Subject: Batman: The
Animated Newsletter #4 - Aug 10-23, 1998
Date: Sunday, August 09, 1998 12:56 AM
Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of August 10-15/16, August 17-22/23
Volume 1, Issue #4
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BRIEF ANIMATED BATMAN HISTORY:
The five-time emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in
September of 1992 with the episode "Cat and the Claw" Part One. It ran on
weekdays (and even during prime-time on Sundays for a month or so). 65
episodes (and millions of dollars in merchandise) later, season two began
in 1994; sadly, this season died out with only 15 additional episodes, for
the show was not raking in as much money as it previously was, and deemed
as being "too dark" by parents. Also, in September of 1994, most of the
first season episodes were shelved, and the 15 new ones were aired...only
on Saturdays.
A year later, BTAS was re-introduced to the FOX weekday line-up. All the
original episodes were brought back this time, as well as 5 new episodes
(none of which were spectacular, but still good), leaving the episode count
at 85 in September of 1995. Most thought the series ended right there
without any closure, for the majority of the BTAS staff moved on to work
on
the new SUPERMAN cartoon which debuted the following September (1996).
The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn't go on. But
the stories that had been told were excellent...much better than most
comics and movies that have veer been produced. It was an excellent run. In
1997, after the WB's five-year contract with the FOX network, BTAS was
pulled from the TV, the last episode airing being "Trail". Was BTAS dead?
We were all proven wrong.
As soon as BTAS left the FOX network, it was teamed up with Superman on
the WB network. Better yet - NEW EPISODES WERE INTRODUCED!
NEW episodes began airing bright and early on the morning of September
13th, 1997. Two years (less two days) after BTAS ceased production, it
was reborn.
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another installment of BATMAN:THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER. In
this newsletter you'll find all sorts of items pertaining to the hit
show. There is also a bit of Superman:TAS thrown in for good measure - just
keep in mind that this newsletter is predominantly about the Bat, K? We
have the usual columns plus special articles in every newsletter!
We have schedules, new, comic info, trivia, websites, editorials and
much more! So sit back and relax!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Many things have changed - a new toy review, more schedules and mini
episode-reviews, comic schedules, rumors aplenty, and yet another editorial
from the wonderful Laura Hysert, but the main event in this issue of the
newsletter is an interview with "Long Halloween" writer, JEPH LOEB!!!!
Scroll down to read it!
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HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!!
TARA CHARDENOFF(sp?), who does the voice for Batgirl on THE NEW BATMAN
ADVENTURES for KIDS' WB!, will be guest-starring with Melissa Joan-Hart
in SABRINA GOES TO ROME which will be the season opener for "Sabrina The
Teenage Witch". This is a chance to see the face behind the voice. Check
local ABC listings for the season premiere air date.
ADRIENNE BARBEAU, who does the voice of Catwoman on BTAS can be
seen on
the season finale of "The Drew Carey Show", as Oswald's mother. This
episode has already aired in May, but if you missed it at want to see the
woman behind the voice, your chance will come soon when the episode is
re-aired.
RICHARD MOLL, who does the voice of Two-Face on BTAS, can be seen
in
"Jingle All the Way", starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Bat-alumni UNITE!)
Moll plays the cheesy TV villain "Dementor" at the beginning of the film. I
just felt like pointing this out because I just realized this myself - and
many have no clue as to what he looks like.
MARK HAMILL, who does Joker's voice on BTAS, has currently been in
NO
movies EVER EVER EVER and it is taking me FOREVER to find a picture of this
guy. I can only find these pics of some space-dude named Luke
Skywalker... I can't find any of a guy named Mark Hamill though. Anyone
care to help?
(PS - That last one was a JOKE...no pun! *EVIL JOKER LAUGH*)
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NEW EPISODE(S)
This section will just basically give an insight into what the new
episodes are about and hopefully a synopsis of the episode. This section
will feature both new Superman and new Batman episodes.
'THE ULTIMATE THRILL'
Batman #?? (96?)
Original airdate: Tuesday, July 7, 1998 (UK)
This episode premiered at a comics convention in Oakland earlier this
year, and has now been recently aired in the UK. This episode, featuring
the uninteresting Roxy Rockett's debut, is all action and no plot. PLOT
DOES MATTER. We also get to see a preview of Farmer Brown (a future
villain) in this episode, as well as appearances by Batman, Batgirl, and
the Penguin. The North American debut date of this episode is still
unknown.
'CRITTERS'
Batman #?? (99?)
Original airdate: Tuesday, August 3, 1998 (UK)
This episode is the first to feature Farmer Brown as a lead character. I
don't know much about the story, but it is supposedly an homage episode to
all those corny "insect invasion" sci-fi movies of the past, with giant
ants and the like. It's not supposed to be a very deep episode - just a fun
one. Those who saw it say it's good, but I'll refrain judgement until it
airs. The North American debut date of this episode is still unknown.
'OLD WOUNDS'
Batman #?? (100?)
Proposed air date: September 19, 1998 (USA)
This episode is set to be the season premiere of BTAS this year. It
revolves around Dick Grayson telling Tim Drake why he and Batman aren't as
close as they once were. It sheds light on why Dick left the Batcave, how
he became a hero of his own, and how Batgirl became a much more intricate
part of their team. Two-Face is also set to appear, if the story follows
it's "Lost Years" comic counterparts.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)
The New Batman/Superman Adventures premiered this past year with
ratings and critical sucess! Kid'sWB airs the show Monday through Friday
at 4:30 pm (eastern time) and now in a 90 minute block on weekends
starting at 8:30am (eastern time). The time may vary for the various WB
affiliates across Canada and the U.S. The schedule is set to change
again in Septmeber or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for
upcoming information!
Weekday episodes:
AUG. 10-Batman-GROWING PAINS (#93)
AUG. 11-Superman-GHOST IN THE MACHINE (#15)
AUG. 12-Superman-DOUBLE DOSE (#23)
AUG. 13-Batman-THE LION & THE UNICORN (#77)
AUG. 14-Superman-WARRIOR QUEEN (#36)
Weekend episodes:
AUG. 15/16-(8:30am)-Superman-BRAVE NEW METROPOLIS (#25)
(9:00am)-Batman-NEVER FEAR (#91)
(9:30am)-Superman-THE LATE MR. KENT (#2)
Weekday episodes:
AUG. 17-Superman-FATHER'S DAY (#28)
AUG. 18-Batman-YOU SCRATCH MY BACK (#90)
AUG. 19-Superman-IDENTITY CRISIS (#20)
AUG. 20-Batman-SHOWDOWN (#78)
AUG. 21-Superman-TARGET (#19)
Weekend episodes:
AUG. 22/23-(8:30am)-Superman-SOLAR POWER (#24)
(9:00am)-Batman-TORCH SONG (#95)
(9:30am)-Batman-COLD COMFORT (#88)
Note: All episodes after #85 of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN
ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED
SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
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EPISODE OF THE WEEK:
(by the Dynamic Duo)
This section is my favorite. This section lets me tell you about my
favorite rerun airing this week! You are not to miss this episode at all
cost! Tape it if possible! All Batman and Superman episodes which have
already debuted are eligible.
THIS WEEK:
(four-way tie!)
Batman
GROWING PAINS (#93)
Airdate: Aug. 10, 1998
Robin does his best to save a girl from her massive, abusive father, only
to discover that both the father and the girl he loves turn out to be one
of Gotham's most menacing villains.
Superman
BRAVE NEW METROPOLIS (#25)
Airdate: Aug. 15/16, 1998
Lois Lane is accidentally transported to Metropolis a parrallel universe,
where both Superman and Lex Luthor have teamed up to clean up the town,
turning it into a living hell for all residents.
Batman
NEVER FEAR (#91)
Airdate: Aug. 15/16, 1998
The Scarecrow creates a gas meant to TAKE AWAY peoples' fears and plans on
using it to throw the city into turmoil. Batman is affected and goes on a
rampage.
Superman
THE LATE MR. KENT (#32)
Airdate: Aug. 15/16, 1998
This episode was aired just recently. Clark Kent is killed and it's up to
Superman to solve the mystery. Confusing, no?
NEXT WEEK:
Batman
YOU SCRATCH MY BACK (#90)
Airdate: Aug. 18th, 1998
This episode first introduced us to Nightwing and Catwoman and did an
ok job. Nightwing has almost the exact same costume as his comic
counterpart although its not as sleek. Catwoman has adopted an all-black
costume and black hair. The episode is pretty good. There are some great
action sequences and a pretty good and bloody fight between Batman and
Ricky "The Hook" in the finale. This episode is full of twists 'n' turns
and will have you guessing at Catwoman and Nightwing's plans until the
finale. An episode worth recording.
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE(S) TO MISS:
Batman-THE LION AND THE UNICORN (#77)
Airs Aug. 13, 1998
Red Claw takes control of a missile base in the British Isles and threatens
to destroy London if her ransom isn't paid. Alfred's shady past is also
revealed. Good parts, but not spectacular.
Superman-WARRIOR QUEEN (#36)
Airs Aug. 14, 1998
A "Warrior Queen" wants a hubby but all the eligible bachelors in her
galaxy are wimps; she then sees Superman and will stop at nothing to have
him.
NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman-FATHER'S DAY (#28)
Airs Aug. 17, 1998
Not a bad episode, but still the worst this week. A mediocre prelude to
"Apokalips...Now!", where Darkseid's son goes on a quest to destroy
Superman, to gain Darkseid's admiration and approval.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Bob Evatt)
Mr. Evatt is an experienced reviewer of the new BTAS episodes and has much
of his work shown at the Lazarus Pit website, and is now contributing to
this newsletter! His other reviews can be reached via this link:
http://effect.net.au/allan/lazarus-pit
But this week, we decided not to include an extensive episode review
because no new episodes have aired since the last newsletter.
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VILLIAN SNEAK PEEK!
As you all know, THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES will be introducing a couple
new villians next season. One of them will be the evil Amish
look-a-like, FARMER BROWN! Here are a few pics courtesy of THE BRUCE TIMM
ARTWORK ARCHIVE!
Here they are:
Farmer Brown close-up
http://home.nycap.rr.com/cataldo/farmer2.jpg
Farmer Brown full-body look
http://home.nycap.rr.com/cataldo/farmer1.jpg
The Amish are coming.....The Amish are coming!
PS - If you're Amish and reading this, we're not meaning to mock or
insult!
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
Cartoon Network got the rights to air 52 episodes of the orignal 85
episodes on their network. The episodes air 7 days a week at 6pm and
12:00am eastern time (7:00pm on Sundays and will no longer air on
Satrudays starting the 11th of July). The episodes air in numerical order
and not in episode order. If you want the channel ask your local cable or
satellite operator. Here's the schedule for this week:
AUG 10 - PRETTY POISON (#5)
AUG 11 - THE UNDERDWELLERS (#6)
AUG 12 - P.O.V. (#7)
AUG 13 - THE FORGOTTEN (#8)
AUG 14 - BE A CLOWN (#9)
AUG 16 - BIRDS OF A FEATHER (#47)
AUG 17 - TWO-FACE (Pt. 1) (#10)
AuG 18 - TWO-FACE (Pt. 2) (#17)
AUG 19 - I'VE GOT BATMAN IN MY BASEMENT (#12)
AUG 20 - THE CAT AND THE CLAW (Pt. 1) (#13)
AUG 21 - THE CAT AND THE CLAW (Pt. 2) (#16)
AUG 23 - WHAT IS REALITY? (#48)
NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won't be
airing on KidsWB until next season! If you want to complete your
collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just
some friendly advice.
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VOTING REQUEST FOR BTAS:
(by Brian Davis)
Hi Brian Davis here, Would you like Batman : The Animated Series to win
another award ? Well, if you're like me then I'm sure that you think that
it deserves one. Cartoon Network Europe are currently accepting votes for
your favourite cartoon and I would like you to vote for Batman: The
Animated Series. All you have to do is send your vote, name, age and
address to cartoon.europe@turner.com You
can also win a great trip to
London so go ahead, let's remember Batman : The Animated Series.
(I suggest you do this cuz Batman deserves any awards it can get - to show
to the world that Batman IS capable of intelligent, coherent stories -
unlike films like "Batman & Robin"!!!! Make the public realize his
greatness and love him again!!!)
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VOTING REQUEST FOR BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)
Hi! I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the Internet Movie
Database, and I am hoping that we can get "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm"
into their "Top 250 Movies of All Time" list - it currently has an 86%
rating. Many movies on the Top 250 list have a lower rating, but many more
people voted for those...my hope is to get as many people as possible
voting for this film, to get it into the Top 250 list, because it is truly
spectacular.
The link DIRECTLY to the "Mask of the Phantasm" page is:
http://us.imdb.com/Title?Batman%3A+Mask+of+the+Phantasm+(1993)
I've already voted. Have YOU?
PS - Do the same for "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero" as well
- there's a
link to THAT movie page from the "Mask of the Phantasm" one, which I've
already provided a link to.
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