If Creature Commandos Works, So Will These Obscure DCU Characters

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe hit, “Creature Commandos“, showcases Gunn’s talent in blending emotion, humor, and intense action. The series, a timeless gem, is one of Gunn’s successful superhero ventures. One key factor contributing to its success lies in its unique approach, using lesser-known DC characters. By giving these C and D-list heroes the spotlight, Gunn demonstrates that with thoughtful treatment, any character can be as iconic as Batman or Superman. With a vast array of such characters waiting for their moment, DC is teeming with potential stars.

It’s great that DC Universe is highlighting less prominent DC characters, and I think this approach is spot-on. Not every superhero needs to be a celebrity, but each one should have the capacity for stardom. The DC Studios could delve into their extensive archive of comics and discover many characters who would make fantastic stories for both big and small screen adaptations.

Among the most intriguing DC character lineup, there are several individuals who could benefit from a makeover reminiscent of the “Creature Commandos.”

Among the most interesting DC characters, there’s a group that deserves to be revamped in a style similar to the “Creature Commandos.

Kamandi

In the Silver Age, Jack Kirby collaborated with Stan Lee to establish the distinctive style of superhero comics at Marvel, producing an unparalleled series of superhero comics. However, their partnership and relationship with Marvel eventually disintegrated, leading Kirby to move to DC Comics. During his tenure there, he developed countless iconic characters such as the New Gods from New Genesis and Apokolips, the Demon, a son of Hell who speaks in rhyme, and O.M.A.C., encompassing a wide range of science fiction, fantasy, and superhero concepts. Just as he had done throughout his career, Kirby continued to create enduring legends that would captivate fans for generations.

Among Kirby’s outstanding works from that era, one stands out as particularly captivating: the tale of Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth. This story is set in a future where humanity has largely disappeared, with Kamandi being one of the few remaining humans following the Great Catastrophe. In a world dominated by sentient animals, Kamandi struggles to stay alive amidst hostility and must navigate this challenging existence. This narrative provides fertile ground for compelling storytelling. The character of Kamandi would be an excellent choice for the next major animated DC Universe project, offering fans an exhilarating post-apocalyptic experience at its finest.

Animal Man

Animal Man, a relatively obscure character from DC Comics, gained significant popularity in the 1980s due to the collaborative efforts of writer Grant Morrison and artist Chas Troug on the Animal Man series. Initially introduced in the Silver Age with an intriguing power set and a rather uneventful persona, Buddy Baker underwent a transformation in this series. He evolved into a vegetarian and an advocate for animal rights, becoming a beloved character among comic enthusiasts. His family was also developed more fully, making the Bakers one of the most endearing families in comics.

What truly set Animal Man apart, however, was Morrison’s exploration of the intersection between fiction and reality within the series. This unique approach is what has endeared the classic book to many readers.

For most DC comic enthusiasts, Animal Man is often seen as an unusual character that diehard fans frequently praise. Given James Gunn’s affinity for Grant Morrison’s work, this could be the perfect moment to introduce Animal Man into mainstream culture. A DC Universe series featuring Animal Man could either follow the traditional comics or simply provide fans with the escapades of Animal Man, his wife Ellen, and their children Cliff and Maxine. This series could encompass high-concept superhero storytelling or offer a lighthearted adventure starring an intriguing character and engaging supporting cast, making it a worthy investment either way.

Ambush Bug

The renowned Keith Giffen, who sadly passed away, was an icon in the DC comics world, crafting tales and characters that beautifully showcased every aspect of the DC Universe. With a plethora of outstanding titles to his name – such as Legion of Superheroes, Justice League International, Blue Beetle, and Lobo – one of Giffen’s most entertaining creations is Ambush Bug. This character, who appeared before Deadpool, foreshadowed the witty, self-referential antics that would become popular later on. Ambush Bug, with his humorous nature, would make a fantastic addition to the DC Universe in any role.

Ambush Bug thrives in a project by James Gunn, as his abilities to teleport, rely on luck, and consistently land himself in trouble make for a delightful spectacle. Characters like Ambush Bug, who bring humor, hold significant value within the DC universe. Few other humorous DC characters align as well with the new DCU as Ambush Bug does.

Hourman

The Justice Society of America (JSA) was one of DC’s major announcements for 2024, a story centered on the heroes from the Golden Age and their descendants. The Justice Society of America is home to numerous intriguing characters, but the legacy of Hourman stands out as particularly compelling. Rex Tyler, the creator of the Miraclo pill, bestowed upon him superhuman strength and durability for an hour at a time. Unfortunately, these pills were highly addictive, leading Rex to become hooked on his costumed lifestyle. Despite creating a non-addictive version of Miraclo, Rex continued to struggle with the consequences of his addiction. His son Rick, the second Hourman, worked tirelessly to uphold his father’s legacy and maintain his sobriety. Additionally, there is a third Hourman, but he is a nanotech colony lifeform from the future, fashioned from DNA taken from the Tyler family.

The Justice Society of America (JSA) was one of the significant announcements made by DC for 2024, focusing on heroes hailing from the Golden Age and their relatives. The JSA boasts a variety of captivating characters, but Hourman’s legacy is especially fascinating. Rex Tyler developed the Miraclo pill, which granted him superhuman strength and resilience for an hour at a time. Regrettably, these pills were extremely addictive, causing Rex to become dependent on his superhero life. Despite creating a non-addictive version of Miraclo, Rex continued to wrestle with the repercussions of his addiction. Rick Tyler, Hourman’s son, took up the mantle and worked diligently to honor his father’s legacy while maintaining his sobriety. Furthermore, there is a third Hourman, but he is a nanotech colony lifeform from the future, constructed using DNA from the Tyler family line.

1. The battles with addiction faced by both Rex and Rick Hourman offer compelling narrative opportunities within the DC Universe.

2. As Creature Commandos introduced iconic WWII characters like Sgt. Rock and Easy Company, it’s not a great leap to establish the Justice Society’s Golden Age legacy.

3. Given his personal struggles, Hourman stands out as an ideal candidate for highlighting within the Justice Society, with the storylines delving deeper into superhero themes.

Metal Men

In the series, the Creature Commandos laid the groundwork for the introduction of the Metal Men. Previously, G.I. Robot was bestowed upon roboticist Will Magnus, who delved into the inner workings of this robot. This sparked excitement among DC fans as it hinted at the possibility of seeing the Metal Men. Magnus developed the responsometer, a device that enabled him to construct sentient robots with distinct personalities. He also utilized various metals from the periodic table in his creations, resulting in Gold, Iron, Platinum, Lead, Tin, and Mercury. Each of them possessed powers based on their respective elements, making the Metal Men an effective team, despite their occasional squabbles.

Essentially, Gunn hinted at a future Metal Men series at some point. A series set in the 1960s or ’70s about the Metal Men would be fantastic! This setup would offer fans insight into how the new DC Universe unfolded, and it would showcase one of the most entertaining groups that DC has ever produced. The Metal Men serve as a significant technological connection between G.I. Robot and the current era, and this connection deserves further exploration.

Detective Chimp

The character Detective Chimp, poised for fame, was initially designed to boost sales due to comics featuring apes being popular. Over time, however, he has earned respect within the superhero fraternity, collaborating with figures like Wonder Woman, Justice League Dark, and even the Shadowpact. This straightforward character, a chimpanzee granted speech abilities who chose to be a detective, aligns well with the established universe of DC Universe as depicted in shows such as “The Suicide Squad”, “Peacemaker”, and “Creature Commandos”.

The detective known as Chimp is a chimp who smokes and drinks, and he has a sharp sense of humor. These traits work in his favor. His familiarity with the darker aspects of the magical world in DC makes him an ideal bridge to some of the most fascinating magical characters in comics. You may have seen Chimp before in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, where he was portrayed more like his Silver Age character. However, if he were introduced into the DC Universe, it could bring the contemporary version of this character to full bloom. Having Andy Serkis play Detective Chimp would be a fantastic investment.

2025-01-05 05:11