As a long-time fan of James Gunn’s work and someone who has been following the DC Universe for decades, I can confidently say that Creature Commandos is a game-changer. With its unique blend of humor, heartbreak, and action, it seamlessly combines elements from Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, while carving out its own niche in the DC Universe.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the upcoming summer release of James Gunn’s Superman, which many are eagerly anticipating as the beginning of his and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe. However, it looks like the action is actually starting earlier with the animated series, Creature Commandos. This latest creation from Gunn can be found on Max, and its announcement already brings to mind both the fun-filled adventures of Guardians of the Galaxy and the edgy humor of The Suicide Squad. Surprisingly, Creature Commandos manages to live up to these lofty comparisons, infusing the series with the distinctive warmth and dark wit that have become synonymous with Gunn’s tales of found families. In my opinion, this is the perfect launch for the budding DCU.
The animated series “Creature Commandos” revolves around a group of monstrous characters from DC Comics, initially conceptualized by J. M. DeMatteis and Pat Broderick in the 1980s. Originally, they were a World War II team but were reintroduced to contemporary times by Tim Truman and Scot Eaton in the year 2000. In this updated version, the team serves as an alternative to the Suicide Squad, stepping up after the discontinuation of Task Force X by the government.
In fact, the storylines from “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” Season 1 are part of James Gunn’s DC Universe and contribute to the introduction of “Creature Commandos”. However, it isn’t necessary to watch them in sequence to appreciate this show. The narrative commences with Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) enlisting Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), the father of the late Rick Flag, to command a fresh squad of prisoners on a perilous mission. Given that the government’s rule prohibits using “human” prisoners for tasks, Waller assembles a team of monstrous beings instead to get things done.
The team includes the Bride of Frankenstein (Indira Varma), Nina Mazursky (Zoe Chao), Dr. Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), and the returning Weasel (also Sean Gunn). Flag leads the ragtag crew to try and protect a foreign princess (Maria Bakalova), as she has become the target of the dangerous villain Circe (Anya Chalotra). In addition to that very complicated situation, which also involves an army of American incels and a potential apocalypse scenario, the Bride is being chased down by the obsessive Frankenstein (David Harbour).
The animated series titled Creature Commandos not only weaves its story throughout the seven 30-minute episodes (it’s quite an effortless watch), but it also delves profoundly into the backstories of each of its main characters. In a style reminiscent of James Gunn, they are all complex, humorous, and heartbreakingly poignant. Brace yourself for G.I. Robot to become your favorite DC character! Anticipate feeling an instant connection with Nina Mizursky. Be prepared to be utterly amazed by the depth of Weasel as a character.
In all seriousness, the Weasel backstory you didn’t think you needed will rip your heart into pieces and leave you asking for more. It’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 levels of wonderful, gut-wrenching pain.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at James Gunn’s unique approach to comic book adaptations. His uncanny ability to evoke laughter and tears simultaneously, without compromising the narrative, truly sets him apart in the current landscape. In his latest work for the DCU, it’s evident that he prioritizes storytelling above all else – a testament to his vision and dedication to the craft.
The tale woven by Gunn & Company in Creature Commandos is undeniably mature, as hinted at in the trailers. The violence is intense and the language is explicit. This series fearlessly embraces its dark themes, understanding that a mature approach is the best way to portray these characters and their journey. Nothing is taboo, making it an exciting prospect for viewers. There’s no holding back on sensitive topics like a clandestine romance between the Princess and one of her team members, or the brutal annihilation of a roomful of Nazis. This series isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Similar to both Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, the comic series Creature Commandos employs an ensemble cast of misfits to uncover pockets of goodness in a world that’s otherwise ominous and frightening. Yes, these creatures can be downright terrifying, but they frequently exhibit human-like qualities within the narrative. Each character carries their own burden (which seems entirely relatable after delving into their pasts), yet they each find motivation to continue fighting against something more menacing than themselves. The familiar theme of a found family is present, making you cheer for this band of oddballs, despite some initial reservations about them. As you learn more about them as individuals, your perception of them begins to shift slightly.
It’s challenging to imagine a more fitting team for establishing a fresh franchise than this one. The absence of legendary figures like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, or other iconic characters from DC Comics leaves the playground wide open and desolate. However, the emptiness presents endless opportunities, which Gunn and the DC team skillfully exploit.
This is especially true when it comes to the villains of the show. I don’t want to get into the Circe of it all, because there are a ton of twists and turns to that narrative that are best left unspoiled. Frankenstein, however, sets an almost unreasonably high bar for antagonists in this budding universe. This guy is a true monster in every sense of the word. He’s obsessed with a woman in a way that “toxic” doesn’t even begin to describe. He has incredible strength and ingenuity. He’s beyond narcissistic. Yet, somehow, he’s one of the most enjoyable characters in a show filled with enjoyable characters.
One significant factor behind this is the outstanding acting of David Harbour, who delivers an electrifying performance. In fact, this level of talent can be seen throughout the entire cast in the series Creature Commandos. The voiceovers are flawless, and I find myself getting excited about the idea that they’ll follow through on their promise to use the same actors for both animation and live-action roles in the new DC Universe. Indira Varma portrays the Bride with such authority that it leaves you eagerly anticipating her potential in the live-action adaptation of the character.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my heartfelt admiration for the remarkable series, Creature Commandos. By the finale of its enthralling seven-episode journey, you’ll find yourself smitten with each and every member of this extraordinary team. You might even develop a soft spot for almost every character gracing our screens.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Creature Commandos premiers on Max Thursday, December 5th.
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2024-12-02 20:11