Now that Champions Online has landed with a decidedly dull thud, the only super powered MMORPG left to either excite or disappoint is DC Universe Online. Early impressions appear to be optimistic, and we're fairly excited to see what Sony Online can bring to the MMORPG world after a few disappointing licensed titles. At the DC Universe Online panel at this year's San Diego Comic Con, Jim Lee revealed the game's release date, which will bring the online world of DC to gamers on November 2nd.

While this date has been rumored for a while, this is the first time an actual day has been mentioned by the developer, who, in the past, simply mentioned a release in November. It was also announced that the PlayStation 3 version will not require a PlayStation Plus subscription, though normal $14.99/month rates for the MMO still obviously apply.

Beyond setting a release date, Sony Online Entertainment's game has also been given the context they've been promising for some time now. Instead of just saying that a few million (hopefully) new super-powered beings have entered into the DC Universe, they've offered an explanation that allows even the strictest followers of DC's continuity to have an excuse to enjoy creating their own character to fight alongside Batman, Superman, and Captain Marvel. What, I like Captain Marvel?
After a massive battle between the forces of super-powered good and super-powered evil (which, apparently, was shown off with a sweet video that will surely be leaked onto the internet soon is below), Brainiac uses a machine to strip the powers from Earth's heroes. Lex Luthor travels back in time from this dark future with said machine, and uses it to empower new heroes and villains around the world. It might not be the strongest story ever told, but I'd say it fits right in line with typical DC storytelling. Hell, it makes more sense than Final Crisis ever did.

You can read a full description of the panel at Gamespot, including some additional details explaining the game's story. Be sure to check back with Gamervision closer to release for more information, and don't forget to read our preview of the game from E3 here. Here's a teaser: we're likely going to be playing it.