Subject: Batman: The Animated Newsletter #10 (Pt. 1)
Date: Sunday, November 01, 1998 5:46 PM

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Weeks of Nov 2 - 7/8, Nov 9 - 14/Nov 15
Volume 1,

TEN ISSUES AND GOING STRONG!
_______________________________
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to yet another bi-weekly installment of "BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER"! *APPLAUSE* This newsletter contains all sorts of information pertaining to "Batman: The Animated Series", such as rumors, news, reviews, jokes, trivia, and more! And, just to balance it out, "Superman" has been included! Sit back and enjoy!
______________________________
HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED BAT
The five-time Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) debuted in September of 1992, running weekdays on the FOX network. 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 roster.
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, 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.
_______________________________
HISTORY OF THE ANIMATED MAN OF STEEL
In the fall of 1996, the creators of BTAS moved on and produced an animated version of the Man of Steel. The first season was made up of a mere 13 episodes, and while the show did not blow away audiences like BTAS did, "Superman" (STAS) still managed a fair amount of success. In it's second season, it was teamed up with BTAS on the WB, making the full hour block of "Heavy Duty Dubbas" episodes a sure-fire winner. In fact, the series involved a three-part crossover with Batman, and has three more crossovers planned in the future. In 1997, the series won an "Outstanding Special Class Program" Emmy, which it shared with BTAS. The series is moving strong and gaining even more steam as it blasts into Season Three...
_______________________________
SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
Nope, no "special" interviews this issue, with the exception of a small summary of the Paul Dini RealAudio interview from last week.
_______________________________
BATMAN:THE ANIMATED ARCHIVES

So, you're a new subscriber and wish to see back issues of "Batman: The Animated Newsletter"? Well, fear not, for a great friend of mine has offered to hold back issues of our newsletter at her site, for all to enjoy! Christmas has come early (and in bi-weekly installments) this year! The site is called "The Warner Bros. Club" and features an amazing amount of WB related games and information! 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
_______________________________
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.

'BEWARE THE CREEPER'
Batman #108
Air date: November 7/8, 1998 (USA)
After a run-in with the Joker, news reporter Jack Ryder is transformed into the Creeper, and wreaks havoc on Gotham...and this guy is a GOOD GUY? The Joker feels that the Creeper is stealing all the destructive glory in Gotham which should be his, and Harley gets upset when the Creeper starts to become romantically interested in her. Then Batman enters the mix.

'MAD LOVE'
Batman #106???
Air date unknown right now
An adaptation of the award-winning Dini/Timm comic, featuring Harley Quinn's origin. Joker appears as well, of course, with Two-Face, Riddler, and Killer Croc (instead of Penguin) making cameos. There is still no definite word on whether this is a one-parter or two-parter. We'll have to wait and see.

'OBSESSION'
Superman #47
Air date: November 14/15, 1998
All I know about this one is that Toyman is finally returning. (Sorry readers, I don't keep up on the Superman-rumors nearly as much.)
______________________________
WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)

The New Batman/Superman Adventures last this past year with high ratings and critical success! KidsWB airs the show Monday through Friday from 4-5 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!

Mon 11-02-98
Batman #076  Baby-Doll
Superman #25 Brave New Metropolis

Tue 11-03-98
Superman #06 The Way of All Flesh
Batman #084  Deep Freeze

Wed 11-04-98
Batman #018  Beware the Gray Ghost
Superman #18 Livewire

Thu 11-05-98
Superman #12 Tools of the Trade
Batman #064  Read My Lips

Fri 11-06-98
Batman #095  Torch Song
Superman #27 The Prometheon

Sat 11-07-98
Superman #37 Little Girl Lost - (Pt. 1)
Superman #38 Little Girl Lost - (Pt. 2)
Batman #108  Beware the Creeper ---NEW!!!!

---------

Mon 11-09-98
Superman #09 Stolen Memories
Batman #072  Harlequinade

Tue 11-10-98
Batman #030  Perchance to Dream
Superman #29 The Hand of Fate

Wed 11-11-98
Superman #10 My Girl
Batman #078  Showdown

Thu 11-12-98
Batman #068  Trial
Superman #32 The Late Mr. Kent

Fri 11-13-98
Batman #101  Animal Act
Superman #34 Heavy Metal

Sat 11-14-98
Batman #032  Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 1)
Batman #037  Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 2)
Superman #47 Obsession ---NEW!!!

Note: All episodes #86 and onward of BATMAN are considered THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES while the original 85 are considered BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (BTAS) episodes.
________________________________
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:
There are two episodes you should watch this week, no matter what it takes! The Superman episode "Brave New Metropolis" and the Batman episode "Read My Lips" are terrific!

NEXT WEEK:
Batman
ROBIN'S RECKONING (Pt. 1, 2) (#32, 37)
The heartbreaking, award-winning two-parter episode featuring the origin of the first Robin, Dick Grayson. It's terrific. Must see. 
Airs Nov. 14/15, 1998


THIS WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
Superman
LITTLE GIRL LOST (Pt. 1, 2) (#37, 38)
This episode isn't terrible, but it's far from interesting. Supergirl is introduced much too quickly for anyone's liking, and right away is seen as a nuisance in Metropolis. Darkseid makes a brief appearance, but even he doesn't save the show. Give it a chance, but I don't think it's all that great, personally.
Airs Nov. 7/8, 1998

NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE TO MISS:
There are two episodes this week which both had a lot of potential, but turned out below average. Superman's "Heavy Metal" features the origin of Steel, fighting against Metallo. Batman's "Harlequinade" is just another of those "let's see Harley act silly and pretend it's a good story" episode. Both do have redeeming qualities, but on the whole, aren't very good.
_________________________________
CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)

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.

Mon 11-02-98: #06 The Underdwellers
              #07 P.O.V.

Tue 11-03-98: #08 The Forgotten
              #09 Be A Clown

Wed 11-04-98: #11 It's Never Too Late
              #12 I've Got Batman in My Basement

Thu 11-05-98: #15 See No Evil
              #19 Prophecy of Doom
_______________________________
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.
______________________________________
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

NOTE: Mr. Evatt was unable to supply a review for this newsletter so Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton is filling in for him.

CHEMISTRY (***1/2)
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Butch Lukic
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: Oct. 24, 1998

While at the wedding of Veronica Vreeland, Bruce Wayne encounters a woman named Susan, and instantly falls in love with her. He spends pretty much the rest of the reception with her; even when he's fighting crime, he's thinking of her - his mind is not clear, and is only filled with thoughts of her.

Now, we all know that Bruce Wayne is never going to really marry, so something must be awry here. Batman is even considering giving up the crime-fighting business - just like how he did in "Batman Forever", so he can spend the rest of his life with Susan - who actually makes him...happy. Dick says that Bruce won't be able to stay out of the costume for a month.

During Bruce's wedding, he receives a phone call from Veronica, who is apparently being physically abused by her new husband (how'd that get past the censors???), after noticing strange things about him...like green chest "hair". Weird, no? During the fight, her mansion is set ablaze and Bruce leaves his own wedding to save Veronica. Bruce starts to see things are going awry, giving Mr. Vreeland the evil eye. He then rushes off to attend a newlywed cruise with Susan - and that's when he realizes who she really is.

I won't spoil the rest of the episode, except for the fact that Poison Ivy is behind it all, using plant-humans to make the rich single men and women in Gotham to fall hopelessly in love with them, marry them, and then kill them - so that, in the end, Poison Ivy claims all their fortunes...the Wayne fortune, the Vreeland fortune; hell, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to snag Lex Luthor, too.

In many respects, this episode borrows tremendously from others, but is still original. "House and Garden", most obviously, influenced Berkowitz while writing this script, using the plant-human mutants to do Ivy's bidding.

There were many other good points to this episode. There were many cameos at Bruce Wayne's wedding as well, such as Jason Blood, Leslie Tompkins, Lucius Fox, Gordon, Mayor Hill, Zatanna, and some even say that Kirk and Francine Langstrom (Man-Bat and She-Bat) were there! The sinking ship at the end was nice (somewhat reminded me of "Prophecy of Doom"), and when Batman coldly stared at his wife drowning in the sinking ship and tossed his wedding ring into the ocean, a chill went up my spine, even though it was a tad sappy. What I liked the most, though, was that we finally got to see Poison Ivy work solo again!
WOOOHHAAAA!!!!

The only problem was that the episode ends immediately as Ivy is vanquished - very abrupt, but I didn't mind.

In short, this episode is quite fun to watch, and the script is solid and well thought out. This is easily one of the better episodes of the past season, and even though Ivy's scheme is solely to make money, it's interesting to learn how she tried to accomplish it.
_______________________________
SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #1:
PAUL DINI'S REALAUDIO CHAT
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

Just over a week ago, an interview with BTAS/STAS/BEYOND producer PAUL DINI appeared at the COMIC BOOK RESOURCES site, talking about his many works in progress, predominantly "Batman Beyond". Here is a brief list of the new points he made about any of his "animated" projects, just for those who were unable to hear it.

For those who want to hear this 35 minute interview for themselves, follow this link:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/interviews

BATMAN BEYOND
- Batman Beyond starts on Jan. 9, 1999
- Villains: "The Jokerz" (manic, wild, street gang), some other recurring villains (Ra's?)
- NEW Villains: Derek Powers (merged with Wayne Enterprises after Bruce gave up) - "WAYNE POWERS" is the new name of the company 
- NEW Villains: Inque (shape-shifter, a la Clayface) - svelte and seductive - assassin/corporate spy
- The wherabouts of Dick and Tim are unknown
- Commissioner Barbara Gordon is involved
- everyone else is up in the air

BATMAN/SUPERMAN
- Hopes to keep going on, if BEYOND grows
- Will be back to full production eventually
- Upcoming heroes: Green Lantern and Aquaman debut in STAS, Captain Marvel, next season
- "Legends of the Dark Knight" - Miller loved seeing his comic adaptation

OTHER PROJECTS
- NOT A JLA cartoon right now

"BATMAN ANIMATED"
- Comes out first week of November (10th)
- 144 pages
- Mostly about just the production of the episodes. Behind the scene stuff.

DC COMICS
- Harley Quinn enters the DCU in "No Man's Land" - in Spring of 1999
- Paul Dini wrote it, along with the other regular writers
- Harley will also appear in non-Dini stories

HARLEY & IVY MINI-SERIES
- "Very fun"
- 3 issues
- Paul Dini/Bruce Timm
- preview of it in "BATMAN ANIMATED"
- comes out in the middle of '99
_____________________________