The long-awaited debut of the first entry in the newly established DC Universe (DCU), “Creature Commandos,” has finally arrived with its two-episode premiere on December 5, 2024. Each episode runs for 23 minutes, packed with action and character development, embodying the distinctive style of director James Gunn.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
The premiere begins by addressing some contemporary political issues through the lens of animated humor, introducing themes like men’s rights activism. The Creature Commandos are tasked with protecting U.S. oil interests, while characters Rick Flag Sr. and Amanda Waller, voiced by Frank Grillo and Viola Davis respectively, set the tone for the story. Grillo’s voice acting stands out impressively, especially considering his limited experience in the medium, while Davis appears less engaged.
Following the introductions of the central characters, the lineup includes Doctor Phosphorus, The Bride, Weasel, G.I. Robot, and Nina Mazursky, all part of a new iteration of Task Force X, now referred to as Task Force M. This transition from human operatives to metahumans reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of the old narrative, moving from the familiar “Suicide Squad” format to a new name while maintaining a similar spirit.
The animation style introduces a blend of modern and classic aesthetics that enhances both action sequences and quieter moments in the episodes. The opening title sequence showcases animated representations of the team, including a playful self-reference by Gunn, which may come off as self-indulgent to some viewers.
The first episode’s primary focus is on establishing the team and their mission in a fictional Eastern European country that appears to mirror a mix of current and historical tensions. The voice acting shines, particularly standout performances from Indira Varma and Alan Tudyk alongside Grillo. The episode features entertaining action scenes, punctuated with Gunn’s distinctive taste in music.
The second episode builds on the storyline, diving deeper into The Bride’s backstory while intertwining it with ongoing conflicts. An unfortunate lack of depth in some characters, particularly a princess who seems primarily motivated by attraction to Rick Flag Sr., detracts from the narrative. However, the action choreography involving The Bride and the villains, including a humorous interaction centered around G.I. Robot’s past, elevates the episode’s entertainment value, despite elements of her backstory that might be considered distasteful.
Overall, while “Creature Commandos” offers a fresh and humorous take on the superhero genre, it struggles with the limitations imposed by its brief episode length. The challenge of fully developing character backstories and advancing plotlines within such a short timeframe is evident. Nevertheless, the unique animated format allows Gunn’s eccentric storytelling style to flourish in ways that might not have succeeded in live-action.
The show is rated 7/10, indicating a solid start for the new DCU. Despite its imperfections, it opens the door for a playful and imaginative interpretation of lesser-known comic characters, which brings a sense of hope for what’s yet to come in the DC Universe. Viewers can look forward to more intriguing characters and unexpected storylines as this new era unfolds.