As we've mentioned before, the second phase of the viral marketing campaign for The Dark Knight seems to be focused on Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent, and his run for Gotham City District Attorney. Regular updates have appeared on IbelieveinHarveyDent.com as the "campaign" travels around the country.
Now, to coincide with this phase of the campaign, a second issue of The Gotham Times newspaper has been mailed out to select fans, and the website TheGothamTimes.com has been updated to reflect the content of that second issue.
But wait! There's more. A host of websites mentioned in the pages of the paper have also gone live, revealing even more secrets about the film. These sites include MaidenAvenueReport.com, GothamCableNews.com, DanaWorthington.com, CitizensforBatman.org, St.Swithin'sChurch.org and GVAFoundation.org.
More information can be sent your way if you send e-mails to the addresses listed at the above sites.
But just in case you think the campaign has entirely shifted to Harvey Dent, have no fear. The Joker is still out there and biding his time. Last we heard from the Joker, it was possible to begin the application to become one of his henchmen by playing a few games at WhySoSerious.com. He has now begun text-messaging fans with the following message (which originates at recruiting@rent-a-clown.com):
"Hey clown! Long time, no crime spree! Well, put on your floppy shoes and answer this question: are you ready to get to work? (ReplyY/N)"
Those who have responded to the Joker with a 'Y' will get the following message:
"Glad to see you're still alive and kicking. I'll be in touch before Poisson d'Avril.
So, fans can expect to get more 'instructions' from the Joker by April Fool's Day.
UPDATE
The movement at IbelieveinHarveyDent.com has apparently been successful, and Harvey Dent is going to run for District Attorney.
An e-mail was just sent out by the movement:
We did it! Harvey Dent has officially announced he's running for Gotham District Attorney! And it's all because of you -- your support.
Your rallies, your petition drives, your videos, your enthusiasm. The Dentmobile brought our message of change for Gotham City to every neighborhood. But it was your energy that brought a message of support to Harvey Dent himself.
And he heard you. Harvey Dent heard the fierce desire all of you have for change in Gotham. And that's why, today, Harvey Dent announced that he's running for Gotham DA.
Now, the real battle begins. We all must join together to make sure that Harvey Dent gets the chance to take back Gotham City from crime and corruption.
Talk to your neighbors, your friends, your coworkers. Tell them why Harvey Dent is the one man who can save Gotham.
And keep on checking IbelieveinHarveyDent.com for news of the race.
Harvey Dent thanks you all. With your help, we can take back Gotham.
Sincerely
Allan Cypes
Media Manager, Harvey Dent for Gotham DA
Keep reading MovieWeb and SuperheroFlix for more information about the viral marketing campaign for The Dark Knight as it becomes available.
The Dark Knight opens on July 18, 2008, and stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gylenhall.