The inaugural entry into the new DC Universe, “Creature Commandos,” premiered on December 5, 2024, with its first two episodes. Each episode has a runtime of twenty-three minutes, showcasing an energetic and fast-paced storytelling style that bears the hallmark of James Gunn’s influence throughout.
The storyline begins by delving into in-universe political controversies, introducing a group of men’s rights activists who align with villains to pursue their own agenda. The Creature Commandos, led by Rick Flag Sr. (voiced by Frank Grillo) and Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis), are tasked with protecting U.S. interests in oil. Grillo’s performance quickly impresses, especially considering his relative lack of experience in voice acting. In contrast, Davis’s delivery comes off as lackluster, suggesting a more passive approach to her role.
The team comprises a motley crew that includes Doctor Phosphorus, a character with irradiated skin, The Bride, a walking corpse, a humanoid weasel named Weasel, and G.I. Robot, who humorously expresses a desire to eliminate Nazis. This group of metahumans is formed as a new Task Force, referred to as Task Force M, due to A.R.G.U.S.’s restriction on using human agents for missions. Although this initial introduction feels reminiscent of previous entries featuring the Suicide Squad, it showcases Gunn’s affection for unconventional characters from comic lore.
The opening title sequence features creative animations depicting the characters, combining modern and vintage styles, which effectively complements the action sequences and slower moments. While Gunn’s playful inclusion of himself into the title sequence sparks some entertainment, it also raises questions about his focus as the new leader of the DC universe.
The first episode effectively introduces the team and their mission within a fictional Eastern European backdrop that evokes elements of both Russia and Germany. The voice acting remains strong, particularly with standout performances from Indira Varma as The Bride and Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus. A brief but enjoyable action sequence punctuates the episode, featuring unique selections of music that underscore the eccentricity typical of Gunn’s work.
The second episode delivers further development of the plot, revealing more about The Bride’s character while introducing additional quirky musical numbers. However, the princess who serves as the focal point of the mission feels one-dimensional, primarily defined by her attraction to Rick Flag Sr. The highlight of this episode is an intense action sequence featuring The Bride that showcases her formidable combat abilities.
Overall, while “Creature Commandos” has its merits, particularly in animation quality and voice acting, its relatively short episode length can be a limiting factor for narrative depth and character development. Although the show carries Gunn’s typical quirky charm, it may not feel wholly fresh as a new installment in the DCU, particularly following its predecessors.
In conclusion, the series garners a score of 7 out of 10. With its unique characters and engaging action sequences, “Creature Commandos” hints at a promising potential for future storylines that could further enrich the revived DC Universe. Viewers may look forward to how Gunn continues to explore unconventional narratives in upcoming episodes, creating a distinctive identity for this new venture.