If you’re even mildly acquainted with the comic book industry, then you’re most likely aware of highly proclaimed graphic artist, Jim Lee. Lee is revered for his outstanding work on W.i.l.d.CATs, X-Men, Hush, and most recently, All Star Batman and Robin. His dynamic style is one of the most recognized and admired today, so it only makes sense that the big guys brought him in to work on DC’s latest MMORPG. If you’re going to make a MMO based on one of the most expansive and popular universes in comics, then you’re going to need to bring out the big guns. Together with Marv Wolfman, Jim Lee fits the bill quite nicely.
Q: What’s it been like working on DC Universe Online?
Jim Lee: Well I’ve been working on it for over four years now, it feels long! It almost feels like weight training; [Laughs] it’s hard work but it’s been a real learning experience. I’ve been learning about the entire DC universe; I never thought about the materials used and what the costumes were made out of, the environments, what Metropolis looked like, etc…I feel much smarter as a DC fan. What’s really cool about the game is that I’ve been able to draw each character and all of their details.
Q: So do you game yourself?
Lee: Yes I do game, I guess I just assume everyone games, because I get asked that question a lot. I do play a lot of videogames though; the ones that drew me in the most were the MMOs. I was hardcore into Everquest for a year and a half.
“I have a feeling this game will be with me for the rest of my life.”
Oh you know, just hangin' with Jim Lee.
Q: How many characters from the DC world show up in the game?
Lee: Are there a lot of characters used? There are literally hundreds in the game; every major secondary and tertiary hero and villain you can think of.
Q: Do you plan on making your own character within the game?
Lee: Nah. [Laughs]. No, I have a feeling this game will be with me for the rest of my life; MMOs last forever. We are already talking about working on expansions and stuff. So yes, I will be creating both a hero and villain. I think a villain first; I’ve created everything hero-wise in comics and I think it’d be fun to work on a villain now.
Q: How did it feel to create your own version of Batman?
Lee: When I first started Batman, it was a little nerve-wracking; everyone’s done their take on him. I had a little hang of inadequacy pop in there [Laughs]. Luckily Hush has sold pretty well; it’s awesome to be part of the club and to have contributed something to this club.
Lastly, GEN was able to finally squeeze in one question to rule them all. With the amazing video contribution from Radnerd, GEN presents my one question for Jim Lee:
August 13th, 2009 at 11:21 am
He said Hush. Jim Lee RULES. <3
August 13th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Pure awesome!
August 13th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I’m so very jealous you got to do this interview. I can’t wait for the MMO!
August 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
HE IS SO CUTE! I floated for days after this.