DEANSPEAK
July 16, 2004
from Paul Dini

No extended blogging this time around as I am too busy moving into new digs. Suffice it to say that I’m good, Misty Lee is great and the coyote, last time I saw him slinking around the pool, is doing fine. I can however make time for a few news tidbits:

WB ANIMATION NEWS – YES, THERE IS SOME!

Even though I have departed Termite Tower for the House of Mouse, I still get yanked back for the occasional special project. Just this week I did a bunch of new interviews and commentaries for the second BATMAN ANIMATED DVD set, due out later this year. Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Glen Murakami, the SUPERMAN directors and I will also appear on a SUPERMAN ANIMATED compilation released around that time, too. Bruce and Glen reveal the stylistic differences between the BATMAN and SUPERMAN series while Alan talks about the challenges of writing a fresh yet iconic version of the Man of Steel, and I shriek out the name “Mxyzptlk!” now and then just to be annoying. For reasons unknown, I also pop up on the WACKY RACES DVD boxed set, again out later this fall. Gotta love that Dastardly and Muttley.

Between SUPERMAN commentary sessions, Bruce and Justice League director Dan Riba told me that the last JLU episode I scripted was back from animation and looking great. I’m not sure exactly when it will be airing, though it was number five or six on the production slate this season, so I’m guessing around the end of August. Batman and Zatanna literally travel to Hell and back to save Wonder Woman from Circe. Special guest appearance by B’wana Beast. No seriously, B’wana Beast!


CGI, PHOOEY! WE’VE GOT PUPPETS!

Big thanks to Mark Evanier (www.newsfromme.com) for sending me this! It’s the long out of print original Viewmaster set from the very rare Jingle Belle Christmas Special!

As most Jing fans know, Santa’s rebellious daughter first saw the light of day nearly 45 years ago in the holiday novelty tune, “There’s No Santa Claus – I Wish!” composed and sung by my dad, Boston singing sensation Bob Dini. This lead to a modest flurry of interest in the character in the late 50’s and early 60’s, culminating in the Animagic stop motion Jingle Belle special that aired December 15th, 1966! Well, partially aired, that is. It was knocked off the air in most time zones west of New York by news of Walt Disney’s death. A year later interest in Jing had faded and the rights to the special have been locked in legal limbo ever since. Fortunately a few pieces of tie-in merchandise survive, including this 3-D reel set. Mark found it at the Rose Bowl swap meet last month while trying to complete his collection of Dick Van Dyke Show comics. Thanks again, M.E.! Now if only someone out there will send me that animated Norelco commercial of Jing mowing down Santa with the giant electric shaver!


SAN DIEGO, HO!

Once again I will be in SD for the big comic con, July 22nd thru 25th. As you can see, Jingle will be making the trek as well. More on the nature of her unique steed will be revealed in due course, along with information about her brand-new full-color comic series coming later this year! There is no formal panel scheduled at comic con about the new series, but if you catch mewhile wandering between the convention hall and the Marriot, be sure and pump me for details. And while we’re on the subject of the big con:


GET LOST IN SAN DIEGO!

I will be taking part in a presentation on Saturday morning the 24th to preview the new ABC series LOST during the San Diego Comic Con. Here’s the blurb from the official Comic Con website:

10:00-11:00 ABC’s New Fall Series Lost— Come to the screening of the new pilot by Alias creator JJ Abrams! Join the actors, producers & writers of this new ABC series debuting in the Fall. Starring actors Matthew Fox and Dominic Monahan who have established their fan following from appearing in TV’s Party of Five and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy respectively, and Evangeline Lilly, a radiant actress who is the female lead in Lost. Fans of Buffy and Angel will enjoy seeing what writer and producer David Fury is doing now on Lost and fans of comic books and the award winning Batman: The Animated Series will enjoy a discussion with Lost writer Paul Dini. Also, please join executive producers of Lost, Damon Lindeloff and Bryan Burk, for this sneak peek into the first hour of the pilot of Lost and a interview and Q&A session following! Room 6CDEF

Like the blurb says, we’re all happy to answer questions about the show and reveal the upcoming secrets of LOST. Except for the monster. You’ll have to keep watching for more information on that. Heh.

That’s it for this go-around. Be sure to click back in a few weeks for the big official summer update, and if you’re in San Diego, I’ll see you around the dealer’s room.

Dean

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