*************************************************************
GOTHAM
WEEKLY NEWS #75
Friday 2nd
April 1999
*************************************************************
WELCOME
==========
Welcome to the latest edition of GWN. This week I've
handed over the introduction to the folks from The Words & Pictures Musuem.
Please give them your support.
And as always, have a great week.
Alan J. Porter
PO Box 527
Millersville
MD 21108
USA
[email protected] / [email protected]
GUEST INTRODUCTION
====================
Well, Batman turns sixty this year, and we here at the
Words & Pictures Museum would like to do something special for the Dark
Knight. In lieu of a gold watch, we thought it might be nice to find out just what
it is that attracts people to this comics legend. As such, we are writing to ask these two
questions, "What is your favorite Batman comic, and why?"
Our plan is to take the responses, and run them on our
site, as well as use them in our newsletter.
If you have more than one favorite, then submit them all, and we will
use what we can. We would like to start
including the responses in our next newsletter, which comes out in the end of
April. However, if you'd like to respond
but can't make the deadline, please feel free to respond when you can.
We would love to hear from you! If you have a favorite Batman comic, then let
us know what it is, and why. Also, if
you'd like an email/web link included with your response, then just send it
along. If you have a bio on yourself,
then please include that as well.
Thanks a lot for your time.
Sincerely,
Phil Straub
Words & Pictures Museum
www.wordsandpictures.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE OF GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS:
=====================================
Special News Reports
Comics Shipping Next Week
Comics News
Comics Sales Charts
TV Show Schedules
Movie News
On-Line Happenings
Meet The Bat-Team
On The Newsstands
In The Stores
Letters to GWN
================================================================
SPECIAL NEWS REPORTS
********************
The following News Reports appeared in the APRIL FIRST
edition on the ToonZone news page. - Enjoy.
- Kevin Conroy has
announced that he will be retiring as the voices of Batman and Bruce Wayne,
after having voiced the characters for nearly 8 years. After a exhaustive
search for a replacement, WB is pleased to announce that the new voice of Batman
will be legendary comedian Bobcat Goldthwait.
- Warner Bros has
issued a press release stating that viewers will no longer be allowed to
videotape any WB programming, even for personal use. Anyone caught doing so
will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and if convicted, could face
up to seven years in prison, a $400,000 fine, or an appearance in the next
Batman movie.
- It has long been
rumored that the next live-action Batman movie may be written by someone from
the animated Batman/Superman series. Those rumors have become fact, as WB has
announced a 5th Batman film in the works from famed director Joel Schumacher,
currently titled Batman & Robin 2: Electric Boogaloo. Fan-favorite writers
Hillary J. Bader (Superman: "Warrior Queen") and Steve Gerber
(Batman: "Critters") will be writing the screenplay. "This movie
will be a bit of a departure from the previous Batman films," says a WB
executive, "We're making it much more like the 60's version. We'll be
playing the comedy up a lot more, as we feel that poor performance of the last
two films was due to the overly-dark tones." The film, slated for release
in summer 2001, stars Drew Carey as Batman, Adam Sandler as Robin, and, making
her first appearance outside of the Batman animated series, Harley Quinn, who
will be played by Christopher Walken in drag.
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (April 7th )
***************************************
ANARKY #2
By Grant & Breyfogle
Anarky posses the Green Lantern's power ring. What are
his pans for the universe's most powerful weapon and what does Kyle Rayner
intend to do about it ? ($2.50)
BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #13
By Puckett & Burchett
It's the return of Mastermind, the Perfessor and Mister
Nice as the criminal trio receive a visit form a strange child who could wreck
their lives. Can Batman save them ? ($1.99)
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #118
By Rucka & Pearson
NO MAN'S LAND. A self-contained story focusing on Alfred
and how he's spent his time since Gotham's downfall. ($1.99)
BIRDS OF PREY #6
By Dixon & Land
Black Canary vs The Ravens, plus through in a few
diversions from Kobra and a lake monster and it all adds up to an action packed
conclusion to the three part Ravens storyline. ($1.99)
GREEN LANTERN: BAPTISM OF FIRE TP
Reprinting Green Lantern #59, 66-67, 70-75, this
tradepaperback includes a guest appearance from BATMAN. ($12.95)
YOUNG JUSTICE #9
By David & Nauck
Can the Young Justice crew stop a threat of "The
Adorable Huggathugess" ? ($2.50)
COMICS NEWS
************
MORE ON NO MAN'S LAND
---------------------
It appears that novelist Greg Rucka will play a large
role in the rest of the NML story arc. With a long-run right up till the end of
the entire storyline.
"June is my month - I've got all 4 issues,"
Rucka told Newsrama. "There's an issue in there that's the midway point
issue, and then there's a 3-issue, Poison Ivy/Clayface story with Batman and
Robin of course. I think I'm clear until October, and then I'm doing about 10
issues in a row up until the end of NML. "
"It starts with a 2-part Two-Face story, and then
goes into the beginning of the resolution of how NML will end, including the
obvious comeuppance, which everybody sees coming - the Joker cutting loose in
the ruins of Gotham."
HARLEY HITS TOWN IN AUGUST
-------------------------
Harley Quinn enters the DC Universe in Batman: Harley
Quinn, a 48-page one-shot by Paul Dini, Yvel Guichet and Aaron Sowd that is
scheduled for release in August. The book will feature a cover by Alex Ross and
will be followed by a two-part story starring Harley in the regular Batman
titles. That story will be written by Browyn Carlton with art by Mike Deodato
Jr.
HAUNTED ELSEWORLDS
-----------------
Doug Moench and Kelley Jones team up again for Batman:
Haunted Gotham, a four-issue Prestige Elseworlds mini-series for early next
year. The story pits a human Batman against supernatural villains who are a
blend of classic horror character and Batman's gallery of foes.
WITCHBLADE MEETS JLA
-----------------------
DC Comics has announced that JLA/Witchblade, a
co-published one-shot with Top Cow Productions, will ship in the fourth quarter
of this year.
JLA/Witchblade will be written by Jeph Loeb, drawn by
Jeff Matsuda and edited by Dan Raspler.
"JLA/Witchblade does sound like a strange pairing
doesn't it?" Loeb told The Continuum website. "Except when you think
about the 'Blade as one of the most powerful weapons in the universe, some
hints about it being extraterrestrial in its origins and add a dash of Wonder
Woman with the glove on, and you've got the makings of a really cool story.
"
Here's how DC describes the crossover:
"The Martian Manhunter encounters the ancient,
indestructible weapon known as the Witchblade. As the cursed weapon forces each
member of the League to do horrible deeds before moving on to the next victim,
only Sara Pezzini can hope to convince the League to somehow destroy the
'Blade."
COMICS SALES CHARTS
********************
BATMAN related titles achieved the following positions in
the Direct Market sales charts for issues cover dated April1999. (Source: Wizard #93)
9 - JLA #28 (=)
31 - Titans #2 (down 8)
34 - Batman #564 (up 4)
38 - Detective #731 (up 6)
39 - Nightwing #30 (up 7)
48 - Batman & Superman: World's Finest #1 (NEW)
56 - Young Justice #7 (up 1)
57 - Superman/Batman: Generations #4 (up 4)
60 - Shadow Of The Bat #83 (down 9)
62 - Legends Of The Dark Knight #116 (up 23)
70 - Robin #63 (=)
74 - Catwoman #67 (=)
79 - Batman Chronicles #16 (up 3)
89 - Birds Of Prey #4 (down 2)
91 - Batman Beyond #2 (down 6)
97 - Azrael #51 (down 1)
Titles Below #100:
- Gotham
Adventures
The average chart
position for the 9 regular Batman titles in April 1999 was 54.
The positive effect of No Man's Land continues. However
Batman sales are still on average 15 points below where they were this time
last year.
The ACP for the Bat titles so far this year are Jan: 61,
Feb: 68, Mar 54
TV SHOW SCHEDULES
********************
BATMAN MOVIES ON TV
----------------------
BATMAN RETURNS - Currently running on HBO - check local
listings for show times.
BATMAN FOREVER - NBC will air Batman Forever on Sunday,
April 4 from 8:30-11 p.m. (ET)
BATMAN & ROBIN - Currently running on HBO - check
local listings for show times.
BATMAN & MR. FREEZE: SUB-ZERO - will be airing on
CARTOON NETWORK on May 22nd at 8pm (ET) as apart of their CARTOON THEATRE
BATMAN BEYOND
---------------
The new futuristic look at the world of the new Dark
Knight starts its first season at 9.30am (ET) Saturdays on the KidsWB!
Sat 4-03-99: #04 "Golem"
Sat 4-10-99: #05 The Winning Edge - NEW
An episode guide to Batman Beyond is now available on The
GOTHAM GAZETTE web site.(http://members.aol.com/gothamajp )
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
Sat 4-03-99 (8.30am) - #099 "Critters"
Mon 4-05-99 (4.00pm) - #089 "Double Talk"
Tue 4-06-99 (4.30pm) - #092 "Joker's Millions"
Wed 4-07-99 (4.00pm) - #071 "The Terrible Trio"
Thu 4-08-99 - No Batman shows today
Fri 4-09-99 (4.00pm) - #070 "House and Garden"
Sat 4-10-99 (8.30am) - #103 "The Demon Within"
NOTE: Shows #1 - 85 are the classic "Batman: The
Animated Series" style. Shows #86 onwards are the "New
Adventures" style.
For those of you without a WB affiliate you may find the
new shows on:
- WGN on Sunday mornings at 8.00 central/ 9:00
eastern standard time. WGN also shows episodes every weekday morning @ 10:00
for one hour.
- Some UPN
stations are also running the shows on Sunday at 10.30 ET
A listing of US TV stations carrying the KidsWB! shows
can be found at http://www.toonzone.net/brian/stations/index.html
The Irish TV station RTE2 broadcasts The New Batman
Adventures on Tuesdays around 5pm and on Fridays at 5.30pm
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
----------------------------
The Cartoon Network is running selected episodes airing
Monday through Friday at 6.00 pm Eastern & Pacific time.
From Brian Davis comes news that Batman is back on the
Cartoon Network, Europe every day at 7pm UK Time.
Sean Wilson reports that Global TV is showing Batman: The
Animated Series at 7:00 am (PST).
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 4/5 - (season 1/show 25) "Ring of Wax" -
Riddler
Tue 4/6 - (1/26) "Give 'Em the Axe" - Riddler
Wed 4/7 - (1/27) "Joker Trumps an Ace" - The
Joker
Thu 4/8 - (1/28) "Batman Sets the Pace" - The
Joker
Fri 4/9 - (1/29) "The Curse of Tut" - King Tut
The European satellite channel "Trouble" also
airs the 1960's show at 7am and 11am every morning.
MOVIE NEWS
**********
BATMAN: DARKNESS FALLS
------------------------
The Dark Horizons web site reports major developments on
the future of Batman 5... With details of a story treatment called BATMAN:
DARKNESS FALLS.
"Unlike recent rumours suggesting otherwise, this is
NOT a Prequel nor is it set decades after the last one - rather 2 years since B
& R. Robin only appears at the beginning, there is no Batgirl (though a
line mentions she's away at boarding school).
Anyway the film starts off with Batman & Robin trying
to stop an armored car stolen by 'The Scarecrow' as it contains a large supply
of rare and highly volatile chemicals he needs for his experiments. This chase
(Batman in the Batmobile, Robin in a rocket-powered hanglider) is quite cool as
the actions that take place are relatively believable - not stupid crap like
skysurfing down buildings. Anyway it ends in the van crashing into the large
elegant foyer of a rich hotel and (big spoiler ahead) is set to shock as a gassed
and dazed Batman watches helplessly as 'The Scarecrow' uses his scythe to
decapitate Robin in the fountain pool where they were fighting. The police
arrive and arrest Scarecrow and help Batman free himself.
Six months later, Bruce Wayne has become a bit of a rich
recluse, Robin's death dredging up memories of his parents murder and he blames
himself for the deaths of all three. But he's got other problems to deal with,
including helping his actor cousin Matt Hagen whose fresh out of rehab and attempting
to have a normal life. Meanwhile, Billionaire Roland Duket is attempting a
hostile takeover of Wayne Enterprises and sends reporter Jessica Harlow to dig
up dirt on Wayne and write a slander piece on him (so WE shareholders become
hesitant and pull out of the company). Worse yet, several bodies have been
discovered around Gotham - all have had the moisture sucked right out of them.
After investigations its revealed very early in that the
killer is none other than the shapeshifting 'Clayface' who requires the
moisture to keep alive. One big change is that this 'Clayface' is like a
werewolf, shifting into the clay monster form for a few hours each time before
reverting to human (but the time spent in monster form is becoming longer each
time and will soon be permanent - he must find a cure before then). One
sub-plot throughout the film involves finding out Clayface's real identity (we
know its either Hagen, Marlow or Duket - and long-time fans may surprised by
the answer), another has Marlow falling for Wayne and the pair actually 'do the
deed' (though off camera) which ends with an amazing surprise.
Anyway 'Clayface' soon realises his only hope lies in
fear expert 'The Scarecrow' (who has a Ph.D in toxicology) and proceeds to
break him out of Arkham Asylum. Unlike many 'villain alliances' like before,
this one is different as the two absolutely hate each other but must get along
without killing each other - 'Clayface' so he can get his cure, 'Scarecrow'
because he's beginning to suffer the long-term effects of exposure to his fear
toxins (underneath his mask he looks like something from "Resident
Evil", though we don't see his full face till the end) and needs to unlock
the secret in the DNA of 'Clayface' whose invulnerable to his toxin. The pair
proceed to setup a diabloical experiment which uses a 'new generation' of fear
toxin which will cause Gotham's citizens to hallucinate their greatest fear,
while the resulting chemical residue Scarecrow claims will cure Clayface
(though in actual fact will kill him as Scarecrow will have the information he
needs before the experiment begins and so needs to kill off Clayface to stop
anyone else finding the secret).
Batman (and Alfred) are already studying the Clayface DNA
sample they have trying to develop a vaccine against Scarecrow's fear toxin and
find a startling revelation - Wayne's blood contains residue of a
Scarecrow-made toxin in his bloodstream, which infected him during the opening
sequence and which has magnified his feelings of guilt and sadness - as well as
giving him nightmares. In fact one of these nightmares includes cameos from
previous villains (which will depend on what stars they can get to agree to do
them). Now, given the antidote he confronts the pair in an underground cavern
to stop them from conducting this experiment (they're contaminating the
reservoir with it). Fighting ensues, a James Bond-style clock countdown, and a
closure is reached on the Robin issue. Who survives? Well I will tell you
though absolutely do NOT go further if you want to be spoiled - OK so in the
end 'Clayface' realises they can't change back and attempts to kill Batman for
stopping the one possible chance he had - but falls into a chemical vat which
dissolves him. Scarecrow meanwhile, who now has his human features back, is
caught in a burst of fear gas from a blown pipeline and is acting like - well
Christian Slater, and so is locked away in Arkham.
Now there are three other cameos set to cause Bat-fans to
go wild. These include 'The Ventriloquist' who Batman pays a visit to while
investigating the murders, 'The Mad Hatter' during Clayface's visit to Arkham,
and in a scene deliberately setup for a sequel - we see 'Ra's Al Ghul' standing
in the shadows outside Wayne manor at the end - watching Wayne."
OK that sounds like fun.. but bear in mind that this was
posted on April 1st and is in fact TOTALLY BOGUS.. It'll be interesting to see
how much of this gets repeated as "fact" over the coming months..
ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
*******************
SEEN ON EBAY
--------------
Got a spare $300,000 !! Then just the thing for you was
available this week on Ebay - a full sized replica of the 1966 TV Batmobile !!
One of the 5 TV show cars, it looked from the photos like it was in mint
condition. Don't know if it's still listed as the bidding closed on 30th March
with no bids being made ( surprise, surprise). The item number was 81954978.
BAT-EDITOR'S ON-LINE SCHOOL
--------------------------
But do you really know what an editor does? Do you know
how a person becomes and editor? Wizard School sat down and spoke with Darren
Vincenzo, one of the editors on the Batman line at DC Comics.
Check it out:
http://www.wizardschool.com/inediting/vincenzo.html
SCOTT MCDANIEL'S WEBSITE UPDATED!
-----------------------------------
Alfred Award winning artist Scott McDaniel has added a
new section titled "Dynamic Figure Drawing" to his website.
BATMAN RELATED E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS
---------------------------
Batman Animated Newsletter - Tim Leighton
([email protected])
"Claw Marks" the Catwoman Newsletter - William
Tyler ([email protected])
Batman UK - Monthly Newsletter - Brian Davis
(http://members.aol.com/BDavis2613/mailer.html)
MEET THE BAT-TEAM
********************
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - April 2-4
-----------------------------
The major UK comics event of the year COMICS 99,
(http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Network/1358) takes place at the
Watershed exhibition hall and the Swallow Royal Hotel in Bristol over Easter
weekend. Among the many events planned is a 60th Birthday Party in honor of
BATMAN and among the guests is Batman writer ALAN GRANT.
SANTA BARABARA CA - April 3
---------------------------
PAUL DINI will be signing at Metro Entertainment, 6 W
Anapamu, Santa Barbara CA begining at 1pm.
OAKLAND CA - April 16-18
------------------------
WONDER-CON (http://www.wondercon.com )at the Oakland
Convention center, 1001 Broadway at 10th Street in Oakland CA bills itself as
Northern California's largest convention. Guests this year include DAN
BRERETON, PAUL DINI, DEVIN GRAYSON, BRUCE TIMM, TIM SALE, and MARK WAID.
BUFFALO NY - April 18th
-------------------------
The BUFFALO COMICON is being held at Marriott Inn in
Amherst outside of Buffalo. Time:10am-5pm. Among the guests are GRAHAM NOLAN.
PITTSBURGH PA - April 23-25
--------------------------
The PITTSBURGH COMICON (http://www.pittsburghcomicon.com
)takes place this year at the Pittsburgh Expomart, Monroeville PA. Guests
include SCOTT MCDANIEL and MARK WAID.
NOVI MI - May 14-16
----------------------
This year's MOTOR CITY COMIC CON
(http://motorcityconventions.com) is at the Novie Expo Center, 43700 Expo
Center Drive in Novi Michigan. Guests include SHELDON MOLDOFF and MARK WAID.
NEW ORLEANS May 28-30
----------------------
The BIG EASY COMIC CON ( http://www.bigeasycon.com ) at
the Hilton Riverside Hotel in downtown New Orleans features special guest ADAM
WEST.
NASHVILLE TN - June 5-6
-----------------------
CELEBRITY CON'99 in Smyrna, Tennessee (near Nashville)
includes many guests with BATMAN connections including: JULIUS SCHWARTZ, TERRY
AUSTIN, WALT AND LOUISE SIMONSON, SHELDON MOLDOFF, AND JIM STARLIN, &
YVONNE (BATGIRL) CRAIG
ATLANTA GA - July 1-4
---------------------
Already confirmed as a guest for this year's DRAGON*CON
at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta is New Batman Adventures producer and writer
PAUL DINI
SAN DIEGO CA - August 12th-15th
------------------------------
The COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL (www.comic-con.org) has its
30th event at the San Diego convention center. Among the guest already
announced is Golden Age great JERRY ROBINSON (Bob Kane's first assistant and
"creator" of The Joker).
Plus, your humble GWN editor will be in attendance.
ON THE NEWSSTANDS
**************
WIZARD #93 - May 1999
----------------------
Advertised as a special "Batmania" issue.
Batman features on two out of the three variant covers, a Batman/Darkness cover
by Marc Silvestri and a JLA cover by Joe Madureira.
Inside Batman's presence can be found in the following
sections:
- "Batman's Big 10" - Answers to the 10
toughest Bat-questions of the moment.
- "Basic Training" - Matt Halley uses a great
sketch of Batman to convey body language.
- "Toy Chest" gives a glimpse of the new DC
7" Batman and Joker figures, plus the Batman Beyond Batmobile.
- "Stuff" includes photos of the upcoming
Batarang and JLA bookends.
- "Top 10 Heroes" has Batman at #1 !!
- "Report Card" reviews the first No Man's Land
story-arc and gives it an "A"
- "Market Watch" talks up the impact of No Man's
Land on the sales of the Bat comics.
- "Top 10 Comics" lists Batman: Shadow Of The
Bat #83 at #2 (The first appearance of the new Batgirl is priced at $5.00
within two months of it going on sale!!)
IN THE STORES
***************
FAO FIGURES REDUCED
---------------------
FAO Schwartz and Kenner put out a History of Batman
3-figure collection. The original value
was $120, FAO is now selling it for $30. - David Bruce
LETTERS TO GWN
***************
Hi Alan
I am busy compiling a list of top 50 Batman artists and
am wondering if you're readers can help out by submitting to me their choices.
Here are the criteria
-Set a definitive look
-Had some sort of Impact on the character
-Worked on the monthly titles (note) Due to many responses
I have. I will accept Frank Miller.
Readers should list at least 5 names and a little
explanation as to why they chose the artist. When I have a full list I will
make it available on my website. It would also be appreciated if anyone can
submit pictures of the artwork of the artists.
send all submissions to [email protected]
send submissions with pictures to [email protected]
thank you for your time. Ahmed Jeewa
=============================================================================
THE LATEST ISSUE OF GOTHAM GAZETTE is now available.
Issue #31 can be found at
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp (Note the new URL)
This month:
Art Gallery - Readers Art
Alfred Awards for 1998 - The full results
Comics - More No Man's Land info ,"Realworlds"
projects and Gaiman/Bisley to do a Batman story.
Comics Shipping In February & March
Classic Comic Revisited - Brave & Bold #197
Fan Fiction - Alfred Remembers "The Night".
Movies - The Cat
Prowls again ?
Quiz Page - Alfred Award Winners .
Trivia Page - Elseworlds listings plus Who Knows ?
TV - "Batman Beyond
- Episode Guide" .
Plus a new Archive section containing the best
Fan-Fiction from past issues.
- THE COLLECTORS GUIDE updates can be found at
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp/guide.htm
===========================================================================
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/ )
- Comic Book
Continuum (http://www.detnews.com/comicbooks )
- Newsrama
(http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama )
- Hollywood Heros
(http://www.Mania.com/Mania )
- 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 - 1999)
GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS is not affliated 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.
If you no longer wish to recieve GWN or have been sent a
copy in error just send an e-mail to [email protected] with the words
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