Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of March 22 - 27/28, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some "low-key coarse language and occassional griping"

THIS WEEK'S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: "TWO FACES ARE BETTER THAN ONE."
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another action-packed issue of "Batman: The Animated Newsletter"!
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SPECIAL/NEW IN THIS ISSUE
Our good friend "Gookie" returns with another look at the recent Batman-related toy lines. And, at least, Laura Hysert returns with another editorial.
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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.

'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 differant 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 3-22-99: Batman #73 Time Out of Joint
Superman #31 Prototype

Tue 3-23-99: Superman #34 Heavy Metal
Batman #77 The Lion & The Unicorn

Wed 3-24-99: Batman #52 Mudslide
Superman #26 Monkey Fun

Thu 3-25-99: Superman #33 Apokolips... Now! (Pt. 1)
Superman #35 Apokolips... Now! (Pt. 2)

Fri 3-26-99: Superman #28 Father's Day
Batman #79 Riddler's Reform

Sat 3-27-99: Batman #109 Judgment Day
Superman #51 Superman's Pal
B-Beyond #03 Black Out

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 3-22-99: #42 Moon of the Wolf
Tue 3-23-99: #43 Day of the Samurai
Wed 3-24-99: #45 Terror in the Sky
Thu 3-25-99: #47 Birds of a Feather
Fri 3-26-99: #48 What Is Reality?

NOTE #1: 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 #2: 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 BEYOND>
SHRIEK
Written by Stan Berkowitz
Directed by Curt Geda
Animation by Dong Yang
Original air date: March 13, 1999
My rating: ***

"Shriek" is another episode in which Derek Powers hires someone to kill Batman - this time, using sound waves.

That pretty much sums up the plot to the story. The secondary plot is a lot deeper, actually; Powers is trying to attain the legal rights to level a the "Old Gotham" sector of the city, so he can build yet another industrial factory. Bruce Wayne hates the idea, so he confronts Powers in the board room, convincing his committee that they should at least vote on this. Later it is revealed that this sector of the city means a lot to Bruce because it is the location of the original GCPD headquarters, as well as the movie theatre he attended with his parents when they were shot seventy years before.

Powers sics Shriek (a scientist which specializes in sound waves) on Bruce; Bruce is sent to the hospital. While there, he is being driven crazy by a mini-radio Powers has implanted into his body while unconscious; the result is Bruce constantly hearing voices in his head.

There are many good things in this episode. Finally, we see another story that gives Bruce Wayne a large role. Seeing Terry doing some detective work for the first time (it even suprised Bruce!) was good too - it looks like he is maturing into the role of Batman. The ties to the past with the historical sector of Gotham were nice, too. The final fight scene with Shriek was well done, too, for all the sound had been removed (this episode focuses immensely on sound), which makes it very eerie.

The only thing that I didn't really find wonderful about this episode was Shriek himself. He just lacked charisma and I didn't really get into his personality - only his gimmicks. Still, an enjoyable episode!
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE

BATMAN COLLECTIBLES NEWS
by Craig "Gookie" Crumpton

NEW BATMAN BEYOND FIGURES ARRIVE IN STORES
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Yeah, I know you're all just salivating to get your hands on these new toys (he said sarcastically), but I just wanted to let everyone know that they ARE out -- I saw them at Toys R Us this past Friday night. But I saw something I didn't expect to see...

Finally seeing one up close and personal (rather than squinting to see some fuzzy internet pic)... well, my opinion remains pretty much unchanged. Nice packaging, but kinda crappy figures. They look like a composite of the previous plastic renderings of the animated characters with the toys from the "Batman & Robin" movie action figures.

But the thing I wasn't expecting and really suprised me was to see that the new "Future Knight Batman" was...

TRANSPARENT!

And honestly, I think it does look kinda cool! I don't believe this had even been mentioned before, or else I just don't remember it. And it's really the only one in the lot that even remotely resembles the animated version (unless this rumor I just read in a post here turns out to be true), and probably the only one this action figure collector will be buying, well besides the Jokerz Leader (gotta have a Bruce Timm figure, you know)... which is really not so bad. I mean, yes, the colors are a little gaudy, but like all the earlier villain action figs were all winners too?

I still have a problem with the "Covert Batman" figure being packaged upside-down on purpose to supposedly highlight the "hooks" on his feet so the figure can hang upside-down. First of all, if you've seen the figure, it's painted much too gaudy to be "covert" (as I described it before, it looks like a zebra that's half-albino), but like realism has ever been much of a concern to Hasbro's toy designers. For another, it just looks stupid to have the figure packaged upside-down. It's a cheap gimmick to get kids to buy the figure, and toy hoarders to buy them all up thinking that they're variants and they can resell them at 4 times their worth. The latter, actually, would be justice because the figures would be practically worthless! So maybe it's not such a bad idea there. But still, to use that as a selling point to get kids to buy it... that, I have a problem with.

Also, the Batman "Mission Masters" action figures are out as well, but they're not all really that impressive... with the exception of the Mr. Freeze figure. This is the ideal figure for Bat-maniacs and action figure collectors. Not only is it detailed to the letter the same as
Freeze appeared in "Cold Comfort", but the head actually detaches as the free-standing, creepy-looking, mechanical spidery-thing. It's such a great figure, I'm buying two of them.

NEW 12-INCH BATGIRL FIGURE
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I was priviledged enough to see the Batman Beyond figures before they were released to stores. A local comic store owner had just gotten back from the Previews "Diamond Comics" distribution meeting for comic store owners, and he brought a few back with him.

But he also showed me an exclusive Batgirl figure that won't be released for several months (it was in a Ziploc bag). The packaging for the figure hasn't even been made yet. But this figure is very nice: 12 inches tall, with a cloth Mego-style costume, cowl and cape (yes, it's "The New Batman Adventures" style, not BTAS); synthetic hair; and several accessories (like the Batarang and Bat-Grapling-gun). The comic store owner couldn't tell me much else about it, so I'm assuming this will be similar to the 12-inch animated Superman figure made available exclusively from PREVIEWS (Diamond Comic Distributors) last year.


NEW BATMAN COLLECTIBLES @ THE WARNER BROS STUDIO STORES
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There are also some new Batman/Superman t-shirts at the WBSS, though they are all kids' sizes. Unless you're like me and can squeeze into a kids' XL without it looking too tight. And there's this keen Batman baseball cap that's been out at the WBSS that I've had my eye on for quite sometime. It's black, and on the front has "BATMAN" in that cool, noir typestyle as was used on BTAS. I gotta hurry up and get mine though, there are only two left at the WBSS nearest me.

And the new WBSS catalog also has several new Batman/Superman items, but again, they're mostly for kids. Still, you might wanna take a look at 'em if you're any kind of collector of all things Batman.

Just thought I'd take the time to give everyone who's interested a heads-up on the new stuff.

Oh, I gotta mention this too... you should get a "rise" outta this. The WBSS just got in a buncha new boxer shorts, and they all have these...er, "suggestive" messages on them, just FULL of innuendo. Besides the Bugs Bunny one having "WHAT'S UP, DOC?" printed on the fly, there's a
pair of SUPERMAN boxers w/ the "S" emblem to the right and "MAN OF STEEL" printed in bold letters right on the fly.

Izzat a crack-up or WHAT?

-Gookie
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EDITORAL
(by Laura Hysert, aka "Phoenix")

BITCHES, BIMBOS AND GLAMOUR DOLLS, Part One

That's a very odd title. I wonder if Tim and James will let me get away with repeatedly writing the word "bitch" in my editorial. Hmm.

I see this as the introduction to a series of editorials exploring (ha!) the women of BTAS and STAS. This seems like a good idea now. Heaven only knows if it will seem like a good idea when my fever subsides. I'll tell you later.

Let's take a quick look at the heroines and villainesses, shall we? We'll start with the villainesses first. That is such a stupid name. "Villainesses." It's almost as bad as "authoresses." Maybe worse, because you can hardly say it. And "heroine." You know what that sounds like. Not very flattering at all. And the whole idea of cutesifying (Word Creation
Alert!) titles for women is just...but I digress.

The Villains:

Harleen, the Bronx Sleaze: Slept her way to a Psychology degree. Abandoned her job and acquired a thick, slummy New York accent when she started following the Joker around like a sick, sick puppy. Points to the writers for broaching the subject of abuse, though.

Pamela, the Ice Princess: Poison Ivy's so cold, she makes Mr. Freeze look like a jalepeno pepper soaked in gasoline (no, kiddies, don't try this at home. It's called a SIMILE.). You have to admire her poise, her audacity (she put a whole new twist on marrying for money), and her new hair style. Wish she didn't get caught so easily, though.

Selina, the Bitter Glamour Grrl: She really loved being a blonde. It made her so happy, she went out and stole pretty shiny things. But then she found out her hair dye manufacturers were bad, bad critters. Now she's gone goth and bitter, but she still steals pretty shiny things.

Livewire, the Snarky Brat: We all hate her. She's so damn annoying. She's not really a villain; she's that dirty-faced kid down the street who stands at the edge of your yard and shoots spitballs at your dog.

And the Heroes:

Barbara, the Kept Woman: We all want a sugar daddy. Some nice billionaire who will buy us lots of neat things and dress us up in Donna Karan gowns and take us to balls. So we really can't blame Barbara for jumping at the chance when it presented itself. Too bad she had to sacrifice her independence and self-respect for it.

Kara, the Perky Cheerleader: You have to love her Dorothy-like wonder and innocence. Even if she dresses like a Main Street hooker. But why the kid gloves? Is she afraid of ruining her nails? Is it possible for a Kryptonian to break a nail? And if so, why doesn't Superman wear gloves? I'm betting that's the reason Batman wears 'em.

Lois, the Bitch Goddess: Ah, the bitch goddess. Gifted with an eternal spring of acidic barbs, she got straight A's in school and still managed to have all the cool guys chase after her. But she's so consumed with her own agenda, she forgets that other human beings exist on this planet. Could explain why she has a crush on a muscle-bound alien.

As you can tell, I have little use for how women are portrayed in the animated series nowadays. There are some bright spots, though - like how Barbara was portrayed before she got a tour of the BatCave. And there's Maggie, Montoya, and Dr. Thompkins. All this and more will be explored...in time.

That is, as long as I don't wake up and exclaim, "This is crap! What was I THINKING?" I bet this is how Wing Commander made it to the screen: the entire cast and crew, doped up on Extra Strength Tylonel Cold.

Laura
Recovering Bitch Goddess Extraordinaire
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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.

At this very moment I'm surrounded by a bunch of whining, crying, screaming toddlers (we run a daycare at my house during the day), so I thought, "let's make the trivia section focus on kids this time!"

91. What was the name of the girl that aided her brother in saving Batman from the Penguin by hiding him in her basement?

A: JENNIFER
B: ROBERTA
C: PATRICIA
D: SAMANTHA
E: LARA

92. Everyone knows who Tim Drake is. But there has been ANOTHER Tim on BTAS - in what episode did he appear?

A: "BE A CLOWN"
B: "I'VE GOT A BATMAN IN MY BASEMENT"
C: "BEWARE THE GRAY GHOST"
D: "GROWING PAINS"
E: "DEEP FREEZE"

93. What are the names of Poison Ivy's two "children"?

A: Alicia & Melissa
B: Chris & Shelley
C: Robin & Robyn
D: Chris & Kelley
E: Daniel & Matthew

94. What is the name of the young boy who is repeatedly bullied by Nelson Nash?

A: Carl Grissom
B: Terry McGinnis
C: Willy Watt
D: Gregory MacNellis
E: Timmy Layton

95. Charlie Collins has a son named Kenny. In the episode in which Collins appeared, what sport were he and his child playing in one scene?

A: "Catch"
B: Frisbee
C: Football
D: Street-hockey
E: Toss-the-kabur
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #91: 'B'
Answer to #92: 'A'
Answer to #93: 'D'
Answer to #94: 'C'
Answer to #95: 'C'
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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) Remember how WAY BACK in the earliest episodes of BTAS ("On Leather Wings", "Nothing to Fear", "The Last Laugh"), Richard Moll (Two-Face) did the voice of the Batcomputer? Then, the Batcomputer was silent until the BEYOND episode "Shriek", 6.5 years later. And who's doing the voice of the computer now? Sherman Howard I THINK (he's Powers/Blight's voice). It just doesn't sound the same! But would we rather have cyber-Alfred? *SHUDDER*

2) Correct me if I'm wrong, but the waiter at the restaurant in "Trial" was voiced by Mark Hamill. (Joker)

3) Ever notice how the mysterious informant seen at the beginning of "Off Balance" bears a striking resemblance to Tim Burton?

4) Our mistake. Arhtur Reeves was NOT named after BTAS Michael Reaves, as I earlier suggested; Arthur was apparently in the comics in the 70's and 80's. Thanks to the many of you that corrected us on this!

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
(Grey Eyes)
5) Remember the chubby lady in "Chemistry" who ran in front of all the other women to try and catch the bride's bouquet? She looks EXACTLY like Bruce Timm's drawing of Jean Macurdy in the Batman: Animated book - she's drawn as a packaged action figure!(its on the page with all the caricatures of the crew)
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