*************************************************************
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WELCOME
Another week, another round of Bat
news. But before we get to the news I want to get onto my soap
box for a few minutes…..
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ?
--------------------------------
I’ve long advocated that the Warner Bros stores should sell
comic books and trade paperbacks etc. Not the full DC line
just the ones that would appeal to the casual shopper – The Adventures style
books, The Cartoon Network titles etc. Collections like “Batman in the Sixties”
and maybe the great DC Archive editions could be sold through the WB Galleries.
But I was told that the stores weren’t equipped to handle books and
periodicals.
To my delight I recently learnt my local WB store is selling
comic books. So this week I went to check it out – and sure enough at a couple
of spots around the store they had comic books racked. But not a single DC
Comic among them. Instead they were selling books produced by a competitor Viz Comics !!
OK they were Pokemon comics and I
applaud the fact that the Pokemon craze has attracted
more kids to comics. And I understand the tie-in between the WB store and Pokemon. But what’s next if KidsWB
get the new X-Men cartoon as rumored, does that mean that the WB stores will
start selling Marvel titles ?
Can someone at Warner’s explain to me why the WB store can
promote a title published by a company that isn’t under the TimeWarner
family while continuing to ignore an ideal outlet to introduce their own comics
to a new audience?
WHERE’S DC COMICS
----------------
The big business news of the week was obviously the AOL
“merger” with Time Warner. Did anyone else notice the conspicuous absence of DC
Comics whenever the media discussed the various assets of the two companies.
In
all the coverage I saw or read this week, guess how many times the Warner owned
DC Comics gets mentioned ? – Zero. Not once. MAD Magazine
got a brief mention in a newspaper sidebar and BATMAN got a mention, but only as a movie franchise.
Every listing of Warner’s publishing and magazine assets
that I saw failed to mention DC.
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR THE CLASSIC BATMAN AURORA KITS ?
-----------------------------------------------------
Remember those classic Bat kits that
Batman, Robin, Batgirl on the Batcycle,
Batmobile, Batboat, Batcycle, Batplane, The Penguin and The Joker.
Of course the one I'd love to see is the Batcopter
that was prototyped but never released.
(Thanks to John Mack for the
info.)
Alan J. Porter
Millersville
MD 21108
New e-mail: [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE OF
=====================================
This Week In Bat-History
Comics Shipping Next Week
Comics News
TV Show Schedules
On The Newsstands
In The Stores
On-Line Happenings
Fanzines & Fan-Clubs
Meet The Bat-Team
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THIS WEEK IN BAT-HISTORY
*************************
Jim Carry (The Riddler in Batman Forever) celebrates his
birthday on January 17th.
Classic Detective Comics artist Marshall Rogers celebrates
his 50th birthday on January 22nd
(If you have any contributions for this section send them to
[email protected])
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COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (January 19th)
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BATMAN: DARK VICTORY #4
Written by Jeph
Loeb; art and cover by Tim Sale.
Where is Two Face? Missing since Halloween, is he responsible
for the Dark Victory murders? Batman has to find him...and that means
confronting Solomon Grundy. (32 pages, $2.95)
BATMAN:
Written by Devin Grayson and Warren Ellis; art by Dale Eaglesham, Jim Lee and John Floyd; cover by Dave Johnson.
A new ongoing series explores the new
DETECTIVE COMICS #327 - MILLENNIUM EDITION
Written by John Broome; art by Carmine Infantino
and Joe Giella.
The "new look" Silver Age Batman (featuring a
yellow oval around the bat-symbol on his chest) was introduced in this 1964
issue, which also features the first appearance of the Elongated Man (written
by John Broome and illustrated by Carmine Infantino).
(32 pages, $2.50)
LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #26
Written by Steve Englehart; art by
Trevor Von Eeden and Joe Rubinstein; cover by Tony
Harris.
Part 1 of a 2-part story starring Aquaman and ...the Joker? The Joker
has worked his fiendish magic on the fish off
ROBIN #74
Written by Chuck Dixon; art and cover
by Pete Woods and Jesse Delperdang.
Batman and Nightwing guest-star as the adventures of Batman's
teen sidekick take a surprising new direction. Tim Drake leaves the former
"No Man's Land" behind and heads into his most perilous situation
yet: boarding school. What's worse, it's an all-boys boarding school. With
curfews, bed-checks and no Redbird to drive around in, how the heck will Robin
get his job done now? (32 pages, $1.99)
THE TITANS #13
Written by Devin Grayson; art by Patrick Zircher
and Andrew Robinson; cover by Mark Buckingham and Wade Von Grawbadger.
The Titans have survived the conflict with Tartarus and the H.I.V.E, but can they survive the fight
with themselves? Members quit and members are asked to leave. And Cyborg learns
the awful truth about his membership that's been kept a secret. (32 pages,
$2.50)
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COMICS NEWS
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DC SPOTLIGHTS THE SILVER AGE
----------------------------------------------------
DC Comics has confirmed that a Silver Age 5th Week event is on the drawing table
and getting ready to roll. For delivery to the comic stores
in May.
Well known Silver Age trivia king Mark Waid is overseeing the project, which will
kick off with the 48-page Silver Age #1, by Waid and penciler Terry Dodson, the first of a pair of ‘bookend’
chapters, followed by 9 ones-shots by various creative teams spread out over
the middle 3 weeks, finally wrapping up in week 5 with a Silver Age Secret
Files #1 and a special Silver Age 80-Page Giant #..
The story that drives the “event” revolves around a villain
named Agamemno,” Mark Waid
explained to Newsrama that. “He's the cosmic villain
from the beginning of eternity who's come to Earth to recruit the JLA circa
1965 (Green Lantern, the Flash, Black Canary, Aquaman,
Martian Manhunter, the Atom, Green Arrow, Superman and
Batman – the story takes place right before Hawkman
joined the team) in his quest to rule the universe. Unfortunately, the Justice
League is dedicated to all things good and right, which doesn't help Agamemno one bit. Their collective power is useless to him
- until he brings them up against 9 of thhe world's most vicious super-villains
and swaps their minds and bodies -trapping the JLAers
inside the forms of their most hated foes while allowing their arch-enemies
total control over their bodies - and super-powers!
Following Silver Age #1, the action then continues over the
next 3 weeks, in the following 32-page one-shot specials which include:
Teen Titans #1 – by Marv Wolfman, penciler Pat Oliffe, and cover by Nick Cardy
and Dave Gibbons. “Although I've had 16-years years of experience writing the
third generation of Teen Titans, it was a kick writing the first generation for
the first time,” Wolfman says. “I was a huge fan of
the Haney/Cardy/etc. material and actually own the
original artwork from several issues (including, I think, Mark Waid's favorite story. Ha!)”
“I tried to write the Silver Age Titans in a way that paid
homage to the stories I grew up reading. Robin, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Speedy
and Aqualad are the way I remember them being, though
possibly not exactly the way they were. I didn't go back to reread those
stories because, for good and bad, I didn't want to mimic them. This may be a
1960s/1970s style story, but it's still being written in 1999/2000.”
“Essentially, the story pits the Teen Titans against their
JLA mentors in a very different way than George Perez and I had done in The New
Teen Titans #4.”
Justice League of America #1 – by writer Mark Millar, penciler TBA and cover by Murphy Anderson and TBA. “I get
to write the worst-taste JLA story you can possibly imagine as Lex Luthor, The Penguin,
Catwoman, etc, criminally-abuse the bodies of the world's greatest superheroes
for 22-pages,” says Millar. “And they actually paid me to write something this
pleasurable. Only a t** could pass up a chance like this.”
Brave And Bold #1 Starring Batman and the Metal Men – by
Brave and Bold legend Bob Haney, with pencils Kevin Maguire and a cover by Jim Aparo. With The war between "Batman" and
"Felix Faust" leveling Gotham, the U.S. Army calls the Metal Men in
to lend a hand - not realizing they're secretly allied with the bad guy!
Silver Age Month then concludes in Week 5 with the Silver
Age Secret Files #1 and the Silver Age 80-Page Giant #1, which according to Waid contains something like 36 heroes including Batgirl.
Finally, the SA Secret Files #1 features a lead story by D.
Curtis Johnson and a penciler TBA. “The story’s
intended to show how Agamemno first learns about
Earth and the JLA.”
MISC CREATOR NEWS
----------------------
- Dave Gibbons is
best-known for his work on "The Watchmen." Is working on a Batman
black and white short for 'Batman:
Gotham Knights.”
- New Detective
Comics writer Greg Rucka on another of DC Comics'
main icons later this year, Wonder Woman.
He is scheduled to do a hardcover graphic novel that will deal with
Diana, Batman, and a young woman who gets caught between the duty and honor of
the two.
LATE SHIPPING
----------------------
DC has announced the following changes to shipping dates:
Secret Files and Origins of the DC Universe (Feb. 2),
Batman: Gotham City Secret Files (Feb. 23)
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TV SHOW SCHEDULES
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BATMAN BEYOND
---------------
The second season of the new futuristic look at the world of
the new Dark Knight is underway at 9.00am (ET) Saturdays on the KidsWB!
1/14/00 (4:30 pm) - "Hidden Agenda"
1/15/00 (9:00 am) - "Terry's Friend Dates a
Robot" - NEW EPISODE
1/17/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Rats"
1/21/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Dead Man’s Hand"
1/22/00 (9:00 am) -- "Eyewitness" - NEW EPISODE
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'.
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
NEW BATMAN / SUPERMAN ADVENTURES
----------------------------------
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
1/17/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Legends of the Dark Knight"
1/18/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Double Talk"
1/19/00 (3:30 pm) -- "House and Garden"
1/21/00 (3:30 pm) -- "The Demon Within"
1/22/00 (8:00 am) -- "The Demon Reborn" (Superman
episode featuring Batman and Ras Al Ghul)
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 / Superman Adventures can be found
on YTV at 7.30 am ( 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
----------------------------
The Cartoon Network is running selected episodes airing
Monday through Friday at 6.00 pm Eastern & Pacific time.
Carl Pickles wrote to say that Batman is now on the Cartoon
Network, Europe every day at the new time of 9pm UK Time.
SUPER-FRIENDS
-------------
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
-----------------------
The Canadian cable channel Space! is showing selected
episodes from the classic Adam West TV show. At 1.30pm (EDT) Monday thru
Friday.
Mon 1/17 – (season 3/episode 10) “Surf's Up Joker's Under” - Joker
Tue 1/18 – (3/11) “The Londinium
Larcenies” - Lord Ffogg
and Lady Peasoup
Wed 1/19 – (3/12) “The Foggiest Notion” - Lord Ffogg and Lady
Peasoup
Thu 1/20 – (3/13) “The Bloody Tower” - Lord Ffogg and Lady
Peasoup
Fri 1/21 – (3/14) “Catwoman Dressed to Kill” - Catwoman
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.
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ON THE NEWSSTANDS
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COMIC BUYERS GUIDE #1366 – January 21st 2000
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This week’s CBG features a BATMAN cover and a to-page spread
on the new look Gotham City.
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IN THE STORES
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NEW "BATLINK" LINE NOW IN STORES
---------------------------------
The new "Batlink" line
of figures is now in stores. It includes the following figures:
-
Power Grid Batman
-
Codebuster
Batman
-
Energy Surge Batman
-
Firewall Robin
-
Virtual Joker
Accessories include
-
Virtual bat (That links and lights up all the figures)
-
Netrunner Batmobile
This new line of Batman figures from Hasbro is a bit of a
curiosity. They were originally designed to be a stand-alone line of
"computer themed" Batman figures with their own packaging design etc.
But given the popularity of Batman Beyond they were hastily rolled into the BB
toy line. As a result the figure bodies are the "traditional" Batman
torso with the oval insignia. The heads however are the thinner angular BB
style – very strange. Another side effect is that the "Batlink"
line also includes a Robin figure. So now we have a Robin figure in Batman
Beyond packaging and of course there is no Robin in BB ( yet?).
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ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
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BATMAN RELATED E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS
---------------------------
Batman Animated Newsletter - Tim Leighton ([email protected])
Claw Marks: The Catwoman Fan Club Newsletter - Lynx Delirium
Batman UK - Monthly Newsletter - Brian Davis
(http://members.aol.com/BDavis2613/mailer.html)
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BATMAN FANZINES & FAN-CLUBS
*******************************
(Know of any Batman related Fan-clubs that aren't listed ?
Send me an e-mail at [email protected] with details. When contacting any of these
clubs please mention GWN.)
BATMAN TOY & COLLECTORS PRICE GUIDE
---------------------------------
Editor John Mack has announced that he has suspended
publication of the BATMAN TOY & COLLECTORS GUIDE. .
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
LOYAL ORDER OF THE BAT
------------------------
Batman fan-club by mail discusses all versions of The
Batman. $14 per year for a bi-monthly newsletter. Contact T.J. Jones. 1401 St
Edwards Dr #157. Austin TX 78704
UNOFFICIAL BATMAN ANIMATED FAN-CLUB
-------------------------------------
This club began in September and consists of a quartery 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 - [email protected] or for more info see
website at http://www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk/club/
======================================================================
MEET THE BAT-TEAM
********************
ORLANDO FL - March 31st-April 2nd
---------------------------------
MEGA-CON 2000 (www.megaconvention.com) will be held at the
Orlando Expo Center between March 31st and April 2nd. Featured guests so far
include DICK AYERS, DICK GIORDANO and SHELDON MOLDOFF.
NEW YORK NY – June 9-11 2000
-----------------------------
The “All Time Classic NY Comic Book Convention” (www.diamondcollectiblesny.com/atc)
will be held at the Westchester County Center between June 9th and
11th. Guests include CARMINE INFANTINO, JULIE SCHWARTZ and SHELDON
MOLDOFF.
====================================================================
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
=============================================================================
Sources used in compiling GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS
- DC Comics On-Line
Newsletter (http://www.dccomics.com/newsletter.html )
- Diamond Previews
(http://www.diamondcomics.com )
- WB Animation Web
Page (http://www.wbanimation.com)
- Space ! Weekly
Schedules Web Page (http://205.250.106.39/schedule/ )
- Comics Continuum
(http://comicscontinuum.com/index.htm)
- Newsrama
(http://www.anotheruniverse.com/newsarama/index.html)
- WB Cartoon Episode
Schedules (http://www.toonzone.net/brian/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 is (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 [email protected] with the words
"unsubscribe GWN" in the subject line.