Date: Sunday, October 04, 1998 6:35 PM

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of Oct 5 - 10/11, Oct 12 - Oct. 17/18
Volume 1, Issue #8
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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!

HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
The five-time emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992; it ran on FOX 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, airing only on Saturday, adding only 15 new episodes to the series. 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.
The series was top-notch, and fans were sad that it wouldn't go on - but it was an excellent run. In 1997, BTAS was pulled from the FOX network. 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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HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
From the creators of BTAS, we saw Superman takes off in the fall of 1996. It started with a hit prime-time movie (which was the highest rated WB show of the week) - and after a hap-hazard first season of unpredictable episode airing, Superman returned in full force in the fall of 1997 with a whole new season of 28 episodes,including a "WORLD'S FINEST" crossover with Batman. Superman then won more critical acclaim (for episodes such as THE LATE MR. KENT and APOKOLIPS ...NOW!) and much higher ratings. This locomotion isn't slowing down as it moves into season three...
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Nope, no "special" interviews this issue, but all our usual articles and features are here!
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IN MEMORY...

Just two weeks ago, in Issue #7, we reported that Roddy McDowall was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Today, with a heavy heart, I must report that Mr. McDowall is dead at the age of 70. He died on Oct. 3, 1998 - a mere month after he was diagnosed with the disease. Let us all have a moment of silence to remember this wonderful man, and actor.

*MOMENT OF SILENCE*

Mr. McDowall, best known for his roles in the "Planet of the Apes" movies, has more recently provided voices on "Pinky & the Brain". His Batman-ties are two-fold: He played "The Bookworm" on the 60's series, and the Mad Hatter on "Batman: The Animated Series". Just last weekend a Mad Hatter episode debuted, entitled "Animal Act". Watch it - Roddy's speeches are magnificent. His last appearance as the Mad Hatter will be on Oct 10/11, in the Superman episode, "Knight Time".

He will not be forgotten. Rest well, Roddy. You were the best.
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES

Christmas-time has come early! For all of you new BTAN readers you can now catch up on the previous newsletters! A great friend of mine has offered to hold back issues of our newsletter at her site, for all to enjoy! The site is called "The Warner Bros. Club" and features tons of WB related games and information! Plus each new newsletter will be out up there as well! For all you wanting to catch up, or look back, here is the URL:

http://www.toonzone.net/wbc

The Warner Bros. Club site is also part of a much bigger site. The site is called TOON ZONE and contains three more WB related sites: Brian Cruz's WB Cartoon Page, Colin's WB schedule page, and the WB Comic Zone. The sites have been updated and somewhat revamped! Do you wanna see the people behind it? There's also a site for that as well. This isn't an official WB page but it's so good, might as well be! There's even a chat room and a great message board! If you're looking for anything WB related check out this site! Definitely worth bookmarking!

TOON ZONE
http://www.toonzone.net
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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.

'KNIGHT TIME'
Superman #45
Air date: October 10/11, 1998 (USA)
This episode, also known as "World's Finest 2", most definitely should be a two-parter. In this episode, Bruce Wayne is put out of commission somehow by Brainiac, so it's up to Robin and Superman (dressed in the Bat-suit) to find him, fighting the Penguin, Riddler, Mad Hatter, Bane, and Roxy Rockett along the way. Sound like a lot for just 22 minutes? I think so, but it should be fun. Superman also finds that he likes wearing the Bat-suit TOO much, so he goes over the edge in trying to duplicate Batman's macho behavior, and...well, you'll have to wait and see!

'LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT'
Batman #104
Air date: October 10/11, 1998 (USA)
Done in the vignette-story-telling style also seen in "Almost Got 'Im", this episode deals with a group of kids talking about their interpretation of Batman...one finds him as a campy hero out of the 60's era, another finds him a dark, gritty, questionable hero in the style of Frank Miller, and by the end of the episode the group discovers he's a combination of both. This episode is destined to be an instant classic and should be viewed, even if it means skipping your job or something...or, failing that, set the VCR!

'GIRL'S NIGHT OUT'
Batman #???
Air date: October 17/18, 1998 (USA)
Written by Hilary J. Bader.
As you can tell, this episode focuses on the girls of Gotham...and Metropolis. Livewire teams up with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to bring Gotham to it's knees, and only Batgirl - teamed up with Supergirl - can stop them. This episode seems like too much for just 22 minutes, so only time will tell if it's pulled off well. The Penguin also makes an appearance. No word on whether Batman and Superman even make cameos.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)

The New Batman/Superman Adventures premiered this past year with ratings and critical success! KidsWB 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 September or October, so watch the SCHEDULE and NEWS section for upcoming information!

10-05-98: Superman #14 Blasts From the Past: Part I
          Superman #17 Blasts From the Past: Part II

10-06-98: Batman #070  House & Garden
          Superman #05 A Little Piece of Home

10-07-98: Batman #082  Lock-Up
          Superman #36 Warrior Queen

10-08-98: Superman #20 Identity Crisis
          Batman #090  You Scratch My Back

10-09-98: Batman #103  The Demon Within
          Superman #19 Target

10-10-98: Superman #45 Knight Time------------------NEW!!!
          Batman #104  Legends of the Dark Knight---NEW!!!

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10-12-98: Batman #94 Love Is A Croc
    Superman #28 Father's Day

10-13-98: Superman #04 Fun And Games
    Batman #79 Riddler's Reform

10-14-98: Batman #80 Second Chance
    Batman #81 Harley's Holiday

10-15-98: Superman #15 Ghost In The Machine
    Batman #98 Mean Seasons

10-16-98: Superman #33 Apokolips Now (Pt. 1)
    Superman #35 Apokolips Now (Pt. 2)

10-17-98: Superman #24 Solar Power
    Batman #??? Girl's Night Out------------NEW!!!

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 Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)
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 at least been shown once are eligible - but try to catch the new episodes if you can!

THIS WEEK:
Superman
A LITTLE PIECE OF HOME (#05)
- Superman fights Lex Luthor, oh, but again, and discovers his one weakness - just as Luthor ALSO discovers it.
Airs Oct. 6, 1998

NEXT WEEK:
- Dude, pretty much ALL the episodes this week are worth watching! You won't be disappointed by anything you see this week!

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman
WARRIOR QUEEN (#36)
- A warrior queen (hence the name) searches far and wide for a suitable hubby, and her eyes fall on Superman - so she does whatever she can to have him. Ugh.
Airs Oct. 7, 1998

NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman
FATHER'S DAY (#28)
- This is the only NOT SO GOOD episode this week. One of Darkseid's first appearances, where his son goes out to kill Superman, to get his father's permission. Not bad, but not great.
Airs Oct. 12, 1998
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
It seems that about every month or so the schedule for Batman changes again! So please be patient. We may not be able to get the new episode schedule up in time but here's the most current schedule for Batman:TAS on CARTOON NETWORK: It airs Monday thru Friday at 6 & 6:30pm and a midnight repeat (of the 6pm episode) Monday thru Thursday. We'll note of any change.

10-05-98: #12 I've Got Batman in My Basement
          #15 See No Evil

10-06-98: #13 The Cat and the Claw (Pt. 1)
          #16 The Cat and the Claw (Pt. 2)

10-07-98: #19 Prophecy of Doom
          #22 Joker's Favor

10-08-98: #20 Feat of Clay (Pt. 1)
          #21 Feat of Clay (Pt. 2)

Episode schedules for the Cartoon Network for any later dates were unavailable at the time of mailing this newsletter. Expect the episodes to air in episode-number order, more or less, though.

NOTE: Most of the episodes airing now on the CARTOON NETWORK won't be airing on KidsWB for quite some time! If you want to complete your collection then get as many as these episodes on tape as possible! Just some friendly advice.
SPECIAL NOTE: "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero" will air on November 21, 1998.
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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

Bob Evatt has now returned with more reviews of new BTAS episodes! Also, seeing how this issue of BTAN is dedicated to Roddy McDowall, I thought it would be fitting to also include MY review of the most recent Mad Hatter episode, "Animal Act".

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CRITTERS (*1/2)
Story by Steve Gerber.
Written by Joe R. Lansdale.
Directed by Dan Riba.
Animation by Dong Yang
Originally aired on Sept. 19, 1998

"Holy cow!" - Robin
"You had to say it." -Batgirl, during the mutant cow rampage.

Farmer Brown was a simple man with a big dream--to help feed the world better by genetically engineering larger livestock. But after one of his giant sheep goes on a rampage at the Gotham Agricultural Expo, he is ordered by the courts to shut his project down. Embittered, Farmer Brown has now developed a new dream--to destroy Gotham City with monstrous livestock.

This episode was just about as silly as the synopsis makes it sound. It's a pretty generic "mad scientist creates mutant creatures" story, only the mad scientist is a farmer and his creatures are barnyard animals. I'll admit that Farmer Brown's country mannerisms were nicely done, making him a fairly interesting character (though his "revenge on Gotham" motivation was weak). And his barn with the painted blue sky was an interesting touch. Unfortunately, his creatures are over the top. They look genuinely threatening (particularly the vulture-chickens), but the viewer can never forget the fact that Batman and company are fighting farm animals, which completely ruins any drama and sense of danger. For example, the scene where Bullock is running away from the mutant hog in the pigpen should have invoked a feeling of terror, since he is running for his life. Instead, it just seems ridiculous.

In fact, the serious and the ridiculous are constantly at war with one another in this episode, which distracts the viewer from the story, which is weak to begin with. However, there is a way to enjoy this episode. Pretend that this isn't a Batman story, but a horribly done B-movie. Yes, this is one of those films that is so badly done that, if you don't take it seriously, can be oddly amusing. Unfortunately, it doesn't change the fact that it's badly done.

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(THIS review by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

ANIMAL ACT
Written by Hilary J. Bader
Directed by Curt Geda
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: September 26, 1998
My rating: ***

The episode begins on a rooftop where Batman and Robin are searching the city for crime. Nightwing shows up out of the blue, to help out. This first scene was actually quite cool - I liked Batman and Nightwing's exchanged vocabulary here...and seeing the old Robin and the new Robin side by side is kinda cool.

Soon after, the dynamic trio sees a man climbing a radio tower. Something is obviously awry, so they all go to investigate. After a short rooftop chase, Nightwing catches up with the perpetrator, only to discover it's a gorilla - in fact, a gorilla he recognizes from Haley's Circus (where he worked as a child, where his parents were killed). What an intriguing development...

The following day, Dick and Tim visit Haley's circus, which is currently in Gotham. After exchanging greetings with various performers and being harassed by one of the clowns, Dick runs into an old friend of his - Miranda, who trains and looks after all the animals. She denies the fact that the gorilla, Peaches, was out of her cage the previous night.

That night, Batman meets Nightwing in his loft just as a burglary is in process; two bears have broken into a car manufacturing plant, stealing microchips and such. Batman and Nightwing show up, and, keeping animal-rights-activists in their minds, find a humane way to stop the bears and save the day.

The bears are returned to Haley's Circus. After some time passes, the clown at the circus sneaks into the cages and pulls two microchips out from the back of the bears' heads; Miranda catches him, only to discover that the clown is none other than the Mad Hatter.

I won't spoil the ending, but I must say that, on the whole, this episode is a definite crowd-pleaser. This is a definite for any fan of Nightwing, who receives excellent treatment by Bader, just as in the "Lost Years" comics. Batman and Robin's interaction with Nightwing is equally excellent - you can still feel the animosity Nightwing has towards Bruce in many of the scenes they share together. The Mad Hatter also receives good treatment...he looks a lot more like his old design (aside from colour of his attire and height) than he did in "Over the Edge". As always, Roddy McDowall gives us an excellent and memorable vocal performance as the Hatter.

I know I'm in edgy territory here, but I just hope that this isn't Roddy's last BTAS appearance. He is due to be in the upcoming "Knight Time" STAS episode, but that's it. This episode was good, but certainly did not compare to other Hatter episodes like "Mad as a Hatter" and "The Worry Men". Everyone here receives great treatment, but, by far, this episode is geared towards Nightwing fans. The re-visiting scenes to Haley's Circus are a nice touch (since "Robin's Reckoning" I don't even remember hearing the circus be mentioned), and, as already mentioned, the scenes with Batman and Nightwing working together (which is a questionable word) are terrific.

And the animation isn't that bad, either. Dong Yang has churned out pretty average animation in the new style in episodes like "Critters" and "Cold Comfort", but this episode flows very smoothly - and is almost as good as Dong Yang's best animated episode, "Second Chance". We can also see that Curt Geda's directing skills have improved quite a bit in these past 12 months...last year at this time, he gave us the average "Sins of the Father" - compare that episode to this one - no comparison!!!

A must see. Plain and simple.
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SPECIAL ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE #1:
"BATMAN BEYOND PREVIEW"

It's fifty years from now and there is no Dark Knight in Gotham until a tragic car accident changes the life of one boy. Who? Adolescent Terry McGinnis. He's a high school kid with problems, which are about to get worse... And where is Bruce Wayne in Gotham's future? Nobody knows...until "Batman Beyond", a NEW animated Batman series (brought to you by the creative teams behind "Batman" and "Superman") debuts this November! Check out this exclusive sneek peak:

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Batman Beyond
Tomorrow Knight
Ed Wiser (ewiser@iglou.com)

When the Batman Beyond series was announced most fans believed that the new series would hurt TNABS..."We are getting too few shows and they are to far apart!" was the common reply to the revived series this past fall. Would the creative team have enough time and creative energy to do three quality weekly cartoon series? These questions and concerns are and will be a cause of concern over the course of the next year.
As a long time fan of BTAS I rejoiced when the new shows started appearing last fall. We had a good group of shows over the course of this year. Some great, matching the best of the original series and in some cases surpassing them. I, like many other fans, enjoyed the new designs for the show. The sleeker designs fit with the new show's direction and made for some great animation.
Recently at the San Diego Comic Con, Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett showed the Model sheets and spoke for the first time with fans of BTAS about Batman Beyond. As a regular reader of Toymania News (http://www.toymania.com/news/), I was able to keep track of the goings-on in San Diego. A transcript of Paul, Bruce and Alan's discussion was posted which included model sheets of some of the characters from the new show (http://www.toymania.com/sdcc98/batmanbeyond.shtml). The Mania web site also posted an article highlighting their discussion (http://www.mania.com/columns/amhh/amhh081498.html).
Responses to the new show and Model sheets drew several positive reviews on internet message boards. The new designs by Bruce Timm are spectacular! The Batmobile is sleek and hovers similar to the landspeeder from Star Wars. Villains like the Jokerz Gang, Inque, Royal Flush gang and Derek Powers are drawn with a nod to the past, but with a futuristic twist that Bruce (Timm, not Wayne) pulls off just right.
One concern that most fans had was the comment that the new shows where to be aimed at younger viewers. "Who wants to see a show where Batman is toned down to be a PC caped crusader to keep from upsetting anyone" most fans groused. Perhaps Bruce Wayne's financial status and reason for no longer fighting crime in the new show illustrates this fact best.
Bruce Wayne had a heart attack when trying out a new modified Bat-suit.
What-the?!?!?!
How does a hero who is healthier than most Olympic athletes have a heart attack? Also, when have you ever heard of a billionaire loosing all his wealth due to some shady business dealings? I guess grim and gritty vigilante by night and wealthy playboy by day would not fit in to a new PC revision of the Batman myth. These two twists framing the new series could only be pulled off with Paul Dini writing the show. Most fans of BTAS agree that Paul has written some of the best Batman stories ever done outside of the comics realm. To me, the thought of Paul playing god with a whole new Batman world is exciting. Fortunately, the creators of BTAS have a good feel for Batman storytelling. I think that we will be in for a real treat this fall with not only a bunch of great new BTAS and STAS shows, but a view to the future of Batman's world in Batman Beyond.
This column will be dedicated to examining Batman Beyond and related topics. I am anxious to hear what you fans (and non-fans) of BTAS and Batman have to say about this Else-Worlds style view of the future of the Batman legend. Send your comments, questions and concerns to me at ewiser@iglou.com and we'll address them in this column.

Bat wishes
Ed Wiser

ewiser@iglou.com
Ed Wiser
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To see a great pic of BATMAN BEYOND check out this URL (thanx to Cinscape Online)
http://www.cinescape.com/insider/batmanbeyond.JPG

Coming In November...
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