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

         GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS #122

         Friday 17th March 2000

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ISSUE FOUND

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

Thanks to the following GWN readers who helped identify last issue’s mystery “Crazed Librarian” story: Chris Jarocha-Ernst, Jeff Walsh, Gary Angel, John Wilcox, Martin Diaz, Nathan Cinneide, and “Paco.”

 

The story in question was “The Library Of Souls” from Detective #643 (April 1992)

 

This week’s issue of GWN has plenty of news on upcoming comics projects and more details about the OnStar TV commercials.

 

Enjoy all the news and information.

Have a good week.

 

Alan J. Porter

PO Box 527

Millersville

MD 21108

USA

 

E-mail: [email protected]

 

IN THIS ISSUE OF GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS:

=====================================

Comics Shipping Next Week

Comics News

TV Show Schedules

TV News

Movie News

On The Newsstands

Meet The Bat-Team

On-Line Happenings

Fanzines & Fan-Clubs

================================================================

 

COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (March 22nd)

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

BATMAN BEYOND #7

Written by Hilary J. Bader; art by Min S. Ku and Sean Parsons; cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty.

Batman takes on the Jokerz gang to save the life of...Terry McGinnis? Nothing is what it seems as Terry learns the secret connection between Batman and his brother, Matt, forcing him to doubt everything he believes in. But who's really behind these "revelations"? The answer will surprise you. (32 pages, $1.99)

 

YOUNG JUSTICE: SINS OF YOUTH SECRET FILES #1

Written by Jay Faerber, Geoff Johns, Ben Raab and various; art by Mike Oeming, Todd Nauck, Scott Kolins, Drew Johnson, Lary Stucker and various; cover by Nauck and Stucker.

Klarion turns his de-aging spell on a host of familiar DC characters in this double-sized one-shot. From several of the writers and artists involved with Sins of Youth comes a lead story starring the evil Contessa and the Teen Titans; a monumental battle between JLA, Jr. and JSA, Jr.; profile pages on the major players in this crossover event; and more. (64 pages, $4.95)

 

SINS OF YOUTH: JLA, JR. #1

Written by D.C. Johnson; art by Carlo Barberi, Wayne Faucher and various; cover by Mike Wieringo and Terry Austin.

The ramifications of the heroes' transformations continue to build as a now-young JLA finds itself confused with Young Justice and wanted for YJ's crimes. What's worse, their youth isn't limited to their appearances --the team's maturity level has also decreased. Can Kid Captain Marvel, the World's Mightiest Mortal, help the World's Rowdiest Teenagers with a magical trip to the Rock of Eternity, or is the JLA Jr. doomed to live a painful adolescence? Meanwhile, Klarion completes his own mission: finding Amazo, the android with all the powers of the JLA. (32 pages, $2.50)

 

SINS OF YOUTH: BATBOY & ROBIN #1

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Cary Nord and Mark Lipka; cover by Mike Wieringo and Terry Austin.

A de-aged Batman can't let any of his enemies find out what's happened to him, so he asks Tim Drake to don the mask of the Bat, while he dons the Robin costume. It's an ill fit for both as they try to track down the magician Zatanna, who might be able to reverse Klarion's spell. Meanwhile, the Witch Boy pays a visit to the Penguin. (32 pages, $2.50)

 

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COMICS NEWS

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

HARVEY NOMINATIONS

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

Nominations for the 2000 Harvey Awards have been announced. The following BATMAN related projects received recognition:

-        Batman: War On Crime was nominated for “Special award for excellence in presentation”, “Best single issue or story:”, “Best graphic album of original work.”

-        Manhunter: The Special Edition was nominated for “Best graphic album of previously published work” and “Best domestic reprint project.

-           

NEW BATMAN WRITER ANNOUNCED

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

The man who will be writing DC Comics' "Batman" in the wake of Larry Hama's departure is "Scene of the Crime" and "Deadenders" writer Ed Brubaker.

 

Ed Brubaker told The Comics Continuum website that he will be writing six issues.  "I will begin with a two-parter, and then follow that up with a four-issue  story that will set-up the running backstory for the year, in some way. I don't have the details of these stories  ironed out yet, but I expect to soon."

 

"My first thought is, what if Raymond Chandler wrote Batman?" Brubaker told the Comic Wire website on Wednesday. "But I realize that we have to keep this book a bit different from what Greg Rucka is doing in 'Detective.' I hope we can make it have more of a mystery or crime element, but focusing more on Batman than the police or the mob “

 

BATMAN/PLANETARY

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

Warren Ellis recently posted details of the upcoming Planetary/Batman project  on his website forum (www.delphi.com/ellis/messages ).

"One day I was working on the plotting of Planetary #12," posted Ellis. "I was going to end the year with a dissection of The Batman, as well as an investigation by Planetary into other survivors of City Zero, setting things up for the blistering Year Two. Obviously I wasn't going to use The Batman himself, I was going to have to come up worth an analogue. Annoying. And then I got a phone call from Scott Dunbier. He said that DC had been asking for me to write some kind of DC/Wildstorm crossover book. Evidently, they asked for JLA/Authority again, but Scott knew to let them know that Warren wouldn't do that since DC 'bleeped' him on it last time around. So Scott came up with the counter-suggestion of a 48pp Prestige book called...Planetary/Batman: Night On Earth."

 

======================================================================

 

TV SHOW SCHEDULES

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

 

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!

 

3/17/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Eyewitness"

3/20/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Mind Games"

3/21/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Hooked Up"

3/22/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Rats"

3/23/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Revenant"

3/24/00 (4:30 pm) -- " Final Cut"

3/25/00 (10:30 am) -- "Sneak Peek" – 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

 

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

 

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

 

3/20/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Mad Love"

3/21/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Harlequinade"

3/22/00 (3:30 pm) -- "The Laughing Fish"

3/23/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Make 'Em Laugh"

3/24/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Joker's Millions"

 

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

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

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 9.30pm 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.

 

Fri 3/17 – (season 1/show 28) “Batman Sets the Pace” - The Joker

Mon 3/20 – (1/29) “The Curse of Tut” - King Tut>

Tue 3/21 – (1/30) “Pharoah's in a Rut” – King Tut

Wed 3/22 – (1/31) “Death in Slow Motion” - The Riddler

Thu 3/23 – (1/32) “Riddler's False Notion” - The Riddler

Fri 3/24 – (1/33) “Fine Finny Fiends” - Penguin

 

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

 

======================================================================

 

TV NEWS

*******

THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK REVEALED

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

 The Comics Contimuum website recently had an extensive report on the live action Batman commercials. The article also featured several stills from the first commercial. (check out http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0003/15/index.htm for the pictures).

 

The Continuum reported that “The second of three OnStar commercials featuring a live-action Batman should be on television soon.  Brian Green, senior vice-president/management supervisor of Campbell-Ewald, the agency behind the campaign, told The Continuum that "Minor Setbacks," which follows February's "Batcave" in the commercial trilogy, will air this month, debuting on a national network program.  Green said he has worked with closely with DC Comics publisher Paul Levitz and Warner Bros. during the campaign, which promotes the personalized driver communication and information service from OnStar, a General Motors subsidiary.  "They want to stay true to the character; they're careful about maintaining the integrity of the Batman character and his mythos," Green said. "Campbell-Ewald collaborated with DC and WB over each aspect of the script for the commercials. Paul Levitz would have the final say on what we could do with Batman."

 

The commercials were shot over a two-week stretch in January at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, Calif., and in a dome in Long Beach, Calif., which has housed the Batcave sets. They were directed by Andrew Davis, the director of The Fugitive.  Bruce Thomas plays Batman in all three commercials. Thomas has appeared in such TV shows as Beverly Hills 90210, The Bold and the Beautiful and All My Children.

"There was a sensitivity to casting Batman due to interest of whom may play the character in the upcoming film, therefore an actor was selected whom met 'Batman specifications,' but didn't too closely resemble Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer or George Clooney," Green said.

The costume Batman wears incorporates parts of the costumes worn in Batman Forever and other films.

The creators of the commercial featured several Batman alumni, including movie producer Peter MacGregor-Scott. Michael Gough, who played Alfred in the films, appeared in the first commercial.

 

The third commercial in the series will be "Joker Face." Curtis Armstrong, best known as a regular on Moonlighting and as Booger in Revenge of the Nerds, plays the Joker.  Green said that the commercials were modeled more after the early Batman movies, even incorporating Danny Elfman's score.

 

"The look of the OnStar commercials is more in line with the darker, more serious Tim Burton-esque Batman," Green said.

 

In addition to the three TV commercials, Green said there will be two print ads, one featuring the art of Mark Stutzman, and it's possible the first commercial might be expanded to a 60-second version that will air in Warner Bros. Studio Stores.”

 

========================================

 

MOVIE NEWS

***********

DINI SCRIPT TO BE PUBLISHED

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

Paul Dini recently announced that a published version of his script for the upcoming Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker will appear  in bookstores at the same time the movie is released. (Oct 31st). The script book will be illustrated with storyboards and design sketches from the straight-to-video movie.

 

BATMAN 5 SCRIPTING RUMORS

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

 Comics2Film recently reported that  “A recent report appearing in the news section of the Fandom website provides some answers as to whether or not Scott Michael Rosenberg (Con Air) will be penning a screenplay for the next Batman movie. When asked about the recent rumors Rosenberg told Fandom, "We talked about it, but unfortunately, I'm not available right now. I have so many other things to do that I can't do it. They asked, but I'm pretty booked up for the next year." Fandom also asked Rosenberg the rumor that he would co-write such a screenplay with mystery novelist Ralph McInerny. The writer responded to this in the negative as well.

 

Fabio2's Batcave website also posted a report which corroborates  Fandom's findings. According to Fabio2's inside sources,  Rosenberg had written a treatment last year with an eye toward turning in a finished screenplay. Warner Bros. was reportedly pleased with Rosenberg's work. However, as the Fandom write-up indicates, Rosenberg is no longer available to write the script. According to Fabio2, WB is looking at other writers to develop a script from Rosenberg's treatment. “

 

==================================

 

ON THE NEWSSTANDS

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

IN THE PRESS

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

 - Devin Grayson, Yvel Guichet, and editor Frank Berrios were featured on the front page of USA Today's "Lifeline" section on March 13 in a cover story on RELATIVE HEROES and young talent in mainstream comics.

 - The new BATGIRL ongoing series was reviewed in the Modesto, CA Bee on February 10.

 - REALWORLDS: BATMAN was reviewed in the Washington, DC Times on February 12, saying "DC Comics has come up with a great idea in giving comic-book readers another perspective on their legendary heroes… the Realworlds line presents ordinary people melding with the mythos of DC's "supericons ."

 

===========================================================

 

MEET THE BAT-TEAM

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

 

KANSAS CITY, KA – March 25-26 2000

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

The PLANET COMIC-CON (www.planetcomicon.com)will be held at the Overland Park International Trade Center in Kansas City the weekend on Saturday March 25th between 10 and 5 and Sunday 26th between 10 and 4. Featuring “Gotham Comes To Kansas” with DENNY O'NEIL, GREG RUCKA, LARRY HAMA, DEVIN GRAYSON and TV’s Batgirl YVONNE CRAIG.

 

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. Also attending will be Batman Licensed products artist AL BIGLEY.

 

OAKLAND CA – April 7-9 2000

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

WONDERCON (www.wondercon.com) will be held at the Oakland Convention Center at 1001 Broadway in Oakland CA between April 7th and 9th. Guests include DAN BRERETON, PAUL DINI, STEVE ENGLEHART, JOE GIELLA, FRANK MILLER, SHELDON MOLDOFF, GREG RUCKA, TIM SALE, JULIE SCHWARTZ, BRUCE TIMM, MARK WAID and TV’s Batgirl YVONNE CRAIG.

 

NOVI MI – May 19-21 2000

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

The MOTOR CITY COMIC CON (www.motorcityconventions.com) will be held on the wekend of May 19th to 21st at the Novi Expo Center. Guests include DAN BRERETON, SHELDON MOLDOFF and GREG RUCKA

 

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, IRV NOVICK, JULIE SCHWARTZ and SHELDON MOLDOFF.

 

====================================================================

 

ON-LINE HAPPENINGS

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

 

MARCH'S DC MILLENNIUM EDITION ONLINE VOTING STARTED

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

DC has started the newest round of online voting for their Millennium Editions Readers Choice program. As always, ballots can be found on the DC website at www.dccomics.com .

This month’s BATMAN related choice is:

DETECTIVE COMICS #359

Written by John Broome and Gardner Fox; art by Carmine Infantino, Sid Greene and Murphy Anderson; cover by Infantino and Anderson

“Barbara Gordon made her debut as Batgirl in this unforgettable 1966 issue, which also features an Elongated Man mystery by Fox, Infantino and Murphy Anderson.”

 

CATCH UP ON THE GOTHAM GAZETTE FAN-FICS

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

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

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

BATSIGNAL a new Batman on-line discussion group has been launched at http://www.onelist.com/community/BatSignal

 

BATMAN RELATED E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS

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

Batman Animated Newsletter - Tim Leighton ([email protected])

Claw Marks: The Catwoman Fan Club Newsletter - Lynx Delirium

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

Batman UK - Monthly Newsletter - Brian Davis (http://members.aol.com/BDavis2613/mailer.html)

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

 

======================================================================

 

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.)

 

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

 

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/

 

======================================================================

 

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.

 

 

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