The inaugural entry into the new DC Universe (DCU) has launched with “Creature Commandos,” a two-episode premiere that debuted on December 5, 2024. Each episode runs for approximately twenty-three minutes, forcing the narrative to be succinct and highly engaging. True to director James Gunn’s style, every moment is infused with his signature touch.
In the opening episode, the storyline addresses various political themes within the universe, such as a group of men’s rights activists aligning with a villain to fight for their causes, while the Creature Commandos embark on a mission intended to safeguard U.S. interests in oil. The team is introduced with compelling performances, particularly Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, though some felt Davis’s portrayal was somewhat lackluster.
The eccentric ensemble includes distinct characters like Doctor Phosphorus, The Bride, Weasel, G.I. Robot, and Nina Mazursky, who collectively form Task Force M, stepping in after the failure of the conventional Task Force X operations. Although the premise resembles elements from prior entries, “Creature Commandos” aims to carve out its own identity within the DCU.
The animated opening sequence highlights the characters with an appealing blend of modern and retro animation styles, though critiques arise about the self-inclusion of Gunn and the omission of other key team members in the animation. The first episode primarily establishes the characters and their mission, showcasing strong voice performances, particularly from Indira Varma and Alan Tudyk. It culminates in an entertaining action sequence that hints at future conflicts.
Moving into the second episode, the narrative deepens as it clarifies the main conflict and explores The Bride’s backstory while showcasing another thrilling action spectacle. Despite some character development, the portrayal of a princess whose sole narrative purpose seems to be her attraction to Rick Flag Sr. is a point of contention. The violence and thematic elements in The Bride’s backstory have drawn criticism, showcasing the show’s provocative nature.
Overall, while “Creature Commandos” succeeds in delivery through animation and voice talent, the episode length restricts comprehensive storytelling. The standard episode time of roughly twenty-two minutes may hinder the depth needed for character exploration in this new universe. However, Gunn’s unique style melds well with animation, offering a fresh tone while still echoing familiar themes from the DC lineup.
The series garners a respectable score of 7/10, showcasing potential for growth and creativity within the DC universe as it expands into new narratives, paving the way for further character development and world-building. Optimistically, “Creature Commandos” has the potential to evolve into a beloved series as it explores its characters and stories more deeply in future episodes.