Batman: The Animated Newsletter

Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of March 15 - 20/21, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some "low-key coarse language"

THIS WEEK'S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: "PUT ANIMATED MOVIE #3 IN THEATRES!"
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another action-packed issue of "Batman: The Animated Newsletter"!
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NEW IN THIS ISSUE
A new poll feature has been added to the newsletter, where you get to click on a link and participate in a poll that we have started. Topics will be different with every different newsletter.
ALSO we have a special report of the many Daytime Emmy Nominations that the Batman and Superman shows have been nominated for. Go see! Go see!
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DC'S ANIMATED LEGACY
In early 1990, in the aftermath of the blockbuster "Batman" film, ideas began to form about an animated Batman series. This task had been attempted in the past, from the 60's to the 80's, but the series were, moreover, a disappointment. However, in September of 1992, when "Batman: The Animated Series" debuted, it became a financial and critical success - seen as the best non-comics interpretation of Batman in history.
After 65 episodes, season two began in 1994 with a new name for the series - "The Adventures of Batman & Robin". Like all other aspects of the Bat-mythos in that year, things lightened up a bit - mostly due to Robin playing a heavier role in the series. In 1995, the series passed away silently with 85 episodes, a feature-film, and 4 Emmy awards under its Bat-belt.
In 1996, the BTAS team moved on to work on a series for DC's other major hero, Superman. After 13 episodes, the season got off to a shaky start, but when it was paired up with Batman in the fall of 1997, it got the exposure it needed and began to thrive. In this year, Batman was renewed and 24 more episodes (including a number of crossovers with Superman) were given the go-ahead.
Just as the 1998/99 season of Batman/Superman was drawing to a close, the WB team surprised us once again with a new animated series - a futuristic version of Batman entitled "BATMAN BEYOND". The season has just begun and it's already a hit! This is the episode the WB team will be working on until the end of the 1999/2000 season. What will follow? Rumor right now is...MORE BATMAN (the regular one)! Woohoo!
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DAYTIME EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Here's a look at all the categories either Batman or Superman have been nominated for at the 1999 Daytime Emmy Awards, and who they're competition is. Thanks to Brian Cruz for the info!

***SPECIAL CLASS - ANIMATED PROGRAM***
-HOW THINGS WERK * ABC
-ROLIE POLIE OLIE * DIS
-LIFE WITH LOUIE * FOX
-STEVEN SPIELBERG PRESENTS: PINKY AND THE BRAIN * WB
-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES * WB
-THE SYLVESTER & TWEETY MYSTERIES * WB

***SOUND MIXING - SPECIAL CLASS***
-ARTHUR * PBS
-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES * WB
-SESAME STREET * PBS
-STEVEN SPIELBERG PRESENTS: PINKY, ELMYRA & THE BRAIN * WB

***MUSIC DIRECTION & COMPOSITION***
-CASPER * FOX
-LIONHEARTS * SYN
-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES * WB
"LEGEND OF THE DARK NIGHT"
SHIRLEY WALKER, COMPOSER
-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES * WB
"LITTLE GIRL LOST,PART 1"
LOLITA RITMANIS, COMPOSER
-THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES * WB
"JUDGEMENT DAY"
MICHAEL MCCUISTION, COMPOSER
-SESAME STREET * PBS
-STEVEN SPIELBERG PRESENTS: ANIMANIACS * WB
-STEVEN SPIELBERG PRESENTS: PINKY AND THE BRAIN * WB
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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 LOSS OF THE WB ON WGN: Beginning this fall, the WB will no longer be carried on WGN-TV’s national feed to avoid conflicts with other WB affiliates. WGN-TV will continue carrying the prime time WB in the Chicago area. If you’re outside the Chicago area and know of no other way to pick up the WB, you may call them at (818)977-5000 for more information. This is taken from the info section of the WGN website, http://www.wgn.com . Thank you for Peter Destructo for pointing this out.

The WB WILL be shown on a new channel called "WeB" - I know little about this - but if you can get that channel, I'm pretty sure the WB shows would be on.

'DEAD MAN'S HAND'
Batman Beyond #06
Air date: March 20, 1999
The Future Knight takes on the Royal Flush Gang - and one of them develops a crush on Terry. Rumor of a Catwoman appearance of sorts.

'DEMON REBORN'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
BATMAN'S FINAL CURRENT-DAY ANIMATED APPEARANCE! This episode, originally entitled "Rise of the Demon", features Batman and Superman teaming up to take down Ra's Al Ghul. One parter, probably - WOOHOO! THE BAT IS BACK! This'll probably air in May.

'LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
This two-parter, featuring the final showdown between Superman and Darksied, will be the season finale, airing this May.
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WB ANIMATION SCHEDULES:
(courtesy of Brian Cruz and/or the official BTAS/STAS site)

This section of the newsletter highlights the schedule and times that WB airs The New Batman/Superman Adventures. For most affiliates it airs Monday - Friday at 4pm (ET) and Saturdays beginning at 8am (ET). WGN airs Batman/Superman Monday - Friday at 10am (ET) and Sundays beginning at 8am (ET). There's a chance that your local WB channel airs it at a different time. To find out when, we recommend you follow this URL (provided by Toonzone): http://www.toonzone.net/brian/stations/index.html

PS - Remember that "Batman Beyond" airs 30 minutes AFTER "Batman/Superman" is over, because "Men In Black" has been squeezed in between.

Mon 3-15-99: Batman #068 Trial
Superman #32 The Late Mr. Kent

Tue 3-16-99: Superman #07 Feeding Time
Batman #093 Growing Pains

Wed 3-17-99: Batman #033 The Laughing Fish
Superman #19 Target

Thu 3-18-99: Superman #15 Ghost in the Machine
Batman #097 Over the Edge

Fri 3-19-99: Batman #091 Never Fear
Superman #24 Solar Power

Sat 3-20-99: Batman #104 Legends of the Dark Knight
Superman #50 In Brightest Day
B-BEYOND #06 Dead Man's Hand --------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.
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CARTOON NETWORK WB ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
"Yabba Dabba Doom"
(courtesy of Brian Cruz)

THE CARTOON NETWORK was able to get the exclusive rights to 52 episodes of the classic Batman: The Animated Series, as well as MASK OF THE PHANTASM and SUB-ZERO. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then please go to TOONZONE for the complete episode schedule:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html

Mon 3-15-99: #38 Heart of Steel Part One
Tue 3-16-99: #44 Heart of Steel Part Two
Wed 3-17-99: #39 If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Thu 3-18-99: #40 Joker's Wild
Fri 3-19-99: #41 Tyger Tyger

NOTE #1: These schedules MAY be inaccurate. These are just educated guesses.
NOTE #2: BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO will be airing again on CARTOON NETWORK on May 22nd at 8pm (ET) as apart of their CARTOON THEATRE
NOTE #3: CARTOON NETWORK will be having a BATMAN 'SUPER-CHUNK' on May 29th. The 3 hour BATMAN Super-Chunk will be from 4pm-7pm (ET). The 'SUPER-CHUCK' means that we'll have three hours worth of BATMAN episodes.
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EPISODE REVIEW: (SPOILERS!)
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

All of Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton's reviews of the new-style BTAS episodes and BATMAN BEYOND can be found via these links, which link to "Two-Face's Tower of Tranquility and Terror":

MAIN PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFace/index.html
BTAS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/TimTwoFaceText/bats.html

<BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES>
CULT OF THE CAT
Story by Paul Dini, Stan Berkowitz
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Butch Lukic
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date (USA): September 18, 1998
My rating: ***

This episode is a landmark - it's episode #100 for "Batman: The Animated Series"! It's also unique in one other way...BATMAN IS WORKING ALONE AGAIN!

As for the plot, it's somewhat...weird. Catwoman, master-theif, has accidentally crossed paths with "The Cult of the Cat", a gang of super-thugs who, not suprisingly, don't dress all that different from her. She was stealing yet more jewels, got caught, and now they thirst for her blood - I don't think any of Catwoman's "victims" have chased her down personally before...I liked that idea.

Meanwhile, Batman is wrapping up some thugs he just caught; Catwoman broke into the Batmobile (it must be a "Schumacher-mobile" - no shields or anything) and waits for Batman to return, so she can strike a deal with him to protect her. He agrees, but only if she returns everything she's ever stolen in her life - she reluctantly agrees.

The Cult attacks them again, and after a lengthly battle, snag Catwoman and take her off to their headquarters, where the leader, Thomas Blake (although it's never mentioned in the episode, he is better known as "Cat-Man") intends to convert her over to the Cult's religion - a religion dating back to Ancient Egypt, where the followers dress as cats and commit thefts and such; Catwoman's cup of tea, eh?

Catwoman is left waiting in a bedroom (some nice subtle sexual innuendo here...kinda cool...much better than in "The Ultimate Thrill"), and as soon as she's alone, she starts stealing from them again. Batman comes to rescue her, and notices this; Catwoman knocks him out with a clock on the noggin' and Thomas enters, hearing the noise; Catwoman explains that Batman was trying to rescue her (against her wishes), and Thomas takes him to an arena in another part of the house.

Batman is then placed in a pit/arena where a giant mutant cat (about the size of a triceratops) is siced on him, and what ensues is a very brutal fight, reminiscent of the Christians-VS-the lions "games" in Ancient Rome. This is one of the few scenes in which Batman actually bleeds - and his costume is ripped to shreds - it's amazing that the censors let this pass - it's very...graphic!

The episode, on the whole, is well done. Not spectacular, but certainly a good solid show. Catwoman's role is well written, and the Cult is rather gothic and sets the tone of the episode quite well. I was very pleased to see that Catsy did not have a "damsel in distress" role in this episode, like she did in "Tyger, Tyger" and "Cat Scratch Fever". Her double-cross after double-cross keeps the story moving along swiftly; the fact that she saves the day BUT gets away scott-free with all the stolen goods is a nice touch at the end.

My favourite scene, however, has got to be the terrificly animated scene where Batman and Catwoman are escaping from the Cult by climbing up an industrial chimney - right before the Cult sets its aflame - very cool.

If you like Catwoman, you'd like this episode. If you prefer the "older style" of episode story telling, you'd like this episode. Woo hoo!
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BATMAN:THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER POLL

This poll is basically on what you like, and where you can show your opinions. This poll will
cover everything from your favorite animated show (like Batman or Superman) to your favorite episode or issue and favorite sections of this newsletter. This poll will have no specified time length so vote as soon as you can! The poll could be up as short as one week or as
long as two months!

**Watch the 'Introduction' section for when the newest poll is posted!**

Batman:The Animated Newsletter Poll #1
http://apps3.vantagenet.com/zpolls/poll.asp?id=938193849
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THE ORIGINAL 85
(by E. Nygma)

E. Nygma was unable to submit his reviews for the printing of this letter, but fear not, he will return shortly!
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka "Phoenix")

Laura will be back ASAP. Be patient, my children.
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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
- a column dedicated to "Batman Beyond"
(by Ed Wiser)
ewiser@iglou.com

Mr. Wiser was unable to submit an article for this column at the printing of this newsletter. But fear not, he WILL return shortly!
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BATMAN: THE ANIMATED TRIVIA
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

This is one of my favourite sections, where I get to boggle the minds of all our readers! *EVIL LAUGH* This trivia is all animated-related in some form, and can deal with ANY aspect of the show or comics. Some are easy, some are not. Now have fun - let's see how well you do! Answers are provided in the following section.

While I was typing this up my family was watching English Premiere Football (soccer *S*) in the background, which really distracted me. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning - do a quiz on SPORTS! And so, I did.

86. What is the name of Gotham City's football team?

A: "GOTHAM RAIDERS"
B: "GOTHAM CITY PACKERS"
C: "GOTHAM VIGILANTES"
D: "GOTHAM KNIGHTS"
E: "GOTHAM CITY 69ers"

87. One episode of BTAS begins with a robbery at a boxing match. Which villain is behind that particular robbery?

A: CATWOMAN
B: BANE
C: KILLER CROC
D: TWO-FACE
E: THE VENTRILOQUIST

88. Which of the following characters was a wrestler at one point in his/her life?

A: KILLER CROC
B: HARVEY BULLOCK
C: BANE
D: MAYOR HAMILTON HILL
E: ALFRED PENNYWORTH

89. In which episode does "the hockey team from hell" appear?

A: "HEART OF ICE"
B: "DEEP FREEZE"
C: "COLD COMFORT"
D: "MELTDOWN" (Batman Beyond)
E: No episodes have stooped that low, yet, thank God.

90. In which episode did Batman actually use a baseball bat in a fight sequence?

A: "SHADOW OF THE BAT (Pt. 1)"
B: "CHRISTMAS WITH THE JOKER"
C: "MAD LOVE"
D: "HARLEY'S HOLIDAY"
E: "TERROR IN THE SKY"
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #86: 'D'
Answer to #87: 'E'
Answer to #88: 'A'
Answer to #89: 'E'
Answer to #90: 'B'
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LITTLE FACTS
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

Here is a section that just points out various little facts that we have noticed while watching BTAS and STAS countless times. If you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so! Enjoy!

CONBTRIBUTED BY STAFF:
1) Didja know that Superman makes an appearance in "Love is a Croc"? He's on the front page of the Daily Planet that Killer Croc shows to Baby-Doll when he says that "even the out o' town rags (?) are talkin' about us."

2) Was Councilman Arthur Reaves (from "Mask of the Phantasm") named in honour of BTAS writer Michael Reaves? Anyone know?

3) The voice of Grace Lamont, Murphy Cross, had a guest appearance on "Night Court" where she had some type of connection to the voice of Two-Face, Richard Moll, who was a regular on the series. So in the Two-Face two-parter, they were re-united. Ain't 'dat sweet?

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
("Oziemandus")
4) In the Batman Beyond episode "Shriek", when Terry is in Shrieks lair and is listening to the music from the little radio, you can hear that it is the theme for the Jokerz gang. Check it out.
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