September 19th, 2003
Apologies for that this week's GWN is late, but you can thank HURRICANE ISABEL for the delay. Hopefully next we'll be back on schedule by the end of the week. So as we clean up the mess, what better way to relax than to catch up on all the latest BATMAN news.
The hype and speculation around "BATMAN 5" continues to build, and just one week after the major casting announcment, fan produced posters are already appearing on-line.
And talking of the BATMAN movies , the latest NOTES FROM THE CAVE column has been posted at the Defender Of Gotham website. So how would you "Cast the Ideal Batman Movie"? Check out my thoughts on the subject here.
All the best.. - Alan J. Porter
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IN THIS ISSUE
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MILLER BATMAN PROJECT UNDERWAY?
A recent posting from artist Robert Morales on the Millarworld forums gives a hint of additional information regarding the Frank Miller BATMAN project we reported on last week. Morales posted "Frank Miller’s doing a graphic novel in his black-and-white Sin City mode, wherein Batman takes on terrorists. He has a script, no fixed deadline, and total freedom to approach the storytelling in as many pages as he sees fit. Last time we talked about it, he’d hit page 30 and hadn’t yet started the main plotline; I hear he’s currently nearing page 100, and the story’s in full swing.. How long it’ll be when it’s done is anybody’s guess-but it’ll be worth any wait."
BATMAN #620 - PREVIEW ON-LINE
DC Comics has posted a preview of BATMAN #620 on-line as a PDF file. This issue marks the start of the "Broken City" storyline by the new creative team of Brian Azarello and Eduardo Risso. You can access the preview pages here.
BATMAN "HUSH" STATUE SELLS OUT
With the heat continuing to build over BATMAN: HUSH and everything connected to it, DC Direct's BATMAN STATUE (STAR19458) has sold out at DC Comics. The statue, designed by Jim Lee and sculpted by Tim Bruckner, sold out less than a week after its on-sale date of September 4.
"Tim did a fantastic job interpreting my 2-D image," says Lee. "He really brought it to life, and I look forward to working with him on more projects in the future."
"I'm not surprised at this sell-out; it's such a great statue and it ties into a great story." says Georg Brewer, DC's VP - Design & Retail Product Development, "Fans should look for the CATWOMAN STATUE Jim and Tim are working on - it will be every bit as strong."
"The response to the statue when it was on display at conventions this summer was fantastic," says Syndee Barwick, Director - Product Management, DC Direct. "We were ecstatic that it sold out even quicker than expected!" (Source: DC Comics)
BATMAN CITY OF LIGHT - CREATORS INTERVIEW
The creators behind the upcoming BATMAN: CITY OF LIGHT mini-series have given an in depth interview to the Newsarama web-site. It can be found by clicking here.
BATMAN #619 - Written by Jeph Loeb; art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams - The pulse-pounding conclusion to the 12-part "Hush" story arc that has thrilled critics and fans alike, featuring two astounding variant triple-gatefold covers! Who is Hush? Why has this mysterious figure plagued Batman? All the secrets are revealed, and one thing is for sure: Nothing will ever be the same for the Dark Knight! The two triple-paneled gatefold covers feature Batman and his allies on one, and all the major Bat-villains on the other, showcasing Jim Lee's incredible vision of the dark world of Batman. - 32pg. | Color | $2.25
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #171 - Written by Tom Peyer; art by Tony Harris and Wade von Grawbadger; cover by Harris - The 3-part "Irresistible" concludes with a bang! After Bruce Wayne's manipulated suicide attempt, Batman finally uncovers the secret of Frank Sharp's power. But can Batman break through Sharp's mind-controlled police escort before Sharp flees Gotham for good? - 32pg. | Color | $2.50
BATMAN: TENSES #2 - Written by Joe Casey; art by Cully Hamner and Dexter Vines; cover by Hamner - Concluding the spine-tingling story set during Batman's first year! The Dark Knight's hunt for an insane serial killer with precognition reaches a fever pitch as the madman's visions hearken rampant death and destruction across Gotham City! - 32pg. | Color | 2 of 2 | Prestige Format | $6.95
CATWOMAN #23 - Written by Ed Brubaker; art and cover by Cameron Stewart - Catwoman's "Wild Ride" continues with a stopover in a familiar locale: Opal City! But danger is everywhere as the mysterious Arabian ninjas who plagued Selina back in Keystone City catch up with her and Holly! - 32pg. | Color | $2.50
JLA #87 - Written by Joe Kelly; art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen - The JLA's "Trial By Fire" takes a fatal turn in Part 4 of 6, as the horrifying origin of their latest nemesis is revealed! Surprisingly, Batman feels there's only one possible solution to The Burning question, and trust us — it's a stretch! - 32pg. | Color | $2.25
Batman Animated Seasons on DVD in 2004?
Hidden away in an item on the Digital Bits web site is a hint that Warner Bros are looking at releasing more animated TV shows onto DVD in 2004 in full season collections. One of the shows listed as a potential release in this format is Batman: The Animated Series.
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (Cartoon Network)
JUSTICE LEAGUE (Cartoon Network)
SUPER FRIENDS (Boomerang)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN ADVENTURES (Boomerang)
TEEN TITANS (Cartoon Network)
UK TV SCHEDULE
Toonami, Turner's new UK cartoon Network has just started broadcasting. The following Batman shows will be running.
BATMAN OF THE FUTURE (Batman Beyond) :
JUSTICE LEAGUE
Following last week's confirmation of the new BATMAN movie, the rumors have continued to appear thick and fast. Here's this weeks collection:
Complied from reports on Batman On Film,
Fan Poster designed by Bruno Vergauwen and posted on the Christopher Nolan website.
WIN LUNCH WITH HALLE BERRY ON THE SET OF CATWOMAN.
Halle Berry's Hallewood fan web-site says that the Oscar winning actress is training hard for her role in the upcoming Catwoman movie. VIP members of the site can also enter a contest to meet the start and have lunch with her on set in Vancouver. Membership costs $39.95
BRATT TO PLAY CATWOMAN'S LOVE INTEREST
The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Benjamin Bratt has joined the cast of CATWOMAN playing Dective Tom Lone, a ex-Gotham cop who assists Catwoman in her quest to find her killer. Bratt replaces Josh Lucas in the role.
FRANCES McDORMAND JOINS CATWOMAN CAST?
The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Oscar Winner (Fargo) Frances McDormand is being courted to appear in the upcoming CATWOMAN movie. No indication was given as the the role she is being asked to play.
ITHACON 28 - Ithaca NY - Sept 20th
Guests include: SCOTT BEATTY, BOB ROZAKIS,
BALTIMORE COMIC-CON - Baltimore Convention Center - Sept 20th to 21st
The Baltimore show continues to grow each year with more visitors and more guests. Confirmed attendees this year include: JIM LEE (Saturday only), GREG RUCKA, BRIAN STELFREEZE.
SUPER-MEGA SHOW - Meadowlands, Secaucus NJ - Sept 20th to 21st
This media and pop-culture show will feature LEE MERIWEATHER who played Catwoman in the 1966 Batman movie.
MAJESTICON - Denver CO - Sept 21st
Featuring Detective Comics penciller TOM CASTILLO
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GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS is a FOREST COMICS Publication.
FOREST COMICS and GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS are (c) and TM - Alan J. Porter (1994 - 2003)
"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