WBArchivist
08-20-2001, 05:21 PM
The Animation Archive Wizard World Report:
WB Animation and DC Comics
A WBAA Exclusive (http://wba.toonzone.net)
Warner Bros. Animation, as described by Paul Dini, is in a state of limbo. Kids' WB is intrested only in programing for young demographics, but Cartoon Network is interested in creator driven programing for kids and adults alike. So Warner Bros. Animation's challenge is to find a place to focus on, be it television animation, feature films, and direct to videos. Right now WB Animation's Justice League is headed for Cartoon Network in November, and with your help, Swaroop could become Cartoon Network's next series. WB Animation's future depends on the success of both of these projects.
The Animation Archive learned several interesting details regarding the upcoming Justice League Adventures comic book. Dan Raspler will be editor of the upcoming book, and told the WBArchivist that the book will not feature story arcs. Each issue will be a one-parter, 22 pages. The book will hit shelves a week before the show airs on Cartoon Network. Mike McAvennie revealed that Rich Burchett will be pencilling a handful of issues of Justice League Adventures. Several other artists will rotate, including Min S. Ku and the Superman Adventures team (presumably Aluir Amanico, Terry Austin, and possibly Neil Vokes). Ty Templeton and Paul Storrie will rotate with others on writing duties.
When asked about the status quo of Return of the Joker: Unedited at Friday's Wizard World Convention in Chicago, Paul Dini told audiences that it was very likely that Warner Home Video will release ROTJ unedited, though no specific date has been announced. It will be given a new cover so that it can be told apart from the "family friendly" version. Warner Home Video is also pursuing the possibility of releasing it exclusively through DC Direct, so it is only accessed by fans. Paul Dini told me personally that he was certain ROTJ: Uncut is going to be released, and if not this year early next year. Warner Bros. will not be investing in producing the "deleted scenes" from Return of the Joker.
Paul Dini announced that he completed the Batman Beyond live action script with Alan Burnett, and handed it in to Warner Bros. Pictures. Production is currently "on hold", and Warners apparently is not pursuing further developement at the time. Any rumors on casting should be considered false, for no casting has even started. Also, Dini's original script "Million Dollar Heroes" is on hold as well.
WB is no longer interested in Batman Beyond, and is turning to the classic Batman for the future. WB has greenlighted production for a couple of direct-to-videos featuring Batman. Dini could not confirm if they are in fact the rumored "Greatest Team-ups" series, featuring Superman, Plastic Man, Zantanna, and Green Arrow each teamed with the classic Batman. Last year, Dini had mentioned that he had interest in a Batman/Superman team up in the "old" B:TAS style.
Dini's Justice League episode fell through due to a wrist injury, but said he might help out on the second season. So count on Justice League's renewal by Cartoon Network next season.
The Harley and Ivy mini-series was written by Paul Dini 6 years ago. It could happen, if/when Bruce Timm finds time in his busy schedule to finish pencilling it.
Look for an exclusive interview with Dini in the near future at the WB Animation Archive (http://wba.toonzone.net)
WB Animation and DC Comics
A WBAA Exclusive (http://wba.toonzone.net)
Warner Bros. Animation, as described by Paul Dini, is in a state of limbo. Kids' WB is intrested only in programing for young demographics, but Cartoon Network is interested in creator driven programing for kids and adults alike. So Warner Bros. Animation's challenge is to find a place to focus on, be it television animation, feature films, and direct to videos. Right now WB Animation's Justice League is headed for Cartoon Network in November, and with your help, Swaroop could become Cartoon Network's next series. WB Animation's future depends on the success of both of these projects.
The Animation Archive learned several interesting details regarding the upcoming Justice League Adventures comic book. Dan Raspler will be editor of the upcoming book, and told the WBArchivist that the book will not feature story arcs. Each issue will be a one-parter, 22 pages. The book will hit shelves a week before the show airs on Cartoon Network. Mike McAvennie revealed that Rich Burchett will be pencilling a handful of issues of Justice League Adventures. Several other artists will rotate, including Min S. Ku and the Superman Adventures team (presumably Aluir Amanico, Terry Austin, and possibly Neil Vokes). Ty Templeton and Paul Storrie will rotate with others on writing duties.
When asked about the status quo of Return of the Joker: Unedited at Friday's Wizard World Convention in Chicago, Paul Dini told audiences that it was very likely that Warner Home Video will release ROTJ unedited, though no specific date has been announced. It will be given a new cover so that it can be told apart from the "family friendly" version. Warner Home Video is also pursuing the possibility of releasing it exclusively through DC Direct, so it is only accessed by fans. Paul Dini told me personally that he was certain ROTJ: Uncut is going to be released, and if not this year early next year. Warner Bros. will not be investing in producing the "deleted scenes" from Return of the Joker.
Paul Dini announced that he completed the Batman Beyond live action script with Alan Burnett, and handed it in to Warner Bros. Pictures. Production is currently "on hold", and Warners apparently is not pursuing further developement at the time. Any rumors on casting should be considered false, for no casting has even started. Also, Dini's original script "Million Dollar Heroes" is on hold as well.
WB is no longer interested in Batman Beyond, and is turning to the classic Batman for the future. WB has greenlighted production for a couple of direct-to-videos featuring Batman. Dini could not confirm if they are in fact the rumored "Greatest Team-ups" series, featuring Superman, Plastic Man, Zantanna, and Green Arrow each teamed with the classic Batman. Last year, Dini had mentioned that he had interest in a Batman/Superman team up in the "old" B:TAS style.
Dini's Justice League episode fell through due to a wrist injury, but said he might help out on the second season. So count on Justice League's renewal by Cartoon Network next season.
The Harley and Ivy mini-series was written by Paul Dini 6 years ago. It could happen, if/when Bruce Timm finds time in his busy schedule to finish pencilling it.
Look for an exclusive interview with Dini in the near future at the WB Animation Archive (http://wba.toonzone.net)