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Welcome to another Mile High issue of GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS
from the foothills of the
DICK SPRANG RIP
-----------------
This issue of GWN is fondly dedicated to the memory of
classic Batman artist Dick Sprang who passed away this week. A full obituary is
included in the Comics News section below.
BARBARA GORDON GETS DC NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT
---------------------------------------------------
Comics writer and columnist Tony Isabella has been running a
Comics2000 campaign on his web-site to select the comics character best suited
to become
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 17th)
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BATMAN:
Written by Devin Grayson and Paul Levitz; art by Dale
Eaglesham, Paul Rivoche and John Floyd; cover by Brian Bolland.
The Key has entered
AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #66
Written by Dennis O'Neil; art and cover by Roger Robinson
and James Pascoe.
Lilhi's back. And she's tearing up Gotham with Azrael by her
side. In light of his recent problems as a murder suspect John-Paul does not
need this now. But there's even more tumult in store as Azrael finds out that
his mother -- long believed to be deceased -- may still be alive. (32 pages,
$2.25).
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES TP
Written by Ty Templeton; art and cover by Rick Burchett and
Terry Beatty.
A trade paperback showcases animated-style adventures of the
Dark Knight. Reprinting Batman: Gotham Adventures #1-6, this collection
includes appearances by Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, the Joker, Riddler,
Catwoman, Two-Face and more. (160 pages, $9.95)
===========================================================
COMICS NEWS
************
DICK
SPRANG (1915-2000)
-------------------------------------------
From Comiccon.com SPLASH ! “Dick Sprang died in his sleep in
the early hours of May 10th
he was 85 years old. Sprang was considered by many to be the best of the
early BATMAN artists, beginning and ending his career on the character. He was
DC's principle artist on BATMAN between 1941 and 1963. His name was virtually unknown
to fans since all his work was signed "Bob Kane".
Sprang had an instantly recognizable style that incorporated the grotesque
characterizations of Chester Gould with angular abstract shadows and shapes.
His pages set the perfect mood for the Dark Knight's adventures in Gotham City
and indelibly envisioned all the important elements of the series such as the
BATMOBILE, the BATCAVE, and WAYNE MANOR.
According to the COMIC ART & GRAFFIX GALLERY, "In 1941 he entered the
offices of DC Comics with his samples, where he met the legendary Whitney
Ellsworth, who gave Sprang a story to draw as a test to see how Sprang could
handle comics and the rigors of a quick deadline. He gave Dick a 3 page story
to pencil, ink & letter, telling him to return in 4 days. When Sprang
returned, Ellsworth was so impressed by the young man he immediately gave him a
13 page Batman story to draw. A heady feat since only 4 artists had drawn the
Batman until this time. Sprang would later become one of the main artists for
the character, their two lives (real and unreal) inextricably woven together
from this point in history. His first appearance as a Batman artist came with
Batman #17. The issue had four stories and a cover by Sprang. It was not long
before Sprang was doing the stories and covers steadily for Batman Comics, just
as Wayne Boring was doing the same for Superman in Action Comics. "Having
established himself as the preeminent Batman artist, DC felt that they needed
to get more work from Dick and decided to let him just pencil stories and
assigned him an inker. It was at this time he met famed DC inker Charles Paris,
with whom he would work for nearly two decades. Sprang did Batman stories
almost exclusively the entire period of his comic book career, eventually
leaving the field in 1963 and retiring to his 150 acre ranch in Utah."
JLA MEETS PREDATORS
------------------------------------------
Former Detective Comics and Alfred Award winning artist
Graham Nolan has announced that he is working on JLA/Predator, a DC/Dark Horse crossover, is planned for release
later this year The book will be written
by John Ostrander.
|
|
DIXON WRITES GOTHAM ADVENTURES
-----------------------------------------
Chuck Dixon told The Comics Continuum that he has written an
upcoming issue of DC Comics' Batman: Gotham Adventures.
"In the story, Batman has been poisoned and only has an
hour to live. Robin enlists the aid of Poison Ivy to find Batman's 'killer'
before it's too late," Dixon said. "Harley Quinn and the Penguin also
make appearances. It was a lot of fun to write." The story is penciled by
Joe Staton.
==============================================================
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 10.30am (ET) Saturdays on the KidsWB!
5/13/00 (8:00 am) -- "Payback"
5/13/00 (8:30 am) -- "Sneak Peek"
5/20/00 (8:00 am) -- "Rats"
5/20/00 (8:30 am) -- "The Last Resort"
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
5/12/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Chemistry"
5/15/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Second Chance"
5/16/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Avatar"
5/17/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Trial"
5/19/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Holiday Knights"
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
----------------------------
Batman is back on the Cartoon Network. Unannounced CN has
started running episodes of BTAS in order at weeknights at 6.00 pm ET.
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.
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ON THE NEWSSTAND
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IN THE PRESS
----------------
-
Skateboarding magazine Transworld
Stance's April 2000 issue features Robin's new skateboard from #75
-
Architecture Magazine's April 2000
issue features the post-No Man's Land Gotham City and its redesign
==============================================
MEET THE BAT-TEAM
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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
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NEW BATMAN ON-LINE ADVENTURES
-------------------------------
On Monday 5/8 OnStar and its marketing partner DC Comics
along with its sister division, Warner Bros. Online, both divisions of Warner
Bros., launch live today "The Batman Challenge" at www.onstar.com and
www.warnerbros.com in continuation of their fully integrated marketing campaign
featuring the Batmobile enhanced with OnStar's safety, security and information
services.
"The Batman Challenge" is a series of three Web
adventures designed to take viewers on an interactive adventure through Gotham
City with the Caped Crusader, while highlighting OnStar's many features. Future
adventures will feature other Batman villains and will debut in June and July.
As a reward for helping Batman foil the Joker's latest
attack, each Web adventure will end with a chance to enter a sweepstakes with a
grand prize package featuring a VIP trip to Warner Bros. Studios in Los
Angeles, an original framed animation cell from the award-winning "Batman"
television series and a $500 gift certificate to any Warner Bros. Studio Store.
Viewers are automatically entered into the drawing after answering four
questions related to the monthly challenge.
Along with the grand prize winner, 10 first prize winners will
take home an original framed Batman animation cel and a Batman coffee table
book; 20 second prize winners will receive a $500 gift certificate to any
Warner Bros. Studio Store; and 50 third place winners will enjoy a Batman
coffee table book.
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 )
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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.)
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
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 and GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS are (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.