Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of August 26 to September 1, 2002
Volume 4, 9
Rated: PG (as with all other things Batman-related)
THIS ISSUE'S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: "Just one week...one
week until new episodes..."
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TEN YEARS AND COUNTING
On September 5 of this year, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES will
be celebrating its tenth anniversary of production. This ranges everywhere from the show
itself to the comics based upon it to books, toys, video games, merchandising...everything
started on this date.
As a way to celebrate, co-editor Dick Grayson has set up a
page at his WORLD'S FINEST site where he has big things planned for this momentous
occasion, including creator interviews, reviews, and a poll that will ultimately decide
what the "best episode ever" is. (This was recently decided as being HEART OF
ICE. Quel suprise.)
To check it out, go to this URL:
http://wf.toonzone.net/btas10.htm
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YOU'RE A DIEHARD BAT-FAN IF...
Hello fellow subcribers! As part of our celebration of the
10-year anniversary of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, we'd like to take your suggestions of
what is a sure-fire sign of being a die-hard Bat-fan. Submit your ideas to us at juno@dccnet.com - in September we'll be taking a
sampling of the best (depending on the number we receive) and publishing them in that
issue.
Here's an example - they can be either simple and
straightforward or someone creative:
YOU'RE A DIE-HARD BAT-FAN IF...
...you collect everything Batman-related, like comics, action
figures, etc...
...you get all giddy inside whenever you hear the word
"Batman" or any of his cast of characters mentioned in any other movies or TV
shows, even if it's for a mere instant.
Get the idea? It's pretty simple...so enjoy!
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EAGERLY ANTICIPATING...
New episodes are on the horizon! Here's what we can expect in the near future...
INJUSTICE FOR ALL
Airdate: Part One - September 6, 2002
Airdate: Part Two - September 13, 2002
When Lex Luthor discovers that he has contracted an incurable case of Kryptonite
poisoning, he blames the Man of Steel. Using his vast personal fortune, Luthor hires a
team of the world's most powerful super-villains to destroy Superman and the Justice
League. He taps Joker, The Ultra-Humanite, Solomon Grundy, Shade, Star Sapphire, Cheetah
and Copperhead to assist him in his diabolical efforts.
A KNIGHT OF SHADOWS
Airdate: Part One - September 20, 2002
Airdate: Part Two - September 27, 2002
Morgaine Le Fey is an ancient sorceress who is assisted by the Demon, Etrigan in her
quest for the legendary Sorcerer's Stone. The Justice League must stop Morgaine Le Fey
before she captures this object that would give her the power to rule the world.
METAMORPHASIS
Airdate: Part One - October 4, 2002
Airdate: Part Two - October 11, 2002
Synopsis: Unknown
THE SAVAGE TIME
Aidate: Original Sept. 7, now delayed until December.
A ruthless, repressive dictator named Vandal Savage has seized control of a distant
world. To restore life as they know it, the world's greatest collection of superheroes
must travel back in time and team up with Sgt. Rock and his military squadron, the
Blackhawks. Together, they must re-fight a world war in order to stop Savage from taking
power."
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NEWS AND RUMORS
(see back issues for older info)
ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS, STAS, BEYOND, JLA)
-The three-part JL episode THE SAVAGE TIME has been delayed, and will not air on September
7 as originally planned. It will air around December 7 as a tribute to war heroes,
instead.
-Starting the second week of September, JUSTICE LEAGUE will be airing on YTV at 6:30pm on
Mondays and 11:30am on Saturdays; both these timeslots will air the same episode.
-The Justice League will appear on the two-part STATIC SHOCK episode, "A League of
Their Own", this coming year. Also, another episode will feature Batman and a number
of villains, this time set in Gotham City.
-The season two premiere for JUSTICE LEAGUE could be entitled "Twilight of the
Gods"; this episode is expected to feature the long-awaited reappearance of Darkseid.
-Corey Burton is returning to reprise his role as Brainiac! He'll appear in both the JLA
episode of STATIC SHOCK, and a JUSTICE LEAGUE episode.
-JUSTICE LEAGUE is finally coming to Canada! Though the schedule isn't finalized, we can
tell you that YTV will start airing episodes this fall.
-Here are some more JUSTICE LEAGUE episode titles, coming soon in Season Two!
(2 pts) Tabula Rasa
(2 pts) Only a Dream (possible Dr. Destiny appearance)
(2 pts) Maid of Honor (re-appearance of Ra's Al Ghul)
(2 pts) Hearts and Minds
(2 pts) A Better World
(2 pts) The Terror Beyond
ANIMATED COMICS
-Ty Templeton is returning for a fill-in issue of GOTHAM ADVENTURES; Dan Slott will be the
writer, and Ty will be the artist. Little is known about this issue, but it will feature
the Creeper.
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #53
In stores August 28. Gotham gets strangled by a super-plant whose roots run clear to the
Batcave. It's got Poison Ivy written all over it...but where is she? And has she uncovered
the Dark Knight's secret? Batman must track it - and her - deep into the Amazon jungle to
find out.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/batman/bga53.gif
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #54
In stores September 25. As a crime spree unfolds, a writer tries to get into the minds of
Batman and his quarry - and only gets in the way. Will the writer get the story he's
looking for, or will she become the story?
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #55
In stores October 30. Batman finds himself caught in a deadly quarrel between mobsters,
each claiming the other kidnapped his wife. He's got to help them out - or risk a
full-fledged mob war.
Cover: http://news.toonzone.net/images/bga55.jpg
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #56
In stores November 27. A riddle is left for the Batman that seems...wrong somehow. Who's
stealing the Riddler's schtick? And who's going to get to the copycat first: Batman or a
mad-as-heck Riddler?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/batman/bga56.gif
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #10
Superman is taken down in battle and the Martian Manhunter must replace him as a hero to
millions. But does the shy, reserved alien have what it takes to inspire all of humanity?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/dcuniverse/jladvs10.jpg
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #12
You'll want to grab a sweater and light a fire as Mr. Freeze, Captain Cold, Killer Frost
and a chilling cabal of icy super-villains attempt a hostile takeover of a small African
nation. Can the League stop them in time or will they be the first victims of the
"Cold War?"
Cover: http://news.toonzone.net/images/jladvs12.jpg
-JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #13
In stores November 6. Introducing the character find of the year...All-Star! This normal
girl from the suburbs may just have exactly what it takes to become the Justice League's
newest member...or it's first casualty. Find out what it takes to be one of the World's
Greatest Super-Heroes in "Local Hero."
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/dcuniverse/jladvs13.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #2 of 5
In stores September 11. Detective Renée Montoya, investigating the theft of a mysterious
chemical compound, follows the deadly trail of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, while Ivy
tries to convince Catwoman and Batgirl that they should cooperate with her!
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-09/batman/gothamgirls2.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #3 of 5
In stores October 16. Harley Quinn gets control of a chemical formula everyone wants,
which means that nothing goes as planned - not even for her best pal Poison Ivy. And
Detective Reneé Montoya is hot on everyone's trail...
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/bga/covers/gg3-art.jpg
-GOTHAM GIRLS #4 of 5
In stores November 20. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn think they've succeeded in stealing
Ivy's plant formula back from the chemical company that stole it first. But it's good
girls vs. bad girls as Detective Renee Montoya finally catches up to - and teams up with -
Batgirl!
OTHER COMICS
-Jason Hall (writer of GOTHAM ADVENTURES) will be next working on a five-part BEWARE THE
CREEPER miniseries, due out in Spring of 2003. He will also be writing an upcoming JUSTICE
LEAGUE ADVENTURES issue.
-BATMAN #608, on shelves in October, kicks off the uninterrupted twelve-part
storyline - written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Jim Lee. The actual plot is not known at
this time, but here is a list of the people involved: Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc,
the Joker, Two-Face, Huntress, and Superman. It looks like another murder-mystery type
deal, as seen in Loeb's already-classic LONG HALLOWEEN and DARK VICTORY stories.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/batman608.jpg
-A hardcover version of THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN and another reprint of THE DARK
KNIGHT STRIKES BACK are due out on October 30.
-DETECTIVE COMICS #775 - Greg Rucka's final (sniff) issue on DETECTIVE COMICS.
-DETECTIVE COMICS #773: A story featuring Sasha Bordeaux's time in prison. Also featuring
Cucilla (one of the many Jokerized LAST LAUGH villains).
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-08/batman/detective773.gif
-BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #33 & 34: Batman and Bane actually team up to destroy the last
of the Lazarus Pits; then, in , Bane brings Batman some startling news about his
father.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/bgk34.jpg
-CATWOMAN #12:
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-10/batman/catwoman12.jpg
BATMAN "HUSH" TITLES (12 parts)
-Part 2: BATMAN #609
Lying near death, Batman must turn to the least likely person from the Bat family for
help: the Huntress! Meanwhile, Catwoman continues to hunt down the mysterious individual
responsible for wreaking havoc in their lives - a path that leads her back to Poison Ivy.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/solicitations/2002-11/batman/batman609.jpg
MOVIES
-ONSTAR is holding a contest where a winner gets to have a walk-on role in whatever the
next Batman movie will be.
*BATMAN: YEAR ONE (BATMAN 5) NEWS:
-More confirmation on the 2004 release date of BATMAN: YEAR ONE. Darren Aronofsky's
next film, LAST MAN, is being filmed this summer, and YEAR ONE is likely his next project.
This should start filming by mid-2003, aiming for a summer 2004 release date. Thanks to
BATMAN-ON-FILM.com and the GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS for this tidbit!
*BATMAN BEYOND: LIVE ACTION NEWS:
-It looks like an independent movie is being made. Check out this link and see for
yourself:
http://www.batinthesun.com/
*THE FOURTH ANIMATED BATMAN MOVIE
-No new news here. It probably won't be another BATMAN BEYOND movie, though.
*CATWOMAN
-Don't count on this one any time soon.
*BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN
-Variety has revealed that the Wolfgang Petersen's much-rumoured BATMAN & SUPERMAN
movie is the front runner for release in 2004. With the second installment of the
SCOOBY-DOO franchise coming as well as HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN in 2004,
it still leaves three slots open that year for some big budget spectacle movies. Here is
what Variety reported:
"Batman and/or Superman": It's been five years since the
poorly received "BATMAN & ROBIN," and the WB now seems ready to take its
superhero responsibilities seriously.
Last year, the studio brought Darren Aronofsky on board to develop
"Batman: Year One" with creator Frank Stack. But the superhero project that has
the greatest likelihood of moving forward, Horn now says, is "Batman &
Superman," in which the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight join forces against evil.
Wolfgang Petersen is attached to produce, develop and possibly direct.
LIVE ACTION TELEVISION
(All of the SMALLVILLE and BIRDS OR PREY scoops are courtesy of GOTHAM CLOCK TOWER and the
KRYPTONSITE.)
-Though it is remaining in the current timeslot on the WB, in Canada, SMALLVILLE will move
from its Wednesday timeslot at 8pm to a Thursday timeslot at 7pm, also on GLOBAL.
-BIRDS OF PREY'S Dr. Harleen Quinzel has been recast; Mia Sara is taking up the role.
-To view another BIRDS OF PREY trailer, go here:
http://www.thewb.com/Popups/Trailers/0,8204,57999,00.html
-We have the premiere dates for SMALLVILLE and BIRDS OF PREY! They are:
SMALLVILLE - Tuesday, September 24
BIRDS OF PREY - Wednesday, October 9
EXCLUSIVE INTERNET ENDEAVOURS:
-Keep checking out gothamgirls.com for new episodes in the season long
"who-dunnit" story that is currently unfolding.
-Check out the following website for what looks to be a cute Batman parody:
http://thumb.com/batthumb/
TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-Wanna see pics of the PUPPETS OF CRIME four-pack, featuring a brand new
Ventriloquist/Scarface picture? Go here:
Pic #1: http://66.221.124.161/g/?dispsize=800&mode=view&album=DC+Comic+Toys%2FBatman+Puppets+Of+Crime&pic=box1.jpg
Pic #2: http://66.221.124.161/g/?dispsize=800&mode=view&album=DC+Comic+Toys%2FBatman+Puppets+Of+Crime&pic=back1.jpg
-MATTEL has just gained the rights to Batman, Superman, Justice League, and a handful of
other WB properties. They will have exclusive rights to merchandising all the action
figures (etc) around the world, excluding Asia. Mattel used to hold the rights to Batman,
but Hasbro/Kenner has been in the driver's seat from 1989 until now.
-DC Direct will be releasing an Aquaman maquette (in the same style as the other 7 JLA
maquettes) in 2003.
-We can look forward to the PUPPETS OF CRIME four-pack, featuring Undercover Bruce Wayne,
Nightwing, a repainted Killer Croc, and a brand-new Ventriloquist/Scarface figure!
Apparently, they're due out in mid-August. For pics, go to the following link. Thanks to
Bill Curtis for the link!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1726242346
-For some JUSTICE LEAGUE pics, check out this post at the TOONZONE message boards:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=389739#post389739
SPECIAL NOTE:
For more BATMAN, SUPERMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, BATMAN BEYOND, and related stories and news,
check out the WORLD'S FINEST NEWSPAGE at:
In coming months, the CARTOON NETWORK will have the ability
to show all of the WB's superhero series. Until these dates, only BATMAN BEYOND and JLA
will be on the air. Here are the times all will be shown:
NOTE: Starting on September 7, BATMAN BEYOND is being removed
indefinitely from the CARTOON NETWORK schedule.
JUSTICE LEAGUE SCHEDULE:
Fri 08-30-02 JLA The Brave and the Bold (Pt. 2)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA The Enemy Below (Pt. 1)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA The Enemy Below (Pt. 2)
Sat 08-31-02 JLA In Blackest Night (Pt. 2)
Sun 09-01-02 JLA Fury (Pt. 1)
* * * * * *
Fri 09-06-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1) <---------NEW!!!!!
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Paradise Lost (Pt. 1)
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Paradise Lost (Pt. 2)
Sat 09-07-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1)
Sun 09-08-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 1)
* * * * * *
Fri 09-13-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2) <---------NEW!!!!!
Sat 09-14-02 JLA War World (Pt. 1)
Sat 09-14-02 JLA War World (Pt. 2)
Sat 09-14-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2)
Sun 09-15-02 JLA Injustice for All (Pt. 2)
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Sat 08-10-02 BTAS #33 The Laughing Fish
Sat 09-07-02 BTAS #34 Night of the Ninja
Sat 09-14-02 BTAS #35 Cat Scratch Fever
SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Sat 08-31-02 STAS #28 Father's Day
Sat 09-07-02 STAS #29 The Hand of Fate
Sat 09-14-02 STAS #30 Bizarro's World
FOR UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULES:
http://www.toonzone.net/shows/cnschedules/
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CANADIAN EPISODE SCHEDULE
(BATMAN on YTV - courtesy of our friends at YTV)
Why YTV airs BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES at 3:30am on
weekdays, I don't know, but hey, that's the hand we've been dealt. Set your VCRs!
YTV also has the rights to all of the BATMAN BEYOND episodes,
which will air every Saturday mornings at 10:00am, and then Saturday nights (or,
technically, Sunday mornings) at 12:30am.
And, starting the second week of September, YTV will be
airing JUSTICE LEAGUE. It will air at 6:30pm on Mondays and 11:30am on Saturdays; both of
these timeslots will air the same episode.
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
THIS WEEK:
Mon 08-26-02: BTAS #38 Heart of Steel (Pt. 2)
Tue 08-27-02: BTAS #39 "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You
Rich?"
Wed 08-28-02: BTAS #40 Joker's Wild
Thu 08-29-02: BTAS #60 His Silicon Soul
Fri 08-30-02: BTAS #50 Off Balance
NEXT WEEK:
Mon 09-02-02: BTAS #???
Tue 09-03-02: BTAS #???
Wed 09-04-02: BTAS #???
Thu 09-05-02: BTAS #???
Fri 09-06-02: BTAS #???
THE FOLLOWING WEEK:
Mon 09-09-02: BTAS #???
Tue 09-10-02: BTAS #???
Wed 09-11-02: BTAS #???
Thu 09-12-02: BTAS #???
Fri 09-13-02: BTAS #???
BATMAN BEYOND:
THIS WEEK:
Sat 08-31-02: 10:00am #12 Disappearing Inque
Sun 09-01-02: 12:30am #04 Golem
Sat 09-07-02: 10:00am #13 Ascension
Sun 09-08-02: 12:30am #05 The Winning Edge
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