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         GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS #140

         Friday 4th August 2000

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GOTHAM GAZETTE II –THE RETURN!

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Yes, it’s true I am working on the re-launch of GOTHAM GAZETTE – The BATMAN Magazine On The Web. Given my other commitments ( day job and writing projects) I can no longer do GG as a solo effort.  A few people have been kind enough to step up and offer to write regular columns for the magazine, so GG is now on track to once again grace a web-browser near you.

 

The current plan is to re-launch GG as a bi-monthly article-driven magazine rather than the news-driven version of the past ( a role now ably filled by Dave Carroll’s excellent “Defender Of Gotham” web-site at http://www.fandom.com/batman/).

 

I am aiming to publish the first new issue in early October at a new domain name. Keep tuned to GWN for more news, or if you are interested in contributing send me an e-mail with your ideas for an article or two.

 

As always, have a great week.

 

Alan J. Porter

PO Box 527

Millersville

MD 21108

USA

 

E-mail: ajp@toad.net

 

IN THIS ISSUE OF GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS:

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This Week In Bat History

Comics Shipping Next Week

Comics News – McDaniel extends DC exclusive.

TV Show Schedules

TV News – MIB replaces Batman !

Movie News – Kilmer wants the cowl back !

In The Stores – New Batman Beyond toys on the way.

Meet The Bat-Team – Meet the TV cast.

On-Line Happenings

Fanzines & Fan-Clubs

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THIS WEEK IN BAT-HISTORY

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Batman Animated producer and writer Paul Dini has a birthday on the 7th

 

One time Batman replacement Azrael was introduced on August 11th in 1992’s “Sword Of Azrael” mini-series

 

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COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (August 9th)

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AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #69

Written by Dennis O'Neil, art by Sergio Cariello and James Pascoe, cover by Tony Harris.

New penciller Sergio Cariello makes his debut as Azrael finds himself stranded in the desert. Lost in despair, Jean Paul struggles to deal with the tragedy he has just endured without turning to violence. But that may prove difficult as he is forced to choose between joining forces with two ruthless adversaries or facing a hostile army alone. (32 pages, $2.50)

 

BATMAN ANNUAL #24

Written by John Ostrander, art by Jim Aparo and Sal Buscema, cover by Michael W. Kaluta.

An explosive Planet DC Annual introduces the English metahuman known as the Boggart. Who or what is the Boggart? Who or what has attacked Alfred while on holiday and left him catatonic? What sinister occurences are going on at Castle Malvern? And what connection do they all have with the plucky English lass Rosemary Fields? These are all answers the Batman must discover as several lives hang in the balance in "Lost Boys." In the backup story, the Boggart solos as Rosemary's studies begin. Will her pet Boggart accept the new school and teachers or will he go "Slightly Beserk"? (48 pages, $3.50).

 

BATMAN/HUNTRESS: CRY FOR BLOOD #5

Written by Greg Rucka, art and cover by Rick Burchett.

The first-ever revelation of the Huntress' full origin concludes, but will the secrets Robin and Oracle uncover implicate her as a murderer? In a flashback, we discover how Batman unwittingly changed the direction of Helena Bertinelli's life, while, in the present, clues surface that may be her undoing. (32 pages, $2.50)

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #749

Written by Greg Rucka and Jordan B. Gorfinkel, art by Phil Hester, Jeff Johnson, Steve Mitchell and Aaron Sowd, cover by Dave Johnson.

The war between the OGs (Original Gothamites) and the Deezees (deserters) heats up in the conclusion of "Urban Renewal" as Batman races against time to find the bomber terrorizing Gotham. Plus, the fourth installment of "The Jacobian." (40 pages, $2.50)

 

NIGHTWING #48

Written by Chuck Dixon, art by Greg Land and Jose Marzan, Jr, cover by Land and Karl Story.

Who -- or what -- is the Slyph? Nightwing learns the answer as he prevents the mysterious assassin from completing a kill, earning himself a deadly new enemy with little tolerance for nocturnal do-gooders. (32 pages, $2.25).

 

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COMICS NEWS

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McDANIEL EXTENDS CONTRACT

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DC Comics announced Wednesday that Batman ( and Alfred Award winning) artist Scott McDaniel has extended his exclusive contract for another year.  "Scott's one of the premier artists of our time and has both a loyal fan following and an affinity for the character," said Batman editor Bob Schreck. "His collaboration with (upcoming Batman writer) Ed Brubaker will prove to be one for the coffers."

McDaniel became the artist of Batman early this year after a long stint on Nightwing.  "I wanted to be Batman when I was a kid; now, I get to live vicariously through my pencil and contribute something to the history of the character," McDaniel said. "I want people to look back at my issues and say, 'Wow, the McDaniel issues of Batman are really great.'"

 

NOLAN PENCILS PHANTOM

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Another Alfred Awards winning artist is also in the news this week as it was announced that one time Detective Comics penciller Graham Nolan will be providing the artwork for the Sunday Phantom newspaper strip from King Features beginning Aug. 6

 

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TV SHOW SCHEDULES

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BATMAN BEYOND

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The second season of the new futuristic look at the world of the new Dark Knight is underway at 8.00 am (ET) Saturdays on the KidsWB! With reruns weekdays at 4:30pm

 

8/04/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Babel"

8/05/00 (8:30 am) -- "Hidden Agenda"

8/11/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Lost Soul"

8/12/00 (8:30 am) -- "Rebirth-Part 1"

 

From Brian Davis comes news that Batman Beyond is airing in the UK on ITV every Sunday at 9.25am (starting January 2nd). In the UK the show has been renamed 'Batman of the Future.' Brian has also noted that the UK episodes have some definite edits when compared to the versions of the shows shown in the US and Ireland.

 

In Canada Batman Beyond can be found on YTV airing at 2.30pm Saturdays and Sundays.

 

In Belgium Batman Beyond shown on Sunday mornings on the cable channel VT4

 

In Holland Batman Beyond is shown on RTL4 at 9.05am every Sunday.

 

NEW BATMAN / SUPERMAN ADVENTURES

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The new season of Batman/ Superman Adventures is now on the WB Network Scheduled times are posted as Monday through Friday at 4:00 and 4:30pm; NOTE ADDITIONAL EPISODE now on Saturdays at 8:00, and 8:30am Eastern and Pacific Time on the Kids' WB! ... But DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS FOR EXACT TIMES IN YOUR AREA

 

8/07/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Sins of the Father"

8/07/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Never Fear"

8/08/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Catwalk"

8/09/00 (3:30 pm) -- "You Scratch My Back"

8/09/00 (4:30 pm) -- "The World's Finest-Part 1"

8/10/00 (3:30 pm) -- "The World's Finest-Part 2"

8/10/00 (4:30 pm) -- "The World's Finest-Part 3"

 

NOTE: Shows #1 - 85 are the classic "Batman: The Animated Series" style. Shows #86 onwards are the "New Adventures" style.

 

In Canada The New Batman Adventures can be found on YTV at 12 noon ( all time zones). For a weekly schedule check out http://www.ytv.com

 

The Irish TV station RTE2 broadcasts The New Batman Adventures on Tuesdays around 5pm and on Fridays at 5.30pm

 

In Belgium The New Batman Adventures is shown on Saturday mornings on the cable channel VT4

 

In Italy The New Batman Adventures are now on Canale 5 every Saturday and Sunday at 11.00am

 

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES

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Batman is back on the Cartoon Network. Unannounced CN has started running episodes of BTAS in order at weeknights at 6.30 pm ET and Saturdays at 11.00am.

 

Batman the Animated Series is on Cartoon Network in Australia from April 3rd at 7.00am and 5.00pm weekdays.

 

SUPER-FRIENDS

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On the Cartoon Network (USA)

SUNDAY 1:00-2:00 am & 1:00-2:00 pm

 

Several GWN readers have also reported that showing at 4.30pm (EST) weekdays are a variety of Super-Hero related cartoons including episodes of SUPERFRIENDS and the old 1970's vintage BATMAN shows.

 

BATMAN - 1960s TV SHOW

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The Canadian cable channel Space! is showing selected episodes from the classic Adam West TV show. At 1.30pm (EDT) Monday thru Friday.

 

The European satellite channel "Trouble" also airs the 1960's show at 7am and 11am every morning.

 

In Italy the classic series can be found on daily on "Canal Jimmy" (a satellite network dedicated to cult films & television) at 10.15 A.M.

 

In Holland Adam West and crew can be found on RTL4 at 12.50 on Wednesday afternoons.

 

In Germany the show can be found on a local Berlin station each Saturday of 8.00 - 8,25 o'clock. And Sundays from 7.30 - 7.55 o'clock

 

In the UK the classic show will be shown on Granada Plus at 8:30am every day from Monday 17th April, with double-bills on Saturdays at 6pm from Saturday 22nd April.

 

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TV NEWS

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MIB REPLACES BATMAN !

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The WB network has announced that it will air MIB the series at Saturday 8 a.m. (ET), replacing The New Batman/Superman Adventures. According to the network, this change will continue "until further notice."

 

Kids' WB!'s new Saturday morning line-up:

8 a.m.: Men in Black;

8:30 a.m.: BATMAN BEYOND;

9 a.m.: Pokemon;

9:30 a.m.: Cardcaptors;

10 a.m: Pokemon;

10:30 a.m: Cardcaptors;

11 a.m.: Men in Black;

11:30 a.m.: Detention.

 

BRUCE WAYNE TV SHOW

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The Comics2Film newsletter reports that “Bill Ramey over at the Batman on Film site has obtained a copy of  the series bible and pilot script for the proposed Bruce Wayne TV series. Ramey tells us "it really kicks ass!" Although many believe that the series has been squashed in favor of the film franchise, Ramey's site includes some speculation that that the series is not a dead issue and that the two can peacefully co-exist. A review and synopsis of Bruce Wayne can be found on Ramey's site.http://jettd60.tripod.com/

 

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MOVIE NEWS

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KILMER WANTS TO CAMP IT UP!!

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According to a recent story in Variety ( http://www.variety.com )Val Kilmer told a columnist that he’d like to star in another BATMAN feature film. Kilmer who appeared as the Dark Knight in Batman Forever, admitted that he’d “like the film to have more humor.”

 

MORRISON TO BAT ?

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There is a rumor currently circulating that former JLA writer Grant Morrison (who has a definite cinematic take on superheroes) may have journeyed to LA recently to engage in potential discussions about the possibility of getting involved in the production of the next Batman movie.

 

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IN THE STORES

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200th BATMAN FIGURE IN STORES!

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The new 200th Batman figure "Justice Flight Batman" is starting to show up in Wal-Mart stores. This 200th Batman figure is done in the Batman Beyond. This new figure should be about $15.00 in most stores. The 200th figure is a display piece only, it cannot be used as an "action figure" it is on a stand that raises and lowers the figure. On the back of the package you find a list of all 200 Batman figures and what toy line they are form. (from http://www.egroups.com/list/jokerinctoys)

 

NEW BATMAN BEYOND TOYS COMING TO STORES SOON!

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The New Batman Beyond Net Escape Playset w/figure has been showing up in Target stores. Technologically-advanced NET ESCAPE™ playset console and chair convert to a helicopter that fires two turbo missiles for quick escapes on the cyber highway. Includes exclusive five-inch Batman Beyond figure, complete with cybertaser weapon.(Hasbro Release)

 

Coming to stores very soon will be the first Batman Beyond mini figures and playset. BATMAN BEYOND BATCAVE™ PLAYSET Go inside the Batcave™ and discover the secret power source that lights up most Streets of Gotham Vehicles (sold separately). Combat villains with exclusive Batmobile and Batman figure, 360° rotating platform bay, LED light-up power source, and more. Requires 2 “AAA” batteries, not included Hasbro will also being be releasing a few different Batman Beyond and Batman Beyond: BatLink mini sets named "The Streets of Gotham" to go along with the Batcave. Batman Beyond Batcave

 

BATMAN BEYOND STREETS OF GOTHAM™ VEHICLE WITH FIGURE ASSORTMENT Select from Batman with BATMOBILE™ and BLIGHT’S™ SPORTSCAR, THE J’MAN™ with Motorcycle and Funny Car, or Batman with BATMOBILE NETRUNNER™ and SMART BAT™. For extra effect, most vehicles light up when placed on the repair bay of the Batman Beyond Batcave™ (sold separately). (Hasbro Release)

 

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MEET THE BAT-TEAM

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CHICAGO – August 4-6

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WIZARD WORLD 2000 (http://www.wizardworld.com )is scheduled for the wwekend of August 4th thru 6th at the Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago. Guests include: JEPH LOEB, TIM SALE and MARK WAID.

 

NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA – October 7-8

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The HOLLYWOOD COLECTORS & CELEBRITIES SHOW (http://hollywoodcollectorshow.com/garlan.htm) will be held at the Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn on  4222 Vineland Avenue on October 7th and 8th. The show will include appearances from: ADAM WEST, FRANK GORSHIN, YVONNE CRAIG, JULIE NEWMAR, LEE MERIWETHER and GEORGE BARRIS builder of the TV Batmobile

 

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ON-LINE HAPPENINGS

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GOTHAM GIRLS UP AND RUNNING

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The first “webisode” of GOTHAM GIRLS is up and running at http://www.gothamgirls.com . It features Harley and Ivy in a daring safe robbery skit.

 

The second episode was previewed at San Diego and will feature Batgirl and Catwoman.

 

BATMAN COMIC BOOK APPEARENCES

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The listing of all Batman Comic Book Appearances from 1939 to present is now available at http://www.magpage.com/~demes/batapps.htm. Any corrections / aditions can be sent to Jim Demes at demes@magpage.com

 

CATCH UP ON THE GOTHAM GAZETTE FAN-FICS

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Since the GOTHAM GAZETTE web-site went into hiatus I’ve had several e-mails from GWN readers asking where they can find the excellent fanfic stories we used to run. Well writer Lee Barnett now has them posted on his own website at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/budgie so click on by and check them out.

 

NEW BATMAN DISCUSSION LIST

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BATSIGNAL a new Batman on-line discussion group has been launched at

http://www.eGroups.com/group/BatSignal

Or subscribe direct by sending an e-mail to BatSignal-subscribe@egroups.com

 

BATMAN RELATED E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS

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Batman Animated Newsletter - Tim Leighton (juno@direct.ca)

Claw Marks: The Catwoman Fan Club Newsletter - Lynx Delirium

http://clawmarks.homepage.com/main.html

Batman UK - Monthly Newsletter – Brian Davis (www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk/batmanuk/)

 Batman: Defender Of Gotham weekly update – Dave Carroll (http://www.fandom.com/batman )

 

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BATMAN FANZINES & FAN-CLUBS

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(Know of any Batman related Fan-clubs that aren't listed ? Send me an e-mail at ajp@toad.net with details. When contacting any of these clubs please mention GWN.)

 

KNIGHTHOOD OF THE BAT

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The Knighthood Of The Bat is an online ICQ based fan club which, through the use of ICQ members can contact each other and share in their common interest of Batman.  Check it out at the excellent Batman: Defender Of Gotham website at www.fandom.com/batman

 

BATMAN TOY & COLLECTORS PRICE GUIDE

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Editor John Mack has announced that he has suspended publication of the BATMAN TOY & COLLECTORS GUIDE. .

 

GREEN HORNET & BATMAN FAN & COLLECTORS CLUB

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$10 a year for a bi-monthly newsletter. Contact J. Washington III, 321 Gracie Road . Chesapeake VA 23325

 

HARLEY QUINN FAN CLUB

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Based in San Diego. For more info contact Mike at 4574 Mercurio St. San Diego CA 92130

 

UNOFFICIAL BATMAN ANIMATED FAN-CLUB

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This club began in September and consists of a quarterly 30 page newsletter which is mailed out - 'a fan made magazine' with news, reviews, guides, artwork and basically all that we can stuff in related to Batman, Batman Beyond and Bruce Timm's amazing artwork. The club is non-profit making (i.e. - you only pay for paper and printing costs) and it's made by fans for fans. Based in the UK but USA and other members are always welcome. If you would like more information on how to join please e-mail - brian@batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk or for morre info see website at http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk/club/

 

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HOW TO ORDER OUR OWN BATMAN BOOK

********************************

"THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN COLLECTORS GUIDE"  by Alan J. Porter

 

The most comprehensive guide to Batman comics and collectibles ever collected between

two covers.

160 Pages

294 Photographs

6000 Items Listed

8 1/2" x 11" - Soft Cover.

ISBN 0-7643-0683-9

$30.00

 

With over 6000 items listed, this is the most comprehensive guide to Batman comics and collectibles ever assembled between two covers. Nearly 300 photographs accompany the informative articles and price guide listings. Highlights include a comics section which lists every comic book in which Batman has appeared from his debut in 1939 to the end of 1997, plus a figures section which lists all of the various Batman action figures. Covering everything from Artwork to Videos, and price ranges from 15c to $150,000, this book is a must for any Batfan.

 

As a special offer to GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS subscribers, you can order a signed copy from the author.

 

Send a check / money order for $30.00* (US Dollars), along with your mailing address to:

 

Alan J. Porter

Batman Guide

PO Box 527

Millersville

MD 21108

 

* US orders postage free.

* MD residents please add 5% sales tax.

* Overseas orders add $5.00

 

Unsigned copies can be ordered via Credit Card from either http://www.BarnesAndNoble.com  or http://www.Borders.com 

 

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Sources used in compiling GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS

 - DC Comics On-Line Newsletter (http://www.dccomics.com/newsletter.html )

- Comics Continuum (http://comicscontinuum.com/index.htm)

 - Newsrama (http://www.anotheruniverse.com/newsarama/index.html)

- Comics2Film (http://www.comics2film.com )

 - Dark Horizons (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news.htm )

 

GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS is a FOREST COMICS Publication.

 

FOREST COMICS and GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS are (c) and TM  - Alan J. Porter (1994 - 2000)

 

"GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS", "GOTHAM GAZETTE - The BATMAN Magazine On the Web" and "THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN COLLECTORS GUIDE" are not affiliated to, or endorsed by, either Warner Bros. or DC Comics.

BATMAN and all related characters and indicia are acknowledged as Trademark and copyright DC Comics Inc..

 

BATMAN created by Bob Kane & Bill Finger

 

If you no longer wish to receive GWN or have been sent a copy in error just send an e-mail to ajp@toad.net with the words "unsubscribe GWN" in the subject line.