Creature Commandos (2024)

Overview

Creature Commandos is an adult animated series notable for being the official opening act of James Gunn's new DC Universe (DCU). With Gunn himself serving as head writer, the project brings together some of the strangest and most marginal characters from the DC comic book universe, telling an unconventional "superhero" story. The series centers on a tale of an anti-hero team that blurs the classic good-versus-evil divide, blended with dark humor.

The most striking aspect of the production is that it takes place in the same universe as the live-action films, with it being established that the events and characters here will have effects felt in future DCU films as well. This elevates the series beyond being a mere side project, making it one of the cornerstones of the new DC cinematic universe. This production, which brings together Gunn's characteristic style of absurd humor, violence, and emotional depth, stands out as a bold choice both visually and narratively.

Plot

The story is shaped around a team of creatures brought together for a mysterious and dangerous mission. Amanda Waller, serving her own interests, assembles creatures who have been pushed to the fringes of society—frightening in appearance but possessing unique abilities—and sends them on a risky operation. This team, made up of characters like Weasel, Doctor Phosphorus, the Red Angel of Death (Rick Flag Sr.), Nina Mazursky (The Bride), and G.I. Robot, is forced to confront both each other and their own pasts.

Throughout the series, flashbacks reveal how each character arrived at this point, allowing the viewer to discover just how human the emotions, traumas, and motivations of these "creatures" really are. Waller's hidden agenda and the true purpose of the mission the team has been sent on become increasingly complex as the series progresses. Going beyond the classic "villains forced to do good" formula, the narrative focuses on the characters redefining their own moral compasses.

Why Should You Watch It?

For those curious about how the new era of the DC Universe will take shape, this series offers a critical starting point. It's an exciting experience for fans to see James Gunn rework the "building a family out of flawed characters" formula he showcased in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, here with a much darker and more adult tone. Additionally, thanks to the freedom afforded by the animated format, extreme violence, dark humor, and bizarre character designs that would be difficult to show in live action are displayed here without limits.

Another strength of the series is that it offers an in-depth look at DC characters rarely brought into the mainstream. Story layers such as Doctor Phosphorus's tragic past and the Bride's complex identity provide a viewing experience that is emotionally satisfying, not just action-focused. Gunn's signature sudden tonal shifts—moving from a comedic scene to a heartbreaking moment—are used to striking effect here as well.

Who Is It Suitable For?

This series is definitely designed for adult viewers. It's not suitable for children and teens, as it contains intense violence, bloody imagery, profanity, and mature themes. It's an ideal choice for viewers who enjoyed James Gunn's previous work (The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy), who love dark humor, and who are open to stories that break away from the classic superhero formula.

Those familiar with DC comics will also enjoy seeing how lesser-known characters are adapted to the screen. It offers a satisfying experience for viewers who don't approach the animated format with bias, who know that the "cartoon" label doesn't necessarily mean content aimed only at children. It's also a must-follow production for those curious about connections to future DCU films.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. James Gunn's distinctive screenwriting approach and dose of dark humor make the series' tone unique.

2. The in-depth character work done on lesser-known DC characters gives viewers the opportunity to form an emotional connection.

3. The visual freedom afforded by the animated format results in creative and impressive action sequences.

Cons:

1. The intense violence and dark themes won't appeal to every audience.

2. The story arcs of some supporting characters can remain more superficial compared to the main narrative.

Genre and Tone

Creature Commandos is a hybrid production that combines action, dark comedy, horror, and drama. Tonally, it frequently swings between extremes: an absurd joke might land in one scene, immediately followed by a transition to a moment of deep loss or trauma. This tonal balance is a reflection of the storytelling style that has become James Gunn's signature.

Visually, the animation allows the monstrous designs and violent scenes to be presented in an exaggerated yet impactful way. The music and sound design are also used effectively to reinforce the emotional weight of the scenes. The overall atmosphere offers a unique blend that combines classic "monster movie" aesthetics with modern superhero storytelling.

Length and Viewing Experience

The series has relatively short episode runtimes and tells a compact, single-season story. This structure allows viewers to quickly get drawn into the story and progress without losing momentum. Since it's a production well-suited to binge-watching, it can easily be completed in a single weekend.

Similar Productions

• The Suicide Squad (2021)

• Invincible (2021-)

• Harley Quinn (2019-)

• The Boys (2019-)

• Peacemaker (2022-)

• The Guardians of the Galaxy series

Final Assessment

Creature Commandos makes a bold and original start to DC's new cinematic universe. The dark humor, emotional depth, and creative action sequences bearing James Gunn's signature transform the series into far more than an ordinary side project. The careful treatment of such lesser-known characters offers DC fans an enjoyable discovery, while also promising an entertaining and gripping experience for general audiences.

It's definitely a recommended production for viewers ready for adult content and open to stories that break away from the classic superhero formula. It also stands out as a starting point not to be missed for those looking for clues about the future of the DCU.