EDITORIAL
(by Mark Cappis, aka "The Scarecrow")

 

THE MEANING OF THE WORD "TRAGIC"

 

Today, I learned the meaning of the word "tragic." 

 

I was one of the many who could no longer watch "Superman" when WGN ceased to show it. Luckily, I had a friend with a satellite dish who was still able to get it. He promised to tape the new episodes of "Batman Beyond" for me, as well as the forthcoming final episodes of "Superman."  Time passed.  Both "Demon Reborn" and "Legacy" were shown, and my friend diligently taped them for me.  Then, came the wait.  My friend, sadly, is quite the forgetful fellow, and whenever we got together, he would always forget to bring the tapes.  But, when I went down to his place recently, I cornered him and said "GIMME THE TAPES, ALREADY!!"  He could only find the one with "Legacy" on it, but it would do for now. 

 

With eager anticipation, I popped the tape of the final episode of "Superman" into the TV/VCR.  I watched it with eager eyes.  I was dazzled by the iconic imagery:  Superman, siloheted
against the portal to Apokolyps; Superman, cloaked in darkness, only the red glow from his eyes defining his face; Darkseid's final line as his tortured followers rush to his aid:  "I am many things Superman, but here I am god."  Lex Luthor, his neck broken by Superman, muttering "no one should have that much power." Superman asking "how do I earn back the trust of a planet?"  And Lois Lane's reponse:  a kiss, followed by "one person at a time."  One of the best episodes ever!

 

I hit fast-forward to see if there were any more episodes of "Batman Beyond" or "Superman" on the tape.  Suddenly, my TV/VCR combo started making a horrible grinding sound.  I recognized that sound.  My machine shut down automaitcally.  I knew what had happened.  I turned it back on, and hit eject.  More grinding sounds as the tape popped out.  I gentelly pulled, and my fears were confirmed.  My machine had eaten the tape.  The tape itself was hopelessly entangled in the heads.   

 

If I had a conventional VCR, the solution would be simple.  Open up the VCR, and gently untangle the tape.  But with a TV/VCR combo unit, that would prove difficult.  I opened the tape door, and peered inside.  Tugging on each side of the tape, I tried to work it loose; dislodge it.  Nothing was giving.  There was only one option left.  And I had to do it to save my TV/VCR. 

 

I pulled out my pocket knife, and cut up the tape.  With a gentle tug on one end, it came out effortlessly.  But I could never watch "Legacy" again. 

 

Are the fates trying to tell me something?  First, the channel that I get that shows "Superman" quits showing "Superman."  My friend dilligently records it for me, only to have the tape sit on his shelf for several months as I waited patiently for the chance to see it.  And, after I catch a brief glimpse of paradise, I am forced to destroy the tape.  Is it all a cosmic tease?  Am I never meant to see how "Superman" ends? 

 

I should look on the bright side, though.  Surely, some cable channel out there will show "Superman" in reruns until the end of time.  And somewhere, buried deep in my friend's house, is a tape with "The Demon Reborn" on it. Someday, I will see them all.

 

(If you liked this, be sure to check out my website, Chaos In A Box.  I have rants like this about, well, everything.  http://listen.to/chaosinabox)

 

Mark Cappis/Scarecrow
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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.

 

"NAME THAT EPISODE!"
(I leave a clue, you figure out what episode it's from. Simple enough? Great! Enjoy!)

 

361. Penguin waits forever for a bus to arrive.

 

Answer: _____________

 

362. The episode in which Baby-Doll says "I Didn't Mean To" fewer times.

 

Answer: _____________

 

363. A woman is apparently robbed by a leprechaun.

 

Answer: _____________

 

364. This quote: "Chemicals are expensive."

 

Answer: _____________

 

365. Harley Quinn pukes.

 

Answer: _____________

 

366. Terry McGinnis pukes.

 

Answer: _____________

 

367. The last BTAS episode (in order of episode debut date) in which Tim Drake appears.

 

Answer: _____________

 

368. Man-Bat apparently has undergone a sex change.

 

Answer: _____________

 

369. A voice of a man who appeared in EVERY EPISODE of the 60's BATMAN series can be heard in this particular animated episode.

 

Answer: _____________

 

370. "Look at the numbers about my face - you won't find thirteen anyplace."

 

Answer: _____________
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AND THESE ARE OUR FINAL ANSWERS (to the trivia)

 

Answer to #361: BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Answer to #362: LOVE IS A CROC
Answer to #363: THE UNDERDWELLERS
Answer to #364: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
Answer to #365: HARLEY'S HOLIDAY
Answer to #366: BLACK OUT (Batman Beyond)
Answer to #367: BEWARE THE CREEPER
Answer to #368: TERROR IN THE SKY
Answer to #369: BEWARE THE GREY GHOST
Answer to #370: THE CLOCK KING (so what if it's a quote from "Batman Forever"? It works!)
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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!

 

CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
Nuthin'.

 

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
I said NUTHIN'!
____________________
MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by anyone who wishes to contribute)

 

Come on...contribute...come ONNNN....
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COMIC REVIEWS
(BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)
(BATMAN BEYOND by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)
(SUPERMAN ADVENTURES by Dick Grayson)

 

BATMAN BEYOND
ISSUES: "Toy Wonder" (#10)
WRITTEN BY: Hilary J. Bader
PENCILLED BY: Craig Rousseau
INKED BY: Rob Leigh
ISSUED: June 28, 2000 (Cover date, Aug 2000)
RATING (out of 5): ***1/2

 

BATMAN BEYOND #10 was a breath of fresh air.  Even though I have thoroughly enjoyed the series, it's rare in the BATMAN BEYOND-universe to see any "emotional stories" come to the forefront as in this issue.

 

It was interesting to see  a Golem story that didn't feature Willie Watt as the villain, as well; I wasn't very thrilled with his second appearance on the series, but this issue rebuilt my enthusiasm towards the character.  I'd like to see a "reform" episode for him.

 

The inclusion of the "family struggle" with Sam and Morgan in this issue was a good choice, too - that is what gave the story all its heart.  It was all about a man that cared undividedly for his child, and the child's affection right back - even if it was hard to notice because of his autism.  I see a future with these two characters - perhaps they'll show up in peril in a later story, who knows?

 

It was also interesting to see the Batman action figures that Matt had.  Does this mean that in the future, people are cashing in on the Bat-mythos, too?  That could also be interesting subject matter in the future; I remember they touched upon this in I AM THE NIGHT in the original animated series, so it'd be interesting to see a futuristic take on it.
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