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December 24, 2002
New Birds of Prey episodes
source: Comics Continuum

Though it may be cancelled, Birds of Prey still has a few episodes to go before it packs it in. Here are details on two upcoming episodes courtesy of the Comics Continuum

Gladiatrix (January 8): When young metahuman women are abducted in New Gotham, Helena's (Ashley Scott) investigation leads her to uncover a secret club where the captive women are drugged and forced to fight each other in an arena. When Helena is also abducted, it is up to Dinah (Rachel Skarsten) to rescue her.

Reunion (January 15): When Helena's former classmates descend upon New Gotham for their fifth class reunion, two of the alums are brutally murdered. While Helena tries to find the killer, she fears that Reese's (Shemar Moore) investigation will lead him to learn too much about her true identity.

The first one I'm not to thrilled about (Read my recent column to find out why) but the second one should be good I hope....AJ
 
Batman 611 tops orders
source: Comics Continuum

Batman continues to rake in big bucks for DC. Diamond Distributors is reporting that the Fourth part of the "Hush" storyline topped its initial orders charts and everyone involved with the story couldn't be more happier.

"It's clear that the public's enthusiasm for the work Jeph, Jim and Scott are doing on Batman just keeps on growing," said Bob Wayne, DC's VP - sales and marketing. "We're very excited to watch this sales trend as it develops, and remind retailers to keep their eyes on orders for upcoming issues. "


"Seems like every time we turn around it's a 'WOW,' and this is definitely a wowser," Loeb said. " In the spirit of the holiday season, we thank the retailers and readers for believing in us and giving us such a terrific gift. We hope our gift to you will be equally appreciated: #611 features Batman and Catwoman hunting down Poison Ivy in Metropolis and leads readers into next issue's Batman vs. Superman battle. And #611 has a few guest stars that you won't want to miss seeing Jim draw! "


"I've literally run out of things to say," Lee said. "I think this is a blueprint for how to rebuild the marketplace: terrific storylines coupled with reliable, on-time art, married with well-coordinated, well-thought out marketing on a timeless character. Personally, I can't thank the retailers and especially the fans enough for their generous support. It's been truly inspiring."

 
Batman legends return for new comic project
source: Newsarama

Fans who followed Batman during the 70's and 80's may remember the works of Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein (who later became editor of the Batman titles) now both of these creators are teaming up for an all new Batman story. The untitled project will take place in the 1800's Baltimore and features Batman and famous poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Full details about this project can be found at Newsarama

 

 
December 12, 2002
Alan Horn on Batman, Superman and Batman vs Superman
source: Hollywood Reporter

WB exec Alan Horn recently talked about the movie projects involving Batman and Superman

THR: Speaking of the Web, some of the fan sites gave you a lot of grief over the early draft of "Superman" that you are developing. How annoying or frustrating did that get?

Horn: I think it's very interesting. I don't think it's annoying. I find it annoying if an embryonic draft of a screenplay gets printed on the Web that only reflects the beginning part of a process. Dealing with the response to that, a lot of the letters and e-mails, is frustrating because I know that's not the movie we're making. In many cases, the very things that the letter writers were objecting to or concerned about were the very same things that we're concerned about. We don't think Lex Luthor should be an alien, either. And my answer is -- and it's all over the Web -- we agree with you. He won't be. But I have to shake my head in wonderment that the fan base for these properties is so very large that people take the time to send a six-page e-mail on "Superman." That means to me only good things. I can't imagine that the person who sends the six- page e-mail won't go to see the movie.

THR: What is your game plan for the various "Superman" and "Batman" scripts you're developing?

Horn: We're planning to do the J.J. Abrams screenplay for "Superman," which is an origins story. We feel it's fresh even though it covers ground that was originally covered by the Dick Donner movie -- that was 20-some-odd years ago. We feel that this is fresh, hip, contemporary, moving, funny and loaded with action. Brett Ratner is extremely well-qualified to handle the movie -- not only did he handle the lightness and fun of "Rush Hour" but also the drama and tension of "Red Dragon." He comes to "Superman" with this very strong filmography. We had a competing script, "Batman vs. Superman." It's very, very good, written by Akiva Goldsman, and we will do it. But I prefer we start with "Superman," the early years, and complement that with a Batman origins movie. And I'd like to think that each character will evolve so that when we have "Batman vs. Superman," the meeting of the two will feel more organic.

THR: So with the "Harry Potter" and "Superman" movies, you're really planning three or four years down the road.

Horn: We're already planning our '05 releases; '04 is filling out almost completely already; '03 is locked and set. We have 10 movies already for '05. Obviously, the bigger the movie, the more complicated the special effects, so we're talking already about our '05 movies.

Devin Grayson signs 1 year exclusive deal with DC
source: Newsarama

Newsarama is reporting that Nightwing writer Devin Grayson will be doing projects for DC only for one year. Here is what Devin has to say about this

“I wrote my very first comic for DC in 1997 and have worked there pretty much continuously ever since,” Grayson said. “In all that time, writing for characters like Batman and Nightwing has never stopped being the thrill it first was. I still feel a sense of awe when I think about the stories and legacies DC has created and sustained over the years, and I have spent the whole of my career in this industry feeling honored and proud to be allowed to assist in them.

”Many of my best friends work at 1700 Broadway - the editors and administrators at DC have enriched both my personal and professional life, and I'm greatly pleased to be recognized as part of that team.”

Devin has a lot more to say and the original article is at Newsarama

Birds of Prey's final episodes
source: Gotham Clocktower

There won't be a two hour series finale for this show. Instead the show will wrap of with "Feat of Clay" and "Devil's eyes" to read more about these episodes, head down to the Gotham Clocktower