Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of April 12 - April 24/25, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some "low-key coarse language and, recently, A LOT OF griping"

THIS WEEK'S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: "THE BTAS/BEYOND CONTROVERSY CONTINUES. KEEP FIGHTING, MY CHILDREN."
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another edition of "Batman: The Animated Newsletter". Enjoy!
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WOOOOHOOOO!!!!
The title explains it all. "Batman: The Animated Newsletter" was actually mentioned at the Cinescape Online site! Here's the URL. WOOOHOOO!

http://www.cinescape.com/insider/990405l.html

Or look under Monday, April 5, at 4 PM.

We have also just passed our 800 subscriber mark! Thank you to all our subscribers for your support and interest!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Director Boyd Kirkland has returned for another insightful look at the animated world of Batman in this issue. Scroll down past the "Episode Review" section to read what he has to say!
This issue also marks the debut of our second editorialist, Michael Mandeville. YAY!

NOTE: This issue will cover the next two weeks - there will be no newsletter delivery on April 18, due to complications in the lives of the editors - damn those university exams. We will return on April 25, with a very special . See you in two weeks!
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SAVE BATMAN!
(by Bat-fans anonymous)

Not since "Batman & Robin" has there been an uproar on this scale about the potential destruction of our favourite hero.

First they took about BTAS/STAS in favor of a new animated series. Then the same thing seemed to happen with the toy lines. Now, the final straw. Legions of fans are outraged about the fact that the proposed Batman: The Animated Movie #3 was shelved just a week before the recordings were to begin! In favor of what? A Batman BEYOND movie.

Why? No one knows for certain. Our best bet is that because Batman Beyond IS getting good ratings - and because the producers of BTAS/STAS are just bored with doing something they've been working on for years. This is the reason why I have decided that a year-long hiatus from BTAS and STAS, and a focus on BEYOND wasn't a bad idea. But now they take away the chance of an animated movie that's been in the planning stages for months? I imagine that Boyd Kirkland and Randy Rogel are really hurt by this...I certainly would be. Sacrificing a quality show for a show that, while good, is still just living off hype, is terrible - just a way to make a quick buck. By the time this BATMAN BEYOND movie would come out, the novelty of the show would have worn off. A good compromise would be to have BATMAN: THE ANIMATED MOVIE #3, and a BATMAN BEYOND movie on the side, if they must.

How could they neglect all us long-time Bat-fans just for the sake of making a quick buck? I don't know who exactly is responsible here, but we should do whatever it takes to change things back to how they were.

Now its time to let your voice be heard! I want all of you people reading this to help out here. Below are the URLs and addresses of ways we can start to make a difference. You want Batman? Here's your chance to help make it happen!

The WE WANT BATMAN/SUPERMAN BACK poll:
http://apps3.vantagenet.com/zpolls/poll.asp?id=938193849

Voice your opinions at the BATMAN/SUPERMAN chat room:
http://pluto.beseen.com/chat/rooms/w/10852

Share your opinions with others at the BATMAN: THE ANIMATED MESSAGE BOARD:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb163084

THE SAVE BATMAN website:
http://members.spree.com/sip/savebatman

Or at the Official BTAS/STAS site message board, where there is already a lot of posts that condemn this decision:
http://www.batman-superman.com

OR you can write to the following addresses:

Tom Lesinski
Warner Bros. Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank CA 91522

Jean MacCurdy
Warner Bros. TV Animation
15303 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 1200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

OR even give 'em a phone call!

(818) 977-7500
(Note, I haven't phoned this myself, so if it goes nowhere, don't blame me! AND it's not toll-free, either.)

OR e-mail here:
gpoliceman@hotmail.com

Wanna help out in the SAVE BATMAN petition? Well send an email to the previous address with your name, email address, reason why Batman should be saved and why you enjoy the show! Every little thing helps!

Every little bit helps here! I know some of you are BATMAN BEYOND fans, but we are being denied the true Batman because of BB. Please mail your letters and vote as soon and much as you can. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR AGE JUST TO SHOW THE WB THE WIDE AGE RANGE OF ALL VIEWERS! The results of the votes and petitions will be sent to WB (via email) once enough votes are up!
Let's keep our Batman on patrol!
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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 LOSS OF THE WB ON WGN: Beginning this fall, the WB will no longer be carried on WGN-TV’s national feed to avoid conflicts with other WB affiliates. WGN-TV will continue carrying the prime time WB in the Chicago area. If you’re outside the Chicago area and know of no other way to pick up the WB, you may call them at (818)977-5000 for more information. This is taken from the info section of the WGN website, http://www.wgn.com . Thank you for Peter Destructo for pointing this out.

KidsWB will soon be shown on a new channel called "WeB" - I know little about this - but if you can get that channel, I'm pretty sure the WB shows would be on.

'THE DEMON REBORN'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
BATMAN'S FINAL CURRENT-DAY ANIMATED APPEARANCE! This episode, originally entitled "Rise of the Demon", features Batman and Superman teaming up to take down Ra's Al Ghul. One parter, probably. WOOHOO! THE BAT IS BACK! This'll probably air in May.

'LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
This two-parter, featuring the final showdown between Superman and Darksied in which he strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth. This will be the season finale, airing this May.

'A FISH STORY'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
When marine life in Metropolis threaten the citizens, Lois Lane discovers it is because Lex Luthor has taken Aquaman as a prisoner.

'UNITY'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
Supergirl teams up with Superman to save the Kents and the rest of Smallville from an alien threat.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)

This section of the newsletter highlights the schedule and times that WB airs The New Batman/Superman Adventures. For most affiliates it airs Monday - Friday at 4pm (ET) and Saturdays beginning at 8am (ET). WGN airs Batman/Superman Monday - Friday at 10am (ET) and Sundays beginning at 8am (ET). There's a chance that your local WB channel airs it at a differant time. To find out when, we recommend you follow this URL (provided by Toonzone): http://www.toonzone.net/brian/stations/index.html

PS - Remember that "Batman Beyond" airs 30 minutes AFTER "Batman/Superman" is over, because "Men In Black" has been squeezed in between.

THIS WEEK:
Mon 4-12-99: Batman #46 Almost Got 'Im
Batman #01 On Leather Wings

Tue 4-13-99: Batman #74 Catwalk
Superman #27 The Prometheon

Wed 4-14-99: Superman #08 The Main Man (Pt. 1)
Superman #11 The Main Man (Pt. 2)

Thu 4-15-99: Batman #87 Sins of the Father
Superman #04 Fun and Games

Fri 4-16-99: Superman #20 Identity Crisis
Batman #90 You Scratch My Back

Sat 4-17-99: Batman #95 Torch Song
Superman #45 Knight Time
B-BEYOND #07 Meltdown

NEXT WEEK:
Mon 4-19-99: Batman #66 Sideshow
Superman #36 Warrior Queen

Tue 4-20-99: Superman #12 Tools of the Trade
Batman #64 Read My Lips

Wed 4-21-99: Batman #91 Never Fear
Superman #10 My Girl

Thu 4-22-99: Superman #06 The Way of All Flesh
Batman #84 Deep Freeze

Fri 4-23-99: Batman #32 Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 1)
Batman #37 Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 2)

Sat 4-24-99: Superman #51 Superman's Pal
Batman #102 Old Wounds
B-BEYOND #08 Heroes

Note: All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)

THE CARTOON NETWORK was able to get the exclusive rights to 52 episodes of the classic BTAS, as well as both animated movies. BTAS airs Monday-Friday at 6pm (ET) and then repeated again at midnight. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then please go to TOONZONE for the complete episode schedule at:

http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html

NOTE #1: BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO will be airing again on CARTOON NETWORK on May 22nd at 8pm (ET) as apart of their CARTOON THEATRE
NOTE #2: CARTOON NETWORK will be having a BATMAN 'SUPER-CHUNK' on May 29th. The 3 hour BATMAN Super-Chunk will be from 4pm-7pm (ET). The 'SUPER-CHUCK' means that we'll have three hours worth of BATMAN episodes.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

All of Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton's reviews of the new-style BTAS episodes and BATMAN BEYOND can be found via these links, which link to "Two-Face's Tower of Tranquility and Terror":

MAIN PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BTAS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/bats.html

<BATMAN BEYOND>
THE WINNING EDGE
Written by: Rich Fogel
Directed by: ???
Animation by: Dong Yang
Original air date: April 10, 1999
My rating: ****

Put bluntly, this episode is about drug abuse and the addiction it causes. I applaud the "Beyond" crew for tackling this issue - and it didn't turn out to be a cheesy after school special in the end, either.

Sports games at Hamilton Hill High School have become a lot more violent in recent weeks. Why? The coach is encouraging his team to use drugs known as "Slappers" - a type of super-steroids - so their performance is maximized, giving them "The Winning Edge". Soon after, while Terry (as Batman) is on patrol, he sees a trio of theives break into an electronics store; he defeats them, and learns the identity of one of them - a kid named Mason, from his school.

Terry watches Mason and discovers that he is doing business with someone providing these Slappers. He manages to acquire one from his locker at the gym; his mother finds out, and thinks that Terry is doing these drugs, soonafter grounding him. Meanwhile, Bruce has run a scan on one of the patches and discovers that they contain a chemical known as "Venom".

Hint, hint.

So, this is where Bane makes his entrance. Apparently, he's been out of prison for 20 years, and Bruce has been keeping tabs on him ever since. Terry arrives, and sees that Bane is no longer the man we once knew; he's virtually a vegetable (no Ivy pun here), hooked up to a respirator and, due to his addiction to Venom over the years, he requires it just to survive. Bane was the only one that knew the Venom formula - so he's obviously passed it on to someone else. But who?

The next time Mason acquires the drugs, Terry follows the person that gave them to him, only to find himself at the old Gotham Herald building (I thought the newspaper was called something else...) There, he meets the man behind it all and has a huge fight with 'im.

Why did I like this episode? Good animation, good plot, good realistic theme that applies to society today. It seems that I can appreciate the episodes that focus on high school life much more easily here - first "Golem", and now this - I guess it's because these themes and situations transcend time, and, being out of high school for quite some time, I've experienced these situations either first or second hand. It was also nice to see that we had a more normal villain here; if Bane somehow revived just so Terry would fight someone "formidable", I'd be really disappointed.

Overall, good episode. 4 stars.
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

"INTERVIEW" WITH BOYD KIRKLAND

Yep! Boyd Kirkland has returned to participate with "Batman: The Animated Newsletter" for a second time! This isn't an actual "interview", per se, but rather his thoughts on the recent cancellation of the third animated Bat-movie. So, without further adieu, here's Boyd!

Background: Boyd Kirkland is best known to Bat-fans as the director of a large number of the original BTAS episodes, as well as the director of "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero".

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"IT'S A BOYD, IT'S A PLANE..."

BOYD: It's nice to know that there are fans out there who care about what is happening. It's great for the WB and for our studio that "Batman Beyond" is such a huge ratings success, but it's unfortunate that that success has also spelled the end of the regular Batman shows.

Two other projects I developed here this past year that were not picked up were Legionnaires and Lobo. Everyone here was certain that Lobo was a go right up until the week when the network finally announced its schedule to the press. That was another major disappointment to us. Unfortunately, the network never showed much interest in Legionnaires. I really liked what we were doing with it, and know it would have been a great show. Other DC properties I have
developed here in previous years that the network has passed over are Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and The Metal Men.

I probably won't be involved with the "Batman Beyond" movie, as I am not part of that crew. I believe Paul Dini will write it and Bruce Timm will produce it. I'm not certain yet what my future plans are. There is another movie/video project here that I helped develop which is currently under consideration (I can't say much about it yet, but it's not a DC or superhero property). I'll know whether the studio wants to move ahead with it in a couple of weeks.

The basic storyline of our recently canned animated Batman movie involved the Joker and Bane, both prisoners in Arkham, who team up to escape and seek revenge on Batman. Bruce Wayne is involved in a heavy romance before this happens, and is seriously considering retiring the cape and cowl to get married when he's attacked. Robin is seriously injured, but plays in important role in helping Batman before the story is over. The story was full of non-stop action and eye-popping visuals, as well as had a lot of heart and romance. I had one of the best studios in Japan lined up to animate it, with a bigger budget than I had for "Sub-Zero". It would have been great (sigh!). Needless to say, I'm extremely disappointed that it won't be made. Oh, well - time to move on.

Sincerely,
Boyd Kirkland

****
Thanks for the info, Boyd! Everyone here at BTAN, subscribers, and other Bat-fans alike are disappointed about this, too. But maybe, just MAYBE, we can get it back on track...here's hoping!

Thanks again, Boyd! It was wonderful to hear from you again!

-Tim
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