The highly anticipated entry into the new DC Universe, “Creature Commandos,” has officially premiered with its first two episodes released on December 5, 2024. Each episode runs approximately twenty-three minutes, prompting a need for rapid storytelling and character development, all stamped with James Gunn’s distinctive style.
The premiere opens with a glimpse of in-universe political themes, featuring men’s rights activists aiding a villain in their quest for equality in the “waterfalls” that symbolize benefits enjoyed by women, while the Creature Commandos are tasked to protect U.S. oil interests. Viewers are introduced to key characters, including Rick Flag Sr. (voiced by Frank Grillo) and Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis), with Grillo delivering an impressive performance despite his limited voice acting experience. However, Davis’s performance appears somewhat lackluster.
As the story unfolds, the rest of the eccentric team members are introduced, reminiscent of the “Suicide Squad.” The group comprises quirky characters such as Doctor Phosphorus, a man with irradiated skin; The Bride, a walking corpse; Weasel, a comical humanoid rodent; G.I. Robot, who humorously boasts about his battles against Nazis; and Nina Mazursky, a fish-like woman. Since Task Force X has been sidelined, Waller turns to this unconventional collection of metahumans, now dubbed Task Force M or the Creature Commandos.
While seasoned comic readers may be familiar with this setup, newcomers might find it jarring to kick off a new universe with a narrative echoing previous entries. The opening credits feature stylish animations that marry modern and classic art, while Gunn makes a cheeky appearance, leaving out significant contributors, raising some concerns about his motivations.
The first episode introduces the mission and team effectively, transitioning to a fictional Eastern European country. The voice acting is notably well-executed, with standout performances from Indira Varma and Alan Tudyk. The action sequences are entertaining, featuring two obscure songs that only Gunn could curate. As the episodes progress, we meet David Harbour’s Frankenstein in a brief glimpse, teasing future developments.
The second episode advances the plot while detailing The Bride’s backstory, although the princess character lacks depth beyond her infatuation with Rick Flag Sr. The highlight of the episode is a well-choreographed action scene featuring The Bride dealing with militant activists, though some viewers may find her backstory’s graphic elements uncomfortable.
In conclusion, while “Creature Commandos” shows promise, it grapples with constraints like episode length that hinder deeper narratives and character arcs. The show succeeds in blending Gunn’s eclectic humor with animation, offering a fresh take on a familiar concept. Despite its weaknesses, the overall execution stands strong, earning a respectable rating of 7/10, signaling potential for growth in future episodes.
This ambitious entry into the DCU sets the stage for exciting developments, and with more time to build on character depth and plot complexities, “Creature Commandos” may evolve into a beloved series. With a hopeful outlook, fans can anticipate how this unconventional team will navigate their wild escapades in a universe ripe with storytelling possibilities.