*************************************************************
GOTHAM
WEEKLY NEWS #81
Friday 21st
May 1999
*************************************************************
WELCOME
==========
NO MORE WORDS & PICTURES
--------------------------
I was saddened to read this week that GWN's friends at
the excellent Words & Pictures Museum in Northampton MA will be closing
their doors for the final time in July of this year. A great shame.
However all is not lost as Words & Pictures will move
on to become a "virtual museum" with a greatly expanded web presence
and special shows of original art viewable at their web site.
Please give them your support by dropping by their site
at http://www.wordsandpictures.org and look out for the special Batman 60th
Anniversary show later in the year.
I'll be shipping out another batch of copies of "The
Unauthorized BATMAN Collectors Guide" this weekend. Thanks to all of you
that have sent in orders recently. Your signed copies will be on the way soon.
As always, have a great week.
Alan J. Porter
PO Box 527
Millersville
MD 21108
USA
[email protected] / [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE OF GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS:
=====================================
Comics Shipping Next Week
Comics News
Book Of The Week - Review
TV Show Schedules
On-Line Happenings
Meet The Bat-Team
In The Stores
================================================================
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (May 26th)
***************************************
BATMAN CATACLYSM - TPB
By various
The complete story of Gotham's earthquake is collected in
this mammoth 320 page tradepaperback. ($17.95)
BATMAN CHRONICLES #17
By various
Thtree tales of No Man's Land leads with a story of
Penguins attempt to wrest control of the man-Bat serum. ($2.95, in stores May
26)
BATMAN: CONTAGION TPB
DC once again offers the collection of the epic story of
Batman & Robin's struggle to contain a plague outbreak in Gotham. ($12.95)
BATMAN: MR FREEZE
By Dini & Buckingham
DC re-offers this one-shot special focusing on Batman's
frigid villain. ($4.95)
DETECTIVE #734
By Puckett & Scott
What role does Oracle's mysterious agent play in the
adventures of the new Batgirl? ($1.)
CATWOMAN #70
By Grayson & Balent
Catwoman is forced to take a contract to kill... Selina
Kyle. ($1.99)
JLA #31
By Morrison and Porter
The conclusion of the "Crisis Times Five"
storyline. ($1.99)
ROBIN #66
By Dixon & Johnson
Robin and his father prepare to leave Keystone City and
return to Gotham, but first he has to deal with a hospital under siege by three
leftover demons from Nicholas Scratch's cult. ($1.99)
YOUNG JUSTICE IN NON MAN'S LAND #1
By Dixon & Beatty
A visit to the former Gotham proves more dangerous than
the teen heroes of Young Justice expected. As they encounter Ferak and a Kobra
strike force. ($3.95)
COMICS NEWS
************
DARK VICTORY FOR WIZARD
------------------------
From Newsrama and other sources comes news that
"readers looking forward to Batman: Dark Victory, the much anticipated
13-part follow up to Jeph Loeb's and Tim Sale's The Long Halloween, will get an
early extra "Halloween Treat" this summer. A full four months before
the series officially kicks off in October, a special Batman: Dark Victory #0
issue, featuring a brand new original story by Loeb and Sale bridging the 2
maxi-series, will be offered polybagged with the June issue of Wizard Magazine
(#95).
"Wizard made us an offer that we couldn't
refuse," enthused Loeb on the special, free project. "Everybody will
have a chance to get a head-start on the year long mystery that we've got in
mind this time around! Tim's bold artwork is just stunning. He hasn't drawn
Batman since The Long Halloween, and that alone makes the #0 a treat. We also
think it's the first time DC has allowed Batman to be published outside DC -
not counting inter-company crossovers - in an 'in continuity' story and really
highlights how DC is getting behind the series!"
What can readers expect from the #0 issue? Loeb isn't
giving away too much, but dropped enough hints to leave Batman and TLH fans
eager to reserve a copy. "The story picks up after The Long Halloween, and
features the first appearance of a major new character in Batman's life,"
revealed Loeb.
"This character will play a pivotal role in Dark
Victory ... and oh yeah, The Long Halloween's serial killer 'Holiday' is back -
but in a most unexpected way!"
Batman: Dark Victory #0 will also include a Tim Sale
sketchbook - a first for the artist - featuring the key characters in
maxi-series. Since so much of Sale's artwork is only seen in the finished inked
form, this will be a rare glimpse for readers at his raw pencils. An extended
interview with Loeb & Sale on the project rounds out the special edition.
"Wizard and DC are bringing out something extra
special with this #0," concluded Loeb. "It fits right into the
continuity of Batman: Dark Victory and is a terrific epilogue to The Long
Halloween. We can't think of a Wizard #0 that has so much cool stuff in
it."
NEW CATWOMAN ELSEWORLDS
--------------------
This August, writer Doug Moench and artist Jim Balent are
turning the tables on the classic heated love/hate relationship between Batman
and Catwoman in the 2-issue prestige format Elseworlds mini-series, Catwoman:
Guardian of Gotham. According to information provided by DC, "In the
darkened streets of Gotham City, a lone figure wages an uncompromising war
against the strange villains - the Joker, Two-Face, Killer Croc, and more -
that call the city home. Orphaned by criminals, the vigilante finds grudging
acceptance from local law officials, who call for aid with a spotlight in the
heavens: the Cat-Signal."
"This turnabout tale is revealed in Catwoman:
Guardian Of Gotham, an Elseworlds miniseries that casts Selina Kyle as the
chief defender of an even darker Gotham than the one found in the traditional
DCU. This Gotham is under siege from a brutal vigilante who murders the city's
freakish criminals... the Bat-Man. As Selina closes in on the mysterious
cowl-wearing menace, she is unaware that he has already rooted out her true
identity, and, as millionaire Bruce Wayne, has gotten close to her...very
close."
BOOK OF SHADOWS UPDATE
-----------------------
BATMAN: BOOK OF SHADOWS by Mills, Gallagher &
Mighten, described as a moody stylized
vision of the Dark Knight was originally scheduled to ship on April 28th. It
appeared on the latest DC late shipping list - but with the revised ship date
marked as TBD.
BOOK OF THE WEEK - REVIEW
**************************
FANBOY #5
--------------
Writer: Mark Evanier. Artist: Sergio Aragones.
Contributing Artists: Dick Sprang. Jim Mooney. Joe
Giella. Neal Adams. Frank Miller. Bruce Timm.
Letters: Todd Klien. Colors: Tom Luth. Editor: Tony
Bedard
If there's one reason to buy this book, it's the list of
"Contributing Artists" that appears above. Although they only
contribute a couple of pages each the effect for any serious Batfan is almost
magical. Even for non-Batfan's this particular issue wonderfully demonstrates
the various artistic directions that comics have gone through over the last
sixty years. I'm tempted to buy another copy that I can leave on a convenient
bookshelf to pull out and use as a visual aid anytime conversation with a
non-comics reader turns to how the art style of comic books has changed.
Even if you're not a fan of Evanier's and Aragone's humor
style (And I'll admit I blow hot and cold on that subject - much preferring the
work they do individually over their collaborations.) you soon realize that
this particular issue has been done with respect for their subject. Even though
the script readily points out the absurdities of any given Bat era - it does so
with reverence.
To be honest I found the underlying story, of the disappearance
of a mint issue of Batman #1 from the protagonist's place of work, to be too
silly and it's resolution daft beyond words. But what the heck, this is the
best $2.50 illustrated history of Batman that you'll find anywhere.
TV SHOW SCHEDULES
********************
BATMAN MOVIES ON TV
----------------------
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!
5/22/99 (9.30 am) --# 13 "Ascension" - NEW
EPISODE (Last new episode of this first season)
5/29/99 (9:30 am) -- #10 "Shriek"
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 5/22/99 (8:30 am) #108 - "Beware the
Creeper"
Mon 5/24/99 NO BATMAN
Tue 5/25/99 (4:00 pm) -- "Make 'Em Laugh"
Wed 5/26/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Batgirl Returns"
Thu5/27/99 (4:00 pm) -- "A Bullet for Bullock"
Fri 5/28/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Riddler's Reform"
Sat 5/29/99 (8:00 am) -- "Knight Time"
(Superman as Batman)
Sat 5/29/99 (8:30 am) -- "Legends of the Dark
Knight"
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.
NOTE: Saturady 29th is the BATMAN "SUPER CHUNK"
( a 3 hour special between 4pm and 7pm ET) and will feature the following
line-up:
#10 Two-Face Part One
#17 Two-Face Part Two
#20 Feat of Clay Part One
#21 Feat of Clay Part Two
#59 The Demon's Quest Part One
#63 The Demon's Quest Part Two
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 5/24 - (season 2/show 20) "Dizzonner the
Penguin" - The Penguin
Tue 5/25 - (2/21) "The Devil's Fingers" -
Chandell
Wed 5/26 - (2/22) "The Dead Ringers" - Chandell
Thu 5/27 - (2/23) "The Impractical Joker" -
Joker
Fri 5/28 - (2/24) "The Joker's Provokers" -
Joker
The European satellite channel "Trouble" also
airs the 1960's show at 7am and 11am every morning.
ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
*******************
BAT WEB-SITES NEWS
--------------------
**COMING MAY 23, ONLY TO DCX (www.imagine-that.org/DCX/)
What does a homicidal artist have to do to get some
respect? When the Joker
escapes from Arkham Asylum, he discovers he no longer tops
the list of
'Gotham's Most Wanted.' But his scheme to destroy the
competition draws the
attention of an old man with a dangerous grudge against
the Clown Prince of
Crime. The first issue of BATMAN: Dark Knight by John
Hardin begins the
story of a man who shows the Joker why revenge is a dish
"Best Served Cold."
After her father went to prison, Stephanie Brown left
that painful chapter
of her life behind. With her mother's remarriage,
Stephanie's future seemed
bright. But all her dreams of happiness are threatened
when her father
escapes from prison. Now, with the help of a boy named
Robin, she must
discover if she is a "Prodigal Daughter." The
story begins in ROBIN: Fly by
Knight #1, the start of a monthly series by Brian Bedard.
What happens when goody two-shoes meets the school bully?
A new Batgirl is
born, and she's ready to rumble! Meet the two teens --
and an exciting new
nemesis -- that make it all happen in this month's
BATGIRL: Dark Knight
Damsel. You can find "Dusk," the premiere issue
written by Brendan Crowther,
At DCX the DC fanfic 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
********************
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 plus SHELDON MOLDOFF.
NASHVILLE TN - June 5-6
-----------------------
CELEBRITY CON'99 has been cancelled.
CHARLOTTE CA - June 18-20
------------------------
Celebrate Fathers Day weekend at this years HEROES
CONVENTION (www.heroesonline.com)at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South
College Street. Among the guests are, DICK GIORDANO, SHELDON MOLDOFF, JULIE
SCHWARTZ, DAN BRERETON, DEVIN GRAYSON, and MARK WAID.
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. Also just announced, ADAM WEST and FRANK GORSHIN.
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.
IN THE STORES
*****************
BATMAN AS ART ?
----------------
The Wentworth gallery store at the Tysons Galleria in
Tysons Corner VA is currently holding a show and sale of work by the artist
"Kauffman." Among the paintings on display is a 3' x 3' reproduction
of Bruce Timm's classic Batman Animated Series logo in acrylic and oil - the
asking price a mere $3500 !
Interestingly enough the piece doesn't appear to carry and
copyright acknowledgement for either DC or WB - makes me wonder if this is a
licensed piece of work or not?
====================================================================
HOW TO ORDER OUR NEW BATMAN BOOK
********************************
"THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN COLLECTORS GUIDE" by Alan J. Porter
The most comprehensive guide to Batman 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 collectibles ever assembled between two covers.
Nearly 300 photographs accompany the informative articles and detailed 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
Sample pages can be found on the web at
http://members.aol.com/gothamajp/book.htm
=============================================================================
THE LATEST ISSUE OF GOTHAM GAZETTE is now available.
Issue #32 can be found at http://members.aol.com/gothamajp
This month:
* Art Gallery - Readers Art
* Alfred Awards for 1998
* Comics - News of over 10 new Batman projects plus a NML
update.
* Comics Shipping In May & June.
* Classic Comic Revisited - Brave & Bold #184.
* Fan Fiction - The start of a Highlander / Batman
cross-over.
* Movies - Next Animated Batman Movie Announced
* Quiz Page - How much do you know about The Huntress ?
* Trivia Page - Who did Robin impersonate in Batman #302
?
* TV - 1st Batman Beyond video release .
Plus an 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 Heroes
(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", "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.
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.