Subject: Batman: The Animated Newsletter #3 - July 27-Aug
9, 1998
Date: Friday, July 24, 1998 8:08 PM
Batman:The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of July 27-August 1/2, August 3-8/9
Volume 1, Issue #3
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BRIEF ANIMATED BATMAN HISTORY:
The five-time emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in
September of 1992 with the episode "Cat and the Claw" Part One. It ran 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; sadly, this season died out with only 15 additional episodes, for
the show was not raking in as much money as it previously was, and deemed
as being "too dark" by parents. Also, in September of 1994, most of the
first season episodes were shelved, and the 15 new ones were aired...only
on Saturdays.
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. Most thought the series ended right there
without any closure, for the majority of the BTAS staff moved on to work on
the new SUPERMAN cartoon which debuted the following September (1996).
The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn't go on. But
the stories that had been told were excellent...much better than most
comics and movies that have veer been produced. It was an excellent run. In
1997, after the WB's five-year contract with the FOX network, BTAS was
pulled from the TV, the last episode airing being "Trail". 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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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another installment of BATMAN:THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER. In
this newsletter you'll find all sorts of items pertaining to the hit
show. There is also a bit of Superman:TAS thrown in for good measure. We
have the usual columns plus special articles in every newsletter!
WE have schedules, new, comic info, trivia, websites, editorials and
much more! So sit back and relax!
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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.
'THE ULTIMATE THRILL'
Batman #?? (96?)
Original airdate: Tuesday, July 7, 1998 (UK)
This episode premiered at a comics convention in Oakland earlier this
year, and has now been recently aired in the UK. This episode, featuring
the uninteresting Roxy Rockett's debut, is all action and no plot. PLOT
DOES MATTER. We also get to see a preview of Farmer Brown (a future
villain) in this episode, as well as appearances by Batman, Batgirl, and
the Penguin. The North American debut date of this episode is still
unknown.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
The New Batman/Superman Adventures premiered this past year with
ratings and critical sucess! Kid'sWB airs the show Monday through Friday
at 4:30 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 Septmeber or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for
upcoming information!
Weekday episodes:
JULY 27-Batman-DOUBLE TALK (#89)
JULY 28-Superman-TOOLS OF THE TRADE (#12)
JULY 29-Batman-LOCK-UP (#82)
JULY 30-Superman-APOKOLIPS...NOW! (Pt. 1) (#33)
JULY 31-Superman-APOKOLIPS...NOW! (Pt. 2) (#35)
Weekend episodes:
AUG. 1/2-(8:30am)-Superman-THE PROMETHEON (#27)
(9:00am)-Batman-AVATAR (#69)
(9:30am)-Superman-THE HAND OF FATE (#29)
Weekday episodes:
AUG. 3-Batman-JOKER'S MILLIONS (#92)
AUG. 4-Superman-BIZARRO'S WORLD (#30)
AUG. 5-Batman-SINS OF THE FATHER (#87)
AUG. 6-Superman-A LITTLE PIECE OF HOME (#5)
AUG. 7-Batman-LOVE IS A CROC (#94)
Weekend episodes:
AUG. 8/9-(8:30am)-Batman-OVER THE EDGE (#97)
(9:00am)-Superman-BLASTS FROM THE PAST
(Pt. 1) (#14)
(9:30am)-Superman-BLASTS FROM THE PAST
(Pt. 2) (#17)
Note: All episodes after #85 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 the Dynamic Duo)
This section is my favorite. 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
already debuted are eligible.
THIS WEEK:
SUPERMAN
Episode #34 and #37
"APOKOLIPS...NOW!" (two-parter)
Airdates:
Part One: Thursday, July 30th
Part Two: Friday, July 31st
This critically-acclaimed, controversial two-parter is the best thing to
come out of season two - even better than the terrific "World's Finest". In
part one we see the return of Mannheim, the near-destruction of Maggie
Sawyer, the devastation of downtown Metropolis, and the return of Intergang, PLUS the arrival of a friend. Above all we see the return of
Darkseid and the destruction of METROPOLIS POWER PLANT. But the destruction
of the power plant leads into the turmoil of part two...
With the power plant destroyed and Mannheim...I'll leave his fate a suprise...Darkseid is ready to take over Metropolis. Soon the earth will
be a clone of APOKOLIPS. Their defense against Darksied? Superman and the
citizens of Metropolis. Oh boy.
These are the darkest and most emotional episodes of the series ever with
the most unexpected ending it left more then 3 million SUPERMAN veiwers
speechless and shocked. These two episodes have made a huge impact on
SUPERMAN in the present, and have changed his world forever.
Watch it. Even if you don't like Superman in the least, give it a shot.
These two episodes are incredible. ESPECIALLY part two.
Rating:5/5
NEXT WEEK:
BATMAN
Episode #97
Airdate: Sat/Sun Aug. 8/9, 1998
OVER THE EDGE
I bet you're thinkin: "Didn't you already have this as an episode of the
week?" Well, yes we did - but this episode is just so damn good I gotta put
it here again. Hopefully you have all seen this episode by now. It's just
fantastic - all the effort put into this episode really pays off. There is
one tiny part that temporarily ruins the flow of the episode - overlooking
that small stain, you can't help but love this one. This episode tells of
what happens in Gotham after Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) dies in Commissioner
Gordon's hands. Question: What happens next? Answer: Gordon wages war the
only way he can. This episode is action-packed and character-driven. If
only every BTAS episode was going to be like this. The animation is just
astonishing plus it also contains a first for Saturday Morning cartoons: a
graphic, bloody death - and of a FEMALE, too!
Rating:5/5
(Since we've used this episode before, here's a secondary "Episode of
the
Week":
A LITTLE PIECE OF HOME,
Superman episode #5.
Airs Aug. 6, 1998
The episode centres around Superman's first experience with his one
weakness - kryptonite. Classic premise, perfect storytelling, terrific
villains (gotta love Lex!). Incredible episode - a central part to the
Superman mythos.)
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman-THE HAND OF FATE (#29)
Airs Aug. 1/2, 1998
Some lame monster named Karkull that looks a lot like a lame Phantasm-copy
takes over the Daily Planet building and does various evil but lame things
and only Superman can save the day. Lame. If you're into lame
semi-cheesy-creepy stories, give it a shot. But I classify this as a
"stinker". Miss it! Lame!
NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman-BLASTS FROM THE PAST (Pt. 1 & 2) (#14, 17)
Airs Sat/Sun Aug. 8/9, 1998
Lame Phantom-Zone criminals escape and wreak havoc on Metropolis - and, of
course, the villainess has a crush on Superman. Oooo. Some good action
scenes, but overall, the episode is a disappointment. It's a pity that
these two characters are planned to return on the series.
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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
But THIS week, Bob was unavailable to submit a review so James Harvey is
temporarily filling in for him!
EPISODE: "Love is a Croc" (#94)
WRITTEN BY: ???
DIRECTED BY: ???
ANIMATION BY: ???
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: July 11/12, 1998
NEXT AIR DATE: ???
RATING: *** (out of 5)
WHAT A CROC OF....
Wow. I don't know what to say about this episode. I really don't. This
episode can work on about 5 differant levels. It can be a love story. A
story of revenge. Or betrayal. Or loyalty. Or a meaningless 'kick the
villian's arse' story. It works in all ways. The story is quite
simple. After Baby Doll, now a hotel manager [go fig.] sees Killer Croc on
the television, she gets a crush on him [just like how 5 year olds get
crushes on teeny-bopper groups like BACKSTREET BOYS]. So she decides to
spring him. She does and you can guess what happens after that.
There was something odd about this episode. During the whole episode it
seemed like something was off. Was it the recorded voices? Was it the fact
they used SUPERMAN:TAS footage? Was it about the sixth 'destroy Gotham'
plot for the series so far?
I don't know.
The new voice of Croc was okay. I liked his other voice betetr becuase
it was so..well reptilian like. He sounded so perfect with that voice. Now
he sounds like just someone trying to impersonate Croc and doing a bad
job.
The return of Baby-Doll's original voice was a treat. It brung back the
innocence but on the down side also brung back the annoyance of the
voice. Her look is sorta...differant as well. I sorta like the new look
better becuase her old look didn't fit in at all with the original B:TAS
story. It was to..happy. This new look has a demonic edge to it - better in
my opinion.
Now was it me or were the voices for Batman and Robi...oops Batgirl, a
bit off? Batgirl sounded way older then she usually did and it sounded
like Batman caught a cold in the sewer. It was like Kevin Conroy was
impersonating Kevin Conroy doing Batman. It was odd at times. Batgirl
wasn't any better. She was completely off and bitched her whole way
through the episode (well not the whole way but in the sewer). You'd think
she'd be able to handle it after what she's been through. But no.
On the plus side we see the return of the 'Batman entrance' music. You
know? The music that always played during the original 85 episodes whenever
Batman showed up? It returns. And its welcome.
Now to the animation...well...how can I put this? Its not as bad as SINS
OF THE FATHER's animation. It's not as good as that in MEAN SEASONS or OVER
THE EDGE...its just in between. The fight scenes aren't done
that well either. The motion is slightly off too. Motion in the new
Batman episodes have been done great - but this episode it was a bit off. A
bit choppy at times and at other times..not moving fast enough or slow
enough. I think this was a rushed episode.
Now the rating of the episode? Well I guess I'd be forced to give it a
three out of five stars. Its not a completely terrible episode. The plot
is pretty straight forward and easy to understand. Its one of those
episodes you wouldn't think you'd ever see but now that you have...you're
just glad its over. The appearance of two clips from
the SUPERMAN show didn't help the animation and the voicing was off. It
deserves this three out of five.
If you wanna complain(which wouldn't suprise me) or talk about this
column (which would suprise me) then email me.
signed
JH
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VILLIAN SNEAK PEEK!
As you all know, THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES will be introducing a couple
new villians next season. One of them will be the evil Amish
look-a-like, FARMER BROWN! Here are a few pics courtesy of THE BRUCE TIMM
ARTWORK ARCHIVE!
Here they are:
Farmer Brown close-up
http://home.nycap.rr.com/cataldo/farmer2.jpg
Farmer Brown full-body look
http://home.nycap.rr.com/cataldo/farmer1.jpg
The Amish are coming.....The Amish are coming!
PS - If you're Amish and reading this, we're not meaning to mock or
insult!
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
Cartoon Network got the rights to air 52 episodes of the orignal 85
episodes on their network. The episodes air 7 days a week at 6pm and
12:00am eastern time (7:00pm on Sundays and will no longer air on
Satrudays starting the 11th of July). The episodes air in numerical order
and not in episode order. If you want the channel ask your local cable or
satellite operator. Here's the schedule for this week:
JULY 27 - #55 THE MECHANIC
JULY 28 - #58 BLIND AS A BAT
JULY 29 - #59 THE DEMON'S QUEST (Pt. 1)
JULY 30 - #63 THE DEMON'S QUEST (Pt. 2)
JULY 31 - #62 FIRE FROM OLYMPUS
AUG. 1 - SPECIAL SHOWING OF "BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM" at 8:00 PM!
AUG. 2 - #44 HEART OF STEEL (Pt. 2)
AUG. 3 - #60 HIS SILICON SOUL
AUG. 4 - #65 THE WORRY MEN
AUG. 5 - #02 CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER
AUG. 6 - #03 NOTHING TO FEAR
AUG. 7 - #04 THE LAST LAUGH
AUG. 9 - #45 TERROR IN THE SKY
NOTE:Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won't be
airing on KidsWB until next season! If you want to complete your
collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just
some friendly advice.
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VOTING REQUEST FOR BTAS:
(by Brian Davis)
Hi Brian Davis here, Would you like Batman : The Animated Series to win
another award ? Well, if you're like me then I'm sure that you think that
it deserves one. Cartoon Network Europe are currently accepting votes for
your favourite cartoon and I would like you to vote for Batman: The
Animated Series. All you have to do is send your vote, name, age and
address to cartoon.europe@turner.com You
can also win a great trip to
London so go ahead, let's remember Batman : The Animated Series.
(I suggest you do this cuz Batman deserves any awards it can get - to show
to the world that Batman IS capable of intelligent, coherent stories -
unlike films like "Batman & Robin"!!!! Make the public realize his
greatness and love him again!!!)
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VOTING REQUEST FOR BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)
Hi! I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the Internet Movie
Database, and I am hoping that we can get "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm"
into their "Top 250 Movies of All Time" list - it currently has an 86%
rating. Many movies on the Top 250 list have a lower rating, but many more
people voted for those...my hope is to get as many people as possible
voting for this film, to get it into the Top 250 list, because it is truly
spectacular.
The link DIRECTLY to the "Mask of the Phantasm" page is:
http://us.imdb.com/Title?Batman%3A+Mask+of+the+Phantasm+(1993)
I've already voted. Have YOU?
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Q & A WITH TY "THE GUY" TEMPLETON
(writer for various "animated" Batman comics)
(interviewed by James Harvey).
You all know Ty Templeton as the writer (and cover artist) of THE BATMAN
&
ROBIN ADVENTURES, and the current writer of BATMAN:GOTHAM
ADVENTURES. He was able to take a little bit of time out of his busy
schedule to answer some questions I wanted to ask him. These questions
aren't very in-depth and won't reveal any 'hidden' child trauma. Just sit back and enjoy!
----------
Q#1 - The final issues of THE BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES weren't as
good as
the beginning of the series (sorry to be so blunt). How do you see the
final issues?Were you pleased with them?
A#1 - Well, to be blunt, myself...I felt that the scripts I was writing
for
the last few issues of that title were up to the standards I had set for
the rest of the run...I'll admit to having had a less than stellar time
jamming the last two issues into one big issue (#25 was originally
supposed to be a two parter, but I still think it read all right). And I
didn't write #24. Kelly Puckett did, and I couldn't comment on that
one, really.
But at the risk of alienating my artists for those issues, I think
that my scripts for such issues as #23, #22, #21, #20, and #18 were
amongst the best scripts I wrote for then entire run. In fact, I still
think 20 and 18 are two of the best scripts I ever wrote...but sometimes
the way a script gets interpreted by an artists has an awful lot to do
with how it comes out. The artist is very much like the film
director...the same film script directed by Stanley Kubrick, or Steven
Spielberg, is going to be a better movie than if it was directed by
Richard Donner or Ivan Kruge, you know? In fact, the quality of the art
I was getting for the last year of that title damn near made me quit
writing Batman all together. It wasn't until I heard that Rick was
coming back onto the book that I decided to stay with the Adventures
book.Rick is the reason you're enjoying the book again, because the
scripts have been, more or less, at the same level of quality
throughout. In fact, I think the scripts have been the same level, but
Rick himself makes them a little better just by being there.
Q#2 - It seems that BATMAN:GOTHAM ADVENTURES has a healthy start. Did you
have to change you're writing style or change how you had to write
certain characters to get a feel for the new series.
A#2 - I didn't have to change my writing style to adapt the new series,
not
at all. I did happen to give Rick looser scripts than I used to, cause I
trust him as a story teller more than any other artist I've worked with. I
know that if I have a scene that requires a visual oomph to it, that I can
tell Rick to jazz it up, and he will. Other artists, I used to do layouts
for, to help them along. Rick makes my job a little easier, but the style
of the stories, I'm not changing.
Q#3 - Do you plan on bringing back old characters from THE BATMAN
ADVENTURES, THE BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES, and the animated series. You
have already brought back Justin from of BATMAN ADVENTURES, and
Grant Walker will appear in an upcoming issue - will there be more?
A#3 - Yup. Dagger Dixon is coming back. Deadman is coming back. I'm sure
to
bring a few more characters back as I think of stories with them in it. No Perfessor, Mr. Nice and whoever that third guy was though...they were
Kelly's gag, and, nothing personal to Kelly, I never found it all that
funny. Besides, now with Archie gone, it's in poor taste.
Q#4 - Now that you won't be doing covers anymore for the series (damn!)
who
will be replacing you? Why did you stop pencilling the covers?
A#4 - I think Rick will be doing at least a few covers. After that I don't
know. Reasons for stopping...personal ones.
Q#5 - The HOW TO DRAW BATMAN book is terrific! The HOW TO DRAW
SUPERMAN wasn't as great, though, in my opinion. Will you be doing anymore
HOW TO books in the near future or will you be concentrating on writing?
A#5 - I'm sorry you didn't like the HOW TO DRAW SUPERMAN one. I didn't
much
like it either. It's the same old story about the artist not doing so
wonderful a job. The "artist" on that particular project is someone I have
a great deal of trouble with, professionally, (but he might be a
wonderful guy, I don't know him personally) and I humbly believe every
project he works on turns out to be a failure. I was supposed to
continue writing the HOW TO DRAW SERIES, but the publisher insisted on
the same "artist" who "drew" the Superman book for the next few in the
series, and I couldn't continue working with him so I left the series.
Q#6 - Do you like the 'new' style Batman or the the 'original' style
Batman
of the animated series? Why?
A#6 - I honestly like them both. It's one of the great joys of
Batman that
he can go through so many different interpretations and still come out as
pure Batman. I do happen to like the Black and Grey costume a little
better than the Blue and Grey one, but there are good things (and a few
bad) about both versions of the show. I like Joker much better from the
old show, though. Miss the lips and yellow eyes, frankly.
Well final question:
Q#7 - Can you give us any info on upcoming issues of BATMAN:GOTHAM
ADVENTURES? Will we see any new faces?
A#7 - Okay...#5 is Mr. Freeze....both of them.
- #6 is Deadman again....and this time we actually kill him. And I mean
that in a way you don't expect.
- #7 is Penguin, and the return of Dagger Dixon. What tattoo will he get
this time?
- #8 is a new character. Is it a villain, hero, or civilian? Wait and see!
- #9 is Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins
- #10 is either a Joker solo story, or a Harley solo story. This one
ain't writ yet.
- #11 will be whichever we didn't do in #10.
-----------
There I hope you enjoyed the little Q-&-A session.I'll hopefully have
more up in the forthcoming newsletters! I'd like to thank Ty Templeton
(naturally) for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer these
questions! Thanx!
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