EDITORAL #1
(by Laura Hysert, aka "Phoenix")

The lovely Laura Hysert will return shortly with a new editorial. Be patient, my children.
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EDITORIAL #2
(by Michael Mandeville)
batboym@wtp.net

**NOTICE: We have a new editorialist this issue! Now, along with the lovely Laura Hysert, we have a second editorialist who will be contributing regluarly to the newsletter. Let's give Michael Mandeville a warm round of applause everyone!

Hi Ho Couch Potatoes!
This editorial is brought to you by the Batboy of Beyond.

Ok, I won't write a lot on the "Batman Beyond Toys Suck" line - just these few descriptions of the figures:

-(Future Knight Batman) The only cartoon-like with hook wing Batman
-(Manta Racer Batman) Albino cactus that was thrown into an acid vat Batman
-(Covert Batman) Zebra that's half albino and packaged upside-down Batman
-(Lightning Storm Batman) Dried-up cheese dip residue wing Batman
-(The Jokerz Leader) With hover cycle from hell
AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:
-(Laser Batman) Green Bay Packers Fan Batman
-(Batman with Ace, the Bathound) Desperate for a partner so he picked a freakin' dog Batman

Enough on Batman Beyond, here are my thoughts on the TNAB figures:
The only figure that looks like the one from the show is MR. FREEZE! Now, all we need is a Mr. Freeze Batman Beyond figure, and an old Bruce Wayne figure, an Ace the Bathound figure that looks like the one from the show, but did this ever sink into KENNER's brilliant heads? NO! Okay, okay, I took my medication. Let us proceed...

The Nightwing cycle is out in a MISSION MASTERS figure two-pack! A Batman and Nightwing dressed in orange neon from head to foot (What brilliant mind comes up with this stuff?) with two cycles. The larger one is the realistic Nightwing cycle. The smaller one is, well, bluntly, a piece of crap.

And now to bring us away from the obscured figure line talk, the Batman Beyond episode descriptions:

"Dead Man's Hand"

That girl was HOT!!!

And that's all for this issue of the Batman Beyond episode descriptions.

Ok, this being my great debut, I decided to jump around and show the absurdness of my column. I'm not the only editorialist in this newsletter so why don't you go ahead on to Laura's page. Go. Go. Go. I'm waiting.

*TWO-FACE'S DIVINE INTERVENTION* Laura's column was ABOVE yours...nyah nyah. :-) *INTERVENTION TRANSMISSION CEASED*

Okay, so obviously you've decided to stay with me if your reading this. And I suppose that you have noticed that I use the words, OK and Okay a lot, Okay? OKay, so on to the business at hand: the New Batman animated movie and the new Batman Beyond animated movie, vote on which one should be made at Brian Cruz's WB Cartoons Page (In the links part, page, selection, WHATEVER!).

With the BTAS movie now cancelled, we won't be able to see things heat up between Barbara and Dick, we won't get to see a last performance of Batman. What we will get to see is more of the awesome rating winning TV series, Batman BEyond. So, right now everybody is kind of really torked at the WB and KENNER companies. Now, Batman Beyond IS a cool show and I would like to see a animated movie on it, but I would also like a new regular Batman movie, especially if we see a heat-up between Barbara and Dick. And that brings to mind an interesting question, "Where IS Dick in Batman Beyond?"

My E-Mail address (Incase you want to write to me and tell me what a horrible job I did on my debut article):
batboym@wtp.net

Until next time (When hopefully I'll have better material prepared)! See ya!

Batboy [Beyond]
Michael Mandeville
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SPECIAL EDITORIAL

BEHOLD! THE NIGHT MARE
(by a loyal fan. Nothing more.)

For all of you Smashing Pumpkins fans know, that is one of the songs of their latest CD called 'ADORE'. I'm not here to talk about that Smashing Pumpkins CD though. If you read this newsletter or if you've been around some news websites here and there then no doubt you know the news that has been upsetting alot of loyal BTAS fans. For all the new subscribers, or whoever else, the news is simply a nightmare (hence the editorial title). WB has decided to replace the upcoming direct-to-video third animated Batman with an all-new Batman Beyond direct-to-video movie. Give yourself a minute to calm down there and then feel free to read on.
This editorial is just my take on the whole current situation so there's no spoilers or flame comments in this editorial.

The news was released sometime last week. WB made an official announcement that aside from the video compilation of REBIRTH (coming May 18th) we'll be seeing an all-new Batman Beyond feature lenght movie and already rumors about the plot of the movie are flying uncontrolably. The most recent and interesting rumor is the fact that the movie might center on Bruce's past. That would be cool but it's just a rumour. Nothing in stone yet, folks. All we know so far is that Paul Dini is writing the movie and Bruce Timm is directing. This is good because we can expect quality and not crap. But whether this works out remains to be seen.

I bet you're all wondering what the plot of the now canned third animated Bat-movie was going to be about. Well the following is snippet from an email one of the co-editors received from none other then SUB-ZERO's director, Boyd Kirkland. Trust me, you guys might not like the situation once you read this small quote. No without furthur adore...I mean ADIEU here's a small quote from the ever amazing Boyd Kirkland:

"The basic storyline of our recently canned Batman Animated 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."

Whoa! Doesn't that feel like a kick in the pants? Maybe dirt in the eyes? It's unlikely that there's anyway we can bring this back but miracles do happen., ya know! We can try and try and try but it might not work. I can remember a similiar situation with fans wanting to bring back Kids'WB's ANIMANIACS. They did a terrific job yet it just wasn't enough. I'm beginning to wonder if that will repeat here.

But I'm not saying this is all and bad.

BATMAN BEYOND has been doing wonders for Kids'WB!'s ratings as well as ratings for THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. BATMAN BEYOND keeps scoring higher and higher in the ratings and its even bringing other shows like BTAS/STAS and M.I.B. up with it. A few weeks ago WB released news on the ratings and it showed the improvement of B/S's ratings. This show is doing good. It's helping introduce new fans to classic adventures of Batman and Superman. This news also must come as a kick in the face for SUPERMAN's fans. Superman has been getting the raw end of the deal. Out of the 65 episode commitment we're only gonna get to see 54-55 of those episodes
and we'll be seeing no animated movie or direct-to-video movie becuase of this new Batman. Sucks don't it? I'm a big Superman fan and this angers me a lot. Once the final five episodes air at the end of this season hopefully then that's it. Possibly no more.

Regular poster's at "SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED MESSAGE BOARD" are peeved over this. I wouldn't blame them one bit. Not at all.

Other regular posters at the ever growing "BATMAN: THE ANIMATED MESSAGE BOARD" are in frantic trying to come up with ways to save Batman. One very faithful regular poster has even got a brand new website up and running called "SAVE BATMAN", which has attracted a lot of attention in a very short period of time. It seems that fans aren't going to give up until they either succeed or know that they've done all the possibly could to keep Bruce Wayne under the cowl, and show more of his amazing adventures. There's even a petition up as well for this cause and there have been plenty of hits on that site as well.

I haven't seen much reaction yet from "BATMAN BEYOND: THE ANIMATED MESSAGE BOARD" but I suspect that this will pour over to that board. Posters at various message board, including newsgroups and the official message board have been venting their frustration and anger. I honestly can't see where this is going. There are always two sides to every story but this is only my side. I enjoy BATMAN BEYOND. There have been many great episodes like REBIRTH, MELTDOWN, and SHRIEK. Of course, there has been clunkers like HEROES. Old BTAS fans have to get used to seeing a Peter Parker-esque teen in the Batsuit and a very futuristic (and cool I may add) Gotham City. We have to get used to seeing Barbara Gordon in a differant uniform, a police uniform. Some fans may never get used to these changes.

These changes are unique. I must add that Batgirl is very old and voiced well by Stockard Channing. As well as Batman, still voiced by the amazing Kevin Conroy, no longer in the suit and using a cane. This series does the leave the floor wide open for his history. What happens
to Tim Drake and (my fave) Dick Grayson? This is rumoured to be explored next season and they are gonna have plenty to tell, with 52 new episodes slated to be on route to Kids'WB! for the upcoming season(s). Will these episodes be too much of a good thing? We're just going to have to wait and see, but we're gonna have to watch Kids'WB! more. Batman Beyond will also be littered through the weekday slot, sharing the afternoons with his classic counterparts Batman and Superman. Bigger ratings? Yeah! Over Kill? Maybe. Maybe not.

All reactions seemed to be mixed. This loayl BTAS fan is finding some good stories in Batman Beyond. It may be taking over Kids'WB! from the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel but its not taking over me.

Kids'WB! knew they had a hit on their hands from the beginning and they were prepared. We have a 6 issue mini-series almost done with an all-new ongoing set for fall as well as more...ah...toys(?) on the way. The future is coming to take us in but will it be a bright future? Or will it be as dark as our present? As they say, "Who knows what the future may
bring?"

*NOTE #1* This editorial is the opinion of myself and only myself, and not that of the newsletter staff. Thank You.

*NOTE #2* Links to any of the aforementioned sites can be found in the links section or the "Save Batman" sections of the newsletter.
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TO INFINITY AND BATMAN BEYOND
- a column dedicated to "Batman Beyond"
(by Ed Wiser)
ewiser@iglou.com

Ed Wiser will return shortly with a new article - thank you for your patience!
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

This is one of my favourite sections, where I get to boggle the minds of all our readers! *EVIL LAUGH* This trivia is all animated-related in some form, and can deal with ANY aspect of the show or comics based on the show. Remember, answer the questions WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE ANIMATED CONTINUITY. Now have fun - let's see how well you do! Answers are provided below.

Sitting in church this morning, I was thinking of ideas of what to do with this quiz. Then it hit me - NAME-CALLING! This quiz is entirely based on names people have called each other on the show. Good luck!

106. In which episode (or movie) does the Joker refer to Batman as "Guano-Man"?

A: MAD LOVE
B: THE LAUGHING FISH
C: JOKER'S FAVOR
D: MASK OF THE PHANTASM
E: THE LAST LAUGH

107. Which of the following voice actors refered to Two-Face as "Puke-Face"?

A: Matthew Valencia
B: Loren Lester
C: Mark Hamill
D: John Glover
E: Melissa Gilbert

108. In which episode is Poison Ivy refered to as "The Plantlady" at one point?

A: PRETTY POISON
B: ETERNAL YOUTH
C: HARLEY & IVY
D: HOUSE AND GARDEN
E: CHEMISTRY

109. Where was Killer Croc when he was refered to as an alligator bag?

A: In Arkham
B: In Blackgate
C: In an armoured car
D: In the sewer
E: In "Batman & Robin, Part 2: One-liners never cease"

110. "Zorro here is witholding evidence." Who says that?

A: Rene Montoya
B: Mayor Hill
C: Clark Kent
D: Harvey Dent
E: Harvey Bullock
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #106: 'D'
Answer to #107: 'A'
Answer to #108: 'D'
Answer to #109: 'C'
Answer to #110: 'E'
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LITTLE FACTS
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

Here is a section that just points out various little facts that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!

CONBTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
1) Didja know that it cost only $0.5 Million to make one of the original 85 BTAS episodes (1992-1995)?

2) Didja know that it costs only $0.7 Million to make one of the new-style BTAS (or, for that matter, Superman) episodes?

3) Didja know that it cost a mere $3 Million to make "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero"?

4) And "Mask of the Phantasm" cost only $7 Million. Cool huh? Betcha you didn't know that!

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED FIGURES
(by Kevin Smith)
ktsmit2@ilstu.edu 
Oh_Ho77@hotmail.com

Once again, the readership amazes me. (You guys rock!) I've really enjoyed reading what people have to say about the Batman figures, and it's nice to know that a lot of people agree with me. Reader, Doug, wrote this in:

Favourite figures:
1. Harley Quinn (has to be, because I waited so damn long for them to make one. Even sold my whole collection when it looked like the line was going to die and had to buy them all back again because I'm a completist - DAMN the Penguin!)
2. Mad Hatter (dead on likeness)
3. Phantasm ('nuff said)
4. Joker (Wild Card) just love that smile
5. The Creeper (this guy's just about as obsessed with Harley as I am. Gotta respect that.)

Now I am in complete agreement with you as far as which new figure I most want to see: Catwoman! DO IT DO IT DO IT (and don't screw it up) Scarecrow would be nice too (Toy Review: I'll get a "Hell Yeah!" goin' on for that one!)
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)

Mr. Maurer was unable to submit a review in time, so editor Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton is filling in for him. Aaron will return in the next issue.

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #13
TITLE: "The End"
WRITTEN BY: Kelly Puckett
PENCILED BY: Rick Burchett
INKED BY: Terry Beatty
ISSUED: April 7, 1999 (Cover date is June)
RATING: **.5 (out of 5)

I must say that I was disappointed with this issue. Who's to blame? It's that question that has been bugging me since I read it.
The art in this issue is terrific, as always. Burchett and Beatty never fail to please me. The cover is really cool too - even though it has very little relevance to the story (reminds me of the "BATMAN #563" incident a couple months back).
Kelly Puckett, as usual, is terrific. I enjoy all of his work - his stories are always very interesting and always open up more possibilities for the characters he writes about.
So what's wrong?
I've come to the conclusion that the main reason I didn't enjoy this comic is that Mastermind, Mr. Nice, and the Perfesser are about the most uninteresting characters in the animated Bat-continuity. Hats off to Puckett for trying to come up with a story for these three, but I feel that a good story cannot be developed with these three as the main feature. I enjoyed the dialogue between the trio, but the actual plot of this story was weak.
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this issue. It's not terrible, but I can't find anything terribly interesting between its covers, either.

PS - Is it just me, or does Mr. Nice have a vague resemblance to Ned Flanders, just as Mastermind reminds me of Paul Dini?
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COMIC SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS

This section gives a little bit more indepth look into each monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. Below each comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT SERVICE!
The price is $1.99 in the US and..grrrrr...a whopping $3.25 in Canada. (Both our editors and many subscribers are Canadian, hence the "grrr".)

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #13
April 7th
It's the return of Mastermind, the Perfessor and Mister Nice (from the pages of the original BATMAN ADVENTURES series)! This criminal trio has faced its share of challenges in the past, but now a visit from a strange child could lead to the dissolution of their partnership, if not their very lives! Can Batman save some of his greatest enemies?
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/covers/download/dbmga13.jpg

NEXT MONTH: - The final issue of "Gotham Adventures" written by Ty Templeton (we'll miss you)! This issue follows-up on the storyline in , where Harley resists being seduced by the dark side and returning to the Joker. Her romance novel is panned by critics so she goes on a rampage involving...mind control?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bga/bga14.jpg

BATMAN BEYOND #4
April 21st
Etrigan, the Demon, assists Batman in fighting crime in the futuristic Gotham City.
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/bb/bb4.jpg

NEXT MONTH: Issue #5 - On a field trip to the Gotham Museum of Natural History, Terry and his class are menaced by what appears to be a re-animated Egyptian mummy! Other strange events follow as several students contract a mysterious emaciating disease. Is there a connection between these strange occurrences and the new foreign student in school who seems obsessed with Terry's girlfriend Dana?
Cover: Not available.

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #32
April 7th
Meet Daily Planet janitor Ben Sullivan's girlfriend...Lois Lane? Ben, a mild-mannered staffer with a huge crush on Lois, accidentally becomes the object of the reporter's affections when she's hit by a supervillain's hypnotic device. Now Ben's in seventh heaven while Superman not only must foil a foe who can plant hypnotic suggestions in anyone's mind, but also find a way to break Lois's trance before it becomes irreversible!
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa32.jpg

NEXT MONTH:
Superman's greatest enemies have never figured out that Clark Kent and the Man of Steel are one and the same person -- until now. Who's learned the world's greatest secret, and how can Clark prove him wrong before he reveals it to the entire world?
Cover: http://www.toonzone.net/comics/covers/sa/sa33.jpg
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