It’s all about the Doghouse of Solitude.

Krypto’s personal retreat—introduced way back in January 1962’s Superman #150—is the kind of deep cut that shows the folks behind “Superman Experience: Defenders Unite” love the Man of Steel and his world as much as anyone. Even better, the Doghouse is just one of the many Easter eggs in this new can’t-miss attraction, which opened earlier this spring on the studio’s iconic Burbank lot. 

“Defenders Unite” is a combination walkthrough experience and live gameplay attraction, and it’s the perfect way for both longtime fans and those who fell for Superman in last year’s James Gunn-directed film to revel in their love of all things Kryptonian. (Filmgoers who gravitate instead to Milly Alcock’s Supergirl after this summer’s blockbuster will also find much to enjoy in “Defenders Unite.” The two characters share a cinematic universe, after all.)

Tickets to the experience are sold via the Fever app or through SupermanExperience.com, and the whole thing begins upon your arrival at the Studio Tour Building in Burbank, California. (Note that the Superman Experience and the Studio Tour are two separate attractions on the Warner Bros. lot, with each requiring their own ticket. However, tourgoers can also experience “Defenders Unite” by selecting it as an add-on to their tour.) From there, you’ll board a customized Superman Experience tour cart on which you’ll hear part of a Daily Planet podcast featuring Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.

You’ll drive across the Studio’s front lot—home to its legendary soundstages—where the Experience awaits in Stage 5. There, the giant doors of the Fortress of Solitude open and you’ll find yourself taking part in an original storyline created exclusively for the attraction, inspired by Gunn’s film.

After picking up a pair of 3D glasses, you’ll join a small team of your fellow guests (including any friends you bring with you) and be anointed Defenders of Earth. Through the magic of next-generation motion-capture technology, you’ll receive superpowers via Superman’s Kryptonian Chaos Crystal, create your own superhero costume and receive combat training from Gary, the robotic Superman scene-stealer voiced by Alan Tudyk. You’ll then hone your new skills at the Kent Farm in Smallville. This may have been my favorite part of the Experience, as the ever-playful Krypto tried to interrupt my training and wouldn’t let me continue until I rubbed his belly. It’s an adorable little touch.

When your training is over, it’s up, up and away as you fly like a Kryptonian to different locations, including the great city of Metropolis and outer space, in a series of motion-capture battles against none other than Darkseid, who seeks the Chaos Crystal for his own nefarious ends. He’s aided by an army of Parademons, which you’ll face alongside other threats in fully immersive first-person gameplay brought to you in high-definition audio.

Upon completing your mission, you’ll receive your total point score and exit into a remarkable recreation of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, which you can explore at your own pace. Believe me, there’s plenty to see and do within it! The Fortress is where many of those aforementioned Easter eggs are. You can also play a mini game of catch with Krypto at his Doghouse, or enjoy a two-player puzzle game where you can activate the Phantom Zone Projector (introduced in April 1961’s Adventure Comics #283).

Additionally, keep an eye out for Superman’s distinctive Fortress Key (introduced, like the Fortress itself, in June 1958’s Action Comics #241), the Bottle City of Kandor (introduced alongside Brainiac in July 1958’s Action Comics #242) and a life-sized interactive audio animatronic of Gary, who’s more than willing to take a selfie with you. All of these items also play a role in a digital scavenger hunt in which you’ll collect shards of the Chaos Crystal. It’s a very worthwhile secondary game that I found just as enjoyable and rewarding as the earlier motion-capture experience.

When you’re done exploring, you can sit down for some Superman-themed food and one-of-a-kind beverages at the Fortress of Solitude’s lounge before shopping for exclusive merch at the Experience’s retail store. Comic fans will be happy to learn they can purchase an exclusive variant cover, as well as a group photo of their Defenders of Earth team. From start to finish, expect to spend anywhere from one to two hours in the experience, depending on how much time you spend exploring the Fortress and hanging out in the lounge.

There have been several attempts at a large-scale interactive Superman attraction over the years. In the 1970s, a Superman theme park was planned for Metropolis, Illinois before the gas crisis put a stop to it. (The town still hosts a Superman Museum and an annual Superman Celebration.) But there’s never been anything quite like “Superman Experience: Defenders Unite.” The fact that it’s in the heart of Warner Bros. Studios, where DC is also located, makes it even more of a must. If you find yourself in Southern California this summer, pay it a visit and be sure to tell Krypto that I said hi.
 

Superman Experience: Defenders Unite is located at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, California. Get tickets at SupermanExperience.com.

Joseph McCabe writes about comics, film and superhero history for DC.com. Follow him on Instagram at @joe_mccabe_editor.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joseph McCabe and Rick Veitch and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.