Batman: The Animated Newsletter

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AND THAT'S THE FACTS
(by "Reliable Source")

(Yes, I understand that the title is grammatically incorrect. So sue us. Actually, nix that. Don't sue us.)

(DISCLAIMER: For those of you who are not yet familiar, Reliable Source is an anonymous character who first surfaced on Batman: The Animated Message Boards, spewing forth ridiculous predictions about the future of Batman Beyond under the guise of spoiler warnings. His controversial posts created quite a buzz, and have landed him a temporary column with this newsletter. The thoughts and ideas expressed by this shady character are in no way officially connected to Kids WB, Batman Beyond, this newsletter, or anything that is decent or holy. That said, on with the show.)

Well folks, we're here once again for another edition of this fine publication. As we often do, let's start things off with a reach into the Reliable Source mailbag. This week's letter comes to us for the second time from Cpl. Michael C. Wilson. He writes:

"Ooh rah and good morning or afternoon."
"When they introduce the Huntress will it have any kind of an Earth 2 mix, in that Batman/Catwoman's kid. Will they ever tell the whereabouts of all of rogues gallery. When is Paul Dini gonna pull his head out of his *** and quit ruining the best hero even to be invented in this life time and start fixing stuff. So far there are heroes with x-ray vision that can fly, people with metal skeletons and claws coming out of their forearms that don't apparently don't age, all this crap. We finally get a man that is like you and me, we can't even give him happiness with a wife and son, instead we have a Batman that in a few months we'll find out is Bruce Wayne's greatest enemies son the Joker. We can do **** like incest with his twin sister Ten from the Royal Flush Gang but we can't throw Bruce in the Lazarus Pit. At least give us some kind of offspring with Talia so Bruce Wayne Jr can become the new Batman. If I was Bruce and punk*** Terry talked his ***, I'd whoop his *** on a weekly episode. The new name of that episode would be 'You Better Run You Little Bastard Cause When My Old *** Catches You, I'm Gonna Beat The Crap Out Of Your Disrespectful High School Drop Out ***'. I'm sorry, but Terry is a punk; I could maybe take it if Bruce trained him as Robin, but Batman? Come on. That's all I got, but keep me informed. Respectfully submitted, Michael C. Wilson, Corporal of the United States Marine Corps."

Well, Corporal Wilson, I couldn't have said it better myself. In fact, I really can't add anything to that at all. Really.

But since you do seem interested in the direction that the show is headed in, I will enlighten you with some information on what we can all look forward to in the show's third season, starting next fall on Kid's WB.

There will be one main story arc for the entire season, as many people have speculated. This story arc will start out with the aforementioned introduction of Terry's younger brother Matty as the new Robin - but that's is not all. Mr. Freeze, seeking a new home for his disembodied head, manages to steal Terry's Batman suit and form a new body from it. However, the memory chips in the suit have Victor believing he is, in fact, Batman. This is an epic story called "Batman On Ice," and Terry and Matty must find a way to convince Mr. Freeze that he is not Batman, without turning him back to a life of crime. With the high success of the recent Batman and Robin movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger will provide the voice of Bat-Freeze, rather than Michael Ansara. This promises to be the most moving episode since "Critters."

The storyline continues when Barbara and Bruce decide to rekindle their old romance. There is actually a surprisingly graphic scene planned for what is supposedly a "kid's show," that involves Bruce, Barbara, and a tub of whipped cream. "It's very erotic," said one spokesperson for the WB, "that's all we can say. The censors are having some problems with it, but we are seeing what we can do." The plot continues with Dick Grayson returning to the picture.
Suddenly, we have the classic love triangle scenario. "We're calling the episode 'Three's A Crowd,' because, well, three is a crowd," the spokesperson said. "We won't say what happens, but someone dies, and it is not Dick or Barbara. Wait... take that last part out, I think I gave it away..." The episode also introduces the new villain, Three-Face, son of Harvey Dent and Pamela Isely, thus adding another meaning to the title.

Wow, I can hardly even believe the stuff I write, I'm sure you all can't either. That's all for this week, I'd like to thank Cpl. Wilson for writing to us again, and thank you all for reading. Those of you that still are, that is. Remember, you can send me your thoughts at Reliable_S@hotmail.com .

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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.

I certainly have tapped into a huge reserve of possible questions with this "gang" theme. I've decided to follow suit with the previous two weeks and centre this quiz around gangs, too.

216. Who told Sid the Squid to go see Rupert Thorne?

A: The Joker
B: Eddie G.
C: Danny Cee
D: Candace
E: The Penguin

217. Who's the leader of the gang that Danny Cee belongs to?

A: The Ventriloquist
B: The Penguin
C: Two-Face
D: The Scarecrow
E: Rupert Thorne

218. Which villain(s) have ever used bears to assist them with their criminal activities?

A: Farmer Brown
B: The Mad Hatter
C: The Penguin
D: Mr. Freeze
E: Man-Bat

219. In which episode does "Ricky the Hook" appear?

A: YOU SCRATCH MY BACK
B: SECOND CHANCE
C: VENDETTA
D: I AM THE NIGHT
E: DOUBLE TALK

220. Which villain has had a gang in which one member was a informercial-esque guru, one had a drill attached to his hand, and one is named "Anthony"?

Answer: _____________________
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #216: B
Answer to #217: E
Answer to #218: B, D
Answer to #219: A
Answer to #220: The Scarecrow
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LITTLE FACTS AND BLOOPERS
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

Here is a section that just points out various little facts and bloopers 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:
I have many eyes, yet I see nothing, like a potato...

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(by "Ultros")
1) When Batman and Robin are persuing the Joker in "Christmas with the Joker," they drive past "Pontiac Brewery" three times on the same street. This is an example of why you should never put text in a cycling background.
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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by anyone that wants to contribute)

Geez, Christmas is coming and there's nothing good to review? Or possibly everyone is just tired of saying how much they hate the BATMAN BEYOND figures - could that be true? Agh...anyone, ANYONE out there who can contribute something for this column will be heavily rewarded! Really!
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COMIC REVIEWS
(by Aaron Maurer)

Mr. Maurer was unable to submit a review for the printing of this newsletter, so editor Tim "Two-Face" Leighton is here to fill the void.

BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE #1
ISSUE: "Two of a Kind" (it's the second story in this anthology)
WRITTEN BY: Bruce Timm
PENCILED BY: Bruce Timm
INKED BY: N/A
ISSUED: June 1996
RATING: ***** (out of 5)

I recently finished my Batman "Animated-Comic" collection: I now own every issue of the BATMAN ADVENTURES, BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES, GOTHAM ADVENTURES, LOST YEARS, BATMAN BEYOND, and all the annuals/specials/graphic novels that go along with them. That adds up to over 100 issues (103 to be exact, I think). I was thrilled to find out that I missed one from a few years back; I was even more thrilled to find out that Bruce Timm wrote AND drew the issue. I had to find it.
Found in issue #1 of the BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE series from 1996, is an 8 page tale by Bruce Timm that deals with the scenario of what would/could happen should Two-Face ever recieve the reconstructive surgery that continues to elude him.
Two-Face tells the story in flashback to Batman just as he captures on the final page: A doctor named Marilyn Crane (no relation to Jonathan Crane), has accomplished what no one ever has: the complete destruction of Two-Face - both physically and mentally. As a result, Harvey falls in love with her, and they even plan on getting married. Despite being turned down by the D.A.'s office (with good reason, considering), things go smoothely until he runs into her sister - her identical TWIN sister, Madeline.
Harvey is enraged. Marilyn never wanted to tell him about her, because he thought the fact that they were twins would ignite is obsession with duality again. Even worse, Madeline's very naughty - not just in a kinky way, but in an "evil" way. Two of a kind, huh? Madeline arrives in Harvey's office (now at a small law firm) with intentions of seducing him; Harvey tries to resist, but cannot. At this point, there's no stopping him. His perfect world has been shot to hell. After some time, he decides to call it quits; in a jealous rage, Madeline returns home and kills her sister. Written in blood on the wall is the following: "NOW IT'S JUST THE TWO OF US". Harvey is enraged, wanting her blood, but realizes that he's supposed to be cured - that Harvey Dent is a GOOD guy. In response, he reaches into the fireplace, retrieves some burning embres, and smothers half his face with them. Two-Face is reborn.

Some time later, Madeline meets up with him at oceanside, declaring her undying love for him. Two-Face and Harvey are at war with each other, not knowing whether to love or hate her. In the end, just as they are about to kiss (brilliantly drawn in slow motion), Two-Face pumps her stomach full of lead. Then he just waits for Batman to show up with her in her arms, waiting for him to bring him back where he belongs, "with the rest of the crazy people."
Brilliant story. What makes it even better is that it could fit into the animated continuity at any given point - it makes it even more poignant. I'm surprised that Timm got away with such coarse language and such iffy artwork throughout - there's a lot of not-so-subtle sexual imagery and blood and gore in this tale. The black-and-white format of this book (no colour at all) actually compliments this story: Two-Face's entire life has been black or white. (Heck, even all the actors in the movies that have been portrayed him have been either black or white, but that's beside the point.)
Either way, it's a great story, and I suggest you all go out, search those back-issue bins, and pick it up!
If only Bruce Timm had the time to elaborate on this tale and turn it into a graphic novel a la MAD LOVE - that would be awesome.

;-Y
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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".)
If we are unsure of the exact date of when an issue is being released, just check out "DIRECT CURRENTS" at http://www.dccomics.com for details.

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #21
December 1st?
Synopsis: A young girl has been kidnapped and the only "eye witness" is a blind jazz musician. Can even Batman, the world's greatest detective, use the information the old man provides to find the girl before the kidnapper takes his revenge?
Cover: Unavailable

NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Commissioner Gordon and Batgirl are in the spotlight of the first animated comic to hit the shelves in 2000!

BATMAN BEYOND #3 (ongoing)
November 24th
Synopsis: The Terrific Trio returns.
Cover: http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/
covers/download/dbmbd3.jpg

FOLLOWING MONTH: Issue #4.
Synopsis: The Royal Flush Gang returns.
Cover: Unavailable

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #40
December 8th?
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable

NEXT MONTH:
Synopsis: Unavailable
Cover: Unavailable
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NEWS AND RUMORS

ALL-ENCOMPASSING/OTHER
-The Febuary DC shipping titles, including the BATMAN titles and the SUPERMAN titles are up at the COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM! Check them out here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/index.htm
-Don't forget that MASK OF THE PHANTASM and SUB-ZERO will be released on DVD on December 21! Just in time for Christmas!
-Terry Beatty has been and will be selling Gotham Adventures and Batman Beyond original art on ebay. His Seller ID is: wlee@muscanet.com Do yourself a favor and check out some great art!

"CURRENT" ANIMATED SERIES'
-BTAS/STAS will return in the fall of 2001 with NEW EPISODES, when Batman Beyond goes on hiatus.
-Then again, there is ALSO word that BTAS/STAS WON'T return. So which do we believe? Hopefully the first...

BATMAN BEYOND
-Shriek will re-appear in BATMAN BEYOND #5, in January.
-The Stalker will be featured in BATMAN BEYOND #6, in February.
-1999's 6-issue BATMAN BEYOND mini-series will be collected in tradepaperback in February. The cost will be $9.95 US. The cover can be found here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/bmbtpbth.jpg
-Synopses of episodes #17 through 36 have now been posted, thanks to the COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM. Check out of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER for a complete listing.

ANIMATED COMICS
-Batgirl and Commissioner Gordon will be in the spotlight for of GOTHAM ADVENTURES.
-Northern Canada is the backdrop, the kidnapping of oil is the crime, and Ra's Al Ghul is the villain in of GOTHAM ADVENTURES. This issue comes out on February 2nd. The cover can be found here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/9911/16/bmga23th.jpg
-Lock-Up is planned to be used in the near future.
-Ty Templeton's upcoming two-issue stint on Superman Adventures will be co-written with Dan Slott.

OTHER COMICS
-An ongoing Harley Quinn series is planned for a mid-2000 release. Oh, please, shoot me now; here I thought that DC would be improving with the new creative teams next year. She can't hold her own series - the Joker couldn't, so why would a second-rate female-quota-fulfilling copycat villain be able to? Let's all hope it gets canned, shall we?
-Here's a sneek peek at the redesign of the BATMAN titles, courtesy of AnotherUniverse.com. The redesigns were done by Chip Kidd (BATMAN: ANIMATED). Opinions? Click this link to check it out:
BATMAN #576
http://www.anotheruniverse.com/gifs/comics2/Bm576.jpg
-The HUNTRESS will gueast-star in AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #63. (I guess this lays to rest all the rumours of her dying at the end of NML.)
-John Byrne (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, X-MEN: HIDDEN YEARS) will be providing a BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE story in BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #2.
-Issue #5 of DARK VICTORY has Catwoman on the cover.
-Issue #6 of DARK VICTORY features the Penguin on the cover.
-The Two-Face/Montoya relationship will be picked up midway through next year in DETECTIVE COMICS #747.

MOVIES
-Rumours have it that the WB want to use a gritty crime-drama as a backdrop for their next Bat-movie. In keeping with this "prequel" phenomenon in recent months, they've decided to use the much-underused "Two-Face" character in a Batman "prequel", set sometime between "Batman Returns" and "Batman Forever". Should this plan go ahead, word has it that the WB is attempting to woo Tommy Lee Jones back into the role, promising him what they originally promised when they signed him on for "Forever", before either Carrey or Schumacher joined the crew: that the film would play out like a darker, more sinister version of his origin on the animated series.
TIM'S NOTE: Now if only Greg Rucka or Jeph Loeb could write this tale...I'd love that.

TOYS & MERCHANDISE
-More BATMAN BEYOND figures are coming out - and these ones are actually GOOD! Here's a link for:
JOKERZ TWO-PACK: http://209.197.117.27/databases/features/actionfigures/2/sub/22.3.34.jpg
BLACK-SUITED BATMAN: http://209.197.117.27/databases/features/actionfigures/2/sub/22.3.43.jpg
-Sadly, there are reports that some of the 140 Warner Bros. stores will be closing down indefinately.
-The SUPERMAN video game for Playstation will be out in the first quarter of 2000.
-The first issue of the Sega Dreamcast magazine says a Batman Beyond video game is due out in 2000.