The highly anticipated debut of the Creature Commandos marks the first entry into the new DC Universe (DCU). The two-part premiere aired on December 5, 2024, with each episode encompassing a brisk twenty-three-minute runtime. From the opening moments, the series delivers a robust dose of James Gunn’s unique storytelling style.
***Spoilers Ahead***
The first episode adeptly skims through relevant political themes, introducing a subplot involving men’s rights activists who align with a villain in hopes of achieving the same “waterfalls” as women. The Creature Commandos’ mission, meanwhile, revolves around safeguarding U.S. interests in oil. The characters are artfully introduced, with Frank Grillo voicing Rick Flag Sr. and Viola Davis reprising her role as Amanda Waller. Grillo shines with impressive vocal performance despite being relatively new to voice acting, while Davis’s delivery felt less enthusiastic.
Following this introduction, viewers meet the eclectic team reminiscent of the Suicide Squad narrative structure. The lineup includes Doctor Phosphorus, The Bride, Weasel, G.I. Robot, and Nina Mazursky, showcasing a blend of oddities that Gunn is known for. With A.R.G.U.S. prohibited from using human recruits for missions, Waller resorts to a new group called Task Force M, comprising these metahumans.
Though it may seem redundant to kick off a new universe with a series mirroring the previous ones, fans familiar with the comics may find comfort in this continuity. As the opening titles roll, viewers are treated to animated sequences that blend modern aesthetics with classic animation styles, enhancing both action-packed and quieter moments throughout the episodes.
The first episode successfully outlines the team and their objective, introducing a fictional Eastern European country that echoes elements of Russia and Germany. The voice acting remains consistently strong, with standout performances from Indira Varma and Alan Tudyk, adding depth to the ensemble. Although the episode has an entertaining action sequence, it feels brief for the weight of the narrative they are trying to convey.
The second episode expands the narrative further, exploring The Bride’s backstory while continuing the main conflict. This chapter also introduces more obscure music, characteristic of Gunn’s distinctive flair. Unfortunately, the portrayal of the princess lacks depth, with her character primarily revolving around her infatuation with Rick Flag Sr. The episode culminates with a thrilling action sequence featuring The Bride, although some elements of her backstory tread into uncomfortable territory.
Overall, while Creature Commandos presents engaging animation and impressive voice work, its relatively short episode length poses challenges in fully developing character arcs and plotlines. Gunn’s usual quirky approach translates well into animation, offering hope for a brighter future in the DCU. That said, starting with another iteration of the Suicide Squad plays into some misgivings for those seeking a fresh narrative.
In conclusion, the show earns a solid rating of 7/10. With its distinctive style and vibrant characters, Creature Commandos could pave the way for further adventurous stories in the DC Universe, providing fans with a perfect blend of animation, humor, and action. This brings optimism for the future, as the DCU ventures into less conventional territory.