DC Universe Online Interview

Massively has kicked up an article-style interview they did with Sony Online's Michael Daubert during GDC about the progress the team has been making on DC Universe Online, how they'll deal with competition from other superhero MMORPGs, and more.
What if you don't want to run up the side of the building to save the hapless citizen, but instead take him out? SOE is okay with that, and DC Universe Online is getting a little more freedom from DC to work with that. You can play a villain if you are so inclined, and the DC license has recently begun opening their doors to the DCUO team a bit more, allowing them more play on the villain side of the game.

Okay, that's all great. But can I be Batman or not? Sadly, no. You'll have to settle for basking in the reflected glory, which is certainly not a bad prospect.: "you play side-by-side with them. Batman's not just calling you saying 'go knock out ten thugs,' he's there with you. He can not complete his mission without the help of you." While most of the world is persistent, these "big name" quests and missions will be instanced so you won't find ten Batman characters running around the same area.