of which were spectacular, but still good), leaving the episode count at 85 in September of 1995.
The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn’t go on – but it was an excellent run. In 1997, BTAS was pulled from the FOX network. Was BTAS dead?
We were all proven wrong.
As soon as BTAS left the FOX network, it was teamed up with Superman on the WB network. Better yet – NEW EPISODES WERE INTRODUCED! NEW episodes began airing bright and early on the morning of September 13th, 1997. Two years (less two days) after BTAS ceased production, it was reborn.
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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
In the fall of 1996, the creators of BTAS moved on and produced an animated version of the Man of Steel. The first season was made up of a mere 13 episodes, and while the show did not blow away audiences like BTAS did, “Superman” (STAS) still managed a fair amount of success. In it’s second season, it was teamed up with BTAS on the WB, making the full hour block of “Heavy Duty Dubbas” episodes a sure-fire winner. In fact, the series involved a three-part crossover with Batman, and has three more crossovers planned in the future. In 1997, the series won an “Outstanding Special Class Program” Emmy, which it shared with BTAS. The series is moving strong and gaining even more steam as it blasts into Season Three…
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Nope, no “special” interviews this issue, but all our usual articles and features are here!
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES

So, you’re a new subscriber and wish to see back issues of “Batman: The Animated Newsletter”? Well, fear not, for a great friend of mine has offered to hold back issues of our newsletter at her site, for all to enjoy! Christmas has come early (and in bi-weekly installments) this year! The site is called “The Warner Bros. Club” and features an amazing amount of WB related games and information! For all you wanting to catch up, or look back, here is the URL:

http://www.toonzone.net/wbc

The Warner Bros. Club site is also part of a much bigger site. The site is called TOON ZONE and contains three more WB related sites: Brian Cruz’s WB Cartoon Page, Colin’s WB schedule page, and the WB Comic Zone. The sites have been updated and somewhat revamped! Do you wanna see the people behind it? There’s also a site for that as well. This isn’t an official WB page but it’s so good, might as well be! There’s even a chat room and a great message board! If you’re looking for anything WB related check out this site! Definitely worth bookmarking!

TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net

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NEW EPISODE(S)
This section will just basically give an insight into what the new episodes are about and hopefully a synopsis of the episode. This section will feature both new Superman and new Batman episodes.

‘CHEMISTRY’
Batman #107
Air date: October 24/25, 1998 (USA)
No one knows about this episode’s details, aside from the fact that Batman will undoubtedly be in it, and we finally get to see Poison Ivy be her villainous self ALL ALONE for the first time in ages. YAY!

‘JUDGEMENT DAY’
Batman #109
Air date: October 31/November 1, 1998 (USA)
Again, another episode with no leaked-out rumors. This episode will feature a new vigilante, “The Judge”, a disgruntled judge fed up with the revolving-door prison system in Gotham, and takes the law into his own hands. No one knows who the villain in this episode is, but all fans have predicted Two-Face will finally return, as well. YAY!

‘NEW KIDS IN TOWN’
Superman #43
Air date: October 31/November 1, 1998 (USA)
A teen-aged Clark Kent teams up with Chameleon Boy, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl from the New Legion, to battle Brainiac in Clark’s hometown of Smallville.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and the official BTAS/STAS site)

The New Batman/Superman Adventures last this past year with high ratings and critical success! KidsWB airs the show Monday through Friday from 4-5 PM (eastern time) and now in a 90 minute block on weekends starting at 8:30am (eastern time). The time may vary for the various WB affiliates across Canada and the U.S. The schedule is set to change again in September or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for upcoming information!

10-19-98
Batman #96 – THE ULTIMATE THRILL
Superman #07 – FEEDING TIME

10-20-98
Batman #93 – GROWING PAINS
Superman #01 – LAST SON OF KRYPTON (Pt. 1)

10-21-98
Superman #02 – LAST SON OF KRYPTON (Pt. 2)
Superman #03 – LAST SON OF KRYPTON (Pt. 3)

10-22-98
Batman #97 – OVER THE EDGE
Batman #92 – JOKER’S MILLIONS

10-23-98
Superman #16 – ACTION FIGURES
Batman #99 – CRITTERS

10-24/25-98
Batman #??? – CHEMISTRY———–NEW!!!!
Superman #42 – WHERE THERE’S SMOKE

—–

10-26-98
Batman #56 – HARLEY & IVY
Superman #21 – MXYZPIXILATED

10-27-98
Batman #46 – ALMOST GOT ‘IM
Batman #01 – ON LEATHER WINGS

10-28-98
Superman #13 – TWO’S A CROWD
Batman #69 – AVATAR

10-29-98
Superman #08 – THE MAIN MAN (Pt. 1)
Superman #11 – THE MAIN MAN (Pt. 2)

10-30-98
Batman #103 – THE DEMON WITHIN
Superman #31 – PROTOTYPE

10-31/11-01-98
Batman #??? – JUDGEMENT DAY——NEW!!!!
Superman #?? – NEW KIDS IN TOWN–NEW!!!!

Note: All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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EPISODE OF THE WEEK:
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
This section lets me tell you about my favorite rerun airing this week! You are not to miss this episode at all cost! Tape it if possible! All Batman and Superman episodes which have at least been shown once are eligible – but try to catch the new episodes if you can!

THIS WEEK:
What can I say? All the episodes (except one, which I’ve isolated further down) are either good (like “Joker’s Millions”), great (like “Growing Pains”), or EXCELLENT (like “Over the Edge”). Try to watch all of ’em!

NEXT WEEK:
Batman
ALMOST GOT ‘IM (#46)
Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc gather together and share their “almost got ‘im” tales of run-ins with Batman…an instant classic! Harley Quinn and Catwoman also appear. All the villains have great appearances and Batman is cool as always…watch it!! 
Airs Oct. 27, 1998
(Also GREAT this week are “Harley & Ivy” and “On Leather Wings”).

THIS WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Batman
CRITTERS (#99)
This episode is crap-tacular. Lame villain, bad animation, poor story-telling, redneck stereotypes, and until this point in time, I never thought I’d see mutant farm animals taking over Gotham City. Proved me wrong. Please flush this episode away so we never see it again. PLEASE!!!!
Airs Oct. 23, 1998

NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman
THE MAIN MAN (Pt. 1 & 2), (#8, 11)
Superman and Lobo make an uneasy team to take on yet another alien, this time with plans to keep all the rare animal species in the world as his own. Miss it.
Both episodes air Oct. 29, 1998
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
“Yabba Dabba Doom”
It seems that about every month or so the schedule for Batman changes again! So please be patient. We may not be able to get the new episode schedule up in time but here’s the most current schedule for Batman:TAS on CARTOON NETWORK: It airs Monday thru Friday at 6 & 6:30pm and a midnight repeat (of the 6pm episode) Monday thru Thursday. We’ll note of any change.

Mon 10-19-98: #38 Heart of Steel Part One
#44 Heart of Steel Part Two

Tue 10-20-98: #40 Joker’s Wild
#41 Tyger Tyger

Wed 10-21-98: #42 Moon of the Wolf
#43 Day of the Samurai

Thu 10-22-98: #45 Terror in the Sky
#47 Birds of a Feather

Episode schedules for the Cartoon Network for any later dates were unavailable at the time of mailing this newsletter. Expect the episodes to air in episode-number order, more or less, though.

NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won’t be airing on KidsWB for quite some time! If you want to complete your collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just some friendly advice.
SPECIAL NOTE: “Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero” will air on November 21, 1998.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Bob Evatt)
Mr. Evatt is an experienced reviewer of the new BTAS episodes and has much of his work shown at the Lazarus Pit website, and is now contributing to this newsletter! His other reviews can be reached via this link:
http://effect.net.au/allan/lazarus-pit

LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT (*****)
Story by Robert Goodman and Bruce Timm.
Written by Robert Goodman.
With Acknowledgement to the Works of Bill Finger, Dick Sprang, and Frank Miller.
Directed by Dan Riba.

“I love Batman! All those muscles, the tight rubber armor, and that flashy car–I heard it could drive up walls!”
“Yeah, sure Joel.” –children discussing the nature of Batman.

In Gotham City, Batman has attained an almost mythic status. He is a figure that is simultaneously revered, respected, feared, and hated. However, since few people can claim to have had an extended encounter with Batman, his true nature is a mystery to the general public. Some claim that he is a friendly crime fighter with a great sense of humor. Others insist that he is a grim vigilante who often resorts to brutal violence. A few claim that he isn’t even human. Differing tales of Batman are told when three children try to track him down.

This episode is a superb homage to some of the many radically different visions of Batman that have been presented over the years. The first child’s tale harks back to the 50’s, when Dick Sprang depicted a more carefree Batman. Every possible detail has been carefully crafted to bring his comics to life. The visual style is right out of Sprang’s comic books, right down to the Joker’s expressions as he watches his gang being beaten. The setting–a museum of impossibly large musical instruments–is a fitting reflection of his more lighthearted tone, as is the Joker’s larger-than-life attempt to kill Batman by hammering them with giant piano keys. Even the voices and the music (which is intentionally badly edited, just like an old serial) go hand in hand with this nostalgic version of Batman. If there were an animated Batman series in the 50’s, this is exactly what it would have looked like.

The second child’s tale is a polar opposite. Frank Miller’s Batman was dark, grim, and ultra-violent, and his works are almost flawlessly translated to the screen in this episode. Not only is this Batman depicted in his bulky and menacing style, (particularly when he slowly rises out of the mud), but the entire story could have sprung right from the pages of his comic books–particularly when the viewer can clearly read “my name is Don” written on a silhouetted punk. Again the action matches the style, most notably when Batman and the Mutant Leader battle in a mud pit. The rough voices and the heavy metal music fit the mood perfectly. Even the ending is pure Miller, as Batman audibly breaks the Mutant Leader’s bones (I’m impressed this slipped past the censors).

Finally, we see an example of the modern Batman, as the children watch him battle Firefly. This fight, while a good example of the usual style of the series, doesn’t just serve as a counterpoint to the earlier styles. This version of Batman is different, yet it also incorporates elements of both Sprang and Miller. Even Joel Schumacher (who was presented in a less-than-favorable light by the effeminate kid) is saluted, as the final Batarang shot is a lot like the one in Batman Forever. In this way, these earlier styles are not just presented as nostalgia, they are shown as active influences on the modern style. This is a brilliant examination of the way Batman has evolved over the years.
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EDITORIAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka “Phoenix”)

“Batman vs. Chickenwoman”

Did you hear the one about Batman and Roxy Rockett?
I sure didn’t.
Apparently I’m not alone. Apparently others of you are living in a cave like I am. “Ultimate Thrill?” we ask.
“Sounds like a porno.”
The problem (for most of us, anyway) isn’t apathy. It isn’t that we don’t WANT to watch the new episodes and
lament how annoying Harley is.
No, the problem is that, for various reasons, we don’t get the WB Network, the only network airing the new episodes.
For me, the problem is that the closest WB affiliate is too far away and Canadian cable doesn’t carry WB. Why? Not
Canadian enough, ruled the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). On Canadian cable, though, you can watch COPS on the Fox Network as much as you want. Now there’s Canadian content for you.
Some of you have other reasons for not getting the new episodes, like a lack of WB affiliates in your area because the network is still in its infancy. No matter the reason, we all suffer under the same ban: deprivation of the New Batman Adventures’ new season.
What do we do? Well, we’ll just have to make hard lemonade out of those fermented lemons.
The answer: we write our own Batman shows. Using the titles provided by the newsletter, of course.
Let’s take the season-opener, for instance. “The Ultimate Thrill.” From devoted reading of this newsletter we know that it involves new villainess Roxy Rockett.
Hmm…
SCENE: A swanky Gotham hair salon, two years ago. 
Roxy Rockett is one half of a successful Swedish rock duo whose signature selling point is their phenomenally bad haircuts. Tired of the constant media ridicule, Roxy decides to get a more stylish ‘do. Too bad she can’t speak English as well as she can sing it. After five minutes of listening to her garbled instructions, the posh stylist gets fed up and shaves her bald.
*NOTE: This is the Tragic Scarring Incident That Will Spur the Victim into a Life of Crime.
SCENE: Night. Commissioner Gordon’s office, two years later.
Batman is trying to convince Jim Gordon to send his daughter to an Estonian nunnery when the phone rings.
JIM: Hello?
(Gotta love that dialogue.)
After expressing his shock and dismay, the Commissioner hangs up and informs Batman that all the hairstylists in the city have gone missing. A ransom note claims that unless Bruce Wayne, who employs all three hundred hairdressers (what a fortunate coincidence!), hands over $100 million by midnight, all the kidnapped barbers will receive “the ultimate thrill.”
JIM: I don’t get it. What’s so bad about that?
BATMAN: Hairstylists. The Ultimate Thrill. There can only be one answer.
JIM: What – you already know what this all means?
BATMAN: Don’t you?
It seems that Alfred happens to play Swedish rock music while fixing breakfast, so Bruce remembers Roxy Rockett, and her hit single, “The Ultimate Thrill,” and her bad haircut. In the Bat Cave, surrounded by his Mouseketeers, Batman pulls up Roxy’s file.
BATGIRL: Wow. Talk about a bad hair day.
BATMAN: Here’s a plane ticket to Estonia. I need you to do some investigating for me.
BATGIRL: Hey! It’s only one-way!
BATMAN: Have you ever heard the call of God, Batgirl?
Pointless banter aside, Batman listens to Roxy’s old hit and discovers that the “ultimate thrill” is chickens. There needs to be no further elaboration here. Batman rushes to Roxy’s secret hideout, horrified at her ghastly plan.
At Firecracker Sven’s Chicken Emporium, Roxy taunts her victims.
ROXY: Inga schmeeling cheekie soo nyah nyah!
VICTIMS: What?
Batman crashes through the skylight. (Do we really have to explain how he knew where her secret hideout was?)
ROXY: Bragmah! Ya keelie guss-guss!
BATMAN: Nice try, Roxy. I happen to know Swedish. That isn’t it.
ROXY: O ya?
Batman proceeds to inform Roxy that the mysterious, magical “it” is “over,” and that he knows all about her plan to feed the hairdressers who had done her wrong live chickens with rockets stuck up their orifices. 
Batgirl shows up suddenly and makes an inappropriate remark.
Batman, distracted by Batgirl’s sudden entrance, does not see Roxy hurl a chicken at him. He dodges, but barely in time.
CHICKEN: BWAAAAAAK!!
The chicken explodes.
Roxy takes this moment to attack Batman, who has for some reason forgotten all his years of martial arts training. They fight, Roxy uttering unintelligible threats and Batman grunting convincingly. Robin shows up to help Batgirl untie the gristle-spattered stylists and get them to safety.
Because she is so intent on beating up Batman, Roxy forgets that she has set all the chickens to detonate in ten seconds. Batman, fortunately regaining motor control, leads the fight away from the perilous poultry (Penguin would be proud).
The chickens explode. A horror of charred feathers rains down upon the duelers.
ROXY: Urgee-burgee cheekies!
She screams and falls to her knees. Batman is sympathetic, but again informs her that “it” is over. Police arrive to arrest the offending Swede.
The three crimefighters retreat into the shadows.
BATGIRL: Well, I guess that goes to show that poultry-farming doesn’t pay, eh, Batman?
Batman produces a mysterious object from under his cape.
BATMAN: Here, Batgirl. Have some…chicken.
(ROLL CREDITS)

Well, it can’t be any worse than the REAL episode, can 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. Some are easy, some are not. Now have fun – let’s see how well you do! Answers are provided beneath the “Animated Batman/Superman Sites” section.

31. Which of the following villains have ever been seen inside the Janus Movie Theatre?

A: TWO-FACE
B: THE JOKER
C: THE PENGUIN
D: FIREFLY
E: CALENDAR GIRL

32. Which of the following villains have ever been inside the Batcave?

A: CATWOMAN
B: THE RIDDLER
C: THE JOKER
D: RA’S AL GHUL
E: MAN-BAT

33. Which of the following people have ever fallen into the Bat-signal somehow?

A: ROBIN
B: HARVEY BULLOCK
C: COMMISSIONER GORDON
D: BATMAN
E: BANE

34. Which of the following characters has been to the Gotham Peregrenator’s club TWICE?

A: RUPERT THORNE
B: POISON IVY
C: TWO-FACE
D: HARLEY QUINN
E: THE JOKER

35. In what episode did the Joker go to the highest point in Gotham to disrupt all radar activity in the area?

A: CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER
B: OLD WOUNDS
C: WORLD’S FINEST (Pt. 1, 2, 3)
D: JOKER’S WILD
E: THE LAST LAUGH
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JOKER’S WILD
(by Gookie)
This column is just basic humor. Nothing special to it, it’s just here to make you laugh a bit before we delve into serious things (yeah, like grown men in tights!). Enjoy!

However, this week, Gookie was unable to submit a new humour column, but will return in the next issue! Check out the BTAN Archives at the following address, and go to Issue #7 to read last issue’s humour column – it’s great!

http://www.toonzone.net/wbc
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LITTLE FACTS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)

Here is a section that just points out various little facts that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!

1) I bet you never knew there was nudity in BTAS, huh? Check out “Double Talk”; in the scene where Batman chases Scarface through an ornamental stoneworks factory, you see, in broad daylight, female stone statues with nipples and everything (Joel Schumacher would be mighty proud)!!! SPECIAL NOTE: I am NOT a pervert! Just perceptive.
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ANIMATED NEWS AND RUMORS

MOVIES
-Also it looks like BATMAN:THE ANIMATED MOVIE #3 is a definite YES!(woohoo!) – Boyd Kirkland says that there are no potential plot outlines available just yet.
-“Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero” will air on the CARTOON NETWORK on November 21, 1998.
-“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” will likely air on Kids WB sometime this season – no exact date has been given, yet.

COMICS/BOOKS
– BATMAN: ANIMATED, Written by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd, was due to hit stores back on Sept. 23, but, alas, is not on schedule. It’s tentative release date is now October, so expect to see it popping up everywhere within the next four weeks! Reserve your copy NOW!
– Harley Quinn is rumored to make a major comeback in “Batman: Gotham Adventures” within 5 months, where she finally writes her tell-all book about the Joker and other Arkham inmates! There’s also a BIG surprise in store…but we’re not saying what it is!
-During the San Diego ComicCon, Paul Dini revealed that he will be writing a story arc for NO MAN’S LAND that will introduced Harleen Quinzel into the mainstream world. She will be introduced as a therapist at Arkham Asylum but she won’t be making her debut as Harley for quite a while. Is this a good thing? Only time can tell. Also the introduction of Batgirl #2 during NO MAN’S LAND seems very true. (news courtesy of NEWSARAMA DAILY at the MANIA site)
-Rumors still seem to be flying about the Spoiler becoming Batgirl #2…but now with her baby? Hmmm…

ANIMATED SERIES’
-Here’s a recap of all the known upcoming episodes this season (sorry, no Superman episodes were available):
-Look for the return of Zatanna and Bane, plus the Scarecrow will be returning to terrify our heroes! The Riddler will have 3 whopping appearances as well. Catwoman will head her own team to counter Batman’s. The Judge will be introduced and more of Batman’s Rogues gallery will return.

– Plus some BATMAN BEYOND news…
aside from findin’ out what happened to Tim Drake and Dick Grayson it is very possible that we’ll be introduced to Ra’s Al Ghul and SUPERMAN(!) in the second season!
-Sadly, it looks like “Batman Beyond” will be delayed again; it won’t be premiering until January, 1999. Ditto goes for the comic mini-series which ties in with the series.

http://www.mania.com/columns/amhh/amhh081498.html

http://www.mania.com/tv/features/batmanbeyond.html

http://www.toymania.com/sdcc98/batmanbeyond.shtml

(Thanx for Brain Cruz’s WB Cartoon page for the URLS!)

– WB feels that “Batman Beyond” will be a huge success, so they’ve already planned 13 episodes for the series’ second season.
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OTHER BATMAN RELATED NEWS

Movie News
-Brendan Frasier (who played George in “George of the Jungle”) is the latest name being tossed around for playing Batman in the next live-action movie. George Clooney is still tied to the project, so unless we hear he’s been let go (which would be BIG news), he’s still the front-runner for the role, again.
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)

Our “animated” toy reviewer was unable to supply us with a review for this issue of the newsletter, but fear not, he shall return for the next issue! We apologize for the inconvenience.
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Dagger’s Secret” (#7)
WRITTEN BY: Ty Templeton
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: October 7, 1998 (Cover date is December)
RATING: **** (out of 5)

“A man who doesn’t learn to shut up can get himself killed.”
–A homeless man to Dagger Dixon

SUMMARY: After getting out of jail, Dagger Dixon (see the Batman and Robin Adventures #14) is hanging out in a bar explaining to someone that he’s learned his lesson and will never break the law again. Batman and Robin crash into the place looking for a man who sends a lot of henchmen after them. As Dagger is leaving the place to get out of the way, he and Robin see each other. Dagger recognizes Tim Drake under Robin’s mask. After he punches Robin, the man who B & R are after is whacked by Dagger. Batman finishes with the criminal’s men and Robin ties the guy up. Batman remembers Dagger and thanks him for his help. Robin leaves rather dismayed. Dagger is in debt to his landlord, and, seeing that Tim was adopted by Bruce Wayne, he calls Tim to se if he can get some
money.
We find out that Dagger was a friend of Tim’s father while they both worked for Two-Face; he was also the only one of “Shifty’s” friends that was nice to Tim. When Tim says he can’t do anything, Dagger decides to blackmail Wayne, so he goes to the Penguin to see how he should carry out the operation. The Penguin figures that the secret Dagger knows must be a big one, so he has some men try to get it out of him. After an hour, Dagger is still resisting, and when the henchmen’s guard is down, he escapes and runs to the Wayne Manor. The Penguin has followed him and tells Bruce that he’s an employee that has embezzled some money. As they are taking Dagger to the car, Nightwing arrives (Tim paged him; he was using the Batcave’s weight room at the time) and takes care of Penguin. Dagger also gets the burden of the secret off his chest by telling Penguin and Bruce that Tim has a criminal record (a published fact, which everyone already knows). It turns out that the trick was Tim’s idea. Weeks later in San Diego, Dagger gets a tattoo of Robin as a reminder to keep the secret of Batman and Robin’s identities. 

COMMENTS: When I read the original appearance of Dagger, I could have cared less about the character and I really didn’t see much to the story of that issue. However, this issue had a great story and developed Dagger’s persona much more. Besides the well-done story and characterization, the art in this issue was spectacular, as always. Not only Burchett’s pencils, but also Beatty’s inks and especially Loughrige’s coloring brought this issue to life. I think, artwork-wise, that this is the best issue so far. The coloration is beautiful and jumps off the page. If only every episode of the show was painted this well. Wow.

CRITICISMS: None, really. This was a very good issue.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a well-told story with beautiful artwork and excellent characterization. Highly recommended!

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COVERING THE BASICS…

This sections helps you, the reader, find the best on the newsstand or comic shop. The covers below are covershots for BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, and/or related comic book/book merchandise. I hope this section makes it easier for you to find true quality. The covers are provided by DC CURRENTS, and TOON ZONE. Any other source will be given their dues.

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #8
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga08.jpg

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #9
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga09.jpg

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #26
no cover at present time available

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #27
no cover at present time available

BATMAN: ANIMATED (new and improved pic!)
http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/batanim.jpg
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SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT
(We have two this time around!)

1st UNOFFICIAL JUNIOR-PRESS-STRIP FAN PAGE
(The Online Dutch Comic Database)
http://www.geocities.com/soho/lofts/2413

This site is a god-send for any Dutch comic fans! This site catalogues ALL Dutch versions of our favourite comic book heroes, neatly in a nice little package – VERY easy to use! I loved it!

Check them both out! You won’t regret it! It might be awhile before this section is updated but stay tuned!
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:

THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
http://www.batman-superman.com
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED SERIES
http://www.batmantas.com
KIDSWB!
http://www.kidswb.com
http://www.wbanimation.com
TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
TWO-FACE’S TOWER OF TRANQUILITY AND TERROR
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BRIAN CRUZ’ WB CARTOON PAGE
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/index.html
BRIAN’S BATMAN PAGE
http://members.aol.com/bdavis2613/main.html
THE ANIMATED BAT
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/7382/index.html
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED HOMEPAGE
http://www3.sympatico.ca/quartet/home.htm
THE BATCOMPUTER
http://members.spree.com/batcomputer
SUB-ZERO
http://www.warnerbros.com/subzero
SUB-ZERO: THE DEFINTIE GUIDE
http://www.batman-subzero.com
RAVING TOY MANIAC
http://www.toymania.com
CHARACTERS ON THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN
http://www.xse.com/leres/batman.html
THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN F.A.Q. SITE
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1216
THE BRUCE TIMM ARTWORK ARCHIVE
http://home.rr.nycap.com/cataldo/timm.htm
HARLEY’S HAVEN OF HEDONISM
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/harlequinhideaway
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (unofficial site)
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/5158

These are some of the best BTAS sites on the web at this time. Most sites are updated or have been recently and all are up and running.
If you’ve watched Batman on WB there’s a fair chance you’ve watched Superman as well. This show has picked up 40% more viewers this past season thanx to Batman. This series is one of the most underrated shows on TV because it’s stuck under Batman’s (pun intended) shadow. There’s one website that treats it as its own show and its a damn good website! I recommend all who have seen this show to check out this site:

SUPERMAN:TAS
http://www.rain.org/~stas
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #31: ‘A, D’
Answer to #32: ‘C, D’
Answer to #33: ‘B, E’
Answer to #34: ‘D’
Answer to #35: ‘B’
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CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:

BATMAN and all related property is a registered trademark of DC Comics. Visit DC Comics website at:
http://www.dccomics.com

DC Comics is owned and operated by Warner Brothers. Visit their website at:
http://www.warnerbros.com

Kids’WB! is a part of Warner Brothers. Visit the Kids’ WB! site at:
http://www.kidswb.com

If I’ve left any out I’ll probably be sue and homeless within a year so please tell me.
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LIKE WHAT YA SEE? WANNA SUBSCRIBE? HERE’S HOW!!!

Now that this newsletter is archived at THE WBC HOMEPAGE, those who haven’t subscribed have been asking how to do so. Well here it is for those who would like to subscribe:

To subscription requests email
juno@direct.ca
and that’s all ya do. Just put ‘subscribe’ and your email address in the email message.

A little cash donation would be appreciated, but it’s not obligatory. (Dang!)

Also if you want to ask question about BATMAN/SUPERMAN or this newsletter then please send those as well! WE will address them in the newsletter, or to you directly.

Thank you for your time, and thanks for reading!
-BTAN Editor
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TO ALL GOOD THINGS…
…there must be an end. We would like to thank the endless amount of contributors for contributing their editorials, columns, news, jokes, reviews and other articles. We hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it!
See ya next time!

CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER

EDITORS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Brian Cruz
BTAS REVIEWS: Bob Evatt
EDITORIAL: Laura Hysert
COMIC REVIEWS: Aaron Maurer
TOY REVIEW: Kevin Smith
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS AND JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD AROUND: Brian Cruz, Brian Davis, Eileen Delgadillo
THOSE WHO FILL IN FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY FOUL UP:-P Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane (who else?)

All elements in this newsletter have been copyrighted (copywritten?) by DC Comics, 1998.
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Batman The Animated Newsletter #9

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