Batman: Gotham Adventures #45 Talkback (Spoilers) [Archive]

Perry White

12-28-2001, 07:50 PM

Here's some info about this issue:

<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" id="AutoNumber1"><tr><td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/45.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-45.jpg" alt="Cover" width="125" height="190"></a></td><td>BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #45 Written by Scott Peterson and Tim Levins; art by Levins and Terry Beatty; cover by Darwyn Cooke In stores December 26. A DC FULL COVERAGE! entry-point issue! Arkham Asylum's in full lockdown, and one of its doctors is missing. It's up to Batman to find out which baddie's in charge, in "Running The Asylum." 32 pages, $1.99 </td></tr></table>

And here are images from the first four pages of this issue:

http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/bigt-45-page1.jpg (http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/45-page1.jpg) http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/bigt-45-page2-3.jpg (http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/45-page2-3.jpg) http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/bigt-45-page4.jpg (http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/pages/45-page4.jpg)

JL Man

12-28-2001, 08:44 PM

Really the worst comic I've ever read! Stupid plot...

DisneyBoy

12-28-2001, 11:27 PM

I've never expected much from Peterson's stories, so in the beginning I was rather entertained.

The first four pages were entirely useless. How did Croc escape if the Asylum was in lockdown? As the story finally got into swing, it was nice to see Joan Leland as a lead character (especially since Beatty finally remebered that she's black!), and it was also nice to see Batman deal with the inmates and guards. Was it just me, or were the colors in this issue much more...colorful? I think Beatty made an effort this time to make each scene look different. It paid off. Levins art was slightly better too, and much less static.

I really liked the Joker scene. Is it just me, or is Peterson making his appearances so few and far between in order to build up to a big Joker issue? Wait a minute..this is Peterson we're talking about...never mind!

The whole chef thing was totally retarded. He did this all for... attention? It seems to me that the citizens of Gotham city are much more insane that the Rogues these days. Don't any other ideas ever come into Peterson's head than stale "who-done-it's" with no-name Joe's as the "villains"? Lame-o, though somehow Levins' art protrayed it in such a whimsical way, that I got the feeling, for the very first time, that he understands just how poor Peterson's writing is. That chef looked rediculous. His expressions, his appearance, his eyes...wait, that's how Levins draws everybody! Never mind!

So, I after reading this I actually felt that Gotham Adventures was on a upswing. Then, I realized that I was living in the same delusional world as the writer!

Brian Cruz

12-28-2001, 11:39 PM

The first four pages should have taken up only half a page. I hate finishing a comic in 5 minutes. It doesn't seem worth the 2 bucks. At least it was nice to look at.

Hey Maxie, you may be interested to know that your namesake makes an appearance in this issue.

James Harvey

12-29-2001, 12:00 AM

That's my biggest complaint right there. Some action sequences which take four pages should only take up a page at the most. The opening sequence for this issue should have taken up maybe 5 panels, all of which could have been done at a reason size on the main page. I finished this issue in 6 minutes. 6 minutes, folks. That's barely enough time for me to get cozy with the book.

An dnotice the stark difference between the Darwyn Cooke Batman on the cover and the Tim Levin's Batman on the inside? It almost looks like the cover is on the wrong title.

peterparker05

12-29-2001, 12:03 AM

I too am sick of the lack of dialogue in in Batman: Gotham Adventures. Is there anyway we can contact somebody about the obvious resentment towards this style.

James Harvey

12-29-2001, 12:07 AM

The ebst we can do is email the comic at dcobatman@aol.com

As long as Peterson is at the helm, then we're doomed to these stories. Personally - I'm getting sick of these bad stories. So sick that I feel more an dmore tempted to drop the books. While I have high hopes for issue #48, I can already tell the 10 page action scene will be dialogue-less.

peterparker05

12-29-2001, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Dick Grayson
The ebst we can do is email the comic at dcobatman@aol.com

As long as Peterson is at the helm, then we're doomed to these stories. Personally - I'm getting sick of these bad stories. So sick that I feel more an dmore tempted to drop the books. While I have high hopes for issue #48, I can already tell the 10 page action scene will be dialogue-less.

What's happening in issue #48? Also, my email service states that dcobatman@aol.com is not a known member.

James Harvey

12-29-2001, 01:20 AM

Rick Burchett will be returning to pencil ten pages of the book. The ten page she pencils will be an action sequence.

Figaro

12-29-2001, 12:24 PM

I don't think this was one of Peterson's better efforts (and I generally LIKE the stories he has been telling in this book), but the Levins/Beatty/Loughridge art was very nice.

Oh, and I got another letter printed in the back...

:D

By thy side,

Figaro

Trent Lane

12-29-2001, 12:56 PM

Haven't picked it up yet, but I did take a look at the first four pages, and I agree, a real waste of space for a fight sequence. What really bugs me is that they've had Croc in this book twice and no solo story! If I remember correctly, there's been only one Killer Croc story in all the Batman animated incarnations. So wrong...

James Harvey

12-29-2001, 01:07 PM

Killer Croc has been severly underused. He's been in the episode P.O.V., SIDESHOW, ALMOST GOT 'IM, LOVE IS A CROC, and JUDGEMENT DAY (although not a main villian). He was also in BATMAN ADVENTURES #7, BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES #23, and had a small role in both this issue and GOTHAM ADVENTURES #24. He has definatly gotten the shaft over the ages. I would like to see him more than just a beating post.

Trent Lane

12-29-2001, 01:13 PM

Exactly! He'll show up for a few panels and get the crap beat out of him. I thought this guy was pretty strong... maybe I was mistaken...

James Harvey

12-29-2001, 02:57 PM

He is supposed to be very strong, like very, VERY strong. They've pretty much redused him to nothing in the comics. He seems to be a mild annoyance instead of the proper threat he should be.

DisneyBoy

12-29-2001, 09:30 PM

Peterson has a talent for reducing the animated Batman characters to much less than they deserve. Heck, he's done that to the whole title hasn't he?

Please , for the love of B: TAS, DC, send us a better writer and artist! There's Darwin Cooke (nice cover!), Bob Smith (who's done great covers and a pretty good fill-in issue!), Aluir Amancio (this man is a god!)...but most importantly

GET A BETTER WRITER THAN PETERSON!!!

I don't want to see this series cancelled. None of us do!

Bobby Boy 101

12-30-2001, 12:03 AM

god, I hated that friggin stupid awful issue 45!!!!!!

It was so rushed! The cover was AWSOME!!!!!, I will give em that, altho there were a few coloring mistakes (sry, Im a perfectionist).

I SECOND THE NOTION FOR A NEW WRITER, AND A NEW PENCILLER (!!!!!) AND A NEW COLORIST!!!!!!!!!

and please, please dont let ish 50 be pencilled by u-know-who. ..

James Harvey

12-30-2001, 01:17 AM

Actually, Lee Loughridge is probably the best thing on the title. The coloring is amaizng. Granted mistakes are made from time ot time, but over all Lee's work is always great. A great step above the coloring in SUPERMAN ADVENTURES and JUSTICE LEAGUE.

I would just like to see some new talent here. It's almost like this book is becoming a burden to pick up...

Clayface

12-30-2001, 02:43 PM

Wow, you people are harsh. While the issue was certainly not up to the standards of the original series, I really, really liked this issue.

I do agree that we need a new writer on the title, and I do agree that all these splash pages are a waste of space. But, as far as a Peterson issue goes, I liked this one. I thought the Joker scenes were great, and I laughed my butt off at Clayface freezing solid in the freezer. I don't mind the no-name vilians, especially in the Peterson issues, since he can't seem to write a very good rogues gallary villian story.

peterparker05

12-30-2001, 05:05 PM

I'm not really that much against Peterson as I just hate those huge splash pages.

James Harvey

12-30-2001, 06:23 PM

Yeah - the spalsh pages are getting cumbersome. In some reviews I read, they are now the title's "mark" - which just shouldn't be. I'd reall ylike to see some changes in this title.

DisneyBoy

12-30-2001, 09:46 PM

Do you think a petition is in order..hmmm?

James Harvey

12-31-2001, 01:54 AM

Originally posted by DisneyBoy
Do you think a petition is in order..hmmm?

I really doubt it would effect the comic. These stories are dome months in advance and DC is happy with how the current creative team is chrunging these stories out. I doubt it would have an effect at all. Plus, given the limited popularity of the books, the petition probably would only get a few hundred signatures at best.

Salvor

12-31-2001, 12:31 PM

My local comic shop doesn't have the issue yet... and even JLAdv. #2 is still not available! I need to look for a new store. Anyway, I can't believe it's 4 entire pages I'm looking at. A few short pannels on the first page would have made it just fine...

James Harvey

12-31-2001, 01:10 PM

Interesting avatar, Salvor! I find the opening sequences are usually just a waste. They tell in four pages what should be told in less than half that. One splash page is good, but three or four? Overkill....

Joker85

12-31-2001, 03:42 PM

So, I'm guessing this issue was bad? You guys are definitely not making me want to pick it up, which is fine with me. I took it off my pull list 2 weeks ago. Those 4 pages on Croc, with no dialogue, definitely turned me off!!!

James Harvey

12-31-2001, 11:20 PM

I really wish I could give this issue the thumbs up...but I can't . This issue left a bland taste in my mouth. Aside from a nice two page Joker sequence, the rest of the issue left alot to be desired for.

Salvor

01-01-2002, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by Dick Grayson
Interesting avatar, Salvor! I find the opening sequences are usually just a waste. They tell in four pages what should be told in less than half that. One splash page is good, but three or four? Overkill....
Plus one splash page is good as long as it's useful. Take Otomo's splash pages in Akira for instance. There are many splash pages in each book but what strikes me is that fact that they always crop up at the right time, not at random. Now the question is: does a "standard" Croc/Batman fight scene deserve splash pages? Even only one? I don't think so.

Poison Carley

01-01-2002, 04:49 PM

Yeah the Joker part was the only good part. Ivy was like on one page, whatever. :(

DisneyBoy

01-01-2002, 10:56 PM

This issue is at least entertaining. I hope, Joker 85, that you read and judge the issue for yourself. Though I do agree that it wasn't fantastic, it seemed better than most of the drivel (ahem*last-Two-Face-issue*ahem) Peterson's been giving us lately. It mentionns some characters usually ignored in the book and features a nice enough mix of characters and art to prevent me from hating it. If you decide not to get it, that's cool, but look it through when you get the chance...

A book can't be judged by it's cover..but neither can a story be judged by it's first three pages! ;)

James Harvey

01-01-2002, 11:23 PM

You mean four pages! :)

Granted it had the villians, but it did nothing with most of them. And the villians it did put front and center they were just pale comparisons to how they were originally. I'd really like to see issue #50 to be Peterson's swan song...it's be nice to start the second fifty issues of this title with a new writer.

But Joker85 - I do agree with Disney - you should check the issue out if you have the spare $2. You may enjoy it!

Trent Lane

01-03-2002, 01:51 AM

Well, I picked up this issue today- more of the usual from Peterson. This was actually pretty good until you found out one of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch chefs went rogue and kidnapped Dr. Leland, what a waste. It was cool to see all those characters at once, but it could have been so much more.... :(

Joker85

01-03-2002, 03:09 PM

Sorry guys, I've dropped that title. After # 44 I'm just not ready to go back to it. I refuse to waste money on anything that was written by Peterson. It may be good, but I'm just not ready to go back to it yet.

DisneyBoy

01-03-2002, 11:38 PM

I can't say that I blame you..but I deeply hope that this series isn't cancelled until it has truelly shone once more. DC, give us a new team!!!

Batgirl

01-04-2002, 12:19 AM

:ducks to avoid flying debris coming her way:

Ok, so actually, I didn't. It was ok. I thought 44 wasn't terrible, I wish it had been longer and more in depth and at least a slight cliff hanger about Dick- but I said that in 44 talkback... Any way. Some scenes were funny. The Joker was (loved the reference to Batgirl- Men. i'm sure Batgirl would have heard me the first time) maybe a leter title could do with Joker (as a joke) persueing Batgirl as an love intrest and keep her locked up in Arkym and the guys gotta get her (or she escapes) or warp her like he did to Tim in ROTJ. :shudders: That would be freaky... Any way, yea the cook was lame big time (I smelled your fear across the room), BIG SURPRISE, he's got guilty all over his face. What, was he wearing Crane's favorite colon? I didn't expect much, so i wasn't disappointed. It was fun to see the Joker lead Bats on a goose chase though. Esp. when he ditched the jacket. That's my three cents. (Sorry, with the last issue of Two Face and all the two things, I've been twoed out!)

James Harvey

01-04-2002, 01:36 AM

This is two issues which I am really disspaointed in - more than usual. I had high hopes for these issues, becuase we were getting real villian stories. And in the end...we don't. I really miss the high time sof this title. I'm a gigantic Batman fan, as you can tell by this site, but this is the first time since 1992 when I've actually considered dropping the title...

Trent Lane

01-04-2002, 01:36 PM

I'll stick with it thru issue 50. If there's not a major change or just some good stories being told, I think I'm done as well. Besides, I'm getting into a lot of other books all of the sudden- Catwoman and X-Men Evolution for starters...

James Harvey

01-04-2002, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by flhero311
I'll stick with it thru issue 50. If there's not a major change or just some good stories being told, I think I'm done as well. Besides, I'm getting into a lot of other books all of the sudden- Catwoman and X-Men Evolution for starters...

Is X-Men: Evolution any good? I'm tempted to pick it up becuase Devin GRayson is writin git, and I enjoy her work on Gotham Knights. I'm also considering giving it until issue #50 before making my discussion to keep or drop. This book is becoming more of a burden. Besides - there are other books I want to subscribe to, but can't afford. Cuttng this title lose would give me the oppurtunity. But - I still hope it improves...I don't want to drop this title, but if it doesn't improve I will.

Trent Lane

01-04-2002, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by Dick Grayson

Is X-Men: Evolution any good?

Yeah, it's been a real suprise. It takes place before the show does, with the early formation of the team. Issue 2 dealt with Scott Summer's first time out as a hero, and the problems that he'll be facing, ending with a preview to Jean Grey's appearance in the following issue. If it gets really good, it may replace B:GA on my order list...

James Harvey

01-04-2002, 09:02 PM

You know, I'd like to see Devin Grayson take a swing at these animated comics. She could really pull in some psychological stories, someting the comic has been lacking for quite sometime.

DisneyBoy

01-04-2002, 10:51 PM

As much as I don't want people to leave Gotham Adventures, as doing that will ensure it's cancellation, I flipped through the Evolution comic and instantly got a worried expression. The art looks like as if it was taken directly from the show...or better. I didn't read the story, but it did end with the ever-popular "To Be Continued" ...

I must say that this book looks good at first glance, but we need to remember that so did Batman Adventures' first few issues. Evolution will probably become Gotham Adventures in a few years. Not to force you guys into anything, but shouldn't we have some loyalty to Gotham Adventures? I guess that's why you're all hanging around until issue 50....

Help us DC please!!!!! SAVE GOTHAM ADVENTURES!!!! GIVE US A NEW CREATIVE TEAM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!!!

Figaro

01-04-2002, 11:30 PM

Thought you all would be interested in reading Augie De Blieck's review of the Peterson/Levins/Beatty/Loughridge BGA as a whole. From his CBR PIPELINE column.

3. Batman: Gotham Adventures: Even with the revamped lineup of creators on the core Batman titles in the past couple of years, the best of the Batman titles remains the one based on the animated series. The stories are short and sweet. They're always finished in the same issue they're started. They always work on more than one level, both as a straight-up mystery story and a morality play of some sort. Give writer Scott Peterson credit for not taking the easy way out of what's intended to be a kid's book. He's more than comfortable in leaving a question at the end of a tale for a reader to consider long after the book is put down and hidden back in the long boxes.

As great as the stories are, the regular art team of Tim Levins, Terry Beatty, and Lee Loughridge threaten to steal the show every month. The last redesign of the characters for the animated series by Bruce Timm never worked for me. The series went from being adult animation to being styled more as a kiddy cartoon. The ironic thing is that the style works so well when translated onto the page. While the simplified angles look awkward in animation, they make for the perfect tools to tell a story on a comic book page. It's just a matter of using the right design for the right medium. Levins does this well. His characters are expressive and act well. Nobody is stiff or staid. The art (inked by Beatty) is dimensional, but still leaves room for the colorist to do his thing. Colorist Lee Loughridge is one of the most underrated artists in the business today. His sense of style and design are second to none, as showcased in this book. If the secret of quality animation is "lotsa shadows", then Loughridge is the keystone of the art team. His colors add the depth and style to the comic that few others could.

It remains one of the great mysteries of our time why DC hasn't yet produced a compilation of their best stories for trade paperback form yet.

By thy side,

Figaro

Clayface

01-05-2002, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by Dick Grayson
You know, I'd like to see Devin Grayson take a swing at these animated comics. She could really pull in some psychological stories, someting the comic has been lacking for quite sometime.

DG, you are such a smart man! I never thought of putting Devin Grayson on the animated title, but now that you've suggested it, it seems so natural! She'd be perfect for it! You've gotten your letters published several times in the animated title - I'd suggest writing them with your idea!

James Harvey

01-05-2002, 02:11 AM

Hey Figaro,

I read it today and I'm posting about it in the newspage on Saturday. I was actually surprised when I read that column.

And I definatly plan to mail DC about Devin Grayson about this. She said in an interview that the cartoon drew her into comics and began her love for Batman. What a better plan than to have her take over! Can you imagine the stories we'd get out of that? She has had a great 2 year run on Gotham Knights, which is essentially a mainstream version practically of Gotham Adventures. She could really handle this, I think. Plus the name recognition could help boost the sales a bit as well. The more I think of it, the more the shoe fits PERFECTLY.

DisneyBoy

01-05-2002, 11:31 AM

I don't really know his Devin Grayson gal, but if DG recommends her, I'm all for it! So, please DC, send us a new creative team!!! Who knows, if her stories improve sales and popularity on the book, soon we may get a few guest issues by Paul Storrie, and art by Aluir Amancio or (dare I hope?) Darwyn Cooke!!!

I totally support anything that will help this book! But, what article are you referring to DG? Did she say somewhere that she really wanted to work on Gotham Adventures?

James Harvey

01-05-2002, 12:07 PM

There was an interview with her along time ago, just before Gotham Knights premiered, where she talked about how she got into comics and she named Batman Adventures as one of her influences into the series. Apparently she's a huge fan of Batgirl and Robin. And looking at John Delaney's art in Justice league Adventures #3 (which is much better than I thought it'd be), a creative team of Grayson and Delaney would be awesome. Or heck, go all female and have Devin Grayson and Jennifer Graves take over the title!