Cryogenecist Victor Fries dedicates his life to saving his wife Nora from a rare disease, keeping her body frozen in suspended animation as he conducts experiments to try and cure his love. One day an experiment backfires, turning him into the freakish Mr. Freeze, forever confined to temperatures as frigid as his own heart. Like I said, tragic, and even more so when you read through the comics and realize that his poor ice block of a wife might as well have a giant target painted on her chest once everyone figures out what his deal is.

"Put down the freeze gun sir, we've got your wife and a blow-dryer!"
"Noooo!"

Mr Fries does not want a Snuggie for Christmas, incidentally. Such is his tragedy,.

I'm glad the DCU folks have decided to go Patrick Stewart with Fries instead of governor of California-style bad catch-phrase machine. Kill da heroes!

I thought DC Universe Online was going to try and coincide with the storylines currently happening in the comics, but apparently that isn't the case. See, in the comics, Bruce Wayne is dead (sort of), with his skull spitting out Black Lantern rings left and right as part of the Blackest Night zombie event currently tearing its way through the DC Universe. Dick Grayson, AKA Nightwing, is now Batman, and Robin is Damian Wayne, Bruce's son with Talia al Ghul.

Perhaps they'll work this all out by the time DC Universe Online launches for the PC and PlayStation 3. Grayson makes a fine Batman, but I miss me some Bruce.

Bizarro is one of Superman's more colorful villains, originally created back when comics were a great deal more lighthearted and fun. Today's Bizarro is a bit more tragic - an imperfect clone of the man himself who really just wants somewhere to belong. He has powers comparable to Superman, only some are switched - heat vision becomes ice vision; ice breath becomes flame breath. One would think he'd be super weak instead of super strong, but that would be no fun. In fact, Kryptonite, Superman's bane, actually makes Bizarro stronger, so if they were ever both locked in a room with a hunk of the green stuff, Bizarro would crush Clark Kent's head like a grape. Good times.

Oliver "Ollie" Queen, that is, known as much for his ad choice of kid sidekicks as he is for his signature weapons. His first kid sidekick, Speedy, once became a heroin addict. The current one has HIV. In other words, if Oliver Queen asks to take you under his wing, just say no. It isn't worth the hassle.

Not sure that I really see a theme here running between all five screenshots. There's S.T.A.R. Labs in two or possibly three of the shots, but then there's the picture of the hospital in Metropolis and those guys fighting with the Green Lantern. Perhaps I'm just not up on my DC lore, being a born and bred Marvel fan, to really understand the connection here. Help me out here, comments section!

Playing along side the likes of The Joker and Harley Quinn, Yanagi uses his super evil character to freeze enemies into blocks of ice, which he then picks up and throws at other enemies. Another neat power: Creating a sort of vortex around yourself that pulls nearby items and flings them around the room.

I was already impressed with the ability to tear light poles out of the ground and bat people with them, but enemy ice cubes? That takes the cake.

The Playstation 3 and PC game is in pre-Alpha, so still no release date, unfortunately.

DC Universe Online Comic-Con Walkthrough

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.

This teaser image popped up on the DC Universe Online MySpace page yesterday, along with a bit of overly-obvious teaser text: "I just saw the poster that we're giving out at San Diego Comic-Con and people will be "clawing" to get it." Subtle.

I'll be sure to have McWhertor add this poster to the annual list of Comic-Con exclusive merchandise he forgets to pick up for me.

DC Universe Online [MySpace via MMORPG.com]

A profile shot. The Flash uses this for his Facebook listing.
That there's the fastest head on the planet.
Surprise! The Flash is running!
And running some more.
The Flash has a posse.
Running really works the glutes.
You could photoshop these all together to make DaVinci's The Flash.
Flashback!
All together now.
Yep, he's that fast kids.
Strike a pose!
Look at that boy go!
Collect the whole set!
Body concept.

You may not be able to play as Batman and Superman, but that doesn't mean you won't see them, talk to them, and maybe even help them at times.

What Is It?
DC Universe Online is an action-focused massively multiplayer online game set in the DC universe. In it gamers create their own super heroes or villains and work to make a name for themselves. Comic book artist Jim Lee and some of DC's writers helped create the game that features DC settings like Gotham City and Metropolis.

What We Saw
I played around for a few minutes in an open world setting, fighting with other players, good and bad, and some NPCs. Then I went into an instance where, playing as a super hero, I had to help Superman defeat Doomsday. The villain instance, which I didn't play, had players taking on Doomsday with the help of Lex Luthor. All play was on the PC, the Playstation 3 version was not on hand.

How Far Along Is It?
The game is due out in late 2009 to early 2010.

What Needs Improvement?
Graphics: While the likes of Superman and Doomsday are easily identifiable, the graphics don't pop as much as I expected with Jim Lee helping out. The character you create doesn't really look all that different from the ones I've seen in other super hero MMOs.

Something New: Not to beat a dead horse, but so far the only thing that DC Universe Online seems to have going for it that City of Heroes doesn't is the DC name... and characters. Of course that's huge, mammoth even, but it would be nice to see them do a bit more to differentiate themselves.

What Should Stay The Same?
Lift With Your Legs: I love the fact that many of the things you see around you in the open world can be picked up and used as a weapon. I tossed cars at people, even picked up a giant light pole and used it as a baseball bat. That alone sold me on DC Universe.

Super Stars: You can't play as Batman or Superman or any of the other heroes of villains of DC because then you would have an entire world, worlds, of Batmen and Superman and it wouldn't be any fun. But, you can help them out. I may not have defeated Doomsday on my own, but I'm fairly sure I bugged him enough during Superman's battle to let the big blue boy scout get in an extra pop or two. I'm told that players will also catch site of famed heroes and villains roaming around the game at times and can even get messages from them as they build up their reputation.

Movement: The game has several movement modes that allow you to do some pretty neat stuff right out of the box. The character I played had a standard mode that allowed her to walk and run around. But she also had an acrobatic mode than allowed her to double jump in the air and do a bit of a glide. She could also jump onto walls and stick there, which was pretty damn neat.

Controls: The controls for DC Universe Online would be familiar to anyone who has played a game like City of Heroes or Guild Wars. You get hot keys to slap powers down to and mouse clicks for attacks and alt attacks. The game based on some pretty solid roots which shouldn't be tinkered with.

Final Thoughts
DC Universe Online appears to be a very solid effort backed with some notable characters and storyline. I like some of the little tweaks made to the game, but would love to see a bit more to set it apart from the competition.

The big question for me, right now, is what character creation will be like. We had to play with set character, and in an MMO like this being able to make someone who acts and looks exactly like I want them to goes a long way.

I'm not sure why they didn't just release this artwork along with the video they passed along back in February, which got the comic book fan inside me more than a little excited. Perhaps the new release is in response to Doomsday's ridiculous appearance on Smallville. In the teen TV drama the incredibly powerful villain has been reduced to a guy living in Chloe's basement, feeding his murderous rage with the random thugs who show up to take out Clark Kent's gal pal when they conveniently stand too close to the basement door. The poor guy can't even dispose of his own bodies, requiring the plucky ex-reporter haul out bloody bags of trash to the dumpster.

I suppose when you're filled to the brim with Superman killing power you're somehwhat above doing the chores.

Solomon Grundy is part zombie and part plant, a bizarre, centuries-old half-human life form filled with confused anger. At times he is a rampaging monster, at others a calculating and coldblooded villain.

Solomon Grundy's enhanced strength makes him a threat even to the DC Universe's strongest heroes. As an immortal, massive blows or injuries can't kill or hurt him - afterwards, he simply regenerates to rise again.

Solomon Grundy has been seen skulking in swamps, sewers, and abandoned buildings in both Metropolis and Gotham City. Denizens of these cities beware the low growl of "Solomon Grundy, born on a Monday..."

Of course he didn't completely kill Superman, but for awhile there everyone was really sad, and Doomsday was the reason. Players will be able to side with Superman to take the massive beast down, or team up with Superman's arch-enemy Lex Luthor as he attempts to capture Doomsday for his own sinister purposes.

As a comic book fan, I cannot help but squee with delight. Join me in my squeeing.

While I've never been able to get on board with this ridiculous Lex Luthor power suit look, DC Universe Online is no slouch in the graphics department. We'll be very interested to see how well the Sony Online Entertainment developed MMO, which obviously has very broad appeal, will be accepted by PC and PlayStation 3 gamers.

We're even more interested to see what the updated Joker looks like. With Batman: Arkham Asylum also on the way, it could be a very good year for DC Comics fans who also happen to waste their time playing video games.

If this looks like your cup of tea, SOE is publicly demoing DC Universe Online at Comic Con as we speak.

Sitting on the edge of our seats we eagerly awaited next weekend, when Sony Online Entertainment would reveal the comic book talent joining Jim Lee and Geoff Johns, already working on the massively-multiplayer online superhero game. Then the guys at Big Download tapped us on the shoulder and handed us the latest copy of the comic book magazine Wizard, which pretty much ruined everything for us.

Marv Wolfman is a comic writer that has worked on many books both at DC and competitor Marvel over the years, but is perhaps best known for his runs on the former's Teen Titans and the latter's Tomb of Dracula, in which he introduced the vampire-hunter Blade to the world.

While the surprise is ruined, there's still plenty of stuff for DC universe Online fans to do at the New York Comic Con, with a panel featuring Wolfman, Johns, and Lee discussing the game, along with a brand-new playable demo to get their hands on. Just not sure what we're going to do with all the free time we'd originally scheduled for eager anticipation.

Writer Marv Wolfman joins DC Universe Online team [Big Download]

"It launches I think in early 2010, it could be late 2009" he said. Course, being the writer, and not the producer, he doesn't have the final say on that, but he's probably not making that shit up, either.

‘DC Universe Online’ MMO Writer Geoff Johns Talks Parallel Earths, Secret Identities [MTV]

"Taking comic books into the online space presents an exciting and unique opportunity for me as a writer," said Johns. "I'm looking forward to creating a thrilling story that explains why the DC Universe has suddenly been populated with millions of new heroes and villains in a way that will engage players."

Excuse me if I gush a little bit, but the union of these two creative minds can only mean good things for the upcoming MMO. The only thing that could go wrong with a dream team like this working on the project is their work not translating well to the new medium, and that hardly ever happens. Hit the jump for some new screens from the game while I try to swallow that massive lie in the name of hope.

Geoff Johns Announced As Writer For Upcoming DC Universe™ Online Video Game

Acclaimed DC Comics Writer To Script DCUO Back Story

AUSTIN, Texas - Sept. 15, 2008 - Geoff Johns, the renowned writer behind popular DC Comics such as Green Lantern, Action Comics and Justice Society of America, has been brought on to write the saga of the DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) in a first-ever collaboration with legendary comic artist Jim Lee, the company announced today.

DCUO for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system and the PC is currently in development by SOE in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

"Having a writer of Geoff's caliber brings even more authenticity to the DC Universe Online, and should provide fans with an exciting new medium for his storytelling skills," said John Blakely, SOE-Austin's VP of Development. "Together with Jim Lee, who is our executive creative director for the game, we are tapping into the very best talent from the comic book industry."

Johns, 35, was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, film production and theory at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he worked as an intern and later an assistant for film director Richard Donner, whose credits include Superman: The Movie, Lethal Weapon 4 and Conspiracy Theory.

Johns began writing comics starting with 1999's Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., which he created for DC Comics. Comic writing eventually became his full-time career with notable works including The Flash, Teen Titans, 52, Action Comics, and Infinite Crisis.

"Taking comic books into the online space presents an exciting and unique opportunity for me as a writer," said Johns. "I'm looking forward to creating a thrilling story that explains why the DC Universe has suddenly been populated with millions of new heroes and villains in a way that will engage players."

"We've brainstormed about the DC Universe many times but this will be our first time working together on something of this magnitude," added Jim Lee. "This really shows the level of commitment everyone on this project has to capturing the DC Universe in an authentic, compelling way."

DCUO offers a dramatic online setting where players can enter the DC Universe and battle alongside or against their favorite DC Comics heroes and villains including such icons as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker, as well as many other fan favorites such as Green Lantern, The Flash, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter. The action and drama will play out in such well-known locations as Gotham City and Metropolis among others.

FreeRealms joins DC Universe Online and The Agency as the first massively multiplayer online role playing games coming out of a new arrangement between SCEE and SOE.

Under the new agreement, SCEE will publish and distribute three MMOs developed by SOE for PS3 throughout the PAL territories. In addition, SCEE will also publish DC Universe and The Agency on behalf of SOE in the PAL territories.

“This is an opportunity for SCEE and SOE to bring the best online experiences from PC gaming to the PLAYSTATION 3 universe, the result of which will certainly benefit PlayStation fans,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Massive Multiplayer Online Gaming arrives on PLAYSTATION®3 with DC Universe Online™, The Agency™ and FreeRealms™

Leipzig Games Convention, August 2008: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today that SCEE has joined forces with Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) – developer of groundbreaking online Massive Multiplayer Online (MMOs) games including the wildly popular EverQuest® — in an arrangement that will bring a whole new dimension to PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) gaming.

Under the new agreement, SCEE will publish and distribute three MMOs developed by SOE for PS3 throughout the PAL territories. In addition, SCEE will also publish DC Universe and The Agency on behalf of SOE in the PAL territories. The new arrangement allows SCEE to benefit from SOE’s experience in a different area of video gaming publishing, one which opens up a whole host of possibilities for PS3.

The games included in the agreement are The Agency (PS3), a fast-paced, action shooter set in an present day online persistent world of bullets, bomb blasts, and betrayal; DC Universe Online (PS3 and PC), an action-focused super-hero game in a fully realized DC Universe Online; and Free Realms (PS3), a vibrant new world for younger players with an exciting mix of reality and fantasy.

“This is an opportunity for SCEE and SOE to bring the best online experiences from PC gaming to the PLAYSTATION 3 universe, the result of which will certainly benefit PlayStation fans,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Here’s a look at the three forthcoming titles.

DC Universe™ Online (PS3 and PC):

Explore one of the greatest fictional universes in history: the world of DC comics. Create your own hero or villain and run loose across famous DC locations such as Gotham City or Metropolis, alongside legendary characters of good and evil including Superman, Batman, Huntress, Joker, Wonder Woman and Green Arrow in scenarios written by DC writers and in an art style overseen by renowned DC artist Jim Lee.

The Agency™ (PS3):

Get your target in your sights with this dark, gritty, online action PS3 shooter, a persistent world of spies, mercenaries and double dealing for aspiring agents everywhere. As you rise thorugh the ranks as a spy through the various missions and in-depth story mode, you can build your own spy faction, recruiting new members to your cause.

FreeRealms™ (PS3 and PC):
An all new social networking service and massively multiplayer online role-playing game in one, FreeRealms gives players freedom across a world where exploration and spell casting is as much a part of life as decorating your house or growing a vegetable garden. You chose how you live your life in FreeRealms from day to day – be a wizard one day, play with your virtual pets the next.

DC Universe Online, The Agency and FreeRealms are the first massively multiplayer online role playing games to result from the arrangement between SCEE and SOE – a partnership that will bring gamers together across the world.

Notes to Editors:

We sat down with DC Comics executive creator Jim Lee earlier today to talk about the SOE-developed, DC-branded game. Lee told me that he was the one who had approached SOE after catching wind of the project, an effort which had experienced multiple starts and stops.

As a fairly serious EverQuest player — Lee played Paladin, for the record — the artist turned exec knew his stuff. He dropped MMO-isms (LFG, instances, the grind) like it was his natural language, and with a working knowledge of the DC universe, fans of the genre and the brand should feel confident that it's creatively in good hands.

Players will be given the option of creating a good or evil character in DCUO, each with a possible dozen unique characteristics, such as power type (ice, fire, mental, sonic), power source (ring, elemental), and movement type (flying, speed). Given Lee's background as a serious MMO player, I had to ask what he was planning on playing in DC Universe Online when it shipped.

"I haven't decided," he said. "I'll probably have one public character and one private character — a villain."

I asked Jim if he was partial to any particular DC mainstays, if he'd lobbied for the inclusion of anyone in particular.

"I kind of have to be impartial," he said, noting that it was more important to ensure that DC's classic characters and classic designs were integrated accurately into the massive multiplayer world.

Sadly, that doesn't include some of the more off-kilter characters, non-humanoids like Krypto the Super Dog, Bat-Mite or various multi-limbed things from the Green Lantern Corps. They may appear in the game in some form, but if you're looking to create a super monkey that can ally with the Superman family or even Gorilla Grodd, you might have to wait for the expansion.

One surprise that Lee mentioned is that alter-egos will play a role in the game. You may have to spend some time as a lowly photographer, for example, one who walks among the regular citizens, preserving your secret identity. "We have to have it be meaningful," Lee said of superhero alter-egos. This aspect of the gameplay, Lee hinted, may address the dreaded "grind", something he says players won't spend much time worrying about.

As far as the look of the game, for which Lee is largely responsible, we learned that some characters that we've already seen are undergoing visual refinements. "The Joker is one character I wanted to tweak," he said, noting that the Heath Ledger/Christopher Nolan take on the Joker from The Dark Knight may have been part of the catalyst for the change. Part of the reason for the change, however, was that the current model of the Joker simply didn't fit with the rest of the game's non-playable DC heroes and villains.

We'll be going hands-on with the game soon and will report our impressions of DC Universe Online later this week.