Monday 9th Februay 2004
JULIUS SCHWARTZ (1915-2004)
Legendary comics editor Julius Schwartz passed away yesterday. He had been ill for several weeks and his health was failing.
He was one of the true pioneers of the comcis industry, almost single-handily responsible for the rebirth of the Super-hero comics in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The true father of the Silver Age of comics.
He was also the man who rescued BATMAN. After the interest generated by the live action TV show waned, sales on the Batman titles plummeted to the point where cancellation was seriously being considered. Julie was bought on as editor and his "new direction" for the books turned sales around and laid the foundation for every incarnation of the Batman since.
Although long retired, he kept an office at DC Comics and was a frequent guest at conventions around the country. A great ambassador for comics and a freind to fans of all ages. I was lucky enough to meet him briefly at a convention a few years ago. I wish I'd had the chance to get to know him better.
GOTHAM WEEKLY NEWS passes on it's condolences to Julie's family and everyone at DC Comics. He will be missed.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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HUSH RETURNS IN GOTHAM KNIGHTS
From Comicon's The Pulse - The biggest thorn in Batman's side for the past year, Hush, is returning to plague the Dark Knight further. However, his return's not in the pages of Batman, it will unfold within the Gotham Knights series by new creative team writer Andy Lieberman, penciler Al Barrionuevo and inker Francis Portela. With thanks to David Macho for the translations, THE PULSE was able to get some details from Barrionuevo and Portela on this storyline and their art work. - The full interview can be found here.
WAGNER COVERS BATMAN IN MAY
Matt Wagner takes on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman again in May. Wagner follows his mini-series Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity with a trio of painted, thematically linked covers for Adventures of Superman #628, Batman #627 and Wonder Woman #204.
These covers coincide with the release of the hardcover collection of Trinity. "As always, Matt brings his unique vision to our big three," says Mark Chiarello, DC's Editorial Art Director. "It's a thrill for everyone involved to have him create these very iconic covers." The Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity Hardcover collects the entire three-issue mini-series, written and illustrated by Wagner, along with a new, painted cover and sketch gallery, plus an introduction by best-selling novelist Brad Meltzer.
Batman #627 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 12.
RUMOR OF THE WEEK
Comics Shipping (February 11th)
BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS #7 -
Written by Greg Rucka; art and cover by Klaus Janson - The thrilling miniseries continues! As Batman reels from the consequences of his deal with Ra's al Ghul, Nyssa's plans move closer to her endgame. But is the Dark Knight too distracted by his crisis of faith to act? -BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #176 -
Written by John Wagner; art and cover by Chris Brunner - The thrilling conclusion to the 5-part "Testament!" It's Batman's final confrontation with Rough Justice – but how can the Dark Knight defeat an enemy who knows his secrets? - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50GOTHAM CENTRAL #16 -
Written by Ed Brubaker; art by Greg Scott; cover by Michael Lark - In the aftermath of the Joker's brutal reign of terror, how can things in Gotham get back to normal? In the first of three stand-alone stories featuring the supporting cast, Sarge and Crowe deal with the fallout in the stationhouse, meet the new boss, and try to solve the murder of a girl found in a dumpster. Featuring guest art by Greg Scott (Pop Gun War). - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50GREEN ARROW #35 -
Written by Judd Winick; art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks; cover by Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez - In Part 2 of the 5-part "City Walls," Ollie and Connor must team with Batman to take on the twisted genius of the Riddler! But this is more than just a random crime spree. The Riddler is about to up the ante, and his dark intentions could blow the city sky high! - DC UNIVERSE | 32pg. | Color | $2.50NIGHTWING #90 -
Written by Devin Grayson; art and cover by Patrick Zircher and Andy Owens - Blockbuster has surrounded himself with the most lethal cadre of assassins ever assembled: Stallion, Lady Vic, Brutale, the Trigger Twins, Mouse, Giz and an army of gun-laden gangsters. But can even the deadliest of killers stop a hero who has nothing left to lose? - BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.25TEEN TITANS #8 -
Written by Geoff Johns; art by Tom Grummett and Marlo Alquiza; cover by Mike McKone and Alquiza - Who is Raven? The Teen Titans get a crash course on this mysterious former Titan, and what her reappearance could mean! Plus, the return of a fan-favorite villain. - DC UNIVERSE | 32pg. | Color | $2.50ADAM WEST - MAYOR OF GOTHAM
According to actor Adam West's website, the 1960s BATMAN TV star has just completed recording the voice of the mayor of Gotham City in the new Batman animated series to debut later this year. The Batman will feature a younger version of the character than currently shown in Justice League. The Batman will be voiced by Rino Romano, whose credits include the lead role in Spider-Man Unlimited.JUSTICE LEAGUE (Cartoon Network)
TEEN TITANS (Cartoon Network)
TEEN TITANS (KidsWB)
SUPER FRIENDS (Boomerang)
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
LATEST BATMAN 5 RUMORS & NEWS
CATWOMAN UPDATES
BATMAN TRIVIA GAME ON-LINE NEXT WEEK
Action figure and toy company Mattel are launching an on-line trivia game at http://www.batmantrivia.com/ for all Batman fans. The site will be live February 15 2004 after 9:00 PM ET.
MORE CATWOMAN FASHIONS ON THE WAY
PRESS RELEASE - WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS, renowned
for its "animated style," is joining forces with one of the country's most
distinguished fashion institutions, HENRI BENDEL, to celebrate the highly anticipated
release of the film, CATWOMAN, starring Halle Berry, Benjamin Bratt, Sharon Stone, and
Lambert Wilson.
"The level of taste, sophistication and style that Bendel's represents is ideal for
our movie," said Denise DiNovi, Producer of the upcoming CATWOMAN film.
"CATWOMAN celebrates a woman's innate confidence and flair, as does the store."
Keeping with CATWOMAN'S sexy style, HENRI BENDEL will carry an exclusive selection of
apparel, accessories, and other products inspired by the film. The legendary HENRI BENDEL
windows will also convey a CATWOMAN theme. Both the collection and windows will debut in
conjunction with the July 30th film release.
"The sleek, powerful, and feminine feel of this film is a perfect fit for HENRI
BENDEL and our customers," said Ed Burstell, Vice President and General Manager of
HENRI BENDEL.
HENRI BENDEL is famous for featuring the cutting-edge designs of countless high-profile
brands and is located on New York City's fashionable Fifth Avenue.
SUPER DADS' PROTEST STOPS TRAFFIC
Over the last week there were several protests by a UK based father's rights group. The common theme was for the father's to dress as various Super-Heroes and bring traffic to a halt in major cities in order to bring publicity to their cause. One of the most common costumes chosen was of course, BATMAN, leading to a string of bizarre newspaper headlines across the UK.
And just to add to the Zap! Pow! headlines there was this unrelated incident - also in the UK.
Zap! Gosh! Batman is on the run
From the Macclesfield Express - KAPOW! Crimebusting comic book heroes Batman and Spiderman are under investigation by Macclesfield cops. But don’t worry kids. It’s not the real ones!
The dynamic duo are under the spotlight after imposters peddling competition tickets dressed as the web-spinning wonder and the caped crusader. The wannabe superheroes, along with a plain dressed man and a clown have been breaking licensing laws to sell the public lottery tickets to win a “Smart“ Car. The gang, who claim to be from Northants company Thornbury Leisure Ltd were flogging the £2 tickets on Mill Street on Friday, January 23.
They told the public, including one of our reporters, that they would be making a charity donation to give disabled youngsters specially adapted wheelchairs, with the donation going to the charity of the winner’s choice. But Macclesfield Police have been left questioning the motives of the costumed characters, after they discovered they have no lottery licence, or even a permit from Macclesfield Borough Council.
EMERALD CITY COMIC CON - Seattle - Feb 29th
The second Emerald City convention features GREG RUCKA, MATT WAGNER, DAVE JOHNSON and PETE WOODS among many other guests.
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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 - 2004)
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BATMAN created by Bob Kane & Bill Finger