Creature Commandos: DC Studios Logo Pays Homage to a Classic Superman Story

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast who can remember the days of flipping through the pages of my dad’s old Action Comics issues, I must say that DC Studios’ nod to Superman’s iconic chain-breaking image in their animated logo is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s like they’ve reached into the annals of comic book history and given us a little wink, reminding us all that they’re not just playing in Metropolis—they’re honoring its rich legacy.

The new series, “Creature Commandos,” has premiered its first two episodes on MAX and marks the beginning of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe. Naturally, fans will scrutinize every frame of this animated show in search of hints about the future storylines – and so will we! However, a fascinating detail of “Creature Commandos” can be spotted in the DC Studios animated logo, which subtly references an iconic Superman image as a nod to its legacy.

Superman Breaking Chain Is a Piece of Comic Book History

Back in the 30’s, comic books were essentially reprints of newspaper strips. Publishers loved this format as it was a hit with readers, but eventually, they ran out of old content. To keep things going, they started creating new stories that resembled these strips. Over time, the medium evolved, getting closer to what we now call comic books. But it wasn’t until June 1938, when Superman made his grand entrance in Action Comics #1, that comics truly transformed from a fun pastime into a bustling industry. Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, the creative minds behind Superman, gave us a character who could leap over skyscrapers and run faster than a speeding bullet. Once Superman hit the scene, comics were no longer just a novelty, they became an integral part of pop culture.

After the sensational introduction of Superman in Action Comics #1, DC Comics published Superman #1 in 1939. This was not only the first solo comic for Superman but also introduced one of the most renowned images in comics: Superman breaking free from chains on his chest, depicted on the back cover. This illustration marked a significant shift in comic book production, as its “pin-up” style set a new trend for the medium. Additionally, the image of Superman breaking chains became so synonymous with his character that DC Comics eventually protected it by trademarking it.

Since DC Comics registered the trademark in 1941, the iconic image of breaking chains has consistently been a key theme throughout Superman’s comics. During the 1950s and 60s, this image was commonly featured on Superman comic covers, serving as a symbol of his extraordinary strength against various perils. Now, let me explain why this historical background matters: The use of the chain-breaking image in DC Studios’ animated logo underscores their dedication to Superman and the rich legacy of DC Comics.

DC Studios’ Historical Homage Is a Reason For Optimism

It’s indisputable; the image of Superman shattering chains on DC Studios’ fresh animated emblem is identical to the one featured on the back cover of Superman #1. This immediate recognition provides us with two key insights about DC Studios.

It’s evident that DC Studios is emphasizing Superman as a cornerstone of its brand, given their debut theatrical production will be “Superman” featuring David Corenswet as the Kryptonian son. Yet, it’s pleasing to see this emphasis even in an independent animated project. While Batman remains popular and we anticipate more stories about the Dark Knight, there have been numerous projects centered around Gotham over the years. On the other hand, Metropolis has not received as much attention. Regardless of Batman’s significance within the DC Universe, Superman is equally crucial. A shift towards featuring Superman more prominently in the DCU would help maintain freshness and variety in their storytelling.

2. It’s worth noting that DC Studios is managed by avid comics enthusiasts (you know, like us!). The use of the Superman breaking chains image, which might initially escape our attention, is a subtle homage to this fact. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that DC Studios aims to do justice to the DC Comics characters they hold in high regard. This reverence for the superhero and the pioneering artists is evident. Without the debut of Superman #1, there would be no DC Universe. It’s as straightforward as that.

Our interest in the DCU is piqued, but the Creature Commandos can’t fully satisfy our curiosity. Given that this is a lesser-known series linking The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and the forthcoming Superman, it’s exciting to notice how DC Studios is already dedicated to exceeding our anticipations, even in the finer aspects of their production.

Creature Commandos” marks DC Studios’ debut in the animated series arena, featuring a total of seven episodes penned by James Gunn. This intriguing show revolves around an unusual black ops squad, comprising monstrous members. The assemblage of these creatures is orchestrated by Amanda Waller, portrayed by Viola Davis, following a ban on using human prisoners for her operations due to Congress intervention. The team consists of Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, The Bride (Indira Varma), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), Weasel (also Sean Gunn), and Nina Mazursky (Zoe Chao). David Harbour lends his voice to the character Eric Frankenstein in this series.

New episodes of Creature Commandos hit MAX every Thursday until January 9, 2025.

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2024-12-05 12:10