Jim Lee signs on for DC Comics MMOG

Gamers who pick up the forthcoming massively multiplayer online game based on the DC Comics universe might recognize more than just the colorful assortment of crime fighters and villains. They might also recognize the work of comic artist Jim Lee behind that cast of characters.

DC Comics, Sony Online Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced that Lee has been brought on board their upcoming MMOG for next-generation consoles and the PC and is expected to serve as the game's executive creative director.

"Utilizing his outstanding and widely revered talent, Jim Lee's ground-breaking work on the DC MMO will help lend authenticity and strength to the game's design," WBI senior vice president Jason Hall said. "His iconic art style and creative direction will enhance the look and feel of the game overall."

For Lee's part, "massive" seems to be the key word when considering the possibilities of a massively multiplayer game set in the DC universe.

"What intrigues me most about the DC MMO is how we can continue to tell the great stories DC is known for in this new medium and look forward in particular to the challenge of perhaps one day, simultaneously bringing stories to life in both print and pixel form," Lee said. "True to their moniker, MMOs are massive undertakings and I look forward to working on the game and continuing to draw comics for many, many years to come at DC."

Lee, who first gained fame in the early '90s for his work on a pair of Marvel's X-Men comic titles, found acclaim at DC in 2003 with his work on Batman: Hush. He has since completed a stint on Superman and is currently working on All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder.