The video game industry trade shows are really like great big reunions. Everyone knows everyone and there’s always an interest to hear about what’s been going on with the development of upcoming games. So at GDC 2010, the ZAM staff had a chance to sit down with DC Universe Online’s  art director, Mike Daubert, who filled us in on some of the more key elements of DCUO’s art direction and what’s planned for the future.

All that and more awaits after the break, so what are you waiting for? Keep on reading!

We all know of bulletproof vests... How about Laser proof chests? SOE's latest character reveal for their upcoming superhero MMO, DC Universe Online, is the "buxom bombshell" Power Girl, also known as Kara Starr. Power Girl has all of a normal Kryptonian's powers under a yellow sun, like super-strength, super-speed, flight and invulnerability, although the team notes that Power Girl's DNA is "slightly different" than Superman thanks to the fact that she hails from a parallel universe. You can read more about Power Girl after the jump.

With this character release, SOE has also thrown out some other Power Girl assets, like Power Girl AIM Icons, Power Girl Wallpapers, and Power Girl iPhone Wallpapers. SOE has also released a bunch of nifty Power Girl screenshots of this busty heroine in action, and you can check them all out in our ZAM screenshot gallery. Wonder who's due for a reveal next?

Sony Online Entertainment has published the second episode of the "Inside the Studio" video series on the DC Universe Online Facebook page, and it features Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen answering more questions from fans.

Cao and Andersen reveal that nature and sorcery powers will be available in the game. Nature powers will let you heal and take on different forms, while Andersen could only say that sorcery has "awesome special effects." Ice, fire and earth powers have been previously confirmed by the team.

Cao also emphasizes that every character can go into offensive, defensive and support modes so you can adapt and play with your friends without worrying too much about roles in groups. Check out the video for answers to other questions, including a couple about weapons and the importance of the storyline.

Sony Online Entertainment just posted a video on the DC Universe Online Facebook page that features Game Director Chris Cao discussing how traffic will play a major role in the upcoming comic book MMO:

"Traffic? It's a plaything. It's something to mess with as a villain, to create mayhem, to cause it to go wrong. ... And as a hero, of course, it's up to you to contain and then to fix that kind of damage. ... While it might seem like a small thing, it's a big thing in DCUO."

Sadly, the video doesn't contain any gameplay footage of traffic in action, but it is good to see an update from the DCUO team.

Sony Online Entertainment just revealed that Zatanna will be appearing in DC Universe Online. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the mystical heroine, she's a member of the Justice League of America who can cast powerful spells by speaking her magical incantations backwards. You can read all about her after the jump.

SOE has also posted renders, concept art, AIM icons, and even iPhone wallpapers that feature Zatanna and other DC Universe Online characters. Now we'll just have to wait and see if SOE creates DCUO artwork for the iPad.

Sony Online Entertainment posted a new video on the DC Universe Online Facebook page today that features Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen answering questions from fans. While the Q&A doesn't contain any earth-shattering revelations, it does provide a good look at what players can expect to see in DCUO.

The 10-minute video covers a lot of ground. The developers explain that DCUO is an action MMO that is full of PvE, PvP, grouping and solo play. In fact, they mention that you can solo through the entire game if you'd like, just like a lone hero in a comic. They also hint that Geoff Johns' storyline will explain why so many new heroes are appearing in DC Universe Online.

The video's only part one, so it looks like we can expect part two to appear on the Facebook page in the future.

In a recent interview with IGN, DC's Executive Editor Dan DiDio said that SOE's DC Universe Online team will be working in conjunction with DC Comics to publish a comic book series set within the MMO universe. The upcoming weekly series, titled DC Universe: Legends, will attempt to bridge the gap between the MMO gaming and comic book markets. "DC is working with SOE to construct a series that not only tells a core story but connects with gamers, giving them hints, strategies and even a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of the game," writes IGN's Richard George.

While working with developer SOE to create the DCUO universSe, DC talent Jim Lee and Geoff Johns produced a lot of new content that will serve as a foundation for the series, according to the article. "First, we're going to set up the conceit of the universe, how it works and what the rules are," DiDio revealed in the IGN interview. "We'll also be trying to work gaming tips and secrets into the body of the book as we move along in the series. You'll see a lot of support material including turnarounds and designs that went into the actual building of the game. What I think is the most exciting thing is that, if everything is working as well as we hope once we get down the line, characters that players create actually have an opportunity to work their way from the game into the comics themselves."

DC hasn't announced a confirmed a lineup for the project yet, but DiDio told IGN that "we have Tony Bedard and Dan Jurgens on board." The series is expected to launch sometime later this year. To read the full story, check out the interview here.

Last month, Sony Online Entertainment revealed that Nightwing will be appearing in DC Universe Online and hinted that someone with a cold heart who can manipulate cold weather would be introduced in December. We guessed they meant Mr. Freeze, and we were right.

The start of winter is certainly a good time to announce that Mr. Freeze, also known as Victor Fries, will be a part of DC Universe Online. You can read all about Batman's enemy after the jump.

As we've reported, the DC Universe Online Animation Contest is currently under way on the game's Facebook page. The contest gives you the chance to animate shots in a DCUO cinematic trailer or animate character gestures for in-game emotes. If that sounds a bit overwhelming, Sony Online Entertainment just released a video that features comic book artist Jim Lee explaining the whole process.

"The cool thing about working with Mass Animation on this project is that we basically get to work with a lot of amateur animators out there. We actually supply you with a cinematic idea for a trailer to promote the DC Universe Online game. You can animate it with us!" Lee said, noting that the best submissions will be shown at E3 next year.

Watch the full video for details on how to download the Autodesk Maya animation software and submit your entry. "So this is my challenge to you: Come join us and you can be the next legendary animator!" Lee said.

A few weeks ago, we reported that Sony Online Entertainment was teaming up with Mass Animation to host a DC Universe Online Animation Contest on the game's Facebook page. Today marks the start of that contest, so be sure to enter if you'd like to animate shots in a cinematic trailer or animate character gestures for in-game emotes.

To participate, head over the DC Universe Online Facebook page and click on the DCUO tab. Click the graphic to add the Mass Animation application, which will give you the tools you need to animate the emotes and trailer. If you have any questions, keep an eye on comments and discussion boards on the DCUO Facebook page.

Do you plan to participate in the contest? If you do, let us know how you did with the animation process.