Creature Commandos: A Gritty and Exciting Beginning to James Gunn’s DC Universe

<p>Creature Commandos shatters expectations for a DC Universe launch by embracing a gory, irreverent, and decidedly adult narrative. With its explicit content and profanity, this series embodies the unique touch of James Gunn.

James Gunn is nothing short of a visionary. Who else could elevate Marvel’s lesser-known characters, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy, into one of the most adored superhero teams of the modern era? He not only crafted an outstanding trilogy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also took the reins of DC after a tumultuous period for the DCEU, aiming to restore faith in the franchise.

The true beginning of a new cinematic chapter for DC will unfold with Superman, an already contentious reboot featuring a new Man of Steel. Given the success of 2021’s The Suicide Squad—a wildly inventive and superior remake—it’s hard to question Gunn’s ability. Yet, before we dive into that, he has prepared a tantalizing animated feature, infused with the dark humor and poignant storytelling reminiscent of his early works: Creature Commandos.

What Is Creature Commandos About?

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Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of “Project Starfish”in Corto Maltese, the US government dismantles Task Force X. Nevertheless, Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis) exploits a loophole, assembling a team of non-human prisoners led by Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). The coalition includes the Bride (Indira Varma), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), Weasel (also Sean Gunn), and Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao).

With her ragtag team in place, Waller tasks them with a mission: to protect Princess Ilana Rostovic (Maria Bakalova) from Circe (Anya Chalotra), a rogue Amazonian from Themyscira. As the story unfolds, the loyalties of the characters blur, leading to stakes that could threaten the entire world.

If the series continues into a second season, its structure might benefit from a “villain-of-the-week” format. The primary narrative, while sufficient, primarily serves as a vehicle for delving into the morally ambiguous nature of the characters—a direction that appears intentional and engaging.

Throughout its seven episodes, Gunn explores the origins of these unparalleled heroes. Each backstory is startlingly impactful, revealing emotional depths and often heart-wrenching tales. For instance, Weasel’s backstory is profoundly moving, and Doctor Phosphorus’ origin echoes the tragedy of Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen. Fans of Band of Brothers will appreciate G.I. Robot’s narrative, which adds historical richness to the show.

Creature Commandos: A Hilarious and Edgy Experience

Circe in Creature Commandos — Circe, a central character in Creature Commandos

Gunn’s penchant for witty dialogue shines brightly in Creature Commandos. The humor varies across the cast; while The Bride is an endearing character, some of her personality traits feel one-dimensional, although moments like her quip, “Can it, Ghost Rider!” provide comedic relief.

Frank Grillo’s performance as Rick Flag Sr. is exceptional—his portrayal strikes a perfect balance between grizzled experience and relatability, reminiscent of Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr. Meanwhile, David Harbour’s dynamic as Frankenstein stands out, as he delivers monologues with a natural charm that feels effortlessly improvised; his musings about the evolution of their bizarre story add a layer of depth to the absurdity.

Expect a consistent stream of humor through the episodes, and don’t be surprised by the unexpected raunchiness. Although the adult themes can feel a bit excessive at times, they often serve the narrative, whether through shock value or humor. Gunn doesn’t shy away from the audacious—rather, he embraces the chaotic spirit of the early 2000s, delivering a wildly entertaining ride.

Creature Commandos: Filling the Void for Invincible Fans

Designed for audiences that relish Invincible, Creature Commandos showcases hyper-violent action sequences. From gruesome kills that will leave viewers in awe to stylistic animation that captivates, this series presents an exhilarating experience.

Despite its outrageous premise, the emotional depth is genuinely impressive. Gunn masterfully manages to imbue the most bizarre characters, like Weasel, with a surprising warmth. By the end, you find yourself rooting for even the grotesque members of this unconventional team. The show’s compelling soundtrack also deserves a mention, adding to its rich storytelling.

However, viewers should temper their expectations regarding connections to the broader DC Universe—do not expect appearances from upcoming characters, including David Corenswet’s Superman. Nonetheless, the series includes nods to its extended universe that will surely delight dedicated fans.

Dexerto Review Score: 4/5 – Very Good

Although it may take a few episodes to acclimate to its frenetic pace, Creature Commandos is a bloody, exhilarating, and dark encapsulation of James Gunn’s distinctive talent. This series reinforces the notion that betting against him would be a mistake. The future of the DC Universe appears promising, with the dawn of a new era on the horizon.

Creature Commandos premieres its first two episodes on Max on December 5, 2024.

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