Creature Commandos is a pretty clear insight into James Gunn's vision for the new DC Universe (DCU). This animated series was the first production under Gunn in the DCU, and thus, it boldly went for dark themes, intense violence, and tragic storytelling.
There is a group of misfits known as Task Force M, all with their particular, often disturbing, backstories. Creature Commandos proves itself as an adult, brash start in the new DCU through the use of graphic visuals, movingly emotive storytelling, and the ability to present unflinching scenes of violence.
For the mix of gritty storytelling and character arcs evoking emotion within its audience members and showing differences in contrast towards family-friendly scenes of a normally well-known concept such as super stories, viewers look forward to receiving this new alternative of the future for the DCU.
A darker tone for the DCU: Violence and tragedy
Creature Commandos serves as an initiative about Task Force M, essentially a team formed by Amanda Waller, collecting supernatural creatures aimed at covert action.
This allows for the exploration of themes that are almost new, moving away from the previous DC Extended Universe while maintaining connections to the same. Notable examples are characters like Rick Flag Sr., voiced by Frank Grillo, who somehow connect the past and the future.
The show features an eclectic cast, including Eric Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Phosphorus, Weasel, G.I. Robot, and Nina Masursky. Their mission takes them to Pokolistan, where they face various challenges that test their abilities and relationships. The series combines humor with deeper themes of identity and belonging, reflecting Gunn's signature storytelling style.
In the pilot episode "The Collywobbles," Amanda Waller presents Rick Flag Sr. to his new team by calling them "monsters" to avoid any regulations on using human convicts in the field3. This premise makes the narrative focus on the development of its characters and their relation to the wider DC lore.
The complicated and sad backgrounds of the characters in Creature Commandos
In the Creature Commandos, character development is at the forefront. All the members of Task Force M face personal dilemmas that determine who they are for the rest of the series. Weasel's background is elaborated more in the show than it was during his first appearance in The Suicide Squad.
A comedic relief in the beginning, Weasel shows depths of complexity and compassion that can touch the viewer's heart. The series also includes themes of belonging and redemption. In one episode, Dr. Phosphorus confronts his tragic past as a scientist who transformed into a living weapon.
His fight for acceptance with the team relates to a larger identity and self-worth. Similarly, Eric Frankenstein's character arc develops his desire to connect despite being a monster. It also incorporates DCEU references from previous events into its storyline.
For example, Rick Flag Sr.'s anger over his son's death at the hands of Peacemaker is acknowledged but reframed within this new context. According to Gunn, only some of the references from previous projects are considered canon; details may vary from earlier portrayals. This method creates continuity while writing unique storylines that can take their paths.
Storytelling over connectivity
Being the first series under Gunn's leadership, Creature Commandos has great potential for exciting entries in the DCU. The ending is left with a lot of questions, and the viewer is eager to see how some of those questions will be answered. For example, the fate of Rick Flag Sr. after the encounter with Clayface is unknown.
Gunn has confirmed that characters from Creature Commandos will move into live-action roles in future projects. This is a strategy to enhance continuity within this new universe but also gives room for creative storytelling freedom. He focuses on character arcs and emotional stakes rather than strict timelines, which will create an engaging experience for audiences.
It also exhibits Gunn's devotion to storytelling through the writers' ideas rather than being dictated by studio demands. He assures that no project will proceed if there is not a story well behind it. Such an approach will be vital for making a unified universe that both old and new fans can enjoy.
Additionally, Creature Commandos boasts great cameos and references that deepen its relationship with the broader DC Universe. Characters such as Circe and Gorilla Grodd appear throughout the season, further establishing their place within DC lore. The appearance of these characters hints at possible crossovers and expansions in future projects.
In a nutshell, Creature Commandos epitomizes James Gunn's vision for the DC Universe through character development and flexibility in narrative.