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Batman: The Animated Newsletter |
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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, STAS and BEYOND
countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so!
Enjoy!
CONTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
We got nuthin'.
CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
You are also lacking something,
therefore having nothing. As far as bloopers go,
anyway.
____________________________________________________________________
MERCHANDISING:
WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by anyone willing to
contribute)
Oh come on, it's Christmas! Isn't there ANYTHING Bat-related
out there that we haven't reviewed yet?
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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: GOTHAM ADVENTURES
ISSUE: "World Without Batman"
(#33)
WRITTEN BY: Ed Brubaker
PENCILS: Brad Rader
INKS: John
Lowe
ISSUED: December 1 3, 2000 (Cover date Feb 2001)
RATING: ***** (out
of 5 stars)
I can't believe what a delightful surprise , "World
Without Batman" was. I had nearly no knowledge of the storyline before
it came out, and what I read was amazing!
Though I thought the ironic meeting of Bruce and Selina was
great - it shows that they were destined to cross paths regardless where
their lives took them - as well as an adult Bruce's interactions with his
living parents (that was very touching), what I enjoyed the most was when the Phantom Stranger gave Batman a look at what Gotham would be like if
Batman never existed.
Everyone that Batman has touched personally has changed, and a
number of characters remain very similar. Brubaker did a terrific job
in taking on these characters in a completely new light.
Dick, unable to be taken in as Bruce's ward, grows up to be a
shifty carny running jobs for Tony Zucco in his spare time.
Tim, unable to be saved from the mob that wiped out his
father, is taken in by not Batman but his arch nemesis the Joker of all
people and becomes his right-hand man. (Considering their "relationship" in
"RETURN OF THE JOKER", I found this to be quite ironic, but very saddening at the same time.)
The Joker himself is still an evil clown that loves mayhem
(Batman would never be able to prevent that), but he doesn't have the same
obsession over killing just one man any more.
Selina Kyle? Completely reformed? It would appear
so.
Two-Face, though still looking normal, is a shifty DA that
works on the wrong side of the law. I was looking forward to see how
Comissioner Gordon and Barbara were going to be treated, and it was nice to
see that they were the only two good cops left in town.
The finale was terrific. I didn't read into it that much to
begin with, but Dick, Tim, Babs, Jim, Harvey and the Joker all come to a
head (particularly where Dick and Tim are THIS close to blowing each other
away) in the climax of the story; I never saw that coming! And Bruce just casually says "Good heavens, what a mess." Oh Bruce, you airhead playboy,
you.
Brubaker knows just what to keep as is, and what to spin on
its ear in this story - I can't finish praising what a delightful little read
this issue was!
;-Y
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COMIC
SCHEDULES & COVERING THE BASICS
This section gives a little bit more in-depth look into each
monthly issue of BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES and BATMAN BEYOND. Below each
comic listing is a link to the cover of that comic. TALK ABOUT
SERVICE!
The price for any of these issues, unless otherwise posted, is
$1.99 in the US and...grrrrr...a whopping $3.25 (or higher) 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 #34
January 3rd
Synopsis:
After several citizens of Gotham City mysteriously disappear, Batman's search
leads to the maniacal Maxie Zeus! But what would Maxie want with carpenters and
stonecutters? Why, to rebuild Rome, of course.
Cover:
Unavailable
BATMAN BEYOND #16
December 27th
Synopsis: Homeless men
have been mysteriously disappearing from Gotham's streets, thanks to the international terrorist group known as Kobra. But as Batman
investigates, he quickly goes from hunter to hunted - and Bruce must somehow
infiltrate Kobra to free the captured hero.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0009/19/BB16.jpg
FOLLOWING MONTH:
Synopsis: A former classmate
comes back looking for revenge after being brushed off by Dana. But Batman
Terry McGinnis won't let one hair of Dana's head be harmed, even if it means
being swamped by rats.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0010/17/BB17.jpg
_____________________________________________________________________
NEWS
AND RUMORS
ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS, STAS, BEYOND)
-BATMAN BEYOND has not
been cancelled for next season (2001-2002), though it is still unconfirmed
if new episodes will be produced or not; if not, expect a number of the current season three episodes to be held over. Either way, BEYOND will be on the
programming block next season.
-In related news, THE ZETA PROJECT may be
debuting in January. (I doubt it.)
-Regarding the forthcoming JLA series,
CINESCAPE and COMICS2FILM had this to say:
Long rumored, now details
of the developing series have turned up on Comics 2 Film. One of the site's
sources close to the production revealed what the line-up of the DC Comics super hero team supreme will be. Here's what C2F reports the roster will
be:
SUPERMAN: Portrayed as a natural leader. He's a bit of a boy scout, but
without being cheesy about it.
BATMAN: The show will play up the Dark
Knight's detective skills as opposed to the brooding, somber creature-of-the
night take that's been used in the other animated shows.
WONDER WOMAN: The
Amazon princess angle will be emphasized. Wonder Woman is new to man's world. She sometimes displays a condescending attitude towards others.
THE
FLASH: The Flash is Wally West under the mask. The character is more a mix of
West and Bart Allen/Impulse. The Flash is seen as a fun-loving, impulsive
guy.
GREEN LANTERN: This Green Lantern is John Stewart. He's been
hand-picked by the Guardians to be the Green Lantern for this sector.
Stewart has spent a number of years in space and only recently returned to
Earth. He sees himself as a very experienced cop and tends to look down on the rest of the JLA as amateurs. He has little understanding or tolerance
for earthly prejudices and petty injustices.
MARTIAN MANHUNTER: The last
survivor of an underground Martian race. Martian Manhunter is the only one
who lives in the JLA watchtower full time.
HAWKGIRL: A member of the
Thanagarian police. Hawkgirl is transported to Earth by a mysterious beam
(we're told it's not called a zeta-beam in the show, but it's basically the same
concept).
She has deductive skills that even Batman is impressed by, but
also has that warrior woman side to her.
In addition, C2F reports
that the team will operate out of a satellite orbiting the Earth. Aquaman
will make an appearance, though he will not be a part of the program's regular
team. Expected villains include the Manhunters, Despero and Vandal
Savage.
ANIMATED COMICS
-BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #35
Bruce
Wayne finds himself on the jury of a man he helped capture, and worse yet, the perpetrator is about to go free! What can Bruce possibly do that Batman
can't?
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0011/14/BGothAd35.jpg
-BATMAN:
GOTHAM ADVENTURES #36
Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry
Beatty; cover by Bob Smith and Beatty Guest-starring Superman! The Man of
Steel is tracking down a Metropolis mobster who`s hiding out in Gotham, but
he needs the help of Gotham`s hometown hero on his search! Besides, only Batman knows where to get the best Italian food in Gotham at 4
a.m.!
Ships March 7, 2001.
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249711.jpg
-BATMAN
BEYOND #17
Written by Hilary Bader, art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh,
cover by Brian Stelfreeze.
A former classmate comes back looking for revenge
after being brushed off by Dana. But Batman Terry McGinnis won't let one hair of
Dana's head be harmed, even if it means being swamped by rats. Ships January 31,
2001.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0010/17/BB17.jpg
-BATMAN
BEYOND #18
Written by Hilary Bader, art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh,
cover by Brian Stelfreeze.
With the Stalker's help, Blight returns to
terrorize Future Gotham.
Ships February 28, 2001.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0011/14/BB18.jpg
-BATMAN
BEYOND #19
Written by Hilary Bader; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh;
cover by Brian Stelfreeze Ma Mayhem`s boys, Carl and Slim, have just busted
their dear old Ma out of jail so they can spend some time with her - oh, and
perhaps plan a kidnapping or two! This dysfunctional family is up to no
good, and it`s up to Batman to put an end to their family reunion!
Ships
March 28, 2001.
OTHER COMICS
-Canadian comic prices are going up, which is
odd considering the exchange rate and the American prices haven't changed.
Apparently, this could happen as soon as this coming Wednesday.
Anyhow, here's a list of what the prices WERE and what they WILL be:
$3.50
now $3.75
$3.95 now $4.25
$4.50 now $4.85
*-The following 7 issues are
all a part of DC's " This Issue: BATMAN DIES!" promotion this December.
(That's right! Batman dies in every one of the following issues in some
way.)
-Bane appears in BIRDS OF PREY #26
-Two-Face and Montoya are again
the focus of DETECTIVE COMICS #753.
-The Joker appears in ROBIN #85.
-Mr.
Zsasz appears in GOTHAM KNIGHTS #12.
-Catwoman appears in NIGHTWING
#52.
-The Penguin in BATMAN #586.
-Cain re-appears in BATGIRL #11.
-The
Rucka/Loeb Detective Comics/Superman crossover is described as this:
Batman
returns to terrorize President Lex Luthor, demanding he hand over the Kryptonite
Ring in SUPERMAN #168 (due out March 7). In DETECTIVE COMICS #756 (due
out March 21), Lois Lane enlists in Batman's help to continue with his
quest, but Superman stands in his way.
Cover for SUPERMAN #168: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249720.jpg
Cover
for 'TEC #765: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249707.jpg
-Batman/Matches
Malone's hunt for the Ventriloquist/Scarface continues in part two of the three part "Close Before Striking" in BATMAN #589.
-LOTDK #141: The conclusion
of the 5-part "Terror." The Scarecrow unleashes the ultimate deathtrap for
Batman, in the Horror House redesigned with only one purpose - to destroy the Dark Knight! But the Scarecrow hasn`t counted on Hugo Strange who rises from
the dead yet again to kill both Batman and Scarecrow.
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249706.jpg
-BATMAN:
GOTHAM KNIGHTS #15: Poison Ivy escapes Arkham and heads for a "Save the
Rainforest" benefit where she decides to take a few hostages -- including
Robin`s father, Jack Drake! When Batman and Robin arrive, they find the hostages
now under Ivy`s control -- and ordered by Ivy to attack!
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249708.jpg
-The
fifth and final tradepaperback reprinting the NO MAN'S LAND saga (featuring the
return of Lex Luthor and rampage of the Joker in SHELLGAME and ENDGAME) will
be available in March 2001.
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249715.jpg
-DETECTIVE
COMICS #755: All the GCPD says farewell to one of Gotham's Finest - including
Two-Face - but it can't be long before he causes problems again. Oh, Bruce
and his bodyguard are there, too!
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0011/14/Det755.jpg
-Double
Dare, the Penguin, and Nightwing all appear in GOTHAM KNIGHTS #14. Oh, and look
- Paul Dini is writing the back-up story!
-HARLEY QUINN #6: Harley
attempts to rob Bruce Wayne. (The cover makes it look like a Riddler issue,
though. Hmm.)
Cover: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249717.jpg
-Be
on the lookout for ROBIN #87 - Batman and Robin have a tiff!
-ROBIN: YEAR ONE
#4
The final chapter in the saga of young Dick Grayson. Robin's healed, but
Two-Face remains at large, and a city-wide manhunt is falling woefully
short. While Harvey Dent is on the loose, Robin must prepare himself to face
the man who nearly killed him during their first encounter. But when Robin
takes things too far, a life hangs in the balance and Robin must question the sanctity of his actions.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0010/17/RobinYO4.jpg
MOVIES
-THE UNCUT VERSION OF RETURN OF THE JOKER MAY BE
APPEARING ON VIDEO SHELVES AFTER ALL! (taken from DARK HORIZONS):
Well the
official word has come down from the head of WB Animation to Aint it Cool about
the chance of the uncut version popping up sometime on DVD next year:
"Definitely STILL a chance, we won't have an answer till after the first of
the year. We already have meetings scheduled to discuss this issue with
Warner Home Video and that hope is still very much alive. I really hope we
can do something with the original version and we should know right after the
first of the year one way or another".
-The Batman Beyond website, now
up and running, (www.batmanbeyond.com)
will be adding interactive features that include a 10-minute "Return of the
Joker" preview Webcast, a soundtrack sampler, a clip from the music video,
interactive arcade games, character biographies, weekly contests and
sweepstakes for chances to win great prizes, questions for the creators,
chat events and much more. (All the previous movie info was taken from Alan J. Porter's "Gotham Weekly News" newsletter)
-For a list of all the cuts
made to the edited version of RETURN OF THE JOKER, go here:
http://www.geocities.com/bbeyond/rotjcuts.html
-And
for pics of three very important cut out scenes (I won't spoil what they are),
go here:
http://www.geocities.com/wfnewspage/bbrotjc1.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/wfnewspage/bbrotjc2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/wfnewspage/bbrotjc3.jpg
-For
an article on the history of this travesty, go here (there are lots more pics
there, too!)
http://filmforce.ign.com/news/1716.html
-In
other related news, Paul Dini has begun writing a preliminary screenplay for a
second direct-to-video BATMAN BEYOND movie (therefore being the fourth
animated Bat-movie.) EON MAGAZINE spilled the beans: "Dini, who wrote
the troubled Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, revealed, 'I'm in the
middle of writing up an outline for another Batman Beyond that we are going
to look at. I don't know if we are going to put it into production, but I know
[Warner Bros.] Home Video is really interested in at least looking at the
story and a screenplay for another one. As far as release date, there's
nothing set. But you never say never.'" Perhaps this will feature Dick
Grayson, as many fans are anticipating?
*BATMAN BEYOND: LIVE ACTION NEWS:
-No new news
here.
LIVE ACTION TELEVISION
-No new news here.
EXCLUSIVE INTERNET ENDEAVOURS:
-The eighth GOTHAM GIRLS
webisode entitled "Three Babes" (it's a Goldilocks parody) can be found at
http://www.gothamgirls.com
-The
ninth GOTHAM GIRLS webisode entitled "Lady X" can also be seen. It
features...get this...all the gals in the sauna. Yeah. Might as well
go take a look, huh?
TOYS, BOOKS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
-Two prints by ALEX ROSS
will be out for sale by DC Direct on March 7, 2001. One will be the picture seen on the cover of BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN (from Aug 99), and the
other will be the one used by WIZARD magazine, featuring Batman being
surrounded by 10 of Arkham's worst inmates. Both are 10" x 13".
-A
Batman poster by Alex Ross will be available on April 25, 2001, for only
$7.95.
Here's a picture: http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanImages249721.jpg
-A
statue of The Demon is due out on June 20, 2001. Here's a picture:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0011/14/DemonFig.htm
-BATMAN:
OVERDRIVE, the new BTAS-based game for PSX and N64, puts you in the driver's
seat of the Batmobile, Batcycle, and many other Bat-vehicles. You even get
to play as any of the villains, should you desire to do so! It features (in
no particular order), the Joker, Harley Quinn, Mr. Freeze, Two-Face,
Clayface, Poison Ivy, the Scarecrow, Killer Croc, the Penguin, the Mad
Hatter, the Ventriloquist/Scarface, Calendar Girl, Roxie Rockett, Firefly,
Catwoman, and Bane. Go to the following link to see some shots of the
villain lineup, some shots of Batman persuing the Joker, and the exit to the
Batcave.
http://www.gamespot.co.uk/pc.gamespot/driving/batov_uk/preview.html
-BATMAN:
TOTAL CHAOS will be available for Game Boy Colour on January 18, 2001. It is
based on the NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES style (BTAS), and allows you to play as
either Batman or Batgirl vs. Two-Face, Bane, Poison Ivy, and the Joker
(among others) over 18 levels. (Judging by the pics I've seen, you'll also
encounter Mr. Freeze, the Penguin, and maybe even Killer Croc.)
SPECIAL NOTE
For more BATMAN, SUPERMAN, AND BEYOND news
throughout the week, check out the WORLD'S FINEST NEWS PAGE at:
http://www.geocities.com/bbeyond/news.html
____________________________________________________________________
FEATURED
BAT-SITE FOR THIS ISSUE
(feel free to submit your own for our
consideration)
???
____________________________________________________________________
ANIMATED
BATMAN/SUPERMAN SITES:
* - indicates a shameless plug for a site a certain
double-faced editor created with his bare hands - in other words, a cheap
advertising technique.
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