Paul Dini Chat Transcript

This chat was held on Wednesday, April 15th 1998, from 9:30 - 10:45pm.

None of Paul Dini's comments have been edited in any way. Paul Dini is referred to here as "TVG_Star". The chat host is "TVGOer"

Beware of Spoilers!!

TVGOer says, "Welcome Paul!"

TVG_Star says, "Hi everybody!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #37 from ZENtertainment:
When will new episodes of BATMAN/SUPERMAN begin airing?

TVG_Star says, "Good question. First new episode will air on the 25th. It's a Batman episode called Mean Season. And it introduces a new villainess called Calendar Girl."

TVG_Star says, "Her voice is by Sela Ward of Sisters."

TVG_Star says, "The week after that, on May 2, the WB will be running a special Super Girl morning, and we will introduce Super Girl in a special one hour Super Man episode on the Batman Superman Adventures."

TVG_Star says, "And on May 9 a Batman season finale called the Demon Within, which guest stars Jack Kirby's comic creation, The Demon."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #42 from RobbD2:
Will Etrigan be featured as more of a villain or a balance in between a villain and a hero?

TVG_Star says, "Both. In this episode he will be both villain and allie. The voice of both Etrigan and his alter-ego Jason Blood will be by Titantic's BIlly Zane."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #40 from Bimbette18:
What is your favortie character? Harley Quinn?

TVG_Star says, "Let's see. I like Harley an awful lot. I guess that's obvious as she shows up in so many of the things I write. However, without Batman there would be no Joker or Harley so I guess, the guy in the cape nudges her out by just a bit."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #61 from Marcuswai:
Any more Stories from You and Bruce Timm in DC or comics in general?

TVG_Star says, "Yes! Later this year a three part mini series titled Harley and Ivy will be coming out from DC Comics. It's three issues with those wackie girls in all sorts of trouble."

TVG_Star says, "Bruce has just finished the pencils and they are spectacular!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #33 from Gunmedown:
Hi Tell me more about Batman Tomorrow.

TVG_Star says, "Batman Tomorrow is a new series that will debut on Kids WB this November. At an unspecified in the next century, Bruce Wayne has hung up the Batman costume and is now more or less a recluse."

TVG_Star says, "A young man named Terry McGinnis discovers Bruce's secret past and joining with him becomes the next hero to wear the costume of Batman."

TVG_Star says, "Bruce and Terry are reluctant allies, but as the season progresses we hope to show a bond growing between them."

TVG_Star says, "Gotham City will look completely different from its present form, not completely futuristic, but with many new surprising touches."

TVG_Star says, "There will also be many new villains."

TVG_Star says, "And new challenges."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #41 from Bimbette18:
Why have you eliminated the yellow from Batman's costume?

TVG_Star says, "When the WB gave us the pickup for more new Batman episodes, Bruce Timm felt he simply did not want to redo the show exactly as we had done it on Fox."

TVG_Star says, "He wanted to change the characters' design somewhat, partially to streamline the look and partially to show that some time had passed between the two series."

TVG_Star says, "In re-thinking Batman as a grimmer character, Bruce decided to eliminate all bright colors from his costume."

TVG_Star says, "Batman's current look harkens back to his original look from the comics."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #86 from JckNapier:
Will Ra's Al Ghul show up?

TVG_Star says, "Yes."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #97 from Gul_Khaish:
What about appearances by the rest of the DC Universe? GL and all..

TVG_Star says, "Green Latern is set for an appearance next season with Superman. Other guest star characters include the Legion of Superheroes and possibly Captain Marvel."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #98 from Angelique_666:
Any plans for a new "wave" of villains on Batman - Nocturna, CAVALIER, the General?

TVG_Star says, "Let's see, none of those three will appear in the series next season. However, we are bringing in one of the comic book villains named Fire Bug. And we are doing a new take on Catman, although he will not be going by that name."

TVG_Star says, "A few new villains will appear as well, including Calendar Girl, a mad geneticist called Farmer Brown (our weirdest villain ever!), and a mysterious vigilante called The Judge."

TVG_Star says, "Also appearing from the comics is a creation of Bruce's and mine named Roxy Rocket, who will make things tough for both Batman and Superman in various episodes."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #107 from Tooneman:
Will Supes and Bats be teaming up again anytime soon???

TVG_Star says, "Yes, lots."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #103 from Harley_Quinn69:
Mistah Dini, will Andrea Beaumont/Phantasm be returning anytime soon?

TVG_Star says, "No, sorry."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #112 from Harley_Quinn69:
Mistah Dini,Will you be writing many more comics for the New Gotham Adventures?

TVG_Star says, "I don't know. I'm not at this point, but I don't want to rule anything out. I'm busy with other comicbook and publishing projects at the moment, and have kind of filled by plate for the immediate future."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #116 from Ggood1992:
When is the Batman Animated book you're writing due out?

TVG_Star says, "Batman Animated is targeted to hit the shelves the first week of October. Chip Kidd has outdone himself selecting some of the most powerful pre-production images of the original Batman series."

TVG_Star says, "If you've ever wanted to see how an animated show is created, and all the many elements that go into its developement, this is definitely the book for you."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #74 from BrianC11:
Is "Mad Love" really going to be an episode?

TVG_Star says, "Yes. It'll be on sometime in the fall. The voice work by Mark Hammil and especially Arleen Sorkin is some of the best in the series."

TVG_Star says, "The tape made me cry when I heard it. It's incredible."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #109 from Domnogin:
What was the first TV animation you worked?

TVG_Star says, "I don't remember that far back...Hmm, let's see...I remember...It was for an episode of Mighty Mouse (not the cool John K. version, but the sucky one done by Filmation in 1980) and I wrote it while I was still a sophomore in college."

TVG_Star says, "I had the opportunity to come out and do some writing for that animation studio and put school on hold for 10 months while I went out and tried to make it as a TV writer."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #121 from Tooneman:
Will Supes and Bats be getting along likie good little child the next time??

TVG_Star says, "Ha! No."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #146 from EGM_:
Can you comment on any future video/feature releases for other DC characters (in the vein of Sub Zero)?

TVG_Star says, "At this point there are no current plans to do any more direct to video DC Superheroe adventures. That's not to rule out there will never be any more, it's just Warners hasn't talked about another one for the immediate future."

TVG_Star says, "However, with Subzero selling so well, it's always a possibility."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #34 from ZENtertainment:
Can you say anything about possible future DC animates series, such as NEW GODS, JLA, LEGION, etc..?

TVG_Star says, "We are always looking at the possibility of doing another DC based series. However, as the network's decision is predictated largely on what is on live action feature developement,"

TVG_Star says, "it is unlikely any of those characters or teams will have an animated series of their own without either a live feature or live prime time series to back it up."

TVG_Star says, "That's just the way of business. Sorry."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #153 from EGM_:
Will we see more episodes about the transition from the Adventures of Batman

TVG_Star says, "Yes. Some of that story has already been told in the Batman Adventures: The Lost Years DC Miniseries."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #159 from RiddlerWB:
Will there be a Riddler episode next season??

TVG_Star says, "Riddler makes trouble for Batman in at least three episodes."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #168 from EGM_:
Any plans to dip into the "Elseworlds" genre for Batman? Superman? (aside from Brave New Metropolis)

TVG_Star says, "To a degree we are thinking of Batman Tomorrow as a What If story of Batman's future. Without ever saying it, this is a possible way his future could turn out. But not necessarily the only way."

TVG_Star says, "As for strict Elseworld stories with Batman as a pirate or cowboy or caveman or something, no, we are not going to do them."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #175 from JckNapier:
When will the alleged Batman 3-part origin story air?

TVG_Star says, "Sorry, there's no such thing."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #174 from Marcuswai:
How many episodes do you write each season?

TVG_Star says, "I try to write at least three or four myself, usually team up with Alan Burnett for another one or two, and then sort of kibbitz on various others. To a degree I work on all of the stories. But that's the way our writing staff works."

TVG_Star says, "We are always making comments, re-reading and trying to make them the best we can."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #169 from Harley_Quinn69:
When it comes down to the crunch, who do you prefer writing for? Batman or Superman?

TVG_Star says, "Batman. He's just so primal and easy to understand. Plus if I get stuck I can always have Harley run in and say something stupid. Hey, I'll take a laugh when I can get it!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #182 from EGM_:
Can you tell us about the episodes "Old Wounds" and "Legends of the Dark Knight" for next year?

TVG_Star says, "Sure. Old Wounds is the story of what happened after Dick Grayson left Batman, and how Batgirl came to be a member of the team. It's recounted from Nightwing's point of view some years later."

TVG_Star says, "Legends of the Dark Night is an episodic story showing three different kids' versions of how they picture Batman."

TVG_Star says, "The episode is animated in three different styles. One kid imagines Batman as a jolly hero, and sees him in the classic Dick Sprang style."

TVG_Star says, "Another kid sees Batman as a darker, older, grittier vigilante, and that's animated in Frank Miller's style."

TVG_Star says, "It'll be cool."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #151 from Dotsandloops:
If there is to be a JLA series,what would the line-up be?

TVG_Star says, "Zatanna and a bunch of other clods. She's really the only one I care about. Sorry!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #108 from Chaplin9:
what is the relationship of women to batman/bruce wayne?

TVG_Star says, "Depends on the woman. Catwoman is attracted to both Bruce and Batman. And he's attracted to her in both her identities."

TVG_Star says, "However, the fact that she is a criminal makes it awfully hard for him to get close to her."

TVG_Star says, "He's even more attracted to Talia, but again, the fact that her Daddy wants Batman dead makes it hard for them to get together."

TVG_Star says, "In general, Bruce is attracted to all sorts of women. However, his crusade as Batman makes it impossible for him to consider a permanent relationship with any of them."

TVG_Star says, "He is sorely tempted at times, but so far has pushed that to the back of his mind."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #206 from Fanofsupes:
What's going to happen in next season's Superman episodes?

TVG_Star says, "More Supergirl, more Darkseid, more Mxy, and a few new villains. The one we are happiest with is a volatile femme fatale named Volcana."

TVG_Star says, "Her voice is supplied by Peri Gilpin of Fraser."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #183 from larrymguest_3d8d7001:
When will the video release of WORLD'S FINEST be out?

TVG_Star says, "It's been set for the middle of August, I think the 13th, however, that could change."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #218 from EGM_:
Do you have any particular comics you enjoy currently?

TVG_Star says, "Although I do still enjoy mainstream superheroes, as a reader my heart has always been with black and white undergrounds and independent comics."

TVG_Star says, "I really like anything by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer who also write for us on Superman."

TVG_Star says, "I also like Straight Bullets by David Lapham. Bone by Jeff Smith. Anything by R. Crum, Jim Woodring's comics, and I'll always pick up a reprint of Uncle Scrooge."

TVG_Star says, "As far as Superheroe stuff goes, I try to keep up with all the Batman and Superman titles. Catch up with the JLA from time to time. And whatever else I see at the newstand that just happens to look cool."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #209 from JckNapier:
Any adaptions of Son of the Demon in the works?

TVG_Star says, "No. We're not going to pursue that character thread between Batman Ras al Ghul."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #221 from JckNapier:
What, if any, cuts will be made when Sub Zero airs on May 16th

TVG_Star says, "I don't have the official list, though based on a conversation today with Subzero writer/producer Randy Rogel, he said they were going to trim out a few seconds of overly violent action and tone down the idea that Dick and Babs were spending the night ..."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #230 from Tooneman:
Will you be doing an episode where Supes gets his new super powers and new costume???

TVG_Star says, "What new powers and new costume?"

TVG_Star says, "They came and went."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #180 from Angelique_666:
Hear anything about Batman 5?

TVG_Star says, "Yeah, I'm writing it. (Not really, but that was the heavy buzz on the Internet a few weeks ago). I'm not involved with the picture in any way."

TVG_Star says, "In fact, it'll be some years before or if they decide to make a Batman 5."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #223 from EGM_:
So can you give us the story behind the debut of 'Mutant Texas?' Any future plans for it?

TVG_Star says, "Yes, Mutant Texas is a new comic book that I am working on that will appear later this year. The first installment will be in Sarah Dyer's, Action Girl Comics, sometime late this summer."

TVG_Star says, "I am currently at work on the first issue which will show up either in November or December."

TVG_Star says, "I'd say more but I'm still writing it. I'm having loads of fun with it though. I will say the art work is by Barry Caldwell, a tremendous cartoonist and one of the finest talents I've ever worked with in animation."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #244 from RiddlerWB:
What is the project you are working on with Alex Ross?? Can you say??

TVG_Star says, "Yes. I am currently working with Alex Ross on a Superman project called "Peace on Earth". It's a fully painted graphic novel focusing on Superman in a slightly more realistic context then we have seen him before."

TVG_Star says, "I've seen Alex's first paintings, and they are stunning."

TVG_Star says, "It's a very moving story and one that I think a lot of people will relate to. It wil be out late this year, probably early December."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #234 from Chip1138:
Are you trying to get Wonder Woman on STAS somehow?

TVG_Star says, "Not at the present, but we don't rule it out."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #242 from Larry_M_21:
When will the Mr. Miracle episode of Superman air?

TVG_Star says, "We had a few stories in the works with Mr. Miracle, however we have put them on hold for the time being."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #80 from Tooneman:
Can we expect to see a futuristic Joker in the future??

TVG_Star says, "Not as such, but his influence is felt in the future."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #255 from Chip1138:
Are you living a dream of some sorts?

TVG_Star says, "If you are asking, am I delusional, the answer is probably yes. For what it's worth though, I'm having fun!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #245 from AlphaTriguest_30b97425:
why did you go with a more Golden Age Mxy than the more modern version?

TVG_Star says, "Bruce and I looked at all the versions of Mxy and while the more current one was the one we had grown up with, there was something about that old Elmer Fudd version that just appealed to us as an animated cartoon character."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #46 from Marcuswai:
Are Bruce Timm and Paul going to be at Wondercon Saturday?

TVG_Star says, "Yep and we'll bring a new episode with us."

TVG_Star says, "I'm not quite sure what we're bringing, but it'll be cool."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #72 from Angelique_666:
I'm interested in doing cartoon voiceovers and writing for cartoons. Any advice?

TVG_Star says, "Dear Angel-Devil, to do voices, you're going to have to get a demo tape produced. The advice I give everybody is to put about three to five minutes worth of your best voices on a tape, then send it off to an agent in LA who specializes in voice talent."

TVG_Star says, "I don't have that list in front of me, you're going to have to do some legwork, perhaps by calling the Screen Actors Guild, to find out who represents voice talent. That's the best advise I can give on that end."

TVG_Star says, "As far as writing, study the shows you like, and write up a spec episode as a sample to show an agent."

TVG_Star says, "Try to come up with a different angle or a story that comes out of the recurring characters' personalities rather than a plot contrivance."

TVG_Star says, "(A big crime caper or the introduction of a new character that everyone responds to). Once you feel you have it down, send it to a show you like but not mine."

TVG_Star says, "I don't mean to be discouraging or cold, but everything for the next few years has been committed to staff writers and to free-lancers that we work with on the outside. Good luck!"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #280 from Chip1138:
Would you rather create a new villain rather than use a one familiar to the fans?

TVG_Star says, "Another good one. In general I prefer taking a villain who's been around awhile and has some sort of history from the comics, and find a way to make him fit in with a current series."

TVG_Star says, "It's fun and it's a challenge w hen it works out, as it did with Mr. Freeze."

TVG_Star says, "I don't mind creating new villains either but they have to fit some sort of compelling need to be in the story."

TVG_Star says, "Then I came up with the Condiment King, so what the hell do I know?!?"

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #305 from RiddlerWB:
Will The Huntress appear next season??

TVG_Star says, "No, sorry, not at present."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #303 from Harley_Quinn69:
What are your favourite types of female villains to write for?

TVG_Star says, "I like them all. I like funny ones like Harley, sultry ones like Ivy, off the wall psychos like Live Wire, who all show up in an episode together next season by the way, and the ultra-glamorous/magical/witchy types."

TVG_Star says, "Somehow female villains strike me as more diverse in character than male villains who seem to always just want to blow things up or get even with somebody."

TVGOer presents the speaker with question #296 from Larry_M_21:
How many episodes of BTAMAN TOMORROW can we expect in the first season?

TVG_Star says, "There will be 13 episodes of Batman Tomorrow, and there will be 14 new episodes of our current Batman."

TVG_Star says, "We are not abandoning one for the other, we are just presenting an alternative view of Batman's future."

TVGOer says, "Thanks for being here Paul!"

TVG_Star says, "Thanks for all the great questions. They were all very interesting and thought provoking. I had a lot of fun! See around the Bat Cave!"

TVGOer says, "Goodnight Everyone!!!!"