Creature Commandos Just Teased a Couple of VERY Deep Cut DC Villains

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As a longtime fan of DC Comics and someone who’s spent countless hours poring over their rich history, I must say that the latest season of “Creature Commandos” has been nothing short of delightful! Each episode feels like a deep dive into the annals of DC lore, with the showrunners meticulously weaving together threads from various eras to create this vibrant tapestry of monstrous mayhem.

In its role as the inaugural chapter of the DC Universe (DCU), the Creature Commandos series balances the responsibilities of delivering an engaging narrative while establishing the framework for a larger cinematic universe. Remarkably, it has managed to excel in both aspects thus far. The show seamlessly blends James Gunn’s distinctive blend of humor, gruesome elements, and emotional depth. Furthermore, every episode subtly hints at the characters and adversaries that inhabit the DC Universe.

In Episode 4, they elevate the reference material significantly by bringing in several obscure DC villains, leaving seasoned comic book aficionados scratching their heads in an attempt to recognize them.

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WARNING: CREATURE COMMANDOS EPISODE 4 SPOILERS!

In the third episode of Creature Commandos, the team successfully overthrows Circe’s (portrayed by Anya Chalotra) coup attempt in Pokolistan. However, in Episode 4, the Commandos transport Circe back to the U.S., only for her to disclose a shocking revelation: Princess Illana (voiced by Maria Bakalova) is actually the series’ main antagonist. As Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis) grapples with this startling truth, we catch glimpses of the sinister inmates at Belle Reve, some of whom appear for mere instants – too fleetingly for us to identify the villains from lesser-known comic book lore.

Belle Reve Bullies: Congorilla & Nosferata

In the dining area, a golden-furred ape character named Congorilla (voiced by Jason Konopisos) and a female character resembling a bat, possibly Nosferata, attempted to swipe Nina’s meal (portrayed by Zoë Chao). The protagonist, The Bride (voiced by Indira Varma), intervened to safeguard her friend. She used a food tray to strike the ape’s head, which was later revealed in the credits. The bat-like woman remains unidentified for now.

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In the comic book series “Action Comics” issue 248 from 1959, Robert Bernstein and Howard Sherman introduced the character known as Congorilla. Originally named Congo Bill, this adventurer gained fame after receiving a mystical ring from an African witch doctor. As a hero, Congorilla experienced his most dismal period during his time with the Justice League International. Tragically, hunters wiped out his entire tribe, prompting him to seek revenge and brutally pursue and kill each culprit. This traumatic event revealed a brutal side of Congorilla that eventually led to his imprisonment.

Back in the 1980s, I stumbled upon Nosferata in issue #2 of J.M. DeMatteis and Pat Broderick’s Creature Commandos series. Initially an early Project M experiment, she was unwittingly turned into a vampire during an unsuccessful bid to replicate the success of Vincent Velcoro’s transformation. Unlike other supernatural beings I’ve encountered, Nosferata managed to hold onto her human consciousness, but this coexistence came with a fierce and relentless thirst for blood that made her too risky to roam freely. Later on, during John Ostrander’s tenure with the Suicide Squad, she served as a backup member, employing her vampiric abilities effectively in missions requiring stealthy infiltration.

Classic Creature Commandos members: Warren Griffith, Vincent Velcoro, and Khalis

In the scene at the dining hall, the Creature Commandos show tribute to some well-known characters from their team. This is why it’s probable that the werewolf in the kitchen is Warren Griffith, the cheerful vampire is Vincent Velcoro, and the mummy is Khalis.

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1980’s comic book character Warren Griffith, penned by J.M. DeMatteis and Pat Broderick for Weird War Tales #93, was initially a quiet librarian with an unusual genetic disorder that made him suitable for Project M’s werewolf experiment. His transformation was brutal, involving the use of chemical substances and mystical relics. In the same issue, DeMatteis and Broderick introduced Vincent Velcoro, an Air Force pilot who underwent Project M’s vampire program and became their first successful specimen. Velcoro retains human-like intelligence with his newfound supernatural abilities such as flight and increased strength. Unlike traditional vampires, Velcoro can function during daylight, though this reduces his powers considerably.

In the New 52 period, Keith Giffen and Dan DiDio introduced a character known as Khalis. Originally an Egyptian warrior brought back to life through Project M’s experiments, his mummified form conceals centuries of battle expertise and mystical wisdom. During the Forever Evil event, Khalis proved indispensable in vanquishing supernatural menaces that high-tech heroes found impossible to combat. His ancient Egyptian sorcery frequently clashes with contemporary supernatural powers, offering tactical advantages for the group due to its uniqueness.

Other Monstruous Inmates

In Episode 4 of Creature Commandos, it’s simple to spot Egg Fu and Chemo among the various monsters that appear. Egg Fu, who first appeared in Wonder Woman #157 from 1965, was conceived by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru. This giant sentient egg, with a mind of its own, originally served as a Chinese Communist agent, using its mustaches as lethal whips against adversaries. However, subsequent versions unveiled that Egg Fu is actually Chang Tzu, an entity crafted by Apokoliptian technology, possessing the power to manipulate minds.

Chemo, a character, was developed by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito in 1962’s Showcase #39. Initially designed as a container for chemical waste by scientist Ramsey Norton, Chemo came to life when Norton added an unsuccessful growth formula meant to aid starving populations. Since Chemo can produce any chemical substance, he is one of the Metal Men’s formidable enemies. Interestingly, the Metal Men were established as official characters in Creature Commandos Episode 3.

Among the well-known monster figures, there’s one called the Bug-Eyed Bandit. This character, known as Bertram Larvan, was brought to life by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane, debuting in issue #26 of Atom back in 1966. Initially a scientist specializing in insects for agricultural pest control, Larvan resorted to crime as the Bug-Eyed Bandit when he failed to secure funding. His most notable feat was uncovering the secret identity of the Atom, which he exploited for multiple attacks.

In DC comics, there aren’t many duck characters, so the inmate with a beak is likely to be Rubberduck. Originally appearing in the New Teen Titans #16, created by Roy Thomas and Scott Shaw in 1982, Rubberduck initially was Byrd Rentals, a nod to Burt Reynolds. This famous movie star received his elastic abilities when hit by a meteor fragment manipulated by Starro the Conqueror.

In conclusion, the individual cloaked in a hood resembles the figure who emerges in the prison setting of Episode 3, strongly suggesting he is the Fisherman character. The Fisherman made his debut in Aquaman #21 from 1965, conceived by Nick Cardy and Bob Haney. Initially portrayed as a global criminal, he stole valuable artifacts and scientific innovations. However, it was later unveiled that this Fisherman was hosting an interdimensional parasite, bestowing extraordinary powers upon its bearer. The grotesque characteristics of this parasite would explain why the Fisherman was confined alongside other unusual entities in Belle Reve.

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

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2024-12-21 18:11