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         GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS #147

         Monday 9th October 2000

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PERSONAL APPEAL

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Does anyone have a spare copy of the three hour block of Batman shows that ran on the SciFi channel last week (October 3rd) that I could borrow and copy. The tape I used had a fault and the sound track was totally distorted, rendering the shows unwatchable. Please e-mail me at ajp@toad.net if you can help – Thanks.

 

And don’t forget the second three hour batch airs tomorrow (October 10th_ at 8:00pm on the SciFi channel.

 

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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Comics Shipping This Week

Comics News – Chronicles cancelled

TV Show Schedules

TV News –Beyond The Ratings

Movie News – ROTJ delayed

Meet The Bat-Team .

On-Line Happenings

Fanzines & Fan-Clubs

Order The BATMAN Collectors Guide

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COMICS SHIPPING THIS WEEK (October 11th)

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AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #71

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

Part two of the three-part "Prophet." Jean Paul's mission to the desert takes a grisly turn as he begins to learn the secrets of the strange new Azrael. Stripped of his powers, will the Agent of the Bat be able to thwart the other Azrael - who wears Jean Paul's former costume with all his abilities intact? And what role does Leslie Thompkins' brother play in all this. (32 pages, $2.50)

 

BATMAN: THE DOOM THAT CAME TO GOTHAM #2

Written by Mike Mignola and Richard Pace, art by Troy Nixey and Dennis Jahnke.

The mini-series continues. Returned from Arctic, explorer Bruce Wayne begins to grasp the horror that has accompanied him back to Gotham City, even as those dearest to him being to suffer the consequences. Appearances by strangely altered versions of Ra's al Ghul, Talia, the Demon Etrigan and Man-Bat highlight an issue that finds Bruce donning the mantle of the Bat â¤| perhaps never to remove it again. (48 pages, $4.95)

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #751

Written by Greg Rucka and Jordan B. Gorfinkel, art by Shawn Martinbrough, Jeff Johnson, Steve Mitchell and Dan Panosian; cover by Dave Johnson.

Poison Ivy has been secluded in Gotham Park since the end of "No Man's Land." Now the mayor wants her out - and has ordered Gordon to remove her at all costs, even though it's the last thing the Commissioner wants to do. Plus, Bruce Wayne is forced to hire a bodyguard, putting a crimp in his nocturnal activities as Batman. (40 pages, $2.50)

 

HARLEY QUINN #1

Written by Karl Kesel, art and cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson.

Harley Quinn is not the story of an honorable woman and her quest for justice. Instead, it's a love story gone horribly, horribly wrong, especially in the first issue, as the Joker's girlfriend must do with out Mister J's "calming" influence. Harley is driven to astounding lengths to free her loony lover. And that's just in the first seven pages. What follows is too strange for words, though it does involve a cameo by Batman. (48 pages, $2.95)

 

NIGHTWING #50

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

An extra-sized issue finds Nightwing at a crossroads. He must make a difficult decision which could affect the kind of hero he chooses to be in the future. Dudley Soames - the twisted psychopath known as Torque - has been going down a path of insanity ever since his head was twisted 180 degrees by the behemoth known as Blockbuster. Soames finally loses it and takes Arnot, and the entire Bludhaven Police Headquarters, hostage. It's now up to Dick Grayson to set things right, and he prepares himself for the ultimate face-off against Soames in order to free the hostages. But before he can do anything, Dick first must decide which uniform he's going to wear in order to get the job done most effectively. Will he adopt his daytime identity of Bludhaven rookie cop, or will tackle Saomes in his nocturnal identity of Nightwing? (48 pages, $3.50)

 

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COMICS NEWS

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CHRONICLES CANCELLED

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DC Comics has announced that the November shipping issue of Batman Chronicles (#23) will be the last in the series. Poor sales has been given as the reason for the demise of this quarterly anthology title.

 

DC ANNOUNCES “OFFICER DOWN” IN JANUARY

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DC Comics has announced "Batman: Officer Down," a major event running through the Batman titles in January.  Here's how DC describes the "Officer Down" premise:

 

"James Gordon. He's one of the most respected men on the Gotham City Police Force. He's a trusted aide to Batman in the fight for justice. He's also a loving father and all-around good man. But a sudden attack by a foe from his past will leave Gordon at death's door...

 

"Three shots in the back. Officer Down.

 

"Batman: Officer Down is a seven-part storyline running through nearly all of the Batman-related books in the month of January (including a tie-in with Batgirl #12). The books will have a unifying trade dress, with distinctive, beautifully painted covers by astonishing newcomer Durwin Talon. Much like No Man's Land, the reverberations of Officer Down will affect all of the heroes and supporting characters in the Batman titles for many months to come."

 

CATWOMAN RELAUNCH SCHEDULED ?

------------------------------

According to Newsrama (http://www.fandom.com/comics ), DC are considering  relaunching the Catwoman on-going title in the fall of 2001 with a new first issue to spotlight the arrival of new writer Ed Brubaker. Current writer Bronwyn Carlton`s last issue will be in February and then following a three-issue story arc by John Francis Moore and Staz Johnson wrapping up the current series in May, current tentative plans call for Brubaker to write a four-part, 8-pp, "Catwoman-related" serial for publication in Detective Comics in May-August, leading into the relaunched ongoing series.

 

"I don`t want to reveal too much, but the end of the current Catwoman series, really will be an ending, and our serial will explore and lay the groundwork for what we plan to do in the new series," said Brubaker. "It`ll be a Private Investigator story, about the hunt for Catwoman, who is MIA, and will delve heavy into her past and hint at her future. And it will star someone whose connection to Detective Comics is even older than Batman`s."

 

LATE SHIPPING

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DC has announced the following changes to shipping schedules:

-          , Batman: Harvest Breed has been moved from 11/15 to 11/29

-           Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker has moved from 10/25 to 12/13 to tie in with the new movie release date ( see story below)

 

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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

 

Tue 10-10-00: B-BEYOND #22 Rats

Wed 10-11-00: B-BEYOND #17 Lost Soul

Thu 10-12-00: B-BEYOND #14 Joyride

Fri 10-13-00: B-BEYOND #26 Terry's Friend Dates a Robot

Sat 10-14-00: B-BEYOND #38 Ace in the Hole

 

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.

 

Cartoon Network in the UK is showing "Batman of the Future" every night at 9:30 with a repeat one hour later on Cartoon Network+.

 

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.

 

In Germany Batman Beyond can be found on the channel Pro Sieben  at 10.15 am and like the UK it is known as “Batman Of The Future.”

It also appears the show runs under that title in Panama as well.

 

NEW BATMAN / SUPERMAN ADVENTURES

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The New Batman Adventures are not currently being shown on KidsWB!

 

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 classic BATMAN TV show is coming to the Sci-Fi cable channel in October.

The shows will be run in three hour blocks between 8:00 and 11:00pm on October 3rd, 10th and 17th.

 

As yet the Sci-Fi channel web site doesn’t give any episode details

 

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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BATMAN BEYOND STILL HEADS RATINGS

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Last week Batman Beyond continued to dominate its time slot on Saturday morning TV. It outperformed all time period competition in Boys 6-11 and its broadcast competition in Kids 2-11.

 

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MOVIE NEWS

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RETURN OF THE JOKER DELAYED

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The Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com )confirmed rumors last week that the upcoming video movie BATMAN BEYOND: THE RETURN OF THE JOKER has been delayed until December. The report went on to say “A publicity representative for the video confirmed the new release would be during the holiday season but could not confirm a date. Retail web sites such as Amazon.com are listing the film's release as Tuesday, Dec. 12.  According to the representative, the film's delay is for added features for the DVD and to make it a holiday release. An official press release on when Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker will reach stores is expected soon.

 

Internet speculation over the weekend has been that Warner Bros., possibly under the recent pressure in Hollywood not to market adult material towards children, is also making cuts in the film to make it less edgy and more kid friendly. Asked by The Continuum about potential cuts, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker producer/writer Paul Dini said, "No comment."

 

Web petitions are already under way to ask WB to reconsider and not cut any scenes. They can be found at

http://savethejoker.org/  and

http://www.123petitions.com/cgi-bin/system/sign1.cgi?id=bbeyond@yahoo.com$8

Or express your opinion at the Warner Bros message boards at http://www.warnerbrothers.com/pages/messageboard/home.jsp

 

 

A new streaming media trailer can also be found at http://www.express.com/consumer/products_movies_fr.asp?ProductNumber=18379

 

The soundtrack album has not been delayed and is due in stores on October 17th

 

BATMAN TRILOGY ?

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The Comics2Film newsletter reports that the “Pure Batman5 Rumors website, (http://homes.acmecity.com/batman/arkham/23/) says director Darren Aronofsky may have long-term plans for Batman. While it was recently announced that Aronofsky would direct and co-write Batman: Year One, an unnamed source tells Frosteey that the director is hoping to do a trilogy of movies. The source claims that the cycle will start with Year One and end with The Dark Knight Returns. The source did not know what the second part of the series would be” This is the first we've heard of this rumor, however stories have circulated in the past the Aronofsky is keen on doing The Dark Knight Returns.

 

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MEET THE BAT-TEAM

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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’

 

DETROIT MI – October 21 & 22

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The MOTOR CITY COMIC-CON (www.motorcityconventions.com )takes place on October 21st and 22nd at the Novi Expo Center. Guests include GREG RUCKA and BRIAN STEELFREEZE

 

BALTIMORE MD – October 29

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The first BALTIMORE COMIC-CON is being held at Towson Shearton hotel on October 29th. Guests include: MARK WAID.

 

COLUMBUS OH – November 25 & 26

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This year’s Mid-Ohio-Con will be November 25 and 26 at the new Hilton Columbus Hotel, located within the exciting Easton Town Center. Show hours will be Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Advance ticket sales and updated show information can be accessed through the show's web site http://www.midohiocon.com. Confirmed guests include: YVONNE CRAIG

 

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ON-LINE HAPPENINGS

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BATMAB BEYOND WEB-SITE LINKS TO MOVIE

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In anticipation of the upcoming BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER movie, the Batman Beyond website (www.batmanbeyond.com) has added interactive features that include a 10-minute "Return of the Joker" preview Webcast, a soundtrack sampler, a clip from the music video, interactive arcade games, character biographies, weekly contests and sweepstakes for chances to win great prizes, questions for the creators, chat events and much more.

 

GOTHAM GIRLS UPDATED

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The latest “webisode” of GOTHAM GIRLS is up and running at http://www.gothamgirls.com . It features 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 / additions 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 more 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.fandom.com/comics )

- 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.