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.
------------------
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.
________________________________
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.
________________________________
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:
-------------
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
--------
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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