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GOTHAM
WEEKLY NEWS #83
Friday 4th
June 1999
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WELCOME
==========
A fairly quiet week this week, as everyone gets over the
holiday weekend.
Enjoy this issue and 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
Comics Sales Charts
Book Of The Week - Review
TV Show Schedules
On-Line Happenings
Meet The Bat-Team
In The Stores
On The Newsstands
================================================================
COMICS SHIPPING NEXT WEEK (June 7th)
***************************************
AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #55
Written by Dennis O'Neil; art and cover by Roger Robinson
and James Pascoe.
A serial killer threatens Batman's plans to save "No
Man's Land." Oracle faces a grisly death until her guardian angel, Azrael,
steps in to stop the serial-killing "samaritan" who threatens one of
the key players in Batman's plan to salvage Gotham. ($2.25.)
BATMAN: POISON IVY
By John Francis Moore & Brian Apthrop.
DC re-offers this 1997 one-shot focusing on Batman's
botanical villainess. ($4.95)
BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT #88
Written by Greg Rucka; art by Dan Jurgens and Bill
Sienkiewicz; painted cover by Glen Orbik and Laurel Blechman.
The aftermath of the "Assembly" begins to take
effect in part one of the three-part "Fruit of the Earth." Since
Gotham became a No Man's Land, Poison Ivy has maintained control of Robinson
Park, turning it into a botanical Eden. But now Clayface has invaded the park
and threatens to destroy Ivy's paradise. And unbeknownst to either villain,
Batman and Robin need to retrieve something hidden deep beneath the park that
could be the key to ending Gotham's time as a "No Man's Land."
($1.99)
DC ONE MILLION 80-PAGE GIANT #1,000,000
Written by Grant Morrison, Chuck Dixon, Mark Millar, and
various; art by Dusty Abell, Mike Wieringo, Norm Breyfogle, and various; cover
by Val Semeiks and Prentis Roliins.
Return to the world of the 853rd century in an exciting
one-shot. Worlds collide in "Crisis One Million" (written by Grant
Morrison with art by Dusty Abell and Jim Royal), as Justice Legion A meets its
Qwardian counterparts, rally the Simian Universe, and find hope in the past.
Plus: The future's Superman and BATMAN team up for the first time in
"System's Finest" (written by Mark Millar with art by Mike Wieringo
and Richard Case); Superboy and Impulse try to help repair a damaged ROBIN -
The Toy Wonder (written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Drew Johnson and Rich
Faber);($4.95)
NIGHTWING #34
Written by Chuck Dixon; art and cover by Scott McDaniel
and Karl Story.
The conclusion to a three-part story leads directly into
Batman's efforts to save Gotham from its "No Man's Land" status.
While Nightwing and the beautiful-but-deadly Double Dare collide with
Electrocutioner, Stallion and Brutale on a runaway tractor-trailer, Nite-wing
is captured by the police, and Blockbuster gets more bad news about his health
from his doctor. (Continued in Robin #67.) ($1.99)
RESURRECTION MAN #27
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; art and cover by
Butch Guice.
A guest-star packed final issue concludes the three-part
"Millennium Meteor." As Earth's mightiest heroes (Superman, Wonder
Woman and members of the TITANS and YOUNG JUSTICE) fall before the
reality-altering power of Warp Child, it's up to Mitch Shelley, Vandal Savage
and the Immortal Man to track down the monster. Can they succeed where the
others have failed? More important, can these mortal enemies work together long
enough to defeat a common foe? ($2.50)
COMICS NEWS
************
LATE SHIPPING
---------------
DC have posted the following changes to shipping dates:
ANARKY #4 will now be in stores 6/9/99 instead of 6/2/99
BATMAN STATUE will arrive 6/9/99 instead of 5/26/99
YOUNG JUSTICE #11 will arrive 6/9/99 instead of 6/2/99
DC ONE MILLION 80-PG GIANT #1,000,000 will arrive 6/16/99
instead of 6/9/99
BATMAN: THE BOOK OF SHADOWS is finally scheduled for
7/7/99 instead of the original 4/28/99
date.
COMICS SALES CHART
******************
BATMAN related titles achieved the following positions in
the Direct Market sales charts for issues cover dated JUNE 1999. (Source: Wizard #95 and Comics International #107)
7 - JLA #30 (up 1)
29 - Batman #566 (up 1)
36 - Detective #733 (up 1)
37 - Titans #4 (down 2)
48 - Nightwing #32 (up 1)
49 - Shadow Of The Bat #85 (up 9)
52 - Legends Of The Dark Knight #118 (up 7)
60 - Batman & Superman: World's Finest #3 (up 4)
63 - Young Justice #9 (up 3)
68 - Robin #65 (up 8)
77 - Catwoman #69 (up 3)
84 - Azrael #53 (up 17)
86 - Batman: Book Of The Dead #1 (NEW)
95 - Birds Of Prey #6 (up 5)
97 - Batman: Book Of Shadows (NEW)
98 - Batman Beyond #4 (up 7)
113 - Batman: Gotham Adventures #13(up 15)
The average chart position for the 9 regular Batman
titles in June 1999 was 50, the best chart performance since June of last year.
The ACP for the Bat titles so far this year are Jan: 61,
Feb: 68, Mar 54, Apr 54, May 56.
This month BATMAN reached its highest chart position in
the 3 years I've been tracking these figures.
BOOK OF THE WEEK - REVIEW
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DETECTIVE #734
----------------
NO MAN'S LAND: "Mark Of Cain" Part 2
Writer: Kelley Puckett. Pencils: Damion Scott. Inks: John
Floyd.
Color: Greg Wright. Letters: Todd Klien. Editors: Joe
Illidge & Darren Vincenzo
Another excellent contribution to the No Man's Land epic
- which seems to be producing some of the bbest Bat stories in years. Although
to be honest this one didn't need the NML background. It would have worked just
as well in a pre-Earthquake Gotham.
As in Batman #567 (Mark Of Cain part 1) the minimal
dialog and strong visuals give the story a very Japanese feel. The story
reveals yet another old time trainer of Bruce Wayne's and brings Barbara Gordon
into focus as probably the strongest and most stable member of the Bat family
still resident in Gotham.
This particular issue of Detective really needs to be
read as the last part of a four part story arc ( "Claim Jumping" in
LODK#119, SOTB #87 and "Mark Of Cain" BAT #567, TEC #734) to get the
full impact. For me the last page was the best. Barbara Gordon passing on the
Batgirl photo. Batman coming to the realization that his new protégé has failed
him and that he needs the assistance of the established Bat family.
"Oracle.. Call them."
TV SHOW SCHEDULES
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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!
06/05/99 (9:30 am) -- #06 "Dead Man's Hand"
6/12/99 (9:30 am) --
#05 "The Winning Edge"
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 6/05/99 (8.30 am) - #099 "Critters"
6/7/99 NO BATMAN
6/8/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Perchance to Dream"
6/9/99 (4:00 pm) -- "You Scratch My Back"
6/10/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Double Talk"
6/11/99 (4:00 pm) -- "Robin's Reckoning Part 1"
6/11/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Robin's Reckoning Part 2"
6/12/99 (8:00 am) -- "Mad Love"
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 6/7 - (season 2/show 30) "Way You Play the
Game" - Shame
Tue 6/8 - (2/31) "The Puzzles Are Coming" - The
Puzzler
Wed 6/9 - (2/32) "The Duo is Slumming" - The
Puzzler
Thu 6/10 - (2/33) "The Zodiac Crimes" - Joker
and Penguin
Fri 6/11 - (2/34) "The Joker's Hard Times" -
Joker and Penguin
The European satellite channel "Trouble" also
airs the 1960's show at 7am and 11am every morning.
ON-LINE HAPPENINGS
*******************
DC COMICS ONLINE SCHEDULE
----------------------------
Chuck Dixon, writer of BATMAN: BULLOCK'S LAW: Monday,
June 28 at 7:00 pm EDT.
DC WEB-SITE UPDATES
-------------------
This week sees brand new coloring pages at
http://www.dckids.com . This month's coloring books feature characters from
BATMAN BEYOND.
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
********************
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
***************
NEW ALEX ROSS PLATE
--------------------
Warner Bros. Studio Stores are teaming with fan favorite
artist Alex Ross on a new Teen Titans plate that will feature Speedy, ROBIN,
Wonder Girl, Kid Flash and Aqualad.
ON THE NEWSSTANDS
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WIZARD #95 - July 99
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"First Look" includes full page art from
BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME and BATMAN: DARK VICTORY
"Summer Preview" includes news of upcoming
story lines in most of the Batman related books.
"Top 10 Comics" includes Shadow Of The Bat #83
( at #4) and Nightwing #1 ( at #9)
BATMAN BEYOND & SI KIDS
-------------------------
Batman Beyond joins the 10th birthday celebration of
Sports Illustrated For Kids as a sponsor of the youth sports magazine's
interactive sports road show. The show will appear in 20 cities across the
country this summer with Batman Beyond making special appearances in Detroit,
Seattle, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston and New York/New Jersey Metro area.
====================================================================
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/index.html)
- 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.