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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:
(by "Lady Wayne")
1) In YOU
SCRATCH MY BACK, watch where Catwoman is breaking all of the ceramic pots to
find the one that holds the emerald. When Nightwing arrives and they stare
at each other, the camera pulls back, not showing a single shattered pot on
the ground. What's up with that?
2) Also in YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, after Batman's fight with
Ricky the Hook you see that he is bleeding from the mouth; in a later scene,
he's not. Where'd it
go?
____________________________________________________________________
MERCHANDISING:
WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by THX1138)
BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER REVIEW
(courtesy of
Michael Wolf at DailyRadar.com)
The next-generation Batman isn't so hot on the
current-generation handheld. It's not as if we can honestly say we agree
with the thought of Batman Beyond. After all, Batman is Bruce Wayne, not
some punk upstart who's just following in the Dark Knight's footsteps. Besides,
everyone knows that Batman should have died young and healthy, not become an
old and decrepit man grudgingly teaching some kid how to do his old job.
Regardless, the GBC version of the game will likely attract the attention of
those who enjoy the animated television series, but hopefully those players
will read this review first and avoid a purchase. Don't do it. Keep your
money, or at least spend it on something that's actually worth your time.
Because, quite simply, Batman Beyond on GBC is a waste of electronic
components.
The game contains the key players of the animated series, of
course -- young Batman and his mentor Bruce Wayne. The game starts off with
Batman interrupting the robbery of a high-tech company by the Jokerz, the
henchmen of the immortal Joker. How many times does Batman, in any incarnation, have to kill the grinning bastard?
Apparently, the Joker is up to no good, collecting high-tech
components to further his nefarious plans. Part of those plans include
nearly killing the aged Bruce Wayne, and players have to use Batman to
uncover the Joker's plan and, naturally, stop it cold.
The game is actually slightly reminiscent of the first
side-scrolling action games, like Double Dragon. Players move Batman left to
right, and bad guys come out of nowhere to challenge his progress.
Periodically on a level, the game will contain Batman in an enclosed area where
he must defeat all the bad guys before the "Go" sign flashes, indicating he
can now move on. This is old-school gameplay, and hardly inspiring.
There are plenty of resources at the player's command,
however. Batman picks up powerups like the magnetic nunchaku, the Dark
Knight discus and the Dark Knight staff. These usually have only limited
charges, and players can find them scattered about levels in crates (because, obviously, even the most out-of-the-way locations stock Batman supplies).
The locations are varied, but the gameplay gets old after the
first five minutes. Some levels have numerous doors that lead to other areas
that look almost identical, so players get almost instantly lost. The
password save doesn't pop up until players are killed, so in order to make sure players keep the three lives they're initially given at the start of
the game, it's necessary to write down the new password at the beginning of
any given level.
While we commend Kemco for the involving storyline and pretty
still images that convey the story, the gameplay itself leaves quite a bit
to be desired. In no time at all, players will want to use the Game Boy cart
for Baterang practice, and those who truly love the animated series will
find nothing but disappointment here. Avoid this one at all costs.
Bottom Line: Unoriginal gameplay and tiresome enemies make
this one game even the Joker wouldn't force on his worst enemy.
-Michael Wolf
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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
ISSUE: "Snake Food" (#16)
WRITTEN BY:
Hilary J. Bader
PENCILS: Craig Rousseau
INKS: Rob Leigh
ISSUED:
December 27, 2000 (Cover date Feb 2001)
RATING: *** (out of 5
stars)
I'm pleased to see that this series is on a bit of an
upswing. It still has a long way to go, mind you - Bader and the
BEYOND crew is still working on getting into their niche, here - but they're
on the right track.
featuring "Kobra" was a nice read, harkening back to
the great but severely underrated BTAS episode "THE FORGOTTEN". It's
not often we see the issue of the homeless addressed, whether it be in
contemporary or future Gotham. Kobra's plan beef up this chapter of
their gang, though misguided, is a good one - I would have liked to see this
story play out onscreen rather than just be confined to the pages of a comic
book. Bruce Wayne's involvement in the issue was great, too,
especially with his "too old" comment. He really does have a sense of
humour under that gruff exterior - maybe now in his old age it will finally come
out.
Though I often complain about too much dialogue during action
sequences (and I have a similar complaint here, unfortunately), I enjoyed
how Terry realized this and threw in a bit of self-mockery. That was a
nice touch.
I must also query what inspired the creation of Kobra to begin
with...someone here is a fan of G.I. Joe, aren't they? (This actually
works as a type of homage - long live the 80's!)
;-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 BEYOND #17
January 31st
Snyopsis: 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
FOLLOWING MONTH:
February 28th
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.
Cover: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0011/14/BB18.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
-Craig Rousseau has put this inked comic
page on his website: it was cut from the RETURN OF THE JOKER comic adaption
due to space restraints (or possible "censoring", again - you be the judge).
Go have a look!
http://www.fandom.com/multimedia/Batman/Images/BatmanArticle251339.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 #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
-It looks like Devin Grayon's
Mr. Zsasz story in GOTHAM KNIGHTS #12 as part of the THIS ISSUE: BATMAN
DIES! theme this month was...excuse the pun...cut. What happened??? In
it's place is a story prominantly featuring Oracle.
-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
-For videos of the cut scenes from the edited ROTJ
video, go here:
http://4colorreview.simplenet.com/reviews/return_of_the_joker/return_of_the_joker.shtml
-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".
-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
-For a review of Ubi
Soft's RETURN OF THE JOKER video game, go here:
http://www.fandom.com/master_site/Editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=252097&type_id=12255&cat_id=245096&sub_id=246638
-WARNER
BROS. HOME VIDEO had this to say about episodes of BTAS being released on
DVD:
"Don't be surprised to see some DVDs and VHSs containing episodes and
new (!) material when the next BATMAN film is released."
-TOYS R US has
released a new 4-pack from its BTAS line featuring repaints of Batman, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn; the only figure that is still in the new style
is Two-Face, all others are just repaints of their original BTAS figure
counterparts. For a pic, go here:
http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/bin/viewimage.x/00000000/eghedd/arkhamasylum.JPG
-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
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