*************************************************************
*************************************************************
This week’s GWN is coming to you from the heart of “
BATMAN WINS EAGLES
--------------------
The British “Eagle” Awards were announced last week at the
Favorite Comic Character - BATMAN
Favorite Comics Based Film/TV - BATMAN BEYOND
Favorite Editor - DENNIS O'NEIL
Favorite Graphic Novel - JLA EARTH 2
Favorite Cover - BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN
Favorite Supporting Character - ORACLE/BARBARA GORDON
Congratulations to all.
As always, have a great week
Alan J. Porter
Millersville
MD 21108
E-mail: [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE OF
=====================================
This week in Bat History
Comics Shipping Next Week
Comics News
TV Show Schedules
TV News
Movie News
In The Stores
Meet The Bat-Team
On-Line Happenings
Fanzines & Fan-Clubs
================================================================
THIS WEEK IN BAT HISTORY
*************************
Batman Editor in chief Dennis
O’Neil celebrates his birthday on 3rd May.
==========================================================
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (May 3rd)
***************************************
BATGIRL #4
Written by Kelley Puckett and Scott
Peterson; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella.
Batgirl's attempt to save a metahuman from a group of
assassins leads to a startling change that will affect her life forever.
Meanwhile, having doubts about his decision to give the new Batgirl the cape
and cowl, Batman digs deeper into the heroine's past. (32 pages, $2.50)
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #131
Written by Dennis O'Neil; art by Sergio Cariello and Matt
Ryan; painted cover by Hugh Fleming.
Concluding a 5-part story revealing how Batman and Green
Arrow Oliver Queen first met. Seemingly beaten by the henchman of the evil
Minister Skave, Oliver Queen walks right into the lion's mouth and challenges
his better, the super-marksman known as Sag, to a heads-on duel. The result: GA
and Prince Yully, the "chosen one," find themselves sharing a jail
cell and awaiting their doom. Now Queen wonders, "Where's Batman?"
The answer will shock both him and readers. (32 pages, $1.99).
BATMAN: DREAMLAND
Written by Alan Grant; art and painted cover by Norm
Breyfogle.
A sequel to Batman: The Abuduction, produced by the same
writer-artist team. Dreamland opens with Batman pursuing a murderer. The Dark
Knight follows him into the government's top-secret (but much storied)
installation Area 51, code-named "Dreamland." But before he can
capture his prey, Batman is captured by the rogue former agent, Staines. While
Batman suffers at Staines's hands, the strange prankster known as the Kook
arrives in Dreamland, seeking the same murderer Batman was hunting. Will the
Kook come to the Dark Knight's rescue? Or will he help Staines destroy Batman's
psyche? (48 pages, $5.95)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #26
Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry
Beatty; cover by Rick Burchett and Beatty.
Everyone from the CIA and the FBI to the local Gotham mobs
(Russian, Italian, Jamaican, Chinese) are in search of Kristov...and they're
willing to kill to get it. Batman doesn't know what Kristov is, but he's not
going to let anyone kill -- or die -- for it. (32 pages, $1.99)
SILVER AGE SECRET FILES #1
Written by D. Curtis Johnson, Mark Waid, Jason
Hernandez-Rosenblatt, and Scott Beatty; art by Mike Collins, Carmine Infantino,
Gil Kane, Jim Mooney, Ty Templeton, Ramona Fradon, Nick Cardy, Kevin Maguire,
Christoher Jones, Terry Dodson, Jim Aparo, and various; cover by Dodson.
In the lead story (written by D. Curtis Johnson with art by
Mike Collins), the cosmic villain Agamemno secretly spies on the Justice
League, evaluating their strengths before he strikes. Also, thrill to a
"lost pages" adventure (written by Jason Hernandez-Rosenblatt with
art by Christopher Jones) chronicling the first meeting of the Creeper with
Hawk and Dove. Plus, learn how the "hero dial" from Dial
"H" For Hero works (written by Mark Waid with art by Jim Mooney).
Also, discover the secrets of the Flash's cosmic treadmill, learn some
unexpected "Flash Facts," and other educational insights from the
Metal Men and Metamorpho. Plus, a brand-new Super-Turtle strip by Ty Templeton
and profile pages of Silver Age characters. (64 pages, $4.95)
SILVER AGE #1
Written by Mark Waid; art by Terry and Rachel Dodson; cover
by Brian Bolland.
Agamemno reaches Earth as the incredible event begins.
Gathering some of the JLA's greatest foes -- Lex Luthor, Sinestro, the Penguin,
Catwoman, Mr. Element, Dr. Light, Chronos, Black Manta, and Felix Faust -- to
help him in his plan to conquer the Earth, Agamemno switches the minds of the
villains with those of their nemeses. Can the heroes foil the plot before the
would-be conqueror prevails? (48 pages, $3.95)
===========================================================
COMICS NEWS
************
MILLER TALKS DARK KNIGHT
--------------------------
Frank Miller gave details on his return to the world of the
Dark Knight in a lengthy interview with the Comic Book Resources site
In the interview Miller explains that “At the very least,
it's not a repetition of the first Dark Knight. It uses the first one as a
springboard to a new story. If Dark Knight was a ripping down-a deconstruction
of the hero, as many said-which I don't really believe it was -this is much
more of a building up. I've seen all
these characters of my childhood fall into disarray. They've become neither
fish nor fowl. Those of us who wanted to test the boundaries of what a superhero
comic book could do, unfortunately broke those boundaries and the results have
not all been very good. We pushed against the old walls, and they fell-but
nothing much has been built to replace them. And now the roof is leaking and
the sewer's backing up. So I'm taking this romp through the material again and
showing just how spiffy this stuff is. I'm doing it without cynicism and giving
my best. I'm also having a very good time. “
For the full interview check out (http://www.comicbookresources.com/features/miller/).
BRIEFLY
-----------
- Dark Horse Comics
will release Batman/Tarzan: Claws of the Catwoman, a trade paperback collecting
the mini-series by Ron Marz and Igor Kardey, will be released on Aug. 16. The
96-page book will cost $10.95.
==============================================================
TV SHOW SCHEDULES
********************
BATMAN BEYOND
---------------
The second season of the new futuristic look at the world of
the new Dark Knight is underway at 10.30am (ET) Saturdays on the KidsWB!
4/29/00 (10:30 am) -- "Sneak Peek"
5/1/00 (4:30 pm) -- "A Touch of Curare"
5/5/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Mind Games"
5/6/00 (10:30 am) -- "The Winning Edge"
5/8/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Joyride"
5/12/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Final Cut"
5/13/00 (10:30 am) -- "Sentries of the Last
Cosmos" - 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.' 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.
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
5/1/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Catwalk"
5/2/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Joker's Millions"
5/3/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Double Talk"
5/4/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Judgement Day"
5/5/00 (3:30 pm) -- "The Terrible Trio"
5/9/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Cold Comfort"
5/10/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Mean Seasons"
5/12/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Riddler's Reform"
5/13/00 (8:00 am) -- "Chemistry"
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 has announced the removal of Batman from
the schedule for the months of April and May.
Batman the Animated Series is on Cartoon Network in
Australia from April 3rd at 7.00am and 5.00pm weekdays.
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.
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.
======================================================================
TV NEWS
**********
CARTOON NETWORK – BAT HIATUS
------------------------------
On March 27th, (the very day my local cable
company started to carry the channel), the Cartoon Network announced that they
were suspending Batman: The Animated Series from the schedule. Although a
return in June has been promised, possibly in a revised format.
BEYOND 3rd SEASON HINTS
-----------------------
At the recent WonderCon in Oakland, Batman Beyond producer
Paul Dini dropped some hints about the upcoming 3rd season of Batman
Beyond. Dini commented that Batman Terry McGinnis would be having at least
one crossover on the show's new spinoff
Zeta, as well as an appearance by the robot on Batman Beyond again in the new year.
There will be more Inque (including her origin), Kobra
(2-parter), Stalker, the Royal Flush Gang, Curare and Talia al Ghul herself
Watch out for a huge third season finale two-part story
featuring the Justice League lead by a certain Son Of Krypton.
Some of the points visited upon in the upcoming Revenge Of
the Joker movie about Bruce's past will be fleshed out too but Dini said that most of the remaining huge
revelations would have to wait for a fourth season, if and when one happens.
The decision for a forth season may be influenced by the sales of the upcoming
video / DVD release. A decsion is supposedly due in January 2001.
Paul Dini also commented that the DVD version will include
some deleted scenes and a “making of..” featurette.
(thanks to Ain’t-It-Cool news and The Batman Animated
Newsletter for additional information).
=====================
MOVIE NEWS
***********
BATMAN SPECIAL – AGAIN ?
------------------------------
The annual rumor of a BATMAN special edition has resurfaced
again. This time around the word is that the “special” will be released in
October and feature deleted scenes and commentary track by Tim Burton and
Michael Keaton. – We shall wait and see…
===================================
IN THE STORES
***************
BATGIRL SWINGS INTO WB
----------------------
Look out for a new 13” articulated vinyl version of
everyone’s favorite Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, to arrive in WB stores shortly.
==============================================
MEET THE BAT-TEAM
********************
NEWARK, DE - May 7
----------------------------
A.C.M.E. IV & Old Fashioned Comic Book Show (http://www.captainbluehen.com/events.html)
Guests include CHUCK DIXON (Nightwing, Birds of Prey, Robin) and FLINT HENRY
(Man-Bat)
NOVI MI – May 19-21
----------------------
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 ORLEANS – May 26-28
--------------------------
The BIG EASY COMIC-CON (www.bigeasycon.com) takes
place over Memorial Day weekend at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel.
Guests include YVONNE CRAIG and TONY ISABELLA
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.
CHARLOTTE NC June 16-18
-------------------------
This years HEROES CONVENTION (www.heroesonline.com)
is being held at the Charlotte Convention Center between June 16th
and 18th . Guests include: DICK GIORDANO, CARMINE INFANTINO, JULIUS
SCHWARTZ, BRIAN STELFREEZE and MARK WAID.
SAN DIEGO CA – July 20-23
---------------------------
COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL (www.comic-con.org) will be
held in at the San Diego convention center between July 20th and 23rd.
Guests confirmed so far include JEPH LOEB and TIM SALE.
====================================================================
ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
*******************
GOTHAM GIRLS ON-LINE
---------------------
Next March, Warner Brothers Online will be featuring two new
flash animation series, one being titlesd GOTHAM GIRLS. Using stylized
character designs from Glen Murakama (of Superman and Batman Beyond), the
series would focus on six characters: on
the side of good Batgirl, Zatanna, and Black Canary (from a complete character
design of Dinah Lance that Bruce Timm did back in the Fox days) versus Catwoman,
Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. (from The
Batman Animated Newsletter.)
BARBARA GORDON FOR PRESIDENT
----------------------------
Comics writer and columnist Tony Isabella has been running a
Comics2000 campiagn on his web-site to select the comics character best suited
to become US president. The primary round of voting is complete and each
“party” ( DC, Marvel amd Independent) has now nominated it’s top three
candidates for nomination. Among the DC front runners is our own ex-Batgirl and
Oracle, Barbara Gordon.
She is the only candidate to have actually held public
office before ( as a member of Congress). Vote for Babs at http://www.famousdesigns.com/wfcomics/tony/tonypoll.cgi?start
APRIL'S DC MILLENNIUM
EDITION ONLINE VOTING STARTED
-----------------------------------------------------
DC has started the sixth 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 choices are:
- BATMAN #251 -
Written by Denny O'Neil; art and cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. This
1973 issue featured the Joker in the classic "The Joker's Five-Way
Revenge" which saw the return of the Clown Prince of Crime's darker, more
homicidal tendencies in a story written by Denny O'Neil and illustrated by Neal
Adams & Dick Giordano.
- BATMAN #428 -
Written by Jim Starlin; art by Jim Aparo and Mike DeCarlo; cover by Mike
Mignola. Reprinting the controversial 1988 issue that saw the second Robin,
Jason Todd, die based on the results of a phone-in poll.
- BRAVE & BOLD
#85 - Written by Bob Haney; art and cover by Neal Adams. Batman and Green Arrow
teamed up in this 1969 issue that featured the first appearance of the bearded,
new-costume-wearing archer, illustrated by classic GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW
artist Neal Adams.
- TALES OF TEEN
TITANS #44 - Written by Marv Wolfman; art and cover by George Perez and Romeo
Tanghal. Former Robin Dick Grayson made his debut as a new hero -- Nightwing --
in this pivotal 1984 issue that featured the origin of the voiceless Teen Titan
named Jericho and his father, the assassin known as Deathstroke.
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.eGroups.com/group/BatSignal
Or subscribe direct by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
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 (www.batmanuk.freeserve.co.uk/batmanuk/)
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 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 -
[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.