The DC Universe, a media franchise and shared universe based on characters from DC Comics, released its first piece of media, Creature Commandos on December 5, 2024. Creature Commandos marks the beginning of the DC Universe and the end of its previous iteration, the DC Extended Universe. Creature Commandos is a first entry into a rebooted universe, involving the beloved heroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
James Gunn, the show creator, had discussed making an animated series for media platform Max, after the success of his show Peacemaker. After many ideas and concepts, he wrote a seven-episode series without a deal, based on the Creature Commandos team from DC Comics. Soon after he was hired to lead DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, Gunn greenlit the project.
Creature Commandos takes place after the events of Peacemaker, Amanda Waller has been forbidden from using superpowered criminals as cannon fodder for government black ops and covert missions. She decides she will use “nonhuman” prisoners held in Belle Reve that do not have rights according to US law. These prisoners include the Bride, Doctor Phosphorus, a fish-woman named Nina Mazursky, GI Robot, and the Weasel. This team will be led by Rick Flagg, Sr, a U.S Army General who is there to replace his dead son.
Creature Commandos features an ensemble cast while taking on a compact, short story in which each main characters’ is given a completing backstory, these narratives explore how society perceives them as “monsters” leading them to internalize that identity. As the story unfolds, each character is forced to confront their inner demons while striving to complete their mission and return home.
Following in the steps of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Creature Commandos leans into heartfelt and tragic storytelling, placing the viewer’s focus on the emotion and growth of the characters rather than relying on humor to define them or their situations. This series also features a noticeably darker tone compared to James Gunn’s earlier ensemble films, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and The Suicide Squad. While The Suicide Squad shares a similar atmosphere, its heavy themes are often overshadowed by action and humor. Similarly, Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 uses levity to maintain a more upbeat tone, preventing them from feeling too dark.
Even though it shares similarities with his previous work, Creature Commandos proves to be a bold step for James Gunn, showcasing his darker, more character-driven story without relying on humor to carry the weight. By focusing on the emotion and character growth, it delivers a compelling and tragic narrative that stands out from his previous films. While it may not have the same lighthearted energy as Guardians of the Galaxy or The Suicide Squad, it makes up for it with depth and heart, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
