Terry Beatty just e-mailed me out of the blue last Monday, sharing some news that was too good to keep to myself.  Here ya'll go! And thanks, Mr. Beatty!

 RANDOM SUBMISSIONS
(by Terry Beatty)

 Here's hoping readers of GOTHAM ADVENTURES will give themselves a chance to warm up to the "new guys."  Scott Peterson has a solid handle on Batman and his world - and has written some damn good scripts - and Tim Levins continues to impress me with the quality of his pencils.  As an inker, I'm happiest when the penciller can REALLY draw - and I'm mighty happy these days. Tim's composition, figures, backgrounds, etc. are impeccable.  The issue I'm finishing in the next day or two (#22) is a wonderful Batgirl/Jim Gordon team-up.  Really sweet piece o' work (no Two-Face in #22 though!)...

 *TWO-FACE'S DIVINE INTERVENTION* Grumble....*INTERVENTION, OVER AND OUT*

 Scott seems to be relying LESS on classic villains - using them only every two or three issues - focusing in other stories on the relationships between the Bat-crew - and their dealing with "smaller" crimes.  But the "biggies" will be around - just inked a Ra's Al Ghul image for an upcoming cover...speaking of which, that Bob Smith feller is doin' a hell of a job on both the GOTHAM and BEYOND cover pencils - always a treat to ink his work.

 I'm second to none in my admiration for the work Rick and Ty were doing on the book - but it's no disrespect to them to see the good in the work the new crew is doing.  And there WILL be one more Ty story published - when my schedule allows me to finish drawing the much mentioned, but still only half done Joker "inventory" story.  Rick may show up again in GOTHAM's pages at some point too - a return to the book has not been ruled out - he just needs some (well-deserved) time away after a terrific run on the title.

 And remember, with BTAS out of production, GOTHAM ADVENTURES is your only source for new animated Batman adventures - so please, Batfans, don't pass it up.

 And on an annoying note - we're having computer trouble here (have the OLD one set up for managing our e-mail for a while) - so have we've NOT been offering any original Bat art on eBay lately.  My apologies to those who have searched around looking for my art auctions when there haven't been any. Hope to change that soon.  The word you never want to hear in regard to your newly purchased computer is "recall."  Yes - there IS a reason to save those original packing boxes....

 Oh - in convention news, current and previous Bat-creators attending BoucherCon (World Mystery Convention) in Milwaukee this coming weekend include Greg Rucka Max Collins and li'l ol' me.  A little different - and more expensive to attend - at least in ticket price - than a comic con. But if you're a major Bat-fan/mystery fan in the Milwaukee area - might be worth your time (There IS a Bouchercon website - but don't know the URL offhand - THAT info's on the crashed computer... sigh...)

 And I'll be a guest at the ReznHedz model and toy expo the following weekend (Oct 9 & 10) at the Hillside Holiday Inn in Hillside (Chicago) IL.  I'll be the only comic book guest, on a list headlined by special effects wiz Ray Harryhausen. I'll be doing Bat-sketches as usual and showing off my model kit sculpts too.  For more info, call 1-800-878-9378.

 "Bats" wishes,

 Terry Beatty
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EDITORAL #1
(by Laura Hysert, aka "Phoenix")

 Breaking news: We've just gotten word that Ms. Hysert is trapped down a well. Fear not, we've already sent out our brigade of collies to find her. Nevertheless, she's still unable to submit an article for this issue...let's hope our entourage of Lassies find her quickly...
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EDITORIAL #2
(by Kelly Tindall)

 THE NEW WRITERS

 When The Adventures of Batman and Robin halted production back in '93 or '94, the fan base was of two minds.  Most were outraged, saddened, and thunderstruck that their favorite heroes weren't going to be seen in new adventures.  Others, like me, were restricted to what's called "farmer vision" consisting of two channels.  They only showed about ten of the B&R episodes, anyway.  Us in the second 'mind' were relieved that we could actually go out on the weekends, and not desperately wait for a new Batman episode at exactly 10:30 every Saturday morning.  Our tapes of sixty-odd episodes would have to do us.

 Then the WB caught on - and Batman came back.  And us fans, who have grown into people that not only know who Scarecrow really is but who designed him as well, we perked up our ears.

 The biggest change, I think, is the style.  That all boils down to the writing, NOT just the character design.  It's not thirties-style crime noir anymore...it's character-based family drama, in a cape.  Since Paul "Hey, I'm a god over here" Dini was now story editor and producer, new writers came in to add their voices to the mouths of the Bat-Family.

 The first guy to mention is Steve Gerber.  His episode, "Beware the Creeper" (as well as World's Finest pt. 2, I believe) was a fresh, interesting, and most importantly FUNNY take on the Joker, Harley, and the Creeper.  It remains a favorite.  Gerber, of course, is no stranger to odd humor.  He is, after all, the creator of Howard the Duck.  His take on the Bat-universe is very good, and he's one of the only other writers I trust with The Joker.

 The next writer I've selected is living proof that genius needs a supportive environment. About the time Batman first went off the air, you may have seen the work of one Stan Berkowitz on a fairly embarrassing show called "Spider-Man".  The scripts were ridiculous, but the savvy comic-book style of Berkowitz shined through savaged scripts like the origin of perennial Spidey crook The Lizard.  Berkowitz made it tense, believable, GOOD... but he shares credit with a number of others on his scripts.  Others who insist on a series-wide dramatic narrative that kills the individual story.  Alan Semper, are you listening?

 Once Berkowitz appeared on the Bat-toon, well...see for yourself.  "The Demon Within" is my personal favorite of his work.  An episode with an interesting one-shot villain, a legendary guest hero, and the logical combo of mysterious Batman with mysterious black arts.  A genius adventure episode, and one of the best of all time.  Of all the new writers, Berkowitz is my favorite.

 I would be remiss if I did not include Robert Goodman, who if memory serves wrote the staggering Batman Beyond episode "Black Out".  The episode's genius is the slim writing that allowed the animators to go all-out in depicting a villain that is more special effect than person, but creepily strapped with human greed, vanity, and pride.

 (I should also mention that Derek Powers' transformation from slick criminal to psychopathic radiation-based misfit is handled brilliantly through BB, not like the idiotic build-up to the Secret War on "Spider-Man".  Damn you, Semper.)

 Last, but not least, is the startlingly prolific Hilary J. Bader.  You've seen her work all over TV...she has written for "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (we're not worthy!) and even "Xena: Warrior Princess".  Her most poignant work, we (of course) think is on Batman.  Not only did she handle the lion's share of new scripts, she also has a hand and an arm in Batman Beyond and has written most of the BB comics!  Her most recent, "Grounded", featuring guest villain Spellbinder, shows a thorough understanding of both of the heroes of BB, old and new.  Having graduated from the 'family' of ST:TNG to the 'family' of Batman, it's safe to say that although not all of her scripts are brilliant genius (neither are Dini's), their sheer volume and the high level maintained shows that the Batman universe will be well-represented well into the century that Batman Beyond depicts.

 Good job so far, guys 'n' gals.  Now get back to work!
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AND THAT'S THE FACTS
(by "Reliable Source")

 (Yes, I understand that the title is grammatically incorrect. So sue us.  Actually, nix that. Don't sue us.)

 (DISCLAIMER:  For those of you who are not yet familiar, Reliable Source is an anonymous character who first surfaced on Batman: The Animated Message Boards, spewing forth ridiculous predictions about the future of Batman Beyond under the guise of spoiler warnings.  His controversial posts created quite a buzz, and have now landed him, at least at this moment, a temporary column with this newsletter.  The thoughts and ideas expressed by this character are in no way officially connected to Kids WB, Batman Beyond, this newsletter, or anything that is decent or holy.)

 Hello folks, and welcome once again to another edition of this fine newsletter.  This week I'm kicking off the column with something a little different.  We're going to reach into the ol' mailsack and pull out a letter from one of our readers.  This week's letter comes from Michael C. Wilson, Corporal of the United States Marine Corps.  He writes:

 "Ooh rah & goodmorning or afternoon. What you wrote sounds too good to be true.  Are they ever gonna throw Bruce into the Lazarus Pit and get rid of Terry?  What new Animated Batman/Superman Toys are coming out?  Also, Batman Beyond toys in the future?"

 Well, sir, what I write often IS too good to be true, but that's why we run that little
disclaimer.  Nonetheless, I'm glad you asked about the new action figures.  Many fans of both the Batman cartoons and comic books have always sought after the Hasbro action figures based on the animated series.  However, lately many have been disappointed with the selection in the lines of figures.  Yet, listen to this.

 Due to an accident at the factory, Hasbro has produced figures of the ACTORS that do the voices of the characters instead of the characters themselves.  Apparently the blueprints for the figures were switched with photos of the voice actors that were intended for a new book called A Look Behind Batman's Mask.  Most of these figures were destroyed under orders of Kids WB, but some limited edition Kevin Conroy and Arleen Sorkin figures did make it through to the black market, and are also being sold via eBay for millions of dollars.   Rumor has it that Wizard and/or ToyFare may also be offering a special Paul Williams as The Penguin figure in the coming months.

Hasbro is now frantically trying to get its correct line together in time to make deadline.  Here is what will be in the new wave of figures.

First up is a new and improved version of the Derek Powers/Blight figure.  (Many complained about the first version because they only bothered to show the skull and ribcage, and because the figure was totally, totally naked...disgusting.) This new figure comes with radioactive heating that melts off his skin.  Unfortunately you can only do this once and then the skin is melted off forever.  You have to buy the special Powers Regeneration Center (the thing he goes into on the show to get his skin back) and Powers Skin Refill Packs to turn him back into Powers for about 5 minutes, and then he transforms again.  Wear protective clothing with this one because he really is radioactive.

Next up is Elderly Bruce Wayne.  He comes with a voice chip that says cool phrases like "McGinnis, get out of there!", "If you scratch it, no allowance!" and "So go stop them!"  He also comes with a little box of Depends Adult Diapers....don't ask.

And, of course, YES!!  More Batman variants!  SCUBA BATMAN, NINJA BATMAN, CYBORG BATMAN, VIKING KNIGHTS BATMAN, STEALTH BATMAN, MS-DOS BATMAN, COWBOY BATMAN, INDIAN BATMAN, BALLERINA BATMAN, and CROSS-DRESSER BATMAN are just a few of the GREAT new figures that Hasbro has come up with!

After all, everyone knows that Batman variants are the #1 sellers among the figures....  mainly because that's pretty much ALL THEY MAKE.  But I digress.  Thank you to Cpl. Wilson for taking the time to write in.  Do you have a hot topic you'd like to see addressed by Reliable Source? 
Do you have a comment you think the world needs to hear?  Well drop me a line at reliable_s@hotmail.com, and maybe your letter will be the next one I pull out of my sack.  More as I hear it.
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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 based on the show. Remember, answer the questions WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE ANIMATED CONTINUITY. Now have fun - let's see how well you do! Answers are provided below.

So who's in love? Huh? Huh? I thought I'd dedicate this non-Valentine's-Day-influenced quiz to all ya crazy couples out there; I'm a couple unto myself. (Having two personalities does come in handy, sometimes.)  Here ya go!

181. Bruce Wayne actually married someone on BTAS once.  Who was it?

A: Andrea Beaumont
B: Susan (maiden name unknown)
C: Pamela Isley
D: Alice (maiden name unknwon)
E: Chase Meridian

182. Harvey Dent dated two people on BTAS. Who were they?

A: Sugar
B: Spice
C: Poison Ivy
D: Candace, Rupert Thorne's secretary
E: Grace Lamont

183. What was the name of the woman that wanted to "make her boyfriend human again"?

A: Nora
B: Grace
C: Stella
D: Naomi
E: Robyn

184. What is the name of the episode in which Harley Quinn beats the Joker senseless at the end?

A: MAD LOVE
B: JOKER'S MILLIONS
C: HARLEQUINADE
D: THE CODE
E: THE LAST LAUGH

185. To remember the life of his wife, Mr. Freeze committed a series of crimes on Christmas Eve.  Where did the finale of this particular story take place?

A: GOTHAM OBSERVATORY
B: ARKHAM ASYLUM
C: A CEMETERY
D: AN ICE RINK
E: THE KWIK-E-MART
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ANSWERS TO THE TRIVIA

Answer to #181: B
Answer to #182: C, E
Answer to #183: C
Answer to #184: B
Answer to #185: E
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LITTLE FACTS AND BLOOPERS
(by Tim "TWO-FACE" Leighton)

Here is a section that just points out various little facts and bloopers 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:
Nothing. Nada.

CONTRIBUTED BY OTHERS:
Rien.  Zippo hippo.
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MERCHANDISING: WHERE THE REAL BAT-CASH IS MADE
(by Kevin Smith) 
Oh_Ho77@hotmail.com

Here we are, another issue, another time that this column was blank - almost.  Steve Nauert has helped us out by writing a review of the new-style Riddler figure.  Thanks Steve!

BATMAN: THE TOY LINE AND BEYOND!

Hi! This is a sample article I did on the Batman adventures and Batman Beyond toy line, if this is actually published I hope you enjoy it and will be wise consumers to your toys!

I was recently lucky enough to stumble upon the new and rare "Rumble Ready Riddler" Figure. This is an animated style Riddler with a question mark cart and Quiz Missle cane. This over all is a great toy and fits in perfect with the other "New Batman adventure" villan figures. If you would like to see a picture go to hasbro's renovated batman website and click on the animated section!

Availability: Speculated 2 per case
Best store bet: Wal-Mart
Score of 1-10: 9
Overall: a great toy for Riddler and Batman fans alike!

 Now I am going to talk about the Batman Beyond toy line. This line has much debate over it, but its sales will continue the line into the millenium and beyond.

 Next on the block and apparently availale now are a sleek and naked Blight as well as a Batman variant with a Terry McGinnis head. Both these toys look very well done and Blight and his bones glow in the dark, oooohhhh scary!!!!! Terry comes with a robin bird assistant and removable armor to look wounded! After this the line will have a Deluxe figure set with a big Jokerz member and a little Jokerz member that he can throw like the BTAS Bane figure. And of course the line will have more variants. I am really looking hard for the Blight figure but he has just been released so don't beat yourselves up if you can't find him.

Availability: At this time not known
Store: Toys R Us, Target, and Wal-Marts
Overall: This wave of figures looks better than the last though I do like the Jokerz leader and Future Knight Batman
Side note: The original plans for an Inque toy were apparently cancelled but if this character returns I am sure she will eventually become a toy.

Also there are apparently NEW Batman animated villan Beanie Babies at the WB stores accross america, Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Poison Ivy are in the line up.

Thanks for reading my test Batman toy article!
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