Saturday 17th April 2004
314,000 BATMOBILES RECALLED
Hundreds of thousands of Batman Batmobiles by Mattel are being recalled after reports that more than a dozen children have been hurt by the toys, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mattel, based in El Segundo, Calif., agreed to recall 314,000 of the blue-and-gray toy cars. The rear tail wings of the Batmobile are made of a hard plastic that rises to a sharp point and poses a hazard to young children. Over a dozen children have been reported hurt with a few needing hospitalization. Mattel are offereing a free repair kit to replace the pointed wing ends. The official recall notice is posted in our In The Stores section below.
GWN's own investigations have shown that different US retailers are reacting to the recall in different ways. Several stores have withdrawn the toy from the shelves, some still have it on display will refuse to allow its purcahse if taken to the cash register. At least one nationwide toy store chain is still selling the Batmobile without any apparent knowldge of the recall. The toy has also been recalled in Canada, while in the UK there is no recall but a "saftey notice" has been issued to the press.
On a lighter note, it seems that the English town of Reading now has it's own Dynamic Duo patrolling the streets in a bright yellow "Batmobile" ! You can read the full story here
So enjoy and as always we'll see you next week - Alan J. Porter
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IN THIS ISSUE
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DC PRODUCT FOR JULY 2004
DC Comics has released its list of comics and related products shipping in July 2004. You can find the full listing and details here
BATMAN TITLES AND CREATORS WELL REPRESENTED IN EISNERS
The nominations for this year's Eisener Awards, the comics industry "Oscars", were announced this week. Among the nominees are the folllowing Batman related titles and creators:
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8 IS DIAMOND'S TOP-SELLING COMIC FOR MARCH!
Powered by the might of the world's greatest heroic duo, the first printing of SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8 was the best-selling comic book released in March 2004, according to Diamond Comic Distributors.
This sold-out issue, written by Jeph Loeb with art and cover by Michael Turner, went to a second printing that arrived in stores in April and quickly sold out as well (see story below). This second printing is not reflected in the March charts.
"This is the icing on the cake," says Loeb. "Everyone at DC and on the SUPERMAN/BATMAN team worked so hard to make this title into a huge event, and I'm very happy it paid off. Given the competition from some really marvelous books, ultimately, we're happy that the retailers and readers alike agree that Superman and Batman are still the #1 comic book icons.
Here's the full list of Batman related comics in the March 2004 Sales Charts
Comics
Graphic Novels and Trade Paperbacks
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8 SECOND PRINTING SELLS OUT AT DC COMICS
Only two days after arriving in stores on April 7, SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8 Second Printing (JAN045280) has sold out at DC Comics. This issue features the first chapter of the 6-part story "The Supergirl from Krypton," written by Jeph Loeb with art and a new cover by Michael Turner in pencil form.
"I'm just wowed," says Loeb. "I consider myself lucky to have written anything as successful as last year's BATMAN: Hush, but now to have SUPERMAN/BATMAN as an even bigger follow-up is astonishing. We all continue to marvel at the faith retailers and fans have in the series, pushing it to the top of the charts! I'm incredibly proud of our team: Michael Turner, Peter Steigerwald, Richard Starkings, Tom Palmer, Jr., and Eddie Berganza, as well as Ed McGuinness and Pat Lee, who got us here. We want folks to know that this story is only starting, and you'll be enjoying a wild ride that'll take us all the way through the summer, on time, with one of the best looking books on the market today."
BATMAN: CYBER REVOLUTION POSTPONED
The upcoming miniseries BATMAN: CYBER REVOLUTION (MAR040282) has been postponed. All orders are cancelled. This project will be resolicited at a later date.
Comics Shipping (April 21st)
BATMAN ADVENTURES #13 -
Written by Ty Templeton and Dan Slott; art by Rick Burchett and Terry Beatty; cover by Kelsey Shannon - Who's in charge of Gotham City? The Penguin and Batman face off over it — but you'll be surprised by the answer! - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.25BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #52 -
Written by A.J. Lieberman; art by Al Barrionuevo and Francis Portela; cover by Lee Bermejo - For two months, Hush has tormented the Riddler. But now the Joker is stepping in, and when these arch-villains draw their lines in the sand, you can count on blood being spilled! Meanwhile, Batman, Robin, and Oracle desperately attempt to track Hush, but all their leads run into dead ends. And when the mysterious Tailor enters the picture carrying vital information that could shift Gotham's balance of power square into Hush's hands, things get even worse. All that and the Penguin, too! - BATMAN | 40pg. | Color | $2.95BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #178 -
Written by Devin Grayson; art by Jean-Jacques Dzialowski and George Rodriguez; cover by Jock - Part 2 of the 2-part "Lost Cargo," a tale set in current continuity told by Devin Grayson (NIGHTWING) with art by Jean-Jacques Dzialowski (BATGIRL) and George Rodriguez. The clock is ticking on the lives of 30 exotic dancers, and Batman is nowhere to be found. But Catwoman and Matches Malone are on the case! Waitaminute...Catwoman is working with Matches!? - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50OUTSIDERS #11 -
Written by Judd Winick; art by Will Conrad and Sean Parsons; cover by Tom Raney and Parsons - Featuring guest art by Will Conrad (Elektra)! Arsenal confronts his inner demons as his recent brush with death continues to haunt him. Unfortunately, his soul-searching leads to serious conflicts with two of his teammates! - DC UNIVERSE | 32pg. | Color | $2.50ROBIN #125 -
Written by Bill Willingham; art by Francisco Rodriguez de la Fuente and Aaron Sowd; cover by Jason Pearson - Johnny Warlock's plan of vengeance against Robin is set in motion — but that's the least of the Boy Wonder's problems! Tim Drake's greatest fear has come to pass, as his secret identity has unraveled, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his future as Robin! - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.25SUPERMAN/BATMAN #9 -
Written by Jeph Loeb; art and cover by Michael Turner - Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner continue the thrilling saga "The Supergirl From Krypton!" The mysterious girl trapped inside the Kryptonite meteor that fell to Earth is taken to the Fortress of Solitude, where Superman and Batman try to teach her to fit into our society. But on Apokolips, someone else has plans for her, as do the Amazons! - DC UNIVERSE | 32pg. | Color | $2.95SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES -
Written by Jeph Loeb; art by Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Tim Sale; cover by McGuinness - Comics' most iconic characters join forces in this fantastic hardcover collecting the first six issues of the fan-favorite series! Jeph Loeb and artists Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines joined forces for this fantastic tale that pits the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight against a top-secret team backed by Lex Luthor! Can our heroes take down a team composed of such powerhouses as Captain Marvel, Hawkman, Power Girl, and Black Lightning? You better believe it! Plus, a 2-page story by Loeb & Tim Sale and a new cover and sketchbook section by McGuinness! - DC UNIVERSE | 160pg. | Hardcover | Color | $19.95WONDER WOMAN #203 -
Written by Greg Rucka; art by Drew Johnson and Ray Snyder; painted cover by J.G. Jones - Part 1 of the 3-part "Bitter Pills," guest-starring BATMAN! Diana's new responsibilities in the wake of the events of "Down to Earth" leave her little time to investigate the murder that took place literally, on her doorstep. When the Dark Knight lends a hand, will the villainy of Veronica Cale finally be brought to light? - DC UNIVERSE | 32pg. | Color | $2.25B:TAS DVD BOX SET SHIPS JULY
According to the Previews Catalogue
Order Form, Batman: The Animated Series - Season One DVD Box Set is scheduled
to ship in July 2004, with a suggested retail price of $44.98.
The four disc set will contain the first 27 episodes of Batman: The Animated Series
in production order, with two-part episodes grouped together. The DVD set will be
accompanied by both Challenge of the Superfriends - The Complete Series and Justice
League: Starcrossed The Movie. The Justice League disc, shipping on July 13th,
2004, is a single disc set collecting the unaired second season Justice League
finale "Starcrossed."
TEEN TITANS SECOND SEASON WRAP-UP
The second season of Teen Titans will conclude in May with four new episodes. "Betrayal" and "Fractured" will debut on Wednesday, May 5, with "Aftershock, Pt. 1" and "Aftershock, Pt. 2" on Thursday, May 6.
Following are descriptions of the new episodes:
"BETRAYAL" - After a few weeks as a Teen Titan, Terra has everything she ever wanted: a nice home, good friends, and even a little romance with Beast Boy. Everything seems perfect ... but is it?
"FRACTURED" - When Robin accidentally wrecks the R-Cycle while pursuing a nasty thug named Johnny Rancid, he winds up with his arm in a cast -- and doubt in himself. Lucky for Robin, he gets a helpful visit from his Number One Fan: a short little weirdo from another dimension known as Larry the Titan! But unlucky for Robin, Larry's reality-bending powers cause more problems than they fix. Can Robin get his nerve back and take down Johnny Rancid before Larry's "help" breaks the fabric of spacetime and destroys reality as we know it?
"AFTERSHOCK, PART ONE" - A long lost friend of the Titans returns with a vengenance -- and Slade orders Overload, Cinderblock and Plasmus to launch a series of sinister strikes all over the city. Can our heroes stop three monsters, Slade, and their newest enemy? Or will the Teen Titans finally be destroyed?
"AFTERSHOCK, PART TWO" - In a world without Titans, Slade has taken control of everything: the streets, the city, and the heart of his young Apprentice. But ... are our heroes really gone?
MYSTERY OF BATWOMAN ON TV
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, the direct-to-video animated movie from last year, will premiere on Cartoon Network in May. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman was written by Michael Reaves from a story by Alan Burnett. The movie was directed by Curt Geda. - The film will debut on Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
"THE BATMAN" FREEZE CAST
Voice actor Clancy Brown (who played Lex Luthor in "Superman: The Animated Series") has been cast as the voice of Mister Freeze in the new "The Batman" animated series.
JUSTICE LEAGUE (Cartoon Network)
TEEN TITANS (Cartoon Network)
TEEN TITANS (KidsWB)
SUPER FRIENDS (Boomerang)
UK TV SCHEDULE
Toonami, Turner's new UK cartoon Network has just started broadcasting. The following Batman shows will be running.
BATMAN OF THE FUTURE (Batman Beyond) :
JUSTICE LEAGUE
LATEST BATMAN BEGINS RUMORS & NEWS
CATWOMAN UPDATES
BATMOBILE OFFICIAL RECALL NOTICE FROM MATTEL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2004
Release # 04-118 Mattel’s Recall Hotline: (888) 271-9891
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Mattel, Inc. Announce Recall of BATMAN™ BATMOBILE™ Toy Vehicle
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the
manufacturer named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer
product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise
instructed.
Name of product: "BATMAN™ BATMOBILE™"
Units: 314,000
Manufacturer/Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.
Hazard: The rear tail wings of the Batmobile are made of rigid plastic and come to a
point, which pose a potential puncture or laceration hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Mattel has received 14 reports of injuries consisting of scrapes,
scratches, lacerations and punctures. Four of the injuries required medical treatment.
Description: The recalled "BATMAN™ BATMOBILE™" toy car is a 20-inch
blue and gray plastic vehicle with a detachable motorcycle. Model number B4944 is written
on the bottom of the toy vehicle.
Sold at: Mass merchants and toy stores nationwide from June 2003 through February 2004 for
about $27.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Parents should take these toys away from children immediately and contact the firm
for information on receiving free replacement wings. Mattel is providing free repair kits
containing two replacement wings without pointed ends that snap onto the toy vehicle. The
repair can be done quickly and easily at home; instructions will be provided.
PREVIEW PHOTOS OF MINI-MATE C3 BATMAN SETS
To round off this week's edition of GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS here's a few preview images we recieved of the upcoming Mini-Mate BATMAN C3 Playsets. These are the first shots we've seen that also show the box design.
ATLANTA COMIC-CON - Atlanta GA, April 17th to 18th
Among the many guests at this year's Atlanta Con to be held at the Gwinnett Civic Center in Deluth GA are: JOHN BEATTY, BRIAN BOLLAND, DAN BRERETON and DARWYN COOKE,
EMPIRE FAN FEST - Secaucus NJ, April 17 to 18th
The first in a new series of conventions for fans of Science Fiction and Anmiation includes an impressive line up of guests headlined by MARK HAMMIL and KEVIN CONROY
DYNAMIC FORCES AN FEST - Runnymeade NJ, April 24th
Dynamic Forces, creator of comics related collectibles, is venturing into the convention arena with a new style of show, designed to me more "intimate" than traditional cons and give visitors more access to the guests. The guests for this new show include: BRIAN AZZARELLO and EDUARDO RISSO.
LOS ANGELES COMIC BOOK AND SCI-FI CONVENTION - Pasadena CA, April 25th.
The lastest incarnation of this ever popular event focuses on the world of BATMAN fan films with showings of BATMAN: DARK JUSTICE and BATMAN BEYOND - YEAR ONE and interviews with the movie's producers and lead actors.
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GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS is a FOREST COMICS Publication.
FOREST COMICS and GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS are (c) and TM - Alan J. Porter (1994 - 2004)
"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