*************************************************************
GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS #163
Friday August 31st 2001
*************************************************************
Hi folks –
Want to see a decidedly different look for The Dynamic Duo – Check out Scott Shaw’s Oddball Comics for today ( August 31st) at http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/oddball/
Gotham Girls need your help.
GWN received an e-mail this week from the producer of the Gotham Girls web animation series. It seems that traffic has dropped on the Girls' site to such an extent that the WB powers that be are hinting that no new productions will get the greenlight.
So if you enjoy girly hi-jinks from the likes of Bat-girl, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Catwoman. Or just want to check out some cool web based animation click on over to http://www.gothamgirls.com
Let's help keep the girls swinging in Gotham.
Talking of Animation.
The current issue of Wizard Magazine (October 2001, #121), there is an article spotlighting the top 100 cartoon series ever made. The Batman series came in ranked at
#6 for Batman Beyond and#2 for Batman: The Animated Series The Batman franchise being beaten out by The Simpsons for the #1 spot. Congratulations to all involved.
Take GWN on the road with you.
You can now automatically download this issue of GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS to your PDA by clicking on the following link.
As always have a great week.
Alan J. Porter
PO Box 3523
Ramona
CA 92065
USA
E-mail: gothamajp@home.com
http://www.gothamweeklynews.com
GOTHAM GAZETTE – The BATMAN Magazine On The Web
Don’t forget to check out our ongoing eBay auctions under UserID – forestcomics.
=====================================
IN THIS ISSUE OF GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS:
=====================================
Comics Shipping This Week – In stores September 5th
Comics News – Catwoman series details
TV Show Schedules -.
TV News – .Batman Beyond switches networks
In The Stores – DK2 PVC Set announced
Meet The Bat-Team -
On-Line Happenings -
Fanzines & Fan-Clubs
Order The BATMAN Collectors Guide (Back in Stock)
======================================================
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK ( September 5th )
***************************************
|
BATGIRL #20 |
Written by Chuck Dixon; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella
Guest-writer Chuck Dixon steps in for "Literacy." Batgirl reluctantly must seek the help of Stephanie Brown, the Spoiler, to help solve a kidnapping that's been plaguing The Hill. The Spoiler has the one advantage over Cassandra that will make or break this case; she can read! (32 pgs / $2.50)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #42
Written by Scott Peterson; art by Craig Rousseau and Dan Davis; cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty
It's a hot time in Gotham, as buildings mysteriously explode in flames all over town. It's up to Batman and Robin to put out the inferno in "Tuesday Night," featuring crackling good guest pencils by BATMAN BEYOND's Craig Rousseau! (32 pgs / $1.99)
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #147
Written by Doug Moench; art and cover by Barry Kitson
Part 2 of the 3-part "Bad," featuring artwork by Barry Kitson (EMPIRE). Batman, already beaten nearly to death by the monstrous man-child Jordy, is aided by Dr. Temple in an attempt to discover the secret of Jordy's "Bad" alter-ego. But can the Dark Knight discover the cause and do something about it before Jordy begins another rampage of destruction? (32 pgs / $2.25)
SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II #2
Written and illustrated by John Byrne; cover by Byrne
The surprising miniseries continues! In the 1960s, the teen protegés of the JSA form a teen group of their own; sibling rivalry and other tensions mount within the Kent family; and an unexpected romance flowers in Gotham City's super-hero community. Then, in the 1970s, Deadman takes Batman on a harrowing trip into the shattered psyche of one of the Dark Knight Detective's greatest foes, and Hal Jordan embarks on a new career. (48 pgs / $5.95)
ROBIN also appears in YOUNG JUSTICE #37 shipping next week.
===========================================================
COMICS NEWS
************
GOTHAM’S GOLDEN STREETS.
----------------------------------------------
Comics International reports that Jen Van Meter, writer on the Blair Witch Project, is working on a 64 page Elseworld’s entitled Batman: The Golden Streets Of Gotham. Art for the as yet unscheduled project is by Tommy Lee Edwards and Cliff Chang.
TEMPLETON TALKS JUSTICE
--------------------------------------------
Writer / Artist Ty Templeton told The Comics Continuum web-site that he has written three issues of DC Comics' Justice League Adventures, based on the new Cartoon Network animated series.
The creative teams for Justice League Adventures will rotate. Templeton's first story will be in the first issue; the other two haven't been scheduled or drawn yet.
"I was too busy to do a regular monthly," said Templeton, who is finishing his Vertigo graphic novel Bigg Time. "So they asked me to do a couple of stories and I said that would be fine. The whole first year will be different people. It's good for DC, too, because they can get 12 issues written and in the can in about four months."
Although DC solicited the first issue as more of a Green Lantern story, Templeton said all the Justice Leaguers will get their moment.
"Every character has something to do with the plot," he said. "We give equal play to everybody."
Templeton said he finds the animated Justice League lineup appealing.
"My favorite in the bunch, actually, according to the series bible is Hawkgirl because she has a really cool origin story this time out," Templeton said. Instead of coming to Earth with her husband to become cops, she's brought to Earth against her will."
Min S. Ku is drawing the first issue, which has a cover by Bruce Timm and Alex Ross.
"He hits the model sheets very well and has a nice sense of story-telling," Templeton said.
In addition to the previously announced Paul Storrie, Templeton said Justice League Adventures writers will include Chuck Dixon, Mike W. Barr and Dan Slott.
ED BRUBAKER TALKS CATWOMAN
-----------------------------------------------
Current
BATMAN writer Ed Brubaker recently discussed his views on his re-launch of the
Catwoman title with the Newsrama team. Catwoman #1 is scheduled to be in stores
in December.
"It's
going to be familiar to long-time readers, and seem like a good place to start
for people who never looked at Catwoman before. It's really hard to describe,
unfortunately, but in a lot of ways it's like that old TV show, 'To Catch a
Thief,' which was about the world's best cat-burglar working for the side of
good. But in this, it's more of an exploration of Selina Kyle and who she is,
what she's been through, and what she wants to do with herself now. She will
end up, at the end of the first arc, finding a new path for herself, not
necessarily as a good guy, but as someone who cares about the people around
her, the people that society cast-off, who live on the fringes. Selina has
always been like the ultimate anti-establishment figure, and this is just
taking that same aspect of her in a different direction.
The
character has been through countless reinterpretations over the decades as one of Batman's most
popular opponents. To Brubaker, the essential nature of Catwoman is pretty
simple:
"Where
she came from, I think. The fact that she's a result of the system, the way a
lot of kids are. This is a person whose parents died when she was young and she
lived in state-run facilities and on the streets for years. She had a tough
life, but she survived. I think the survival was the most important part. Too
many times she's been played as someone full of resentment, and I don't mean to
imply there isn't some inside her, but she knows she survived, so that's gotta
take the edge off a bit."
But
given the different versions of the characters over the years means making some
choices for the writer.
"I
think one online message poster put it best, so much has been done with her
over the years, so many conflicting stories, that you really just have to pick
a lane and drive. That said, I tried to drive a little in every lane and see
what parts worked and what parts didn't. I'm not saying that I tossed out any
of her history, though, but there will be huge chunks of it that I never refer
to. I guess a slimmed down version is the best way to describe it."
Brubaker's
been working on the Catwoman assignment for some time now, and the long
gestation period has meant a few changes along the way, for the project and for
how he views it.
"Well,
when I first agreed I was scheduled to start last March or April, then they got
our first issue in-house and Darwyn [Cooke's] art and (hopefully) my new
direction for the character combined made DC decide to relaunch the book with
number 1. Then we got to do the Slam Bradley back-up in ['Detective Comics'],
which I think we both loved. I always intended to bring Slam into Catwoman, so
it was great to have an easy way in. Other than that, the main thing is how
much I've gotten into the characters, and how much my desire to stay on this
book has increased with each script. When I first agreed to do the book, I said
I'd do at least 12, and see how I felt, now I already have plots lined out for
about three years worth of stories. I feel very possessive and protective of
these characters, which is a double-edged sword I suppose, since I don't own
them. But everyone at DC seems to like what I'm doing with them, so it doesn't
seem like it'll be a problem."
COMIC SHORTS
----------------------
· Paul Storrie told The Continuum that his issue of Justice League Adventures will be drawn by Craig Rousseau, who drew Storrie's first work for DC, Batman Beyond #23. "Both Craig and I were very excited to be working together again and hope to do so more in the future," Storrie said.
· DC Comics' Adam Philips has said that Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Strike Back remains unscheduled. "We're hoping toward the end of the year, but we don't know yet," Philips said.
GOLDEN AGE WORLD’S FINEST COMICS CGC GRADED COMICS
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Comics Guaranty Corp (CGC) recently released its first “Population Report” of high graded (9.0 and above) Golden Age books. The following issues of WORLDS FINEST were listed:
WORLD’S FINEST: #.4, 8, 13 ( 2 copies), 14, 17 ( 3 copies), 19, 21, 22 ( 2 copies), 24, 26, 28 ( 3 copies), 29, 30 ( 2 copies), 31, 42, 48, 55, 58.
The most popular Golden Age World’s Finest issues to get graded and “slabbed” were # 17 and 28. There were three issues (#22, 24, 29 ) with a 9.6 grade but non ranked higher..
==================================================================
TV SHOW SCHEDULES
********************
BATMAN BEYOND
---------------
Kids' WB! Has changed
it’s schedules for the summer and the good news is the return of BATMAN BEYOND
to 2 episodes per day Monday through Thursday at 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
BATMAN BEYOND will be
transferring to The Cartoon Network on October 1st (See TV News
below for more details)
NEW BATMAN / SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
----------------------------------
While Cartoon Network continues to run the Superman episodes at 6:30pm Tuesday through Friday, the BATMAN episodes are currently on hold. Current rumors are that it may return as part of the fall schedule.
Tim Echorst writes from Germany with the news that "The new Batman Adventures" (in Germany simply called "Batman & Robin") are running on the TV Channel Pro Sieben. The series can be seen on every Saturday at 10.10 a.m. (the time changes every week a little bit....).
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
-------------------------------------------------
In Canada, YTV airs Batman: The Animated Series at 3:30 AM EDT, Monday
through Friday. Check out schedules on http://www.ytv.ca (Patrick Furlong)
UPDATES NEEDED
---------------------------------
Are any of the BATMAN TV SHOWS running in your area / country.
BATMAN BEYOND, NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, SUPER-FRIENDS or the classic BATMAN - 1960s TV SHOW.
If so send me an e-mail (gothamajp@home.com) with the show times and I’ll list them here for all your fellow batfans.
======================================================================
TV NEWS
***********
BATMAN BEYOND NETWORK SWITCH
---------------------------------------------------------
The World’s Finest News reports that Batman Beyond is flying to a new network! According to Cartoon Network's schedule, starting October 1st at 6:30 PM, Batman Beyond will air on Cartoon Network's Toonami block. Fans will finally get to see "Unmasked," the final BB episode!
The network has acquired the rights to all 52 episodes of the series. The unaired episode of the series, "Unmasked" will also be shown on the network. It I also very likely that the network will air "Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker," albeit, the cut version. Toon Zone News Staff Reporter and current World's Finest webmaster, Dick Grayson reports that Cartoon Network also has the rights to make new episodes, but only if ratings merit. The ratings for the repeats have to be very, very good. The chances of new episodes of "Batman Beyond" are slim to none because many of the crew on the show have left to work on other Warner Bros. Animation series.
WARNING: Wizard Magazine announced in their newest issue that Batman Beyond will be back for a "third and final season...underway on the Kids'WB! Saturday morning schedule...Look for appearances by Justice League Unlimited, Mr. Fries and Zeta". – This is not the case.
======================================================================
IN THE STORES
*****************
DC Direct have announced they will be releasing a PVC set based on Frank Miller's upcoming Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Back.
================================
MEET THE BAT-TEAM
********************
DALLAS TX – October 19-21
----------------------------------------
HollywoodExpo has announced that its October Dallas show has been re-titled as BAT.CON to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Batman TV show. The show is scheduled for the weekend of October 19th to 21st. Featured guests include: MARK WAID, CRAIG ROUSSEAU, DAN BRERETON, NORM BREYFOGLE, CRAIG ROUSSEAU and from the TV show, ADAM WEST, BURT WARD, YVONNE CRAIG, JULIE NEWMAR, FRANK GORSHIN and the Green Hornet’s VAN WILLIAMS. For more details check out http://members.aol.com/toyshow/batcon.html
====================================================================
ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
*******************
BRUCE TIMM GALLERY MOVES
-----------------------------------------------
The Bruce Timm Gallery is now located at www.popcultureshock.com/brucetimm
DC DIRECT NOW ON-LINE
----------------------------------------
DC Comics excellent merchandise division is now on-line with a special website dedicated to “all those wonderful toys.” Check them out at http://www.dcdirectonline.com
GOTHAM GIRLS SECOND SEASON
-------------------------------------------------
The hit official internet site
Gotham Girls is gearing up for a new season of webisodes featuring Gotham's
baddest (and best) girls around. The premiere episode of the second season is
already up, written by Paul Dini himself. To check out the site and the new
webisode, go to www.gothamgirls.com
Two new episodes were shown at the San Diego Comic-Con to great applause. The representatives from WB web studios said that the episodes will be shown in rotation with two available on the site at any given time.
BATMAN COMIC BOOK APPEARENCES
-------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------
When the original version of the GOTHAM GAZETTE web-site went into hiatus I’ve had several e-mails from GWN readers asking where they could 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.
BATMAN DISCUSSION LIST
----------------------------
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 FANZINES & FAN-CLUBS
*******************************
(Know of any Batman related Fan-clubs that aren't listed ? Send me an e-mail with details. When contacting any of these clubs please mention GWN.)
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED NEWSLETTER
--------------------------------
Started in 1998, this newsletter dedicated to the animated aspect of Batman, has been making and breaking news. The newsletter has a weekly/bi-weekly schedule, and contains news, schedules, links, editorials, and a lot more for the animated Batman-fan. To check out back issues of this newsletter, go to http://www.toonzone.net/news/btan and to subscribe, simple email juno@dccnet.com and put 'Subscribe' in the subject line.
KNIGHTHOOD OF THE BAT
----------------------
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
GREEN HORNET & BATMAN FAN & COLLECTORS CLUB
--------------------------------------------
$10 a year for a bi-monthly newsletter. Contact J. Washington III, 321 Gracie Road . Chesapeake VA 23325
HARLEY QUINN FAN CLUB
----------------------
Based in San Diego. For more info contact Mike at 4574 Mercurio St. San Diego CA 92130
UNOFFICIAL BATMAN ANIMATED FAN-CLUB
-------------------------------------
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
======================================================================
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 3523
Ramona
CA 92065
* US orders postage free.
* CA residents please add 7 1/2% 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
======================================================================
Sources used in compiling GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS
Ain’t It Cool News (http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/ )
Bat Signal newsletter
Comics2Film (http://www.comics2film.com/ )
Comic Buyers Guide
Comics Continuum (http://comicscontinuum.com/index.htm )
Comics International
Comic Shop News
Dark Horizons (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news.htm )
Joker Inc Newsletter (http://jokerinc.action-figure.net )
Previews
Wizard: The Comics Magazine
World’s Finest News (http://wf.toonzone.net/wfnews/ )
GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS is a FOREST COMICS Publication.
FOREST COMICS and GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS are (c) and TM - Alan J. Porter (1994 - 2001)
"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 gothamajp@home.com with the words "unsubscribe GWN" in the subject line.