I'm not sure how it works in other countries, but here in the U.S., comic book fans have received Pavlovian conditioning that starts them drooling once the clock rolls over from Tuesday to Wednesday. Wednesday is when the new comic books arrive, making it a fitting day for Sony to launch its digital comics service for the PSP. Of course there's still no sign of DC Comics, but Marvel and Disney fans are sure to be pleased.

I've been a Marvel reader for most of my life, but with Green Lantern Blackest Night event going on and my recent love affair with Vertigo's Fables series, I'm not sure I'll be putting down my DC books long enough to purchase digital Marvel comics anytime soon.

The comic store goes live at 5PM GMT in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. North America will get it when they get it - which is noon West Coast time, according to the PlayStation Comics Twitter.

Digital Comics Service Launches Today [PlayStation Blog Europe]

Alright, alright, so maybe Heavenly Sword will be a nearly three-year-old PlayStation 3 game by the time this Nariko action figure ships next July. But maybe Sony and Twisted Metal co-creator David Jaffe will have a new Twisted Metal game readied for the PS3 around the same time. Then the release of a new Sweet Tooth action figure will make a lot more sense.

Details on the figures are still scant, but solicitations from DC Direct put them on course for landing at toy store shelves on July 28, 2010.

DC Comics Solicitations for February 2010 [CBR - thanks, Yema!]

"Aiva's Story" tells the story of a young Asmodian warrior named Aiva, which seems completely appropriate given the name of the issue. Aiva has vowed vengeance against the Elyos who killed her family during a raid, and the comic tells the story of this quest for revenge through the artwork of Neil Googe and the words of David Noonan and Ricardo Sanchez.

The limited-edition comic will be given away free to folks who purchase the game at GameStop later this month, with a limited number of copies also available to visitors to NCsoft's booth at PAX 09 this weekend.

I like the idea of delving more into the fiction of Aion via a comic, but a limited-edition one-shot? That will never do. Full series please.

Gadgetry and ass-kicking are a big part of what makes Batman unique among other comic book heroes. While other mutated monsters and masked miscreants waste time yelling incoherently or waxing philosophical about emotional issues, Batman busts out his gadgets, embraces his emo and kicks ass.

Batman: Arkham Asylum aims to deliver plenty of both and a bit more besides. With most of the original voice cast from the animated series of the 90s reprising their roles and Emmy award-winning writer Paul Dini behind the script, the value of the game extends well beyond a mere 12 hours or so of distraction. It's a fusion of all that is Batman.

But does that carry an entire game?

Loved
The Gameplay: Arkham Asylum relies on about 30% gadgets and 70% ass-kicking to get Batman through the twisted halls of Gotham's overtaken mental institution. The gadgets range from the familiar Batarang to the funky Cryptographic Sequencer that blows up electronic locks. The combat is a punch-and-kick throwdown that rewards you for combos and for final knockouts with spectacular slow-mo and zoom-in vision. Both function beautifully, and the latter provides so much entertainment, it gets its own gameplay section in Challenge Mode. Also, you can switch up the gadget-to-combat ratio by using gadgets mid-ass-kicking or as a means to set up traps for goons who then get their asses kicked. Batman is all about variety.

Mark Hamill: Say what you want about Star Wars and Wing Commander -– as far as video games are concerned, Mark Hamill as the Joker is the performance of a lifetime. He's funny, he's sinister, he's scary… he's everything Joker is supposed to be. Even if you're watching the same Joker-mocking-you game over screen for the fifth time, it's just such a joy to hear Hamill at work you almost don't mind the loading screen to get back to the game.

The Production Values: Playing this game is like watching a movie -– and not in a bad Metal Gear Solid way where you could order a pizza and eat it during a cut scene. Arkham Asylum's scenes are eloquent and often witty, and the gameplay for the most part is entertaining and fast-paced. It's definitely a game you'd want to have an audience for, especially if you're not up on your Batman trivia and need some help with some of the Riddler Challenges.

The Riddler Challenges: The Riddler challenges provide Arkham Asylum an excuse to let you wander the grounds, scouring every nook and cranny for interview tapes, Riddler trophies, maps of Riddler challenges and obscure pieces of scenery to scan in Detective Mode. Far from being tedious, this is actually where most of the fan service in the game appears (because sadly, they couldn't work Catwoman in anywhere else) and it rewards you with experience points to spend on upgrades. The Riddler Challenges make the game worth a second play through just to find them all.

Scarecrow: Paralyzing fear of spoilers prevent me from saying anything other than the fact that he's in the game. But yeah, he's easily the best part of it.

It's Really, Really Batman! Almost everything about Arkham Asylum jibes perfectly with what Batman is, was and continues to be in the comics, the movies and the animated series. The gadgets, the combat and the characterization of the entire cast all fit together to form a seamless representation of a superhero most Americans are more familiar with than they are with the President of the United States. Even if you've never read the comics, seen the movies or watched the cartoon, Arkham Asylum is comprehensive and effective enough to be a good place for a newcomer to start.

Hated
The Camera: The right stick controls the camera, but that doesn't mean it will always do what you want it to. Maybe Batman moves too fast, or the camera moves too slow – either way, you'll find yourself fighting it in certain environments or cursing it during boss fights in tight spaces.

The Loss of Pace: The last third of the game drags noticeably—particularly the Killer Croc's level, one is the most repetitive and the least entertaining, standing out as the lame duck of the Arkham Asylum. It's not enough to throw the whole game off balance, but it is a letdown. Part of it comes from the fact that being a superhero is a lot of work; but most of it is that not even Paul Dini is infallible when it comes to plot resolutions.

Pyrrhic Victories: There are several parts of the game where you begin to think that Batman's "I work alone," phrase has a second unspoken part about people always dying when he tries to help them. Oh, the angst!

The Last Two Bosses: For the most part, Arkham Asylum reconciles video game tenets to Batman lore. But some parts –- particularly the last two boss fights -– just can't hack it. In these sections, Batman's intelligence is chucked aside in favor of knockdown, drag-out fights we're more used to seeing in God of War or Resident Evil. That's not to say Batman hasn't had knockdown, drag-out fights in the comics; but the two characters he's matched against in these fights don't really make sense in Batman terms. You might even catch yourself wondering if you're facing off against a Marvel Comics villain instead of a DC one. Ten points to you if you name the one I'm thinking of.

I really enjoyed this game, so much so that I would have its babies if such a thing were possible. Sure, the last two boss fights sour the attraction a little, but all relationships have problems. Just look at Batman's list of lovers and Robins if you want examples.

Seriously, though, Batman: Arkham Asylum is an excellent game. Buy it, play it and bask in the glow of the brightest Batman game to date.

Batman: Arkham Asylum was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive / Warner Bros. Interactive for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Released August 25 for 360 and PS3, retails for $59.99 USD. Completed story mode and played challenge mode on the Xbox 360. Found about half the Riddler Challenges in one play through, but only because I was looking around frantically for a Zatanna Zatara reference.

Confused by our reviews? Read our review FAQ.

Rather than worry about issuing a preview comic months in advance like some video game adaptations, the Free Realms comic series kicks off today, with issue one arriving on comic store shelves around the country as we speak. The book is penned by J.S. Lewis, writer of the Grey Griffon series of young adult fantasy books, with art by art by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez.

SOE has passed along the first several pages, and already I am seeing inconsistencies with the game. For example, all combat is instanced, so that poor guy would have been dead. And then he'd come back to life two or three times before the mission ended. Lewis did however nail the common response to a friend request.

Lee and Wolfman talked about the challenges of squeezing the 75-year-old DC Universe into the game, focusing on "the coolest characters, the coolest content" for DCUO, which is still in a pre-alpha state. Geoff Johns was the one on the DC Comics side responsible for the overarching story in DCUO, with Wolfman fleshing out the story concepts appropriate for the game.

"If you think about a building, Geoff created the entire structure, the beams, now I'm filling in the individual rooms, the plastering," Wolfman said. "We're all coming up with story concepts that fit within the DC universe. They'll take up a paragraph I've marked up, and the developer turns it into 60 missions. It passes through us a second time to make sure it fits in the universe."

Those on the DC side sounded enthusiastic to be able to work within the broader confines of DC Universe Online, with Wolfman relishing the chance to write for the player who chooses to side with DC's villains.

"In DCUO sometimes the hero loses," he said, noting that DC writers are "trained to have it the other way."

Lee joked that it was challenging on the artistic side, making the transition from 2D comic book panel to 3D multiplayer online video game, bemoaning that "Drawing the other side of buildings was tough."

"There is no map of Metropolis," adds Johns, one of two main locations that DCUO is focusing on for its initial release. But Andersson pointed out the depth of the game's interiors, particularly S.T.A.R. Labs in Gotham City and the thrill of "cleaning up all the disasters that happen there."

"There's just too much cool stuff to put in the game at launch," Lee said, explaining SOE and DC's focus on two main cities. That obviously doesn't rule out other famous DC Universe locations in future expansions and patches, but considering the MMO is dated for "2000-something" right now, don't expect to hear anything about a Central City expansion any time soon.

Lee did joke that the bottle city of Kandor, miniaturized by Braniac, would probably be the easiest, quickest to download city expansion.

Sony Online Entertainment says the game is due to hit an alpha milestone "soon," but still has no release date to announce.

Both the Horde and Alliance will get 24 karat gold plated, Sterling silver and copper coins, based on the gold, silver and copper pieces used in World of Warcraft's currency system. No price or release date announced at Comic-Con, but don't expect to be able to cash these in for a flying mount.

Sounds like they'll be packed in a display box, the kind of thing we don't expect to be cheap. They'll probably look a lot better in person than the shaky digital camera shot above.

DC Comics adds another video game license to their Wildstorm imprint with Dante's Inferno, the action-adventure game adopted loosely from Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy". The creative team of artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage are handling the six-issue series, scheduled to launch in December of this year. The comic will touch on some of the more action-packed moments of the game, while adding a bit of depth to the game's back story by exploring Dante's lost-love Beatrice's plight as her soul travels through the nine circles of hell.

Latorre and Gage will be at the Sand Diego Comic-Con this week, signing the special #0 preview issue that's been prepared for the show, with Latorre also signing a Dante's Inferno lithograph he created, which is a show-exclusive limited to 750 copies.

The Dante's Inferno celebration kicks off on Thursday afternoon with a panel titled "Go to Hell With Dante's Inferno," where various members of the development, comic, and animated feature teams will talk about adapting the classic work of literature, along with a special screening of the first trailer for the animated feature.

On top of all that, the game will also be playable on the show floor for all attendees.

For those of you trying to schedule this week (like us), I went ahead and included all of the details about who is going to be where doing what, directly from the EA press release.

"Go to Hell With Dante's Inferno" Panel – EA, DC/WildStorm and Starz Media present a panel discussion about how each group has translated the various aspects of "The Divine Comedy" into a video game, a comic series, and an animated feature. Find out from the creative minds behind each adaptation, where they were faithful and where they invented and get a peek at EA's game in development, and be among the first to watch the world premier trailer for the animated feature "Dante's Inferno" co-produced by EA and Starz Media's Film Roman animation studio. The panel is at 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 23rd in Room 8.

Dante's Inferno Comic Preview Issue Signings – Artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage will be at the DC Comics booth signing free copies of the Dante's Inferno comic preview issue. The signings will take place at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and at Christos Gage will be signing them at the EA booth on Thursday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Dante's Inferno Limited Edition Lithograph Signing – Diego Latorre has created a special, limited edition lithograph exclusively for Comic-Con, with only 750 copies available. He will be signing these copies at the EA Booth. These signings will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play the Dante's Inferno Game – One of 2010's most highly anticipated action-adventure games will be playable for all show attendees at the EA booth during all exhibition hours!

UPDATE: DC sent us an exclusive shot of the limited-edition lithograph being sold at the convention. Click on the image for a large version.

The God of War mini-series will be written by comic book legend Marv Wolfman, notable for his work on Marvel's Blade and DC's Crisis On Infinite Earths, and illustrated by Kevin Sharpe and Andy Park, reports IGN. Wolfman considers himself a fan of both the God of War series and Greek mythology, the basis for DC's Teen Titans, a franchise he helmed in the 80s.

Wildstorm currently has comics based on the video games Prototype, Gears of War and World of Warcraft in production.

DC/Wildstorm's four-color treatment of Kratos' "dark past" isn't the only expansion of the Greek mythos Sony has planned, with a novelization and
movie in the works.

The God of War is Summoned [IGN]

According to a report from VentureBeat, Warner Bros. has given the go ahead to release a game based on the property, a bold decision that should surprise no one. That report also pegs developer Irvine, California based Double Helix—nee Shiny and The Collective—as responsible for the adaptation.

A PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version is said to be in the works, but don't be surprised if there are Wii, DS and PSP variations on the way.

Double Helix is no stranger to turning Hollywood's cinematic creations into video games, having handled games based on The Golden Compass, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and The Matrix. Who's excited?!

Warner Bros. greenlights Green Lantern superhero game [GamesBeat]

The Bioterrorism Security Assignment Alliance is a great deal busier than the Resident Evil video game series would have us believe, at least going by the first issue of Wildstorm's Resident Evil comic book series. Written by game industry veteran Ricardo Sanchez with art by Kevin Sharpe, the first issue follows BSAA agents Holiday Sugarman and Mina Gere as they take of two different but eventually overlapping missions.

Mina Gere's story actually takes place five days before Sugarman's. A new agent, Gere is assigned with investigating a report on bio-weapon experimentation on the Join Nations Space Station, which of course leads to her crawling through cramped spaces and shooting at mutated creatures. Meanwhile, in the present, gruff veteran Holiday Sugarman leads a strike team into Grezbekistan in order to retrieve a downed satellite containing samples of a tweaked version of the T-Virus. While the two never meet during the first issue, it's easy to see how the characters' paths will cross.

I'm not sure exactly where this story is supposed to tie-in with Resident Evil canon, if at all. The Wildstorm website actually lists the series as a prequel to Resident Evil 5, making mention of Chris Redfield, who doesn't actually appear in this book. The official description reads like so:

Capcom's international video game sensation returns in March with Resident Evil 5 and WildStorm debuts the new prequel miniseries tying into the highly anticipated release! Find out what led Chris Redfield to Africa and learn the dark burden that haunts him! An absolute must-read for fans of the franchise and a starting point for new readers!

From reading that, I don't think that expecting an appearance by Redfield was too much for me to ask, but alas, it isn't so. What we do get is the appearance of enemies from previous games. A Licker makes the scene first, while Holiday's team takes on a horde of Tyrants.

Ricardo Sanchez's writing leaves a lot to be desired. The two main characters fail to make a lasting impression in this first issue, coming off as generic despite some laughable attempts at giving them personality quirks. Sugarman randomly quotes everyone from Euripides to Iron Heroes lead singer Maximus Kilgore, while Gere tells children's jokes to the pilot of her shuttle to help ease her nerves as she travels down a series of corridors that bothers her, despite looking the same as the other corridors she's gone down throughout the issue.

This leads directly to Kevin Sharpe's artwork. While certainly capable, it doesn't feel like there was very much communication between the writer and the artist on the book, as many of the drawings simply don;t feel write for the action they are portraying. Large panels featuring impressive-looking creatures highlight the artist's skill, but don't seem to have any real place in the storyline, and the final page of the book simply had me confused.

As the first issue of a six-issue limited series, Resident Evil #1 doesn't offer much that would make me want to continue reading. There are no obvious hooks to Resident Evil 5, no truly compelling characters, and the storyline as it stands completely failed to grab my interest. It could very well pick up as the series continues, but I'm not sure I'll be there to witness it.

In development at Bottlerocket Entertainment, the same of Splatterhouse infamy, The Flash was just one entry in a long list of titles that Brash had in the works before a string of crap releases caused it to fold, mercifully. Hopefully, they'll do no more damage.

A few alleged shots of the game, listed as an "Unannounced Title" for the Xbox 360, were dug up by superannuation. The give us a quick glimpse of Central City, The Flash and a very tiny Mirror Master.

The arcade release is being promoted at the IAAPA expo in Orlando, Florida but doesn't have a physical presence, according to Arcade Heroes. The manufacturer is, however, showing the 3D, cel-shaded brawler in video form on its web site. Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkwoman, Wonder Woman, Joker, Harley Quinn and Lex Luthor all look to make appearances in slightly anatomically incorrect form.

Justice League: Heroes United [Global VR via Arcade Heroes]

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

Details on creative teams, launch months, and storylines are still forthcoming. This needs to stop. As a recovering weekly comic book addict, combining comics and video games makes it far too easy for me to justify those weekly comic shop visits. Have mercy!

DC COMICS AND CAPCOM® ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR RESIDENT EVIL®, AND DEVIL MAY CRY® COMIC BOOK SERIES

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Jul 25, 2008 — DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comic books in the world, and Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to join forces to create a comic book series based on Capcom’s popular gaming properties Resident Evil® and Devil May Cry®.

“Capcom is thrilled to be partnering with DC,” said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Comics are a critical component in Capcom’s merchandising strategy for our most cherished franchises, as they target the same discerning, loyal fans that care most about these established brands. DC’s undisputed development and distribution strength within the comic industry make them an ideal partner to further expand two of our most successful and sophisticated gaming properties.”

Details on the new series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date. Both titles will be published by DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint.

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

The Resident Evil series of video games has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Resident Evil® 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil® 4 did. To coincide with the Resident Evil comic book is the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 5, which unveils a world where the biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed the menace of Resident Evil was destroyed, a new terror appears in Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil’s returning hero, Chris Redfield, has followed the path of the evil around the globe, and after joining a new organization, heads to Africa, where the latest threat is transforming people and animals into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures. Joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the duo must work together to unravel the truth behind the evil menace.

The latest in the Devil May Cry series, Devil May Cry® 4 is already a bonafide hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in February. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

“Dante, Nero and the world of DEVIL MAY CRY is a perfect fit for the sensibilities of our studio,” Kanalz said. “We have such terrific inspiration from the anime and games and we intend on meeting the exceptionally high standard of quality that has been set for this.”

EA announced yesterday that it had tapped United Talent Agency to represent the company as it moves its internally developed franchises into the realm of motion pictures and television series.

Hit the jump for the full press release on the Mirror's Edge comic book series and check back all week for further Comic-Con coverage from Kotaku.

EA and DC Comics Team up to Create Mirror’s Edge Comic Book

Limited-Edition Prequel Sets the Stage for Faith’s Adventure in Mirror’s Edge Comic Book Series
Comic-Con International 2008
Booth #5233

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that it is teaming up with WildStorm, an imprint of DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, to create an exclusive, limited-edition Mirror’s Edge™ comic book. EA and DC Comics will distribute the first issue of the Mirror’s Edge comic book series at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The game will also be on display at booth #5233.

“This partnership with DC Comics sets the stage as readers explore Faith’s world in Mirror’s Edge,” said Owen O’Brien, Senior Producer, DICE. “The unique graphic style offered by the comic book genre is perfect for taking fans through her back-story. Frame by frame, page by page, we’ll learn more about the events that shaped both her and the city.”

Based on the upcoming Mirror’s Edge video game, the comic combines the talents of writer and story designer Rhianna Pratchett with artist Matthew Dow Smith. Pratchett is also responsible for crafting the intricate script for the game. The six-part comic series will introduce readers to Faith and her fellow ‘Runners’ – a network of couriers who use acrobatic moves to avoid being detected as they traffic packages across a network of rooftops and aerial skyways.

“Rhianna and DICE have created an amazing game with a great backstory,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “The characters have really come alive in the game, and we are pleased that we will be able to add to the canon of the Mirror’s Edge universe with this project.”

Mirror’s Edge is being developed at EA Digital Illusions CE AB (DICE) in Stockholm, Sweden. This revolutionary new take on the first person action adventure genre will ship this winter for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and for the PC. This product is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB. For more information on EA DICE, please visit www.dice.se or www.ea.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS FreestyleTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle, POGO and Mirror’s Edge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. “PLAYSTATION” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ABOUT DC COMICS:

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

Just don't assume that fatalities are a thing of the past. Boon says they're simply "modifying" fatalities for Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. "The names of these moves, and the level of violence we use, are to be determined," the MK co-creator said. "But it's certainly not a feature we plan on eliminating from the series." Just please, please make good use of Plastic Man, Ed. Maybe Elongated Man, too. They're begging for some fleshy Wile E. Coyote-style murderous contraption. Begging.

Mortal Kombat's Creator Talks [GameTap]

Later in the evening however, an ugly story started to circulate. According to several sources, Ed Boon stated that the game would have no fatalities. No fatalities? Seriously? Fatalities are what the franchise is best known for but apparently DC will not have their beloved characters torn limb from limb in fountains of blood. Can't say I blame them, but I'm curious to see how such a move will affect sales of the game. Will Mortal Kombat fans be willing to accept the trade off? Superman vs Fatalities: who is going to win out?

"PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

DC Comics & Sierra Entertainment To Publish New Comic Series Based On PROTOTYPE Video Game

DC Comics and Sierra Entertainment Ink Deal To Create an All-New Comic Book Series Based on PROTOTYPETM - One of the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2008

Marlow, UK - 15 April, 2008 - DC Comics, the largest English language comic book publisher in the world, and Sierra Entertainment - a division of Vivendi Games, today announced plans to publish an all-new comic book series based on the eagerly anticipated and already highly acclaimed open-world/action video game PROTOTYPE™. The series is set to debut this August via DC's WildStorm imprint, and the addition of such unique, original IP video games like PROTOTYPE is sure to increase their successful line of best-selling comics based on licensed properties. Further details surrounding the new comic book series will be announced later this year.

PROTOTYPE puts gamers in control of Alex Mercer - a genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past, hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence - as he tears through a densely populated New York City moving with Parkour-style fluidity and consuming anybody that gets in his way...assuming their physical identity, memories and abilities. Fueled by a three-way war between Alex, the military's elite Blackwatch division and a viral outbreak known as the Infected, players will venture deep into a dark conspiracy, 40 years in the making.

"PROTOTYPE is all about shape-shifting action, and we're using that key element to redefine the open-world game space," said Al Simone, Sr. VP of Global Marketing, Sierra Entertainment. "Another key feature setting PROTOTYPE apart from other open-world games is its incredibly deep, conspiracy-based back-story, and by joining forces with the largest comic book publisher in the world - DC Comics - we can bring this new anti-hero and his tale to an even wider audience of comics fans and gamers alike."

"We're blown away with what Sierra and developer Radical Entertainment have shown us of PROTOTYPE, and know with absolute certainty that this will make for a terrific comic book," said Hank Kanalz, VP & General Manager, WildStorm. "PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

PROTOTYPE delivers a fresh take on open-world games, with key features separating the game from the rest of the pack, including the anti-hero main character Alex Mercer and his deadly shape-shifting abilities, a stunning representation of New York City circa 2008 as the backdrop, and 'Deceive or Destroy' gameplay allowing players the choice to either blend in with the population or fully unleash Alex's deadly powers. With Radical Entertainment behind the wheel using their innovative 'Titanium' game engine, and touting a catalogue of successful titles including the highly acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Simpsons Hit & Run and others, PROTOTYPE is aligned to be the ground-breaking open-world/action experience gamers have been waiting for.

PROTOTYPE is planned to release this autumn for next-gen console systems and the PC, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on PROTOTYPE, be sure to visit the official game website located at www.prototypegame.com.

Stan's new superheroes—with colorful names like Doubleman, Thunder Rider, Nightbird and Blaze—will be developed for films, television, books and, of course, video games, reports the BBC.

While Stan's recent creations, like Stripperella, Lightman, and re-imagined versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman for DC Comics, weren't exactly on-par popularity-wise with his previous work, we'll have to wait to see what he comes up with before mocking him for it.

Ah, I'm just teasing old Stan. If I can come up with my own name when I'm 85, I'll feel pretty damn proud. Michael McWhertor

Disney to unleash new film heroes [BBC]

Following a trail originating from Siliconera and culminating at SNK-Capcom.com, I've heard reports of a possible DC Comics vs. Street Fighter game.

In non-related E3 news, we heard some buzz from Capcom a deal with DC that was close to completion (as of April 2006). In the original agreement, the first planned game was to be none other than DC vs. Street Fighter. At this point though, the licensing hasn't been finalized and we aren't sure whether this it's at a halt or is still in the works. We confirmed this news with both sides, Capcom and DC and discussions between the two was/is in the works.

This is pleasing to me not because I'm particularly a huge fan of Street Fighter or DC, but because I have fond memories of playing Marvel vs. Capcom in my local comic book shop and then reading their entire back catalogue of the Maxx without buying anything, at which point they would kick me out.

Sweet memories. Eliza Gauger

More here [SNK-Capcom, via Siliconera]