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Batman The Animated Newsletter #96

Batman The Animated Newsletter #96

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of July 9, 2001 – July 22, 2001
Volume 4,
Rated: PG (as with all other things Batman-related)

THIS ISSUE’S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: “Happy belated non-denominational national holiday, everyone!”
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

-Congratulations to us! As of June 29th, we added our 2200th subscriber to our mailing list! Whoo! Thanks again for everyone subscribing and keeping this newsletter going!

And…

-On account of possibly growing tedious, there have been some changes here at Batman: The Animated Newsletter. There have been some shuffling of the sections, trimming here, and deleting there, in hopes of making a sleeker, easier read for all of you. That, and we’re testing out a new delivery procedure with this issue – some of our long-time subscribers may recall this method. Apparently we’ve been having some problems with the size of this newsletter – so hopefully it’ll load quicker and easier this way. I hope this works out, everyone! If you have any suggestions to make this newsletter better, just let us know!

Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
-fearing change, but willing to give it a try
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EAGERLY ANTICIPATING…
New episodes are on the horizon! Here’s what we can expect in the near future…

Unfortunately, there are no new Batman-related episodes debuting in the near future. We’ll just have to wait until the JLA debuts this fall.
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NEWS AND RUMORS

ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-A DVD of the original 1966 BATMAN movie with Adam West and Burt Ward is due out in August. West and Ward are both providing a retrospective commentary on the DVD, too.
-OnStar is staging an online promotion, with the prize being a walk-on role in the next Batman movie. Starting May 31, fans will have a chance to enter a sweepstakes at www.onstar.com to win a walk-on role in the next Batman movie, which is still in the planning stages with no firm dates set yet. The promotion is part of OnStar’s marketing campaign, teaming with DC Comics, that includes two new TV spots, print ads and an interactive animated comic on the Internet.
“The relationship between OnStar and Batman has been extremely successful, helping to push OnStar awareness to new heights,” said Mike McEnaney, OnStar director of sales and marketing services. “With this new integrated campaign, OnStar and DC Comics have created a simple, yet compelling way to tell more of the OnStar story.”
The TV ads highlight OnStar’s newest services, Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor. In one, which premiered during the Academy Awards, while fighting off an attack by the Penguin on his Batmobile, Batman places a hands-free call to longtime girlfriend Vicki Vale to warn her that he might be late for their dinner date.
The second ad pits Batman against the Riddler, who sends an e-mail via the OnStar Virtual Advisor. Batman also uses the Virtual Advisor to solve the riddle and prevent a crime. The commercials were directed by Vincent Ward.
-The following artists are selling artwork on eBay. The following are their names and Seller ID’s:
Terry Beatty: beatty@machlink.com
Craig Rousseau: cerousseau
Tim Levins: tlevins
Min S. Ku: min3000gt

ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS, STAS, BEYOND, JLA)
-You want BTAS back on the CARTOON NETWORK? Go and vote here! (SUPERMAN is also one of the choices, too.)
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/TOONAMI/midnight/pttp_enter.html
-The public’s first peek at the JLA series will be at the San Diego Comic-Con, July 19-21. I wanna go!
-WE HAVE LOTS OF JLA STUFF HERE FOR YOU, TOO!
*November 2001 will be the premiere date.
*26 half-hour episodes were ordered for this coming season.
*Though the show is set in the same continuity of the current Batman and Superman shows, don’t expect the show to stick to it 100%.
*The style of the show will look more like the original BTAS series, not the “new” designs of BTAS, BEYOND, or SUPERMAN. Yes, Batman got a new character design once again. Superman and the Flash still look pretty much the same. For a pic of them, go here:
http://www.cinescape.com/insider/jla010424a.jpg
*Paul Dini WAS writing for the show, but he’s had to bow out of writing his Flash/Green Lantern vs. Grodd story due to recent injury. Dwayne McDuffie has picked up the script and will complete it.
-BATMAN BEYOND will return to the Canadian cable channel YTV this fall. BTAS’ contract with YTV is up this fall, so it may move to TELETOON if YTV doesn’t pick it up agian.
-BATMAN BEYOND is back on KidsWB, twice a day, Monday thru Thursday. It will air at both 3pm and 4:30pm, starting July 2, 2001.

ANIMATED COMICS
-Vancouver, Canada native Jim Delaney has been selected as the artist for the new animated JLA comic book. His past work has been with ADVENTURES IN THE DC UNIVERSE and the HOW TO DRAW SUPERMAN book.
-Just as with all WB animated series, the JLA animated series will also recieve a tie-in animated book, drawn in the animated style. It is tentatively entitled “JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES.”
-A solo Harley story, a Riddler story, and the first Two-Face story in two years (how fitting) are upon us in the next few issues of GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
-Terry Beatty reports that the art-crew from BATMAN BEYOND (Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh) will be working on of the series.
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #42
Written by Scott Peterson; art by Craig Rousseau and Dan Davis; cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty. In stores September 5. Batman and Robin must combat a string of fires that are being set around Gotham. Could this be Firefly’s first animated comic-book appearance?
Cover: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages271350.jpg
-BAMTAN BEYOND #23
Written by Paul Storrie; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh; cover by Darwyn Cooke.
In stores July 25. There`s a new “King” in town, and he`s putting together a new Royal Flush Gang. Is Batman playing with a full deck when he asks “Ten” to help him take down this dangerous and motley crew?
Cover: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages269033.jpg
-BATMAN BEYOND #24
This is the final issue of the series. Written by Hilary Barda; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh; cover by Darwyn Cooke. In stores August 29. There’s something curious about Mom’s new boyfriend. Could it be the claws, the fangs or the glowing eyes? That’s right, it’s the issue you’ve been waiting for as “Terry’s Mom Dates a Splicer!” But what does Batman have to say about it?
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0105/23/BB24.htm

-For more animated comic updates, go here:
http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/bbeyond/previews.html

OTHER COMICS
-DETECTIVE COMICS #761: In stores August 8. Bruce’s bodyguard Sasha Bordeaux has thirty days to prove her worth, or she’s fired! Meanwhile, Internal Affairs heats up the M.C.U., and you won’t believe whom they’re after! Plus, “Trail of the Catwoman” continues in the backup written by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke (BATMAN: EGO).
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0105/23/Det761.htm
-DETECTIVE COMICS #762: Vesper Fairchild, Bruce’s old gal-pal from the pre-CATACLYSM days, comes back. Also, TRAIL OF THE CATWOMAN concludes.
Cover: http://www.comicon.com/gallery/categories/DC_Comics/media/DetectiveComicsCvr762.jpg
-BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #20: In stores August 15. Bruce Wayne makes a trip to Metropolis for a meeting with Talia, the new CEO of LexCorp – but it doesn’t turn out as planned, and Batman has a run-in with Superman! Meanwhile, Dick Grayson and Batman both have to deal with the possibility that all of Grayson’s family isn’t dead after all, when a man claiming to be Dick’s grandfather comes to town.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0105/23/BmGK20.htm
-BATMAN #594: Ed Brubaker’s two-part “Our Worlds at War” tale featuring an alien in Gotham concludes.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0105/23/Bm594.htm
-BATMAN #595, Cover: http://www.comicon.com/gallery/categories/DC_Comics/media/BatmanCvr595.jpg
-BATMAN: OFFICER DOWN will be collected in a trade paperback coming out on August 29.
-Here is a preliminary cover of Catwoman’s new ongoing series (entitled CATWOMAN: VOLUME TWO):
http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages267930.jpg
-BATGIRL #20: Batgirl reluctantly seeks the Spoiler’s help for a case. Written by Chuck Dixon.
Cover: http://www.comicon.com/gallery/categories/DC_Comics/media/BatgirlCvr20.jpg
-HARLEY & IVY: LOVE ON THE LAM – a one-shot story chronolizing the duo’s relationship post-NML but pre-HARLEY QUINN ongoing series. It’s due out in September. Written by Judd Winick.
Cover: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages271321.jpg
-A hardcover version of DARK VICTORY, collecting all 13 issues, will be released on October 24. Don’t expect a softcover version any earlier than March 2002.
-Two-Face appears in SUPERGIRL #62.

MOVIES
-For videos of the cut scenes from the edited ROTJ video, go here:
http://4colorreview.simplenet.com/reviews/return_of_the_joker/return_of_the_joker.shtml
-Paul Dini is pondering ideas for a second BATMAN BEYOND direct-to-video movie, but nothing, repeat, NOTHING has been greenlit by the studio just yet.

*BATMAN: YEAR ONE (BATMAN 5) NEWS:
-WARNER BROS. is currently aiming for a 2003 summer release date for YEAR ONE. Frank Miller has wrapped up all of his comics projects (such as THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN) so he’s focussing his attention on movie production, now.
-There is also rumours that YEAR ONE may not be made until 2005 or 2006, and BATMAN BEYOND may be the movie due out in 2003. For more, go here:
http://www.cinescape.com/7/editorial.asp?aff_id=7&this_cat=News&action=page&obj_id=27621&type_id=1130&cat_id=7576&sub_id=0

*BATMAN BEYOND: LIVE ACTION NEWS:
-Word has it that Paul Dini is moving well along with their script, and it may be in the second draft already!
-This is NOT official, but rumblings at the WB seem to indicate BATMAN BEYOND will make it to theatres before YEAR ONE does. See the previous story under the “YEAR ONE” heading for details.

*BATMAN BEYOND: THE FOURTH ANIMATED MOVIE
-Nothing new today…just expect it to revolve around Nightwing, folks.

*CATWOMAN
-According to ASSIGNMENT X, Ashley Judd has agreed to play Catwoman in the upcoming film of the same name.
-John Rogers is writing the script.
-Denise DeNovi (producer of BATMAN RETURNS) is producing the film.
-Batman has yet to officially have a cameo appearance.
-It looks like this Catwoman won’t even be named Selina Kyle…apparently a new “mousy geeky girl” named Patience Prude is donning the Cat-cowl. Ugh – what’s up with that?
-For a review of the script, go here: http://filmforce.ign.com//articles/50949p1.html
-(Can someone please explain to me how this even works as a Batman film? Or even a spin-off?)

LIVE ACTION TELEVISION
-For some shots from the new SMALLVILLE series coming this fall, go here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0106/01/index.htm
-A fifth ONSTAR commercial, featuring Batman and the Riddler, will be airing on TV soon.
-The fifth ONSTAR webisode, featuring (sorta) the Riddler and the Penguin, is now online, too.
-For a current airing schedule for the 1966 Adam West series, click here:
http://www.scifi.com/bin/schedulebot.cgi?wd=w&s=batman&ds=1&db=US%3AEastern&mon=4.01

EXCLUSIVE INTERNET ENDEAVOURS:
-The Batman section of FANDOM.COM has moved to the following URL:
http://www.assignmentx.com/batman/
-The Batmobile from BATMAN RETURNS is up on the auction block! Go to the following link for details:
http://www.assignmentx.com/batman/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=270808
-BATMAN and future CATWOMAN writer Ed Brubaker now has his own web domain:
http://www.edbrubaker.com
-The second “season” of GOTHAM GIRLS has begun. The first webisode features Catwoman and Zatanna.

TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-January 23, 2002, marks ground zero for the release of a plush ACE THE BATHOUND doll!
Pic: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Batman_Collectibles/BatmanBatman_Collectibles271352.jpg
-Fast food chain JACK IN THE BOX is now selling JLA toys to go with their kids meal. These toys include figures of Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Superman, Supergirl, Steel, Hawkman, and Shazam. Check ’em out on eBay, too! (Thanks to Andie Nappi for providing this info!)
-Bad news, the SPECIAL EDITION BATMAN DVDs are not being made – at least not at this time. Argh.
-Craig “Gookie” Crumpton reports that he read at cube.ign.com that there’s another Batman game in development called “Batman: Dark Tomorrow” (Kemco) scheduled for release on November 5, 2001 for Nintendo’s Gamecube console. It will feature the Joker, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc, Black Mask, the Ratcatcher, and many other baddies from the comics this is based on – NOT the animated series or the movies. Expect others to show up as well. There’s a video of the visuals for the FMV videos of the game, too! For more, read here:
http://www.assignmentx.com/7/editorial.asp?aff_id=7&this_cat=News&action=page&obj_id=27311&type_id=1130&cat_id=40717&sub_id=0
-BATMAN: VENGEANCE, a new game by Ubi Soft for the Playstation 2, is in production! The story is being written by the show’s writers, and it will have the “new” design look. Go to this address for stills from the game, featuring Batman, the Freezettes, Poison Ivy, Ivy’s Lab (?), Batgirl, something else from what I presume is the Mr. Freeze level, the Funnibone warehouse (looks like Joker’s in it for sure, too), the Batcave, and a whole bunch of shots of Gotham City. The game will probably price around $49.99, US.
http://www.assignmentx.com/batman/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=269762

SPECIAL NOTE
For more BATMAN, SUPERMAN, AND BEYOND news throughout the week, check out the WORLD’S FINEST NEWS PAGE at:
http://www.geocities.com/bbeyond/news.html
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KIDS WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Toonzone & Kids’WB!)

Kids’WB! currently airs BATMAN BEYOND on weekdays and weekends. Remember, Kids’WB! is notorious for switching schedules around at the very last minutes. Batman Beyond currently airs at 11:30am (ET) on Saturdays and during a 3-4pm block on Monday-Thursday. Check out these links if we are unable to update our schedule:

http://www.kidswb.com/cgi-local/sched.cgi?976584931
http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/worldsfinestpage/epsched.htm
http://www.toonzone.net/shows/schedules

NOTE:
If our schedule is not updated, then go to the following URL. It will ALWAYS contain the most up-to-date schedule possible:

http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/worldsfinestpage/epsched.htm

THIS WEEK:
Mon 07-02-01: B-BEYOND #05 The Winning Edge
B-BEYOND #14 Joyride

Tue 07-03-01: B-BEYOND #25 Babel
B-BEYOND #11 A Touch of Curare

Wed 07-04-01: B-BEYOND #13 Ascension
B-BEYOND #28 Zeta

Thu 07-05-01: B-BEYOND #29 The Last Resort
B-BEYOND #33 Plague

NEXT WEEK: (NOT YET AVAILABLE)
Mon 07-09-01: B-BEYOND #30 Final Cut
B-BEYOND #05 The Winninge Edge

Tue 07-10-01: B-BEYOND #41 Ace in the Hole
B-BEYOND #31 Armory

Wed 07-11-01: B-BEYOND #44 Out of the Past
B-BEYOND #32 Sneak Peek

Thu 07-12-01: B-BEYOND #22 Rats
B-BEYOND #26 Terry’s Friend Dates a Robot
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CANADIAN EPISODE SCHEDULE
(BATMAN on YTV – courtesy of our friends at YTV)

BATMAN BEYOND will be returning to show the remainder of its 52 episode run to YTV shortly! Keep reading here in future issues for details!

YTV currently has the rights to air all 109 episodes of BTAS. YTV usually airs these episodes in either chronological order, or in the original order they aired on Kids’WB! and FOX. Batman now airs at 3:40am Monday – Friday (well, technically, Tuesday – Saturday). If our schedules are not updated or are inaccurate, please use these links:

http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/worldsfinestpage/epsched.htm
http://www.ytv.com/ytvguide

THIS WEEK: (this week may be slightly inaccurate)
Mon 07-02-01: BTAS #38 Heart of Steel (Pt. 2)

Tue 07-03-01: BTAS #39 “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?”

Wed 07-04-01: BTAS #40 Joker’s Wild

Fri 07-06-01: BTAS #60 His Silicon Soul

NEXT WEEK (this schedule may also be slightly inaccurate)
Mon 07-09-01: BTAS #50 Off Balance

Tue 07-10-01: BTAS #48 What is Reality?

Wed 07-11-01: BTAS #33 The Laughing Fish

Fri 07-13-01: BTAS #56 Harley & Ivy
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Justin Chen and/or Zanna)

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/btas.html

The creative team for this column alternates between Zanna and Justin Chen, two loyal subscribers and great friends of ours here. Any other reviews printed here are written by editor Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton. Enjoy!

With no new episodes debuting, we have nothing to review…anyone wanna submit reviews of older BTAS episodes? We’re always taking submissions!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
(BATMAN BEYOND by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)
(SUPERMAN ADVENTURES by Dick Grayson)

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: “Colder than Arctic” (#40)
WRITTEN BY: Scott Peterson
PENCILS: Tim Levins
INKS: Terry Beatty
COLOURIST: Lee Loughridge
LETTERER: Albert T. De Guzman
COVER ART: Bob Smith, Terry Beatty, Nathan Eyring
ISSUED: July 4, 2001 (Cover date Sept 2001)

Once upon a time, Mr. Freeze only made appearances in the animated universe when a very touching story had been carefully crafted and even more carefully executed. The episodes HEART OF ICE and DEEP FREEZE follow this mold, and of course, so did SUB-ZERO (which I, coincidentally, watched again this morning). After the whole ordeal with Nora’s disease was solved, though, Freeze needed some new direction. After the mediocre COLD COMFORT, Ty Templeton got away with it in BGA #5, and his appearance on BATMAN BEYOND worked too. All great stories.

This one, Peterson’s first Freeze tale, is delightful as well, but I still feel something is lacking. I get the impression that this issue was intended to have an epic feel to it – how often do we see Batman THIS beat up? The added amount of violence in this issue certainly tried to drive the story in this direction. For such an issue, though, it read way too quickly. I know the splash panels to open the story are a trademark of this series now – and I quite enjoy them – but they just continued on and on and on. There was not enough dialogue – except when Batman rehashed Freeze’s entire back story. (Did this have to be done? I think most people know his origin by now.) I know Batman doesn’t speak much and Freeze even less so, but some internal narration would’ve been nice.

The “Vincenzium” thing was cute, too. And kudos to Tim Levins a great new Freeze suit.

The master stroke of this issue, though, was not in revealing Freeze’s employer to be Talia. who else but Ra’s Al Ghul or one of his affiliates would be able to woo Freeze for his services? Not many have that grand scope. What I liked was how Batman talked Freeze out of helping Ra’s, because Ra’s would double-cross him. Why? Because he couldn’t give him an heir. I’d never thought of that during all the months between reading the solicitations and the publication date, so I was pleased.

This title continues to impress! As the only continuing fraction of the animated Bat-universe, I hope it continues for many years to come.

;-Y
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COMIC SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS

This section gives a little bit more in-depth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and BATMAN BEYOND. Below each comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT SERVICE! The price for any of these issues, unless otherwise posted, is $1.99 in the US and…grrrrr…a whopping $3.25 (or higher) in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the well-deserved “grrr”.)

If we are unsure of the exact date of when an issue is being released, just check out “DIRECT CURRENTS” for details:
http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/

-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #41
August 1st
Synopsis: Batman’s giving his all to help one of Gotham City’s denizens get on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, the subject of all of his efforts couldn’t care less whether or not he was on the right side of the law – or the right side of the Bat. Batman may have to deal with someone who’s too lethargic to care about redemption, when dealing with “The Man Called Joe.”

FOLLOWING MONTH:
Written by Scott Peterson; art by Craig Rousseau and Dan Davis; cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty. In stores September 5. Batman and Robin must combat a string of fires that are being set around Gotham. Could this be Firefly’s first animated comic-book appearance?
Cover: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages271350.jpg

BATMAN BEYOND #23
July 25th
Synopsis: There`s a new “King” in town, and he`s putting together a new Royal Flush Gang. Is Batman playing with a full deck when he asks “Ten” to help him take down this dangerous and motley crew?
Cover: http://www.assignmentx.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages269033.jpg

FOLLOWING MONTH: – FINAL ISSUE
Written by Hilary Barda; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh; cover by Darwyn Cooke. In stores August 29. There’s something curious about Mom’s new boyfriend. Could it be the claws, the fangs or the glowing eyes? That’s right, it’s the issue you’ve been waiting for as “Terry’s Mom Dates a Splicer!” But what does Batman have to say about it?
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0105/23/BB24.htm
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EDITORIAL
(by anyone willing to contribute)

This space is for sale. Please make all inquiries out to juno@dccnet.com
___________________________________________________________________
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Due to demand by some of our subscribers, we’ve decided to give a “Letters to the Editor” section a shot. Feel free to submit something you’d like to say to us, and each issue we’ll choose one to post and then reply to. (NOTE: It can be completely uncensored, positive OR negative, though any coarse language will be bleeped out. We want this to be a no-holds-barred column!)

* * * * * *

???

* * * * * *

TWO-FACE’S SIDE OF THE COIN

Ahh, can you believe it? No one wrote in this issue! Ah well…maybe next time.

;-Y
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‘RETURN OF THE JOKER’ GIVEAWAY

READ BELOW FOR THE RULES AND MORE!

In trying to get people both more involved with the newsletter AND want to help them out at the same time, we’re offering anyone that participates in our FATE OF BATMAN BEYOND poll a chance to win unedited copies of RETURN OF THE JOKER.

The way it works is as follows: Simply vote and state your opinion on what you’d like to see happen with the soon-to-be-defunct BATMAN BEYOND franchise. Anyone who submits a suggestion will be entered into a draw, according to the e-mail address from which their ballot was recieved. We will then randomly select one e-mail address (from a hat, to make it fair) and that participant, if willing, wins a copy of the unedited movie!

If the selected winner for whatever reason declines, there will be another draw for that same week. The catch? The winner, if agreeing, must provide a tape and enough money to cover postage ($5 American) of the tape to and from their place of residence. There will be no extra profit for us at BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER (as that would be illegal) or anything. We just want to get this movie out to more people as it’s not going to be definately released on tape just yet.

NOTE: I am not promoting the act of bootlegging videos for profit, I am merely looking for the cost of the tape and postage, so fans will be able to view the movie as it was supposed to be.

That said, let’s get cracking!

DRAW DATE: of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER – that should be sometime in early July.
___________________________________________________________________

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! (Mwuhahaha!) 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.

CONTINUITY CROSSOVERS

576. In what episode does the “Robert Kane Memorial Bridge” appear?

A: THE STRANGE SECRET OF BRUCE WAYNE
B: NEVER FEAR
C: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
D: BLIND AS A BAT
E: It doesn’t appear at all

577. Which of the following comic book characters had already been translated into BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES before its move to the WB network?

A: Robin (Tim Drake)
B: Bane
C: Firefly
D: Etrigan, the Demon
E: The Creeper

578. Mr. Zero, soon re-named Mr. Freeze, was created by Bob Kane in 1959. However, Paul Dini has often been given kudos for “creating” the character. Why is this?

A: Because in BATMAN & ROBIN, Joel Schumacher directly lifted some scenes from the episodes HEART OF ICE and DEEP FREEZE and put them in his movie, therefore cementing the character as a “true” Batman villain.
B: Because between the 1960’s series and his debut on BTAS in ’92, Mr. Freeze didn’t appear at all in the comics.
C: Because he gave Mr. Freeze a wife, an explanation for why he’s so cold-hearted, and just re-invented the character from scratch.
D: Because Bob Kane gave him and the rest of the BTAS crew his blessing when production of the series started.
E: Because it was Paul Dini that re-named him Mr. Freeze.

579. Which of the following episodes WASN’T directly based on an already-published story in the comics?

A: APPOINTMENT IN CRIME ALLEY
B: HEART OF ICE
C: A BULLET FOR BULLOCK
D: JOKER’S MILLIONS
E: MOON OF THE WOLF

580. Arrange the following characters in the order in which they made the jump from the animated series to comic books:

A: Harley Quinn
B: Calendar Girl
C: Nora Fries
D: Lock-Up
E: Rene Montoya
_____________________________________________________________________
AND THESE ARE OUR FINAL ANSWERS (to the trivia)

Answer to #576: E (it didn’t appear in the comics until 1999, during NML)
Answer to #577: B, D (Etrigan appeared in the animated comics once before)
Answer to #578: C
Answer to #579: B
Answer to #580: E (1992), D (1996), C (1997), A (1999), B (hasn’t moved yet)
_____________________________________________________________________
LITTLE FACTS AND BLOOPERS
(by Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton)

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

CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
We used them all up last issue, ya know. Maybe we should learn to pace ourselves.

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
Li’l help?
____________________________________________________________________
FIGURE THIS OUT!
(by Marc Rosenzweig)

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Figure This Out!

As promised, I have gone to great lengths and received some help (thanks to Kris at my local Toys R US) to acquire my own four figure boxed, Toys R Us “EXCLUSIVE” set titled ‘Gotham City Enforcement Team’ sporting (my dream come true) an AWESOME ANIMATED COMMISSIONER GORDON figure!

Pic: http://www.geocities.com/twofacetower5/Mvc-009f.jpg
Pic: http://www.geocities.com/twofacetower5/Mvc-003f.jpg

The four-fig set is comprised of a re-deco (repainted) Detective Batman figure in dull gray and black. This was the first of the new Batman action figures released after the re-launch of the New Batman Adventures Animated Series (the more edgy version with no yellow around the bat-chest emblem). Batsy’ comes with a new accessory which looks like a giant bear trap and is crafted in a translucent orange plastic. Batman can set the giant bear trap with its spring-loaded action, so that when Joker or Harley attempt to sneak on by, he can push in on the release lever and…S-N-A-P!!!! The giant jaws capture his foe. Batman’s cape is a molded gray plastic on the inside to match his bodysuit. The outer shell of Bats’ cape is painted black in keeping with the original color scheme. This version stands freely much better on its own than its predecessor.

Next in our cellophane window box, we have my favorite of all Bat-family members, Nightwing. Once, not too long ago, this young man, Dick Grayson partnered up with Batman to become the first Robin. With his sarcastic tones & acrobatic maneuvers, he fought the good fight along side his mentor and surrogate father Batman/Bruce Wayne. Maturing earlier than Batman would wish for, Master Dick Grayson needed to get out from behind the shadow of the Bat and become his own man. Hence, the costume and name change helped further his independence. Refusing to let go of his roots, Dick becomes Nightwing, the dark costumed daredevil vigilante with the same sardonic wit and charisma he exhibited in his younger days. Now on his own as a solo do-gooder, Nightwing visits home to help his mentor and friends from time to time. Grayson rounds out the action figure assortment in this re-deco of Hasbro’s Decoder Shield Nightwing. The original version has Nightwing in a gold & black body suit. The shield, which was originally printed in yellow plastic, is in the shape of his chest crest with expandable wings to protect Dick from any bullets that might be shot in his direction. In this plastic likeness of my man Grayson, the molded legs are a little closer together compared to the original Crime Solver Nightwing released a few years ago, this figure was originally painted in a gold and black costume. For this dynamic four-pack series, Nightwing goes back to the original black and blue tights! His arsenal of accessories includes the blue emblem shield and a missile-launch grappling hook.

Commissioner Gordon (YEESSSSSS!!!) was not the most well liked man on the force in the beginning. James Gordon was only a mere Captain when he became acquainted with our pointy-eared protector of justice. Captain Gordon was sent into the Gotham City squad to help clean up the department of some overly corrupt officers. The neophyte guardian of Gotham closely scrutinized his efforts. As Batman needed an ally he could depend upon as well as trust, over the years Batman and James Gordon developed the everlasting friendship and loyalty to one and other that can only be interpreted as “brothers in arms”. This replica of James Gordon masters the physique of youth lost but not forgotten. As he sports a portly frame in his brown slacks and matching tie over his coffee with cream colored button down shirt. The Commish keeps his gun close at hand in its shoulder harness holster under his left elbow. The artists at Hasbro could not have done a better job. As they keep to the traditional gray hair and black square rimmed spectacles over his eyes that has been the traditional appearance of Batman’s friend over the many years as they hunt for the criminal element stalking Gotham City. Although Jim has his trusty police issue .38 holstered against his side, the figure is accompanied by two more guns, which appear to be from the card-throwing Joker figure released back in ’97-98. The packaging even promotes the fact that this is a first time appearance for the Commissioner. “New Figure!” and “First Appearance!” in red lettering encircled by a yellow oval for emphasis, graces the black boxed trim just below the figure’s two guns molded in black and ready to go.

Pic: http://www.geocities.com/twofacetower5/Mvc-011x.jpg
Pic: http://www.geocities.com/twofacetower5/Mvc-004f.jpg

Barbara Gordon dotes on her father Jim; she also works along side her dad (unbeknownst to him). In the guise of Batgirl, this loving daughter of the G.C.P.D. Commissioner joins forces for truth, justice, and a safer, more peaceful Gotham. Since there is only the Wind-Blitz Batgirl figure already cast from Hasbro’s original Animated extended figures assortment of 1996-97, the creative powers utilized the original mold casting and just gave her the black color costume as seen in all the last season episodes. This seems to mesh well with the dark noir in this version of our favorite animated Action Heroine in her sexy black tights w yellow boots, gloves, belt and inner cape (you go girl)! Batgirl is equipped with her very own Firing Bat-launcher. This weapon supplemented the already powerful bear jaws and grappling hook originally accompanied the Legends of Batman Nightwing figure.

Well, THTHTHTHAAATS ALL FOLKS!

Happy belated Independence Day!
Stay safe, Stay well.

Until next time, keep working on those custom Bat-family action figures and send photos into us!

Later

Marc
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FEATURED BATMAN INTERNET ENDEAVOURS FOR THIS ISSUE
(feel free to submit something for our consideration)

THE ANIMATED BATMAN: AN UNOFFICIAL GUIDE

The Animated Batman: An Unofficial Guide (now an affiliate of World’s Finest) has been redesigned and relaunched and with new features. It contains a complete episode guide/companion to BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES and BATMAN BEYOND, with complete cast credits, plot summaries and reviews, and filmographies for quick reference. Screengrabs (provided with the courtesy of World’s Finest and Batman: Tomorrow and Beyond) now complement each episode entry, and an Actor’s Index provides information on regular cast members and guest stars alike. Meahwhile, quick links take you to other great Batman sites, and to on-line interviews and profiles of the producers.
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ANIMATED BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:

Wow, our links section has grown so big that we’ve had to eliminate it from the newsletter! Fear not, you can still find all these links at the WORLD’S FINEST NEWSPAGE, if you follow this link…that’s hypocracy for ya!

http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/worldsfinestpage/linkpage.htm

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@dccnet.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CREDITS FOR BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER

EDITOR AT COLLEGE, & WORKING, TOO!: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
CO-EDITOR AT COLLEGE, ALSO WORKIN’: “Dick Grayson”
AIR DATE SCHEDULES: Toonzone, Kids’WB!, and YTV
EPISODE REVIEWS: Zanna/Justin Chen, and occasionally Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
EDITORIAL: Help Wanted!!!
COMIC REVIEWS: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton, Dick Grayson
‘RETURN OF THE JOKER’ GIVEAWAY: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
FIGURE THIS OUT: Marc Rosenzweig
“BTAN ARCHIVES” MODERATOR: Eileen Delgadillo
TRIVIA: Tim “TWO-FACE” Leighton
PROMOTIONS, JUST GETTIN’ THE WORD OUT: 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
THE CREATION OF THIS NEWSLETTER INSPIRED BY: Alan J. Porter
BATMAN CREATED BY: Bob Kane & Bill Finger (who else?)

Batman and all related indicia are trademarks of DC Comics, Copyright c 2001.
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Batman The Animated Newsletter #96

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