Batman: The Animated Newsletter
Week of April 26 - May 1/2, 1999
Volume 2,
Rated: PG for some "low-key coarse language and occasional griping"THIS
WEEK'S SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE: "WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE FUTURE, TY!"
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to another our landmark 25th issue of "Batman: The Animated
Newsletter". Enjoy!
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WOOOHOOOO!
Yep! Another "Woohoo" article. Why? We were once again
mentioned in Cinescape Online! Here's a link to the article, which is just a re-hash
of our interview with Boyd Kirkland in , regarding the future animated Batman
movies. It's listed under Monday, April 12, at 4:15 pm.
http://www.cinescape.com/insider/990412u.shtml
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SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE
A multitude of new things. The entire issue has been dedicated to
GOTHAM ADVENTURES writer/cover artist TY TEMPLETON (and we didn't even tell him!
SURPRISE!) Therefore, there will be a special article about his work, in which the
editors list what they consider to be his top five Bat-stories ever written.
We also have a special guest writer, Derek Matthew Fridolfs, who has supplied
us with many tidbits of info he learned whilst at the WONDERCON comics convention a couple
weeks back.
So sit back and enjoy! (Didn't I say that just a couple paragraphs
above?)
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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.
KidsWB will soon 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.
'SPELLBOUND'
Batman Beyond #09
Air date: May 1, 1999
Terry McGinnis takes on the villain Spellbinder. (He's the one with the big
eye-and-hand-thing in the BATMAN BEYOND intro, by the way.)
'A FISH STORY'
Superman #54
Air date: May 8, 1999
When marine life in Metropolis threaten the citizens, Lois Lane discovers it is
because Lex Luthor has taken Aquaman as a prisoner.
'DISAPPEARING INQUE'
Batman Beyond #12
Air date: May 8, 1999
Inque returns!
'THE DEMON REBORN'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
BATMAN'S FINAL CURRENT-DAY ANIMATED APPEARANCE! This episode features Batman and
Superman teaming up to take down Ra's Al Ghul, who has plans to send the world back to its
natural, pre-human state. WOOHOO! THE BAT IS BACK! Airs in May.
'LEGACY (Pt. 1 & 2)'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
This two-parter features the final showdown between Superman and Darksied in which
he strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth.
Now it seems this won't air until September! Argh!
'UNITY'
Superman #??
Air date: ??
Supergirl teams up with Superman to save the Kents and the rest of Smallville from
an alien threat. It seems this won't air until September, as well.
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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 4-26-99: Superman #15 Ghost in the Machine
Batman
#98 Mean Seasons
Tue 4-27-99: Batman #33 The Laughing Fish
Superman #19
Target
Wed 4-28-99: Superman #23 Double Dose
Batman
#75 Bane
Thu 4-29-99: Batman #76 Baby-Doll
Batman
#69 Avatar
Fri 4-30-99: Superman #32 The Late Mr. Kent
Batman
#80 Second Chance
Sat 5-1-99: Batman #96 The Ultimate Thrill
Superman #46
Absolute Power
B-BEYOND #??
Spellbound --------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 BTAS, as well as both animated movies. BTAS airs Monday-Friday at 6pm (ET) and then
repeated again at midnight. If our schedule listings is not complete or up to date then
please go to TOONZONE for the complete episode schedule at:
http://www.toonzone.net/brian/schedules/batman-cn.html
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: THE ANIMATED SERIES>
OLD WOUNDS
Written by: Rich Fogel
Directed by: Curt Geda
Animation by: Dong Yang
Original air date: October 3, 1998
My rating: ***1/2
This episode WAS SUPPOSED to air this past weekend - that's my only reason behind
choosing to review it for this issue.
Personally, I expected much more from this episode, but I am still quite satisfied with
the result. Taken directly from Hilary J. Bader's "Lost Years" comic arc, just
as "Sins of the Father" was, this episode focuses on how Dick Grayson left the
Bat-team, and became Nightwing. Sadly, we only get to see why he left Batman, and none of
Dick's training and encounters with Two-Face and Ra's Al Ghul were even referred to.
Now, on with the show. While scowering the city for crime, Robin asks Nightwing about
why he changed - he seems a lot darker than he did in the past. Robin even says that
Nightwing resembles Batman - and this comment causes Nightwing to blow up in his face,
claiming that there's a world of difference between them. As the discussion unfolds, we
start to learn what forced Dick to part ways from Batman, told in flashback.
-First, Bruce misses Dick's graduation from Gotham State University.
-Second, Batman forces Dick to break off a date with Barbara so he can help him out that
same evening.
-Third, he watches in fear as Batman pounds the crap out of a thug in front of his family,
which he completely disagrees with.
-Fourth, he's just peeved that Bruce manipulated Barbara to cough up her secret identity
to satisfy himself.
-Fifth, and most important, he just doesn't want to be bossed around by Batman any more -
he's old enough to take care of himself.
Now, I felt that the growing animosity that Dick felt towards Bruce was shown very
well, especially since these feelings were never shown in any "old style"
episodes, apart from "Robin's Reckoning". Seeing him in the old red-and-green
Robin suit was a nice touch, too.
Dick arrives at Barbara's apartment in the middle of the night, and tells her that
something is wrong, but can't tell her - then he leaves, saying that coming to her was a
stupid idea in the first place; Barbara is worried, and asks Bruce what is going on
between the two of them. Reluctantly, Bruce shows Barbara the Batcave, revealing his and
Dick's secret to her.
Now, this is the only part of the episode I found to be slightly poor. Yes, I liked
Alfred admitting to be Batman before Bruce had the chance to get a word in - that was
cute. I did not like how Bruce changed his mind so easily about revealing the Batcave to
Barbara, though. True, he knew her identity, which made it logical (since she is part of
the "Bat-team"), but his brief explanation of how he "makes it his business
to know" was weak. Going by that logic, he should've made it his business to figure
out who the Phantasm was ages ago, but he didn't. He should've made it his business to
solve crimes before they were committed in the past, but he didn't. I know I'm
exaggerating here, but the whole "don't ask me how, I just did" excuse was weak.
While in the Batcave, the Joker makes a broadcast, saying that he has stolen a device
which destroys all radar signals in the Gotham area, which would inevitably cause an
infinite amount of air crashes due to planes flying off course. Batman and the Batgirl, in
their first official pairing since their first meeting in "Shadow of the Bat (Pt.
2)", go off to stop the Joker. Dick then arrives at Wayne Manor, and sees that Bruce,
Barbara, and the Batmobile are missing, puts two and two together, and...
Atop the highest skyscraper in Gotham, Batman and Batgirl battle the Joker and his
thugs, Rocko and Henshaw (which have finally returned, also seen in episodes "Joker's
Favor"). Dialogue is exchanged, a couple sick jokes, a lot of action, and in the end,
Joker tosses Batgirl off the top of the building - is it "Over the Edge" all
over again?
Robin shows up just in the nick of time and catches Batgirl, and easily helps Batman
defeat the Joker. I didn't really mind Joker's quick defeat in this episode, simply
because he was only a background character this time around - much unlike Two-Face in
"Sins of the Father", who sadly recieved only "background" status as
well. This Joker appearance has yet to live up to his best (seen in "World's
Finest", "Mad Love" and many of the old-style episodes), but is a great
improvement over his the rest of his "new style" appearances. Of course, his
plot was only background and wasn't very grande, but it didn't need to be; his dialogue
had improved, though. And the best part of it all was this:
NO HARLEY!!!!
I love the character a lot, but if she was in this episode, it would've been too
distracting from the central plot. Anyhow, after Mistah J is hauled away, Robin blows up
in Batman's face, infuriated that he allegedly manipulated Batgirl to help him out, and
that Batgirl agreed to it. He actually didn't give any whiney speeches here about wanted
to go solo (a la Chris O'Donnell in "Batman & Robin"); in fact, he just
slams Batman in the jaw with his fist and takes off. I love watching Batman's reaction to
this...he doesn't even try to stop him...bravo!
The story wraps up with Nightwing realizing that Batman isn't as bad as he made him out
to be earlier, but still feeling that it was time for him to move on. The episode closes
with Nightwing and Robin sailing off into the sky with the Batsignal in the background.
Classic premise, and a definite must-see, whether you know how Dick split from Bruce or
not. Dong Yang's animation is suprisingly good for this episode, and I'm happy that the
Joker is back to his twisted self. If you like Nightwing, especially, this episode is a
must-see.______________________________
SPECIAL IN THIS ISSUE #1:
TRIBUTE TO TY TEMPLETON
(by Dick Grayson and Tim "Two-Face" Leighton)
Soonafter the delivery of this issue, Ty Templeton will be leaving the crew of
"Batman: Gotham Adventures", to pursue other interests for the time being.
His last contribution to the Bat-mythos, of "Gotham Adventures", will
be available for purchase on May 5.
We here at the newsletter have loved his work - he has written virtually every issue of
"Batman & Robin Adventures" and "Gotham Adventures" thus far -
ever since 1995! We will all sorely miss him and the wonderful stories (and cover
art) that he presented to the world. Let's all give him a warm fare-well.
As part of our tribute to Ty, we've decided to list off our five favorite Ty Templteton
Batman stories. This includes his pencil work in BATMAN ADVENTURES, and all the stories he
has done for BATMAN ADVENTURES, BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES and of course BATMAN: GOTHAM
ADVENTURES. Well Ty, this is for you! We'll miss you!
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TIM "TWO-FACE" LEIGHTON's picks
#5
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #7. I admit that I did NOT like Dagger Dixon in his first
appearance back in B&RA#14. So why do I like this comic? His tie to Tim Drake is
perfect; Dixon isn't the villain here, but a guy trying to right the wrongs he's made in
the past by trying to protect Tim Drake (whom he recognizes as Robin) from the
Penguin. Great story, filled with lots of action AND character development for Dixon
and Drake.
#4
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #10. Harley Quinn returns! This time, she's gone straight
and written a book; the Joker, still in Arkham, believes it's a tell-all book about
HIM! Angered, He breaks out (much to Poison Ivy's dismay) and hunts Harley down with
plans to kill her. The only thing that stands in his way are Nightwing and Robin.
Why is this such a good issue? Finally someone writes not only a decent Harley story, but
a great one - a very character-driven story, in which she realizes that she DOESN'T love
the Joker any more. AND there's a "sequel" to it, coming up shortly!
#3
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #11. Ty has accomplished what most of the animated writers
thought was never possible - he's written a RIDDLER STORY! A great issue too, where
Ed finally admits that he just might be crazy...a very sad ending, and you actually start
to feel sorry for the guy.
#2
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #2. At last, Two-Face's abusive father, Lester Dent (what a
perfectly sleazy name) is introduced to the animated universe! We learn more about
Harvey's past, the origin of his scarred coin, and more. A very emotional issue for
all characters concerned.
#1
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #1. "I've been letting you win all these years," says
the Joker to Batman and his farm-team in the Batcave. Why is this issue great?
First it's a nice BIG issue (1.5 times bigger than usual - a nice way to start off the new
series). Cameos galore, from Nightwing and Batgirl to the Riddler and Clayface. The
best part of this issue is, of course, the Joker, who has been hidden in the Batcave
because the Gotham populous is finally courageous enough to seek revenge on all he's done
in the past. The first is often the best, and this issue does not break that rule!
You'll notice that all of my picks were from the GOTHAM ADVENTURES series. Why is
that? I just feel that the fresh new look of all the characters has opened up the
possibilities for stories that could be told. I prefer character-driven stories, and
I feel that these are a lot more prevalent in the current series (even though there are
lots of good issues in Ty's long run with BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES). Ty's BEST
work seems to have been in the recent 14 months, so I must say that I'm really sad to see
him go...it's been a wonderful ride, I just wish that it didn't have to end!
-Tim
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"DICK GRAYSON"'s picks
#5
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #7. The simple reason is becuase we're re-introduced to a
character who we thought we'd never see again! His name, Dagger Dixon. His story from
BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES #14 is a much better read when you read that issue and BGA
#7 right after it. The story was great, and shows that Tim Drake can handle his Robin
mantle.
#4
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #3. Remember the famous 'date' isue of BATMAN ADVENTURES where
Bruce is robbed while on a date? Well here we see them return! It's a couple years later
and it seems that meeting Batman that night has changed his life - he's totally obsessed
with him. He would do almost anything to see him again, and when Scarecrow robs a bank,
his dreams are put to the ultimate test!
#3
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #1. THE best TNBA Joker story told so far (excluding MAD LOVE,
which is a BTAS story), and Ty has is down perfect! The Joker kills the son of a wealthy
socialite and all hell breaks loose! The reason for killing his son? Becuase he splashed
mud on the Joker's khaki shorts. What follows is a story of a city gone wild when a bounty
is put on the Joker's head!
#2
BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES #7. When Scarface finds out that Arnold Wesker has another
puppet, he goes wild, threatening to kill Wesker's mother. Having no choice, Wesker must
watch as Scarface goes to gun down his family. Can Batman and Robin stop Scarface from
killing Wesker's mother,
or are the too late. With the most emotional, tragic, and tear-jerking climax, this issue
is not to be missed.
#1
BATMAN ADVENTURES #33. This issue always sticks out of my head simply becuase this shows
both Batman's and Bruce's world coming together and the results aren't pretty. When Bruce
and his date are mugged, he 'clicks' into his Batman mode, but should he go and stay with
his date,
or bring the crimianl to justice? This issue defines Bruce Wayne's life and makes you
wonder, why is Bruce the Dark Knight.
Ty you've given us one helluva ride, and it really sucks to see you leave the 'Cave! I really hope you return to the animated world in the future. SUPERMAN ADVENTURES could always use your fine stories,
as well as some animated annuals. Please, feel free to do an issue every now and then, BATMAN will not be the same without you!
-DG
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