The new entry into the DC Universe, “Creature Commandos,” premiered its two-episode debut on December 5, 2024. Each episode runs for 23 minutes, squeezing in a substantial amount of action and character development, all infused with James Gunn’s signature style.
***SPOILERS ahead***
From the outset, the series tackles in-universe political matters, introducing a plot where men’s rights activists align with a villain in pursuit of their own interests, while the Creature Commandos embark on a mission to protect U.S. oil interests. The episode introduces Rick Flag Sr., voiced by Frank Grillo, and Amanda Waller, voiced by Viola Davis. Grillo’s performance shines given his limited experience in voice acting, while Davis’s delivery feels somewhat lackluster.
Following the introductions, we meet the rest of the team— drawing a parallel to previous entries like “Suicide Squad” and “The Suicide Squad.” The lineup includes Doctor Phosphorus (an irradiated man), The Bride (a walking corpse), Weasel (a humanoid weasel), G.I. Robot (who humorously recounts his anti-Nazi adventures), and Nina Mazursky (a fish-like woman). This reimagined Task Force X, branded as Task Force M or the Creature Commandos, represents a unique yet familiar take on the group, especially for those acquainted with the comics.
The opening title sequence captivates with a blend of modern and old-school animation styles that enhance both the action and quieter moments throughout the episodes. James Gunn includes an animated cameo of himself, which some may interpret as adding a humorous touch while others see it as self-indulgent.
The first episode effectively sets the stage for the team and their mission, showcasing a fictional eastern European backdrop that recalls elements of both Russia and Germany. The voice acting stands out, with Indira Varma’s portrayal of The Bride and Alan Tudyk’s Doctor Phosphorus drawing particular praise. While there’s a brief action sequence filled with levity, the episode concludes with a tantalizing glimpse of David Harbour’s Frankenstein.
The second episode builds upon the established conflict and dives into The Bride’s backstory, even as it introduces a secondary character whose role feels underdeveloped. The episode culminates in an impressive action scene featuring The Bride confronting the main villain and militant men’s rights activists, showcasing well-choreographed sequences. However, the episode’s narrative includes themes that some might find distasteful, particularly in its portrayal of The Bride’s past.
While “Creature Commandos” successfully captures a quirky tone, some pacing issues arise from its restricted episode length. The show could benefit from more time to flesh out character backgrounds and advance the plot. Despite Gunn’s trademark oddity, which translates surprisingly well into animation, certain elements teeter on the edge of overwhelming.
On a positive note, the show’s animation quality and voice performances are commendable, and it provides a fresh perspective on lesser-known characters. Critics and fans can look forward to potential growth as the series develops, with hopes that future episodes might embrace more depth and narrative flair.
Overall, the series earns a respectable 7/10, signaling a solid start to the DC Universe while leaving room for improvement and evolution in storytelling.
Summary: “Creature Commandos,” the first show in the new DC Universe, delivers a quirky and action-packed experience through its introduction of a unique team of heroes. While the show stands out with impressive animation and voice acting, it struggles with pacing and character depth due to its brief episode length. A humorous yet dark narrative invites viewers into a familiar yet distinct world, leaving audiences hopeful for future improvements in this fresh DC franchise.