The DC Universe (DCU) is starting a new chapter with Creature Commandos, which is both exciting and feels familiar. Led by James Gunn, this adult animated show shows Gunn's unique style, mixing humor, action, and unusual character interactions, much like his work on Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG).
But, as CBR noted in their December 2024 review, Creature Commandos seems too close to Gunn's previous projects, such as GOTG and The Suicide Squad. While the show is definitely fun to watch, it makes people wonder if the DCU can stand out from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The constant use of funny conversations, heroes who don’t want to fight, and music that makes you feel strong emotions, while new at first, might start to feel too familiar. As Creature Commandos begins, people are wondering if this way of making shows is still interesting enough to help the DCU grow. Can the DCU move away from copying Marvel and create its own unique stories?
This article looks at the details of Gunn’s way of telling stories and what it means for the DCU’s future.
Creature Commandos started well but then followed a common pattern
James Gunn's Creature Commandos gets off to a great start, with special characters and a grown-up feel that makes it different from Marvel's usual kid-friendly shows. The story is about a group of unusual people led by Rick Flag Sr., and it has funny, dark jokes, exciting action, and Gunn's special way of using music to make the story better.
But, as CBR points out, the show seems a lot like Gunn's past projects, with a team that feels very similar to the ones in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad.
Alan Tudyk, who does the voice for one of the characters, talked about how animation gives them more freedom to create, saying,
“Murdering people is pretty fun. You’re not covered in blood. I can burn so many faces and go have lunch.”
This shows the series has a fun, playful style, but the way the story works (with a group of people who don't want to team up at first, but later become like a family) is something we've seen a lot. Some people say the show is enjoyable, but it doesn't stand out as something special in the DC Universe.
The James Gunn formula has worked well in the DCU, but it's starting to feel less fresh
Gunn's way of telling stories has made a big difference, as shown by the success of Guardians of the Galaxy. Den of Geek says that the first GOTG brought new life to the MCU with its funny jokes and colorful characters. But almost ten years later, this style isn't as new anymore.
Joshua M. Patton from CBR explains that Gunn's method, which was once very different, might now be too familiar. The use of old songs and clever conversations is now something people expect, not something that surprises them.
Gunn himself knows that changes are needed. He said in a recent podcast that he wants to do something new.
“What both the MCU and DCU need is a wider range of tones. They work, but they could do better.”
Depending on just one style might limit the DCU's chance to stand out from the MCU, especially since Marvel is also having trouble keeping people interested.
Learning from past experiences in making unique stories
The DCU needs to focus on telling different kinds of stories to be successful. Past hits like Wonder Woman and the Arrowverse show how different styles can work together in one universe. For example, Wonder Woman mixed a serious World War I setting with themes of hope and teamwork, which was different from the darker tone of Zack Snyder's Man of Steel.
In the same way, the Arrowverse did well by giving each show a tone that fit its main character, from the fun and cheerful style of The Flash to the silly and crazy tone of Legends of Tomorrow. Gunn's plan for the DCU's "Chapter 1 - Gods and Monsters" could improve by using this idea.
New projects such as Superman: Legacy and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow offer chances to tell different stories that don't follow Gunn's usual style.
As Gunn shared with CBR,
“The one thing that I’ve tried to make clear is that everything in DC is going to be based on the writers.”
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Creature Commandos is on Max, with new episodes coming out every Thursday.
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