*************************************************************
*************************************************************
DC has announced the results of the last round of On-Line
voting for September’s Millennium Editions. Last month’s winner was, The Brave
& The Bold #85 - the historic issue by writer Bob Haney and artists Neal
Adams that introduced the new, bearded look for Green Arrow Oliver Queen –
which eked out a narrow victory over Batman #251
As always, have a great week
Alan J. Porter
Millersville
MD 21108
E-mail: [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE OF
=====================================
Comics Shipping Next Week
Comics News
TV Show Schedules
On The Newsstands
Meet The Bat-Team
On-Line Happenings
Fanzines & Fan-Clubs
================================================================
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (May 10th)
***************************************
BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT #3
Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Joe Staton, Graham Nolan,
Mike Deodato, Jr., Dale Eaglesham, John Floyd, and various; cover by Eaglesham
and Floyd.
A triple-length story written by Chuck Dixon pits Batman and
Robin against a deadlier-than-ever Calendar Man. Driven over the edge when he
spends
BATMAN/HUNTRESS: CRY FOR BLOOD #2
Written by Greg Rucka; art and cover by Rick Burchett
Things go from bad to worse as the mini-series revealing the
secrets of the Huntress continues. Even as the Huntress -- aided by the
Question -- seeks clues to prove her innocence, more murders implicating her
are committed, forcing Batman and Nightwing to confront her in a showdown with
unexpected results. (32 pages, $2.50)
BIRDS OF PREY #19
Written by Chuck Dixon; art and cover by Butch Guice.
The prelude to the 4-part "The Hunt for Oracle"
crossover with Nightwing, guest-starring Robin. It's a strange night in the
life of Oracle when practically every important man in her life visits the
clocktower at the same time. And one of them learns the secret she's been
keeping for years. Meanwhile, Black Canary is on the hunt for a weapons lab in
Hasaragua, but the seemingly simple mission turns into the beginning of the
deadliest night of her life. (32 pages, $1.99)
DETECTIVE COMICS #746
Written by Greg Rucka and Jordan B. Gorfinkel; art by Shawn
Martinbrough, John Watkiss, Jeff Johnson, Steve Mitchell, and Aaron Sowd; cover
by Dave Johnson.
A special issue featuring the debut of a new backup feature.
The Gotham crime war comes to a conclusion as Whisper cuts off all loose ends,
leaving the city's crime families scattered in a last-ditch attempt to
undermine Batman's crusade in service of Ra's Al Ghul. And, in the debut of the
present-day science-fiction series "The Jacobian" (written by Jordan
B. Gorfinkel with art by Jeff Johnson and Aaron Sowd), Jacob - a private
investigator with a special gift and no knowledge of his past -- races against
time to save a billionaire's son from the clutches of a kidnapper. But that
kidnapper is the last person Jacob expects. Is returning the child to its
father the worst thing Jacob could do? (40 pages, $2.50)
REALWORLDS: JLA
Written by J.M. DeMatteis; painted art and cover by Glenn
Barr.
This one-shot joins a group of childhood friends nearly 30
years after they abandoned their super-heroic fantasies for the
"joys" of adulthood. Strewn throughout the country, they've all lost
contact with one another and haven't thought of super-heroes or their childhood
friends for years...until they each receive mysterious packages containing
super-hero costumes and invitations to a Halloween party in New York. Suddenly,
a harried office worker dreams once more of being Superman; a struggling
comedian becomes the Elongated Man; a surgically enhanced beauty becomes a
Wonder Woman; and so on. Arriving in the Big Apple, they quickly find
themselves penniless (no pockets in their form-fitting costumes) and at the
mercy of another former schoolmate - a once-awkward child once relegated to
playing the "bad guy" who has taken villainy to his heart as a
ruthless corporate wizard, one rich enough to fold, spindle and/or mutilate his
childhood "friends" any way he chooses. Have these normal people
regained the innocence and imagination of childhood just in time to lose their
lives? (48 pages, $5.95).
SILVER AGE: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1
Written by Mark Millar; art by Scott Kolins and Dan
Panosian; cover by Murphy Anderson and Brian Bolland.
There's dishonor among thieves as the World's Dastardliest
Villains can't get along well enough to misuse their new bodies. Will they
reveal the heroes' identities to each other in order to make peace? Will Lex
Luthor finally learn that Superman is really Clark Kent? And can Agamemno
secure the three alien artifacts he needs to assemble his ultimate weapon
before Lex Luthor, Sinestro and the rest of his evil band turn traitor? (32
pages, $2.50)
SILVER AGE: TEEN TITANS #1
Written by Marv Wolfman; art by Pat Oliffe and Andrew
Hennessey; cover by Nick Cardy and Dave Gibbons.
Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash are facing
off against a power-mad mayor when three notorious super-villains (the Penguin,
Black Manta and Mr. Element) arrive on the scene, claiming to be the Titans'
mentors imprisoned in their foes' bodies. Can they trust anyone over 30? (32
pages, $2.50).
===========================================================
COMICS NEWS
************
KESEL TALKS HARLEY QUINN
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(From Comics Continuum) Writer Karl Kesel said that artist
Terry Dodson is "doing some amazing, amazing work" on the upcoming
Harley Quinn series from DC Comics.
"I'm riding his coattails to success," Kesel said.
"This is book perfectly suited for Terry, who is one of the best good-girl
artists out there. She's one of the best bad girls out there."
Mike Carlin, executive editor at DC, said that Harley Quinn
is going to be "an unusual series."
"The tone of this is dealing with somebody who is not
all there, and it enables Karl to go crazier than usual, which is great,"
Carlin said.
Said Kesel: "The problem with Harley Quinn is she's
insane and you really can't fix that in her because you lose an essential part
of the character. With most characters, if they have a problem, of the course
of six months or a year, you fix it and give them a new problem. But this is a
problem you can't fix with Harley. You have to deal with it in an ongoing way.
"We also had to find ways to transform from an animated
character to a real-world character. Although Paul Dini had put a lot of that
in place, there were still a lot of conflicts to deal with.
"And even beyond that, taking her from second banana to
the Joker to a character who could actually support her own series. All of
those were really interesting obstacles to overcome, and I think we've come up
with some really unique solutions to it."
==============================================================
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!
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
5/5/00 (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.
======================================================================
ON THE NEWSSTAND
***************
WIZARD #105 – June 2000
-----------------------
The latest issue of Wizard spotlights various “Best Of..” lists
complied by the magazines staff. Among the Bat related highlights:
The Greatest Year In Comics – 1986 – included Batman: Year
One and The Dark Knight Returns.
The Top Ten Comics Creators included Neal Adams ( #9), Bob
Kane & Bill Finger ( #7), Frank Miller (#5).
The 10 Characters That Make Comics Great included Jim Gordon
( #9), and Batman ( #2).
The Greatest Comics Movies and TV Shows included Batman
(#9), Batman Beyond (#4) and Batman The Animated Series at #1.
The Greatest Comics Ever list included Killing Joke (#5),
Batman Year One (#3), Dark Knight Returns (#2).
The Casting Call column gets the creative team of Jeph Loeb
and Tim Sale to cast their own Batman: Dark Victory movie. They lead off with
the inspired choice of Russell Crowe as the Dark Knight.
==============================================
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
*******************
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
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.