Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of Sept 21 - 26/27, Sept. 28 - Oct. 3/4
Volume 1, Issue #7
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THE SEASON PREMIERE SPECTACULAR
   Yes, I know that over the past month, delivery of this newsletter has been rather awkward...well, starting off with this HUGE issue, THE SEASON PREMIERE SPECTACULAR, we're going back to our usual bi-weekly delivery set up. Now enjoy!  We have a lot of stuff to cover this issue!
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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
   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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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
   From the creators of BTAS, we saw Superman takes off in the fall of 1996. It started with a hit prime-time movie (which was the highest rated WB show of the week) - and after a hap-hazard first season of unpredicatable episode airing, Superman returned in full force in the fall of 1997 with a whole new season of 28 episodes, including a "WORLD'S FINEST" crossover with Batman. Superman then won more critical acclaim (for episodes such as THE LATE MR. KENT and APOKOLIPS ...NOW!) and much higher ratings. This locomotion isn't slowing down as it moves into season three...
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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 - just keep in mind that this newsletter is predominantly about the Bat, K? 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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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
  Many things have changed - a new toy review, more schedules and mini episode-reviews, comic schedules and reviews, rumors aplenty, and yet another editorial from the wonderful Laura Hysert, but the main event in this issue of the newsletter is an interview with "BTAS" and "Sub-Zero" director, BOYD KIRKLAND!!!!
  ALSO, we have a SECOND interview, with inker/penciller RICK BURCHETT, whose credits include nearly ALL comic-versions of the "animated" Batman!  WOOOHAAAA!!!

  Scroll down to read it!
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IN MEMORY

  I'd just like to put the humor and such aside for a moment to remember Mike Parobeck. Over two years ago he died due to diabetes-related causes, and only now does the comic world know the talent they lost. He was the best penciller on BATMAN ADVENTURES and set the high standards for all "animated" comics to follow. He has inspired me a lot art-wise and from what I've heard he was one of the nicest men in comic-dom, second only to Jack Kirby. I recommend you all find the two trade papaerbacks and back-isses of BATMAN ADVENTURES (and B&R Adv. annual #2) and see his rendition of Batman. It's classic.

  Sleep well Mike.

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  In other Bat-related news, we have just learned that Roddy McDowall has been struck with a terminal case of cancer. McDowall, who just turned 70 last week, is best known for his role in various "Planet of the Apes" movies. He is also credited with two Batman-roles; he played the villain "Bookworm" in two episodes of the 1960's "Batman" series, and, more recently, is the wonderfully terrific voice of the Mad Hatter in a handful of "Batman: The Animated Series" episodes (one of which is still to come)! I really hope that even though this is a terminal case, he will be around for a long time.   I just hope BTAS dedicates a Mad Hatter episode to him when he does pass away...
  Let's just have a moment of silence to pray that he won't leave this world...not yet...

*MOMENT OF SILENCE*
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES

  Wow, It's Christmas! For all of you new B:TAN readers you can now catch up on the previous newsletters! A great friend of both Tim and I has put our old newsletters up at her site! The site is called "The Warner Bros. Club" and features tonnes of WB related games and information! Plus each new newsletter will be out up there as well! For all you wanting to catch up, or look back, here is the URL:

http://www.toonzone.net/wbc

  The Warner Bros. Club site is also part of a much bigger site. The site is called TOON ZONE and contains three more WB related sites: Brian Cruz's WB Cartoon Page, Colin's WB schedule page, and the WB Comic Zone. The sites have been updated and somewhat revamped! Do you wanna see the people behind it? There's also a site for that as well. This isn't an official WB page but it's so good, might as well be! There's even a chat room and a great message board! If you're looking for anything WB related check out this site! Definatly worth bookmarking!

TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
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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.

'ANIMAL ACT'
Batman #101
Air date: September 26/27, 1998 (USA)
Batman and Nightwing are in pursuit of a group of felons who turn out to be...animals? This UK exclusive finally airs in the USA.

'OLD WOUNDS'
Batman #102
Air date: October 3/4, 1998 (USA)
  This episode is WAS to be the season premiere of BTAS this year. It revolves around Dick Grayson telling Tim Drake why he and Batman aren't as close as they once were.  It sheds light on why Dick left the Batcave, how he became a hero of his own, and how Batgirl became a much more intricate part of their team. Two-Face and the Joker are also set to appear, if the story follows it's "Lost Years" comic counterparts.

And here are all the BATMAN episodes due this year:

1. THE ULTIMATE THRILL (#96)
2. CRITTERS (#99)
3. CULT OF THE CAT (#100)
4. ANIMAL ACT (#101)
5. OLD WOUNDS (#102)
6. LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
7. BEWARE THE CREEPER
8. GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
9. JUDGEMENT DAY
10. CHEMISTRY
11. MAD LOVE (Pt. 1)
12. MAD LOVE (Pt. 2)

  They say that there are only these episodes airing this fall but I still don't believe 'em. Don't forget there's still the BATMAN half of the two Batman/Superman crossovers, and keep in mind that "Girls' Night Out" may be a two or even three-parter.
  Rumor has it that three more episodes will be held back for the summer of 1999 (like this past season). Only time will tell how many and which episodes we're getting. Right now production has temporarily stopped on BATMAN episodes but not on SUPERMAN or BATMAN BEYOND episodes.This season sounds interesting either way, and I can't wait until September 19th!
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)

 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!

9-21-98
BATMAN #74-CATWALK
SUPERMAN #27-THE PROMORTHEON

9-22-98
BATMAN #83-MAKE 'EM LAUGH
SUPERMAN #06-THE WAY OF ALL FLESH

9-23-98
SUPERMAN #12-TOOLS OF THE TRADE
BATMAN #73-TIME OUT OF JOINT

9-24-98
BATMAN #33-THE LAUGHING FISH
SUPERMAN #10-MY GIRL

9-25-98
SUPERMAN #29-THE HAND OF FATE
BATMAN #88-COLD COMFORT

9-26/27-98
BATMAN #101-ANIMAL ACT---NEW!!!
SUPERMAN #34-HEAVY METAL

9-28-98
SUPERMAN #18-LIVEWIRE
BATMAN #87-SINS OF THE FATHER

9-29-98
SUPERMAN #32-THE LATE MR. KENT
BATMAN #85-BATGIRL RETURNS

9-30-98
BATMAN #14-HEART OF ICE
SUPERMAN #9-STOLEN MEMORIES

10-1-98
BATMAN #67-A BULLET FOR BULLOCK
SUPERMAN #30-BIZZARO'S WORLD

10-2-98
SUPERMAN #23-DOUBLE DOSE
BATMAN #89-DOUBLE TALK

10-3/4-98
SUPERMAN #26-MONKEY FUN
BATMAN #102-OLD WOUNDS---NEW!!!

 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 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 at least been shown once are eligible - but try to catch the new episodes if you can! 

THIS WEEK:
(This was tough, cuz none of those episodes are outstanding, but many are good...)
Batman
THE LAUGHING FISH (#33)
Airs Sept. 24, 1998

NEXT WEEK:
Batman
HEART OF ICE (#14)
Airs Sept. 30, 1998

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Batman
MAKE 'EM LAUGH (#83)
Airs Sept. 22, 1998
AND
Superman
HEAVY METAL (#34)
Airs Sept. 26/27, 1998

NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
-There is no "terrible" episode this week.
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
 "Yabba Dabba Doom"
 It seems that about every month or so the schedule for Batman changes again! So please be patient. We may not be able ot get the new episode schedule up in time but here's the most current schedule for Batman:TAS on CARTOON NETWORK: It airs Monday thru Friday at 6 & 6:30pm and a midnight repeat (of the 6pm episode) Monday thru Thursday. We'll note of any change.

Episode schedules for the Cartoon network were unavailable at the time of mailing this newsletter.

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.
SPECIAL NOTE: "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero" will air on November 21, 1998.
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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

However, Bob was unable to submit a review for this week, so Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton has filled in for him with a review of "The Ultimate Thrill".

Episode: THE ULTIMATE THRILL
Episode number: #96
Written by Hilary J. Bader
Directed by Dan Riba
Animation by ???
Original air date (UK): July 7, 1998
Original air date (USA): September 14, 1998
My rating: **1/2

   When this episode debuted in the UK over the summer, it recieved terrible reviews, more or less declaring it as the worst BTAS episode in a LONG time. Said to be all action and no plot, I figured this episode would be a stinker and didn't really care if I saw it or not.  Of course, when it WAS scheduled to air in North America, I did stick around to watch it, even though I was skeptical. Let me just say that while this episode is FAR from classic status, it isn't quite as bad as people originally made it out to be.
   The episode focuses on the un-interesting villain named Roxy Rockett, an ex-stunt-woman who was banned from Hollywood because of her fascination with taking unecessary risks. The risks made insurnace premiums rise, studios didn't want to shell out more money, so she got canned. Instead of doing the ol' "seeking revenge" plot, Roxy now just lives for the thrill of doing dangerous stunts - that, basically, is her character.  She's just a fearless woman that likes to do crazy stuff for fun, and her gimmick is this rocket that she's always riding on. 
   In other words, "LET'S GET DANGEROUS." 
   But remember, when there's trouble, you call BW...(Bruce Wayne, that is).
   After one chase scene (which is like 5 minutes long - 25% of the show?  Ugh) we learn that Roxy is working for the Penguin, which I quite liked. In "Joker's Millions", Penguin actually acted reformed, which I didn't like; I'm glad to see him back to his ol' criminal ways, using this fearless femme fatale to do his bidding - pulling off various dangerous robberies and such. However, he is getting nervous because of Roxy's unnecessary risks, and fears that Batman may catch her, and, through her, get to him - so he tries to kill her. (Yay Penguin!  Good idea! No more Roxy, please!) Roxy escapes but Penguin sends his hench-girls (Jay, Lark, and Raven) after her to finish off the dirty deed.
   Meanwhile, Batman is doing his ol' deducing thing, and Batgirl informs him that a couple of hookers spotted Roxy hanging around at Penguin's "Iceburg Lounge" night club after hours on numerous occasions. Batman then visits the Penguin at his ultra-cool penthouse and beats the livin' crap outa him, getting info on Roxy - VERY COOL SCENE.  Penguin even blows apart his apartment with a tommy gun trying to rid himself of the Bat...I like that, too. Naughty Pengy!  You been a bad widdle boy! The best scene of the show is when Batman is terrorizing Penguin on his balcony...just like old times.
   A short time later, Roxy encounters Penguin's henchgirls at the airfield, and beats them all without breaking a sweat; Batman shows up, steals a second rocket and goes off after her on another wild chase scene. The final scene involves Batman and Roxy playing a game of chicken on her rocket, seeing who will ride the longest before smashing into the wall of a cliff.
   Ahem. Now, I found Roxy thoroughly annoying in this episode, and do not really look forward to her cameo (only a cameo, thank god!) in "Knight Time" this season. Her voice was OK, she just spoke too much, which really broke up the action sequences, which, while amazing, DID last on too long. However, the plot was so shallow that if the action scenes WERE taken out, there'd only be about 3 minutes of footage for the episode - so I guess they were needed. Many also loved the sexual innuendoes in this episode, namely, Roxy's orgasmic screaming during the...ahem...climax of the episode. Yawn - that just seems like a gimmick to remember the episode by, now...next, please... We also get to see Farmer Brown (well, a truck of his) in this episode during the tunnel chase scene (the best chase scene in the show), which foreshadows his appearance in "Critters", coming soon this season. 
   Good points? Only a few - Batgirl's role was minimalized in this episode, which was a good move. She wasn't getting in the way all the time, so the episode flowed a lot smoother than other episodes with two or more heroes involved, such as "Torch Song". I still wish she was excluded altogether, but I won't complain. The contraption in the Batcave used to "catch" the Batwing while it's crash-ladning was kinda funky, too. The best parts of the episode, in most people's opinions, are all the scenes with the Penguin. Just as in "Joker's Millions", he's the only consistantly cool aspect of the episode, who, even when "reformed", is still a very intriguing and entertaining character, as well as a formidable foe for Batman. We also get to see his character in more detail than ever before, which is something I like - he was one of the most underrated villains in the older episodes, so I am really enjoying his new treatment.
   In short, I give this 2.5 stars out of 5. It seemed a lot like "Harley's Holiday", but with more chase scenes, and a much lamer starring villainess. If Roxy is to live on in the Bat-universe, she's really going to need a character make-over - much like how Mr. Freeze used to suck terribly until Paul Dini came along and gave him a wife - and now he rules. So...Roxy, lame; Penguin, cool; Batman, cool; chase scenes, cool to see but too long; sex sounds, yawn; follow-up episode, no thank you.
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SPECIAL ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE #1:
"BATMAN BEYOND PREVIEW"

  It's fifty years from now and there is no Dark Knight in Gotham until a tragic car accident changes the life of one boy. Who? Adolescent Terry McGinnis. He's a high school kid with problems, which are about to get worse... And where is Bruce Wayne in Gotham's future? Nobody knows...until "Batman Beyond", a NEW animated Batman series (brought to you by the creative teams behind "Batman" and "Superman") debuts this November! Check out this exclusive sneek peak:

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Batman Beyond
Tomorrow Knight
Ed Wiser (ewiser@iglou.com)

  When the Batman Beyond series was announced most fans believed that the new series would hurt TNABS..."We are getting too few shows and they are to far apart!" was the common reply to the revived series this past fall. Would the creative team have enough time and creative energy to do three quality weekly cartoon series? These questions and concerns are and will be a cause of concern over the course of the next year.   As a long time fan of BTAS I rejoiced when the new shows started appearing last fall.  We had a good group of shows over the course of this year. Some great, matching the best of the original series and in some cases surpassing them. I, like many other fans, enjoyed the new designs for the show.  The sleeker designs fit with the new show's direction and made for some great animation.
  Recently at the San Diego Comic Con, Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett showed the Model sheets and spoke for the first time with fans of BTAS about Batman Beyond. As a regular reader of Toymania News (http://www.toymania.com/news/), I was able to keep track of the goings-on in San Diego.  A transcript of Paul, Bruce and Alan's discussion was posted which included model sheets of some of the characters from the new show (http://www.toymania.com/sdcc98/batmanbeyond.shtml).  The Mania web site also posted an article highlighting their discussion (http://www.mania.com/columns/amhh/amhh081498.html).
  Responses to the new show and Model sheets drew several positive reviews on internet message boards.  The new designs by Bruce Timm are spectacular! The Batmobile is sleek and hovers similar to the landspeeder from Star Wars. Villains like the Jokerz Gang, Inque, Royal Flush gang and Derek Powers are drawn with a nod to the past, but with a futuristic twist that Bruce (Timm, not Wayne) pulls off just right. 
  One concern that most fans had was the comment that the new shows where to be aimed at younger viewers.  "Who wants to see a show where Batman is toned down to be a PC caped crusader to keep from upsetting  anyone" most fans groused.  Perhaps Bruce Wayne's financial status and reason for no longer fighting crime in the new show illustrates this fact best. 
  Bruce Wayne had a heart attack when trying out a new modified Bat-suit.  
  What-the?!?!?!
  How does a hero who is healthier than most Olympic athletes have a heart attack?  Also, when have you ever heard of a billionaire loosing all his wealth due to some shady business dealings?  I guess grim and gritty vigilante by night and wealthy playboy by day would not fit in to a new PC revision of the Batman myth.
  These two twists framing the new series could only be pulled off with Paul Dini writing the show.  Most fans of BTAS agree that Paul has written some of the best Batman stories ever done outside of the comics realm. To me, the thought of Paul playing god with a whole new Batman world is exciting. Fortunately, the creators of BTAS have a good feel for Batman storytelling. I think that we will be in for a real treat this fall with not only a bunch of great new BTAS and STAS shows, but a view to the future of Batman's world in Batman Beyond. 
  This column will be dedicated to examining Batman Beyond and related topics. I am anxious to hear what you fans (and non-fans) of BTAS and Batman have to say about this Else-Worlds style view of the future of the Batman legend. Send your comments, questions and concerns to me at ewiser@iglou.com and we'll address them in this column.  

Bat wishes
Ed Wiser

ewiser@iglou.com
Ed Wiser
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To see a great pic of BATMAN BEYOND check out this URL (thanx to Cinscape Online)
http://www.cinescape.com/insider/batmanbeyond.JPG

Coming In November...
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