Upcoming Batman: Gotham Adventures Comic Books

[Brian Cruz]

Here is some info on upcoming issues of Batman: Gotham Adventures, brought to you by the Toon Zone Comics (http://www.toonzone.net/comics/) page.

<table border=0 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 id=AutoNumber1><tr><td colspan=2><hr></td></tr><tr><td><font face=Arial><b>BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #49</b></font><p><font face=Arial size=2>Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry Beatty; cover by Bob Smith and Beatty</font></p><p><font face=Arial size=2>In stores April 24. A baffling series of jewelry-store heists puts the Dark Knight on the trail of an unlikely suspect…and a brand-new villain. There's a mystery behind the mystery in &quot;Façade.&quot;</font><p><font face=Arial size=2>32 pages, $1.99</font></td><td valign=top><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/49-art.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-49-art.jpg width=125 height=190 alt="Click For Larger Image"></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><hr></td></tr><tr><td><font face=Arial><b>BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #50</b></font><p><font face=Arial size=2>Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry Beatty; painted cover by Darwyn Cooke</font></p><p><font face=Arial size=2>In stores May 22. <b>Landmark 50th issue, featuring a painted cover by Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN, BATMAN: EGO)!</b> Catwoman returns! As she faces off with Batman during a foiled break-in, the Cat-burglar takes a bomb. The mystery of who planted it — and what Catwoman was really up to — is one the Dark Knight has to solve with his heart instead of his head, in an action-packed 50th issue!</font><p><font face=Arial size=2>32 pages, $1.99</font></td><td valign=top><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/50-art.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-50-art.jpg width=125 height=190 alt="Click For Larger Image"></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><hr></td></tr><tr><td><font face=Arial><b>BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #51</b></font><p><font face=Arial size=2>Written by Jason Hall; art by Brad Rader and Terry Austin; cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty</font></p><p><font face=Arial size=2>In stores June 26. Mr. Freeze is sprung from Arkham by Nora (the ex-wife he never got over) to formulate the compound that might return him — and the life they once shared — to normal. But love is blind. Featuring super-cool guest-art by Brad Rader (CATWOMAN) &amp; Terry Austin (SUPERMAN ADVENTURES).</font><p><font face=Arial size=2>32 pages, $1.99</font></td><td valign=top><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/51-art.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-51-art.jpg width=124 height=190 alt="Click For Larger Image"></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><hr></td></tr><tr><td><p><b><font face=Arial>BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #52</font></b></p><p><font face=Arial size=2>Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry Beatty; cover by Bob Smith and Beatty</font></p><p><font face=Arial size=2>In stores July 31. Gotham’s wild and woolly Lower East Side has a new hero…and it’s <i>not</i> the Dark Knight. No, these days the kids are going wild — literally — for Bane! Just what is going on here? And what is Batman going to do about it?</font><p><font face=Arial size=2>32 pages, $1.99</font></td><td valign=top><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/52-art.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-52-art.jpg width=125 height=190 alt="Click For Larger Image"></a></td></tr></table>

[DisneyBoy]

Seems to me that three out of the next four issues have promise! The story with the Killer Croc cover is supposed to feature a "New villain" - I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being about a toy company that never makes the figures the fans want (cough*Hasbro*cough) or a kid that steals a cookie from his parent's cookie jar...Hey, I wouldn't put it past the current creative team - remember folks, keep the stories simple and always feature a moral! Ugh...

At least good ol' Rickie Burchett is returning for a few pages in this month's ish, and the cover of #50 is worth the price of admission alone! Catwoman's last appearance (#24) was one of the very few (as in 4 or 5) Levins/Peterson issues that I've actually enjoyed, so maybe they've got something good planned for her...then again, maybe not...

Out of all the stories, I'm going to look towards #51 to entertain me the most. Not only does it feature a new writer, it also gives him a chance to redeem Victor Freeze. I'm especially interested to see how Nora Fries is handled...but if I don't like what's done with her, that writer's gonna hear about it! Nora has been worshipped during all of B:TAS...now that she's alive again, I expect her character to be one worthy of Victor's love...They belong together, so hopefully, #51 won't mess with that more than it has already been messed with. The solicitations warn that "Love is Blind"....that sounds ominous to me... :( Brad Rader's art can go either way... :( / :)

Still, these next few issues seem to be a breathe of fresh air...which pleases me greatly...regardless of the stories... :) :) :) Long Live Gotham Adventures!

[James Harvey]

In all honesty, I've been losng interest in this title and I've been questioning why I plunk down $4 a month for this title when it takes only 4 minutes to read and is very unsatisfying. This book better make a change SOON or I will be dropping it...which is big. I'm a huge BTAS fan (one of the biggest, perhaps) and the fact that I'm considering dropping the title after I've been a steady BTAS comic reader for 10 years says alot.

On another note, if The Batman Adventures wasn't revamped countless times, we'd be up to issue #120 come this fall. *sigh*

[Trent Lane]

Couldn't agree with you more, DisneyBoy. I have some hope for these upcoming issues, some of the art alone is worth it... tho a good story is always welcomed ;)

[Salvor]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
In all honesty, I've been losng interest in this title and I've been questioning why I plunk down $4 a month for this title when it takes only 4 minutes to read and is very unsatisfying. This book better make a change SOON or I will be dropping it...which is big. I'm a huge BTAS fan (one of the biggest, perhaps) and the fact that I'm considering dropping the title after I've been a steady BTAS comic reader for 10 years says alot.

On another note, if The Batman Adventures wasn't revamped countless times, we'd be up to issue #120 come this fall. *sigh*
I dropped the title a couple of months ago. It's just too big a disappointment to overlook. Still I intend to buy this month's ish and the 50th one, if the fan feedback proves to be auspicuous.

[Brian Cruz]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
On another note, if The Batman Adventures wasn't revamped countless times, we'd be up to issue #120 come this fall. *sigh*

There have been more Batman Adventures comics than actual episodes. Same with Superman Adventures. Too bad Batman Beyond never got a chance to make that claim as well.

[Batgirl]

51 looks like it has potential to be really good. i mean, Nora and Victor reunting? That's going to probably be really sad in the end. 50 looks interesting cuz of Cts and Bats (and what usually occurs when they mix). 48 looks like it has good potential w/ a DG story. And 49... no comment. Maybe we'll be lucky and it'll actually BE a new villian. I think we'd all drop dead from shock. In that one fire issue I was really hoping to see Firefly. I was really ticked to see it was the sun. And the one where Dick almost dies was ok, I wish it could've gone into more depth, it could have been a two parter and much more memorable.

Btw Brain Cruz, love the picture and pharse. Are you an avid fan of Press your luck?

[Brian Cruz]

I've added the info for Gotham Adventures #52 to the first post in this thread.

[BLACKHEART]

Just what I've been waiting years for and finally a new Bane story! :)

[Brainiac]

I unfortunately have to agree with the general consensus here...Gotham Adventures is really not doing too well in my book. The stories are mediocre and short, and barely explore the depths of the characters created on the show. I think I'd rather watch "Critters" than read some of the recent Gotham Adventures. On the contrary, the Mr. Freeze/Nora story looks like it could be good....and the Bane story finally seems to tie up the loose ends and random story introduced in Gotham Adventures #15, in which Bane randomly helps poor and helpless children for what seems to be no apparent reason. Overall, though, I've lost almost all faith in the comic, and I'm seriously considering dropping it...

[Bird Boy]

mm...bane..and Robin on the cover! I smell a new avatar!....At least I hope that's what I'm smelling....

The issue's look pretty good..unfortunately, i have to hunt for B:GA as hard as I do for JLA... no comic shops (around here) like to carry the animated ones.. :(

-BB

[DisneyBoy]

Brainiac really summed it up in this sentence:

I think I'd rather watch "Critters" than read some of the recent Gotham Adventures.


Yup, DC - it's getting that bad! Thankfully, the upcoming issues seem...emphasis on seem...to show some improvement. #51 will be the highlight no doubt, though the Catwoman issue and the return of Bane may just redeem some of the really disappointing issues of late. However, I'm becoming really tired of kiddie stories starring Tommy who likes playstation.

For people interested in improving the quality of this title, go to the dccomics.com and send them a polite email. They will listen if we tell them how we feel.

[Jason Hall]

It's certainly great to hear that so many of you are looking forward to #51!

Bird Boy mentioned that his store doesn't carry the title -- so I recommend that everyone pre-order it if possible -- that way you know your store will have a copy for you -- especially if you don't regularly pick up the title.

Thanks, everyone! :D

-- Jason

[BLACKHEART]

How can you go wrong with a Bane story? It's all good in Gotham Adventure Ville

[James Harvey]

It seems like this title is just begging to be cancelled. Even the symopsis for issue #52 has me shacking my head in disbelief. That's another $3.25 I'll be saving by not purchasing that issue. Although issue #51 is gonna be awesome...can't wait. I'm not a huge fan of Bob Smith but I love that cover!

[BLACKHEART]

I don't think you should abandon ship yet.

Lemme tell ya why. Gotham Adventures has been lacking actual villiain participation for sometime now. Just look at the line up. We've got Killer Croc, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, and Bane. For some reason back in December when I was messing around with my girlfriend. I told her that I had seen who the villiains would be this year and just making it up I said, Catwoman, Killer Croc, Freeze, Bane, and Riddler. 4 people she doesn't. Croc being the only one she can stand. I also said there would be another big kidnapping story.

So it looks like after months and months of lobbying at the DC board and other places they are going to finally give us actual rogues.

So with this revalation there is no reason to jump off the plank yet. Ride out the wave of super villiains and if you still don't like the book. Then drop it like thumbtack.

Whether you like Bane or not that look's like an interesting story. When is the last time we saw Catwoman?

Now if you ain't got the flow to continue buying the book and it's this or dropping say Detective. Then do what you got to do.

[Jason Hall]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Although issue #51 is gonna be awesome...can't wait. I'm not a huge fan of Bob Smith but I love that cover!

Thanks, Jim! I can't wait for it to hit the stands either! And I love that cover too! It's my personal favorite of the series so far (and that's not just because it's for the issue I wrote! :) ).

-- Jason
-------------------------------------------
If anyone's interested, check out my comic writing work in:
Batman: Gotham Adventures #51 (DC - June 2002)
Star Wars Tales #10 & #11 (Dark Horse - out now)
Mephisto and the Empty Box (Top Shelf - out now)
Pistolwhip: The Yellow Menace (Top Shelf - Fall 2002)
-------------------------------------------
Pistolwhip Comics Electronic Headquarters
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com

[James Harvey]

I've already dropped the book. Peterson's handling of past villians has been horrible. Look at his Mr. Freeze issue where Victor has a crush on Talia? That right there just proves to me that Peterson has no grasp on the characters whatsoever. His Clayface issue was equally dissapointing. His Riddler issue was one big campy story filled with big props and no characterization whatsoever. And don't even get me started on his recent Two-Face issue...

I plan to pick up the title when there is a fill in creative team or if a new creative team ever jumps on the title. Peterson's stories have been simplistic, juvenile, and overall boring. A fast read that I always regret. Levin's art, while great (check out THE COPYBOOK TALES TPB now on sale), I don't think it meshes right. I want to see TNBA art on the page. That's why I can't wait for storyboard artist Brad Radar to jump onboard with a good inker.

Also, his Bane tale in issue #15 had an intruiging concept but poor execution. This one looks to follow the example.

[BLACKHEART]

You've got a valid point about Talia/Mr. Freeze. It goes against everything the Freeze character has been. I kind of forgot about that. I assume you are talking about the last Clayface appearance. It wasn't a bad story. Not the greatest story. It wasn't as bad as the hockey guy.

The cover with Catwoman is worth buying alone. That's a brilliant and beautifully animated cover.

You know I really forgot how bad the Talia/Freeze story was.

How about the last Harley Quinn apperance? That was a joke.

Well I support you in your choice of dropping the book with the examples provided. I've got money to burn and the only book I am even thinking about dropping was Harley Quinn. I didn't like the direction it was going, but I decided to give it another try since I've been with it since the start.

[James Harvey]

I've been with Batman Adventures since it began in 1992 and it was extremely painful to drop this title. It was a mix of constant dissapointment and budget that made me finally drop the axe on this title. I still skim through the old issues and read through them and enjoy them. I can't do that with these issues. They don't have the re-read factor that I love about the comic. I can't tell you how mahy times I've re-read the first six issues of 'The Batman Adventures'. Great stuff there. Beautiful art and great stories. But I can tell you how many times I've read the recent issues...once. I read them, then put them down. They just don't compare, and I'm not alone on this. It's no wonder sales are slipping. Some long times fans are becomign frustrated with the current states of these books, myself included.

I wish I had money to burn...:)

[DisneyBoy]

Jason Hall - nice to meet you on these boards!

As you can see Gotham Adventures is a rather controversial topic around here, but thankfully your issue is meeting with over-whelming approval and support! :)

A few questions:

-What sort of research did you do before scripting a tale in the animated universe? I don't recall you ever writing for an Adventures title before - what's it been like?

-Also, due to varying opinions on the current direction Scott Peterson has taken the book, do you/did you feel a certain pressure to meet expectations of the regular readers? Did you try to keep the story in-line with what the current team has been doing? Or did you return back to the story-telling styles of previous Adventures writers for inspiration? If so, who?

-Did you watch Batman: The Animated Series? If so, what were your initial feelings on how Mr. Freeze's origin was handled? How would you analyze the complicated relationship between Victor and Nora?

and Finally....

-Were you aware that you will be the first writer ever (Paul Dini included) to incorporate a living, breathing and speaking Nora Fries into a story? Yours will be the first issue ever to show who she is. Again, did you feel any pressure? The biggest reason that I am looking forward to the issue is because I want to finally learn who the woman behind the glass is. A love as strong as theirs should last, don't you think?

Oops...one very last question!

-Should readers expect to see Nora Fries' current husband, Dr. Francis D'Anjou, last seen in Gotham Adventures #5, play a part in this tale?

Thanks again for your responses! Please come again ;)

[Jason Hall]

Originally posted by DisneyBoy
Jason Hall - nice to meet you on these boards!

As you can see Gotham Adventures is a rather controversial topic around here, but thankfully your issue is meeting with over-whelming approval and support! :)


That's certainly great to see -- hopefully everyone will enjoy the issue when it hits the stands! ;)

However, I'm going to refrain from answering most of those questions until after the issue comes out -- BUT, when it does, I'm looking forward to commenting on many of the things you brought up along with discussing the story, etc. here at Toonzone! :)

I was a huge fan (and still am) of all the incarnations of the Batman Animated Series and Victor and Nora's tragic story was my favorite element of that -- making Mr. Freeze my favorite Batman Animated "villain".

And if you or anyone else are interested in "tragic love stories with a noir and mysterious twist", consider checking out the comic I wrote called Mephisto and the Empty Box from Top Shelf. It's available now at finer comic shops, as well as directly from Top Shelf (http://www.topshelfcomix.com).

Find a 5 page preview here:
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com/preview/mephisto/intro.htm

Read what these folks had to say:

iComics:
http://www.icomics.com/rev_082401_mephisto.shtml

Sequential Tart:
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com/docs/STMeph.htm

Collector Times:
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com/docs/coltimes.htm

Comics Worth Reading:
http://www.mindspring.com/~johannadc/comics/mephisto.html

Captain Comics:
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com/docs/mephrev.html

And also, the fine gals at Sequential Tart have named "Mephisto" one of their Top Ten RECOMMENDED READING Mystery Comics -- you can find out more under "Mystery" at:
http://read.sequentialtart.com/

Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to discussing Gotham Adventures #51 once it hits the stands in June!

-- Jason Hall
-------------------------------------------
If anyone's interested, check out my comic writing work in:
Batman: Gotham Adventures #51 (DC - June 2002)
Star Wars Tales #10 -- "A Wookiee Scorned!" (Dark Horse - out now!)
Star Wars Tales #11 -- "The Princess Leia Diaries" (Dark Horse - out now!)
Mephisto and the Empty Box (Top Shelf - out now!)
Pistolwhip: The Yellow Menace (Top Shelf - Fall 2002)
-------------------------------------------
Pistolwhip Comics Electronic Headquarters
http://www.pistolwhipcomics.com
Named #1 Indy Comics of 2001 by Wizard Magazine
Included on Time Magazine's Top 10 Comics of 2001

[The Electric Knight]

I bought #48, just for the Burchett pencils. He has to be one of the best animated-style artists of all IMO. Although in his pages this ish he did get proportion on Bats a little bit skewed, but I blame his long absence from the style more than anything. But man, did it soothe my eyes to see him doing this book again.

Storywise it was pathetic. I cannot stomach this comic. I haven't been able to since Peterson/Levins came on the scene in fact. I think they've had like two passable issues in their huge long run. Not even that. I really think Levin's art is like a Disney version of Batman. Seriously. He looks so less threatening. Levins gives him a softer chin, a longer nose and cheekbones, and the eyes are never menacing enough. They're too small and make him look far too sympathetic. Now that's just Batman. Take a look at out-of-costume characters. Nothing like Timm-style at all. Take a look at the panel of Dick in bed when he sees his teddy at the end of #48. Goofy big smile, wide eyes. It's as if Levins is being possessed by the spirit of old Walt. Now don't get me wrong, I love Disney. But a disney-eque Batman is not good. Not at all.

And all Peterson's writing does is support this Disney feel. Stupid stupid stories with goals such as TEDDY BEARS. Please, a little more depth!

Here I was hoping that starting with 51 we would get a rotating creative team. And then I see the solicitation for 52. Same old it seems. If there isn't going to be any change, for the love of Timm, DC, bury this title! I will personally nail the coffin shut. It's just painful to see it like this. I never thought such words would come out of my mouth. This book used to be the one thing I most looked forward to each month, moreso than any movie or tv show or anything. And that's saying a lot.

And I don't think writing to DC will help. Seriously. I can't recall seeing one negative letter printed in this book since Levins/Peterson came on board. Not one. Every month it's the same "AWESOME STORY, SO COOL! PETERSON'S WRITING WAS GREAT AND LEVINS IS A GENIUS". I think they're too afraid to print the negative letters, it might send the low buyership even lower.

I know I'm being a little harsh, but that's how I feel. I respect these guys as artists/writers, but the fact is that they just can't do a decent job with Batman and the TNBA world. Period.

[DisneyBoy]

Valid opinions, my friend. Still, I think we need to get DC's attention...write to them, but don't encourage them to cancel the title. If you love what it once was, try to get it back to that quality - don't turn your back on it, or you'll never see TNBA again.


And as for the letter column...I totally agree! The only letters that make it in are the few positive ones they can find. I nearly puked when I read that someone loved that last Two-Face issue. It was an abomination! I'm starting to think that they write those themselves...

...clue in fellas! You're killing this!

Still, I think the Bane issue would be a nice one to bow out on. Wrap up the only story the team has bothered to continue...and get the heck out!

[Mattashell]

http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/t-50-art.jpg

Look out, It's Pac-Man!