The much-anticipated debut of the new DC Universe series, Creature Commandos, has finally arrived with its two-episode premiere on December 5, 2024. Each episode, clocking in at approximately twenty-three minutes, is a whirlwind of action and humor that distinctly bears the creative fingerprint of James Gunn.
***Spoilers Ahead***
The narrative kicks off with a satirical take on real-world political issues, as a group of men’s rights activists align with a villain in a quest for equality in access to waterfalls—an odd yet humorous premise. The mission focuses on protecting U.S. interests in oil, led by Rick Flag Sr., voiced convincingly by Frank Grillo, alongside Amanda Waller, portrayed by Viola Davis. While Grillo impresses with his performance, Davis’s delivery feels somewhat lackluster, leaving viewers wanting more.
As the team is unveiled—recalling the ensemble dynamics of both Suicide Squad films—audiences meet an eclectic mix of characters. Notable figures include Doctor Phosphorus, a man with irradiated skin; The Bride, a walking corpse; Weasel, a peculiar humanoid; G.I. Robot, who amusingly recounts his exploits against Nazis; and Nina Mazursky, a “fish lady.” With A.R.G.U.S. no longer able to deploy human agents, Amanda Waller recruits these metahumans to form the Creature Commandos.
The similarity to the previous Suicide Squad entries might be surprising for some, but it’s a familiar approach for Gunn, who has a penchant for eclectic, lesser-known characters. The animated opening sequence showcases a creatively blended animation style, reminiscent of both modern and traditional techniques, fitting for the series’ quirky tone.
The first episode adeptly establishes the team’s dynamics and mission, introducing viewers to a fictional Eastern European setting reminiscent of Russia and Germany. The voice acting shines, particularly with Indira Varma as The Bride and Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus. The episode culminates in an entertaining action sequence that hints at the zany energy that characterizes both episodes.
In the second episode, the plot deepens by exploring The Bride’s backstory, while also advancing the main conflict. This action-packed installment features a confrontation with militant men’s rights activists and a well-choreographed battle with the main villain, showcasing The Bride’s capabilities. However, her backstory features some questionable content that might not sit well with all viewers.
Overall, Creature Commandos has much to offer in terms of visual appeal and voice performances, yet its short episode length leaves little room for thorough character development and plot advancement. While Gunn’s quirky humor resonates more effectively in this animated format, certain elements may feel overly zany at times. Despite these critiques, the show marks an interesting beginning for the DC Universe.
In summary, the show holds strong potential with its unique characters and lively animation while also hinting at the more complex storytelling that may develop as the series progresses. With a promising start, there’s hope that Creature Commandos will evolve into something even more entertaining and fulfilling. My rating: 7/10.