An Ambitious Start for DC Studios
DC Studios’ first official project under James Gunn’s leadership, the animated series Creature Commandos, serves as a bold and unique introduction to the new DC Universe. Gunn, known for his crass humor and heartfelt ensemble storytelling in projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, brings his signature style to this seven-episode series. While Creature Commandos excels in delivering emotional depth and dark humor, its mature tone raises questions about how representative it will be of the broader DC Universe moving forward.
Tragic Monsters and the Humanity Within
At its core, Creature Commandos explores the idea that behind every monster is a tragedy. Each episode dedicates significant time to revealing the backstories of the titular characters, from the heart-wrenching loss of family for Dr. Phosphorus to the centuries-long torment of the Bride. These stories effectively humanize the characters, making them more than just monstrous caricatures. The series expertly balances this emotional weight with moments of levity, a hallmark of Gunn’s writing style.
Standout moments include Nina Mazursky’s tragic transformation into an aquatic hybrid by her father and Weasel’s misunderstood heroism. These characters, despite their monstrous exteriors, grapple with emotions like grief, loneliness, and the instinct to survive, creating a cast that is as compelling as it is grotesque. The Bride, in particular, emerges as a leader hardened by her tragic past, delivering one of the series’ most impactful moments near the end when she kills another character out of revenge and conviction.
Animation and Voice Acting Excellence
The animation style of Creature Commandos combines the clean, modern look of the DC Tomorrowverse with the mature quirkiness of shows like Eon Flux. The action sequences are fluid and brutal, often paired with deep-cut musical choices reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino film. This synergy of visual and auditory elements enhances the storytelling, immersing viewers in a world where violence and tragedy are inescapable.
The voice cast delivers stellar performances, with Indira Varma as the Bride and Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus standing out. David Harbour brings a new, darker dimension to Frankenstein, though the character’s unsettling portrayal diverges significantly from his comic counterpart. Sean Gunn’s dual roles as G.I. Robot and Weasel highlight his range, while Maria Bakalova shines as the Princess Ilana Rostovic.
Balancing Tone and Stakes
While the series excels in character development and emotional resonance, it falters slightly in its overarching plot. The story leans heavily on flashbacks to flesh out its characters, leaving the central narrative somewhat underdeveloped. The antagonist, Princess Ilana Rostovic, lacks a clear motivation, which feels shallow compared to the depth given to the Creature Commandos themselves.
Despite this, the show succeeds in maintaining high stakes. The deaths of key characters remind viewers that no one is safe, echoing the unpredictability of The Suicide Squad. These moments add weight to the narrative, ensuring that even in its weaker plot points, the series remains engaging.
The Future of the DCU
Creature Commandos sets a promising precedent for the DC Universe under James Gunn, showcasing the potential for character-driven storytelling within a darker, more mature framework. However, its tone—steeped in violence and crass humor—may not resonate with all audiences, especially those expecting a hopeful vision for the DCU’s flagship characters like Superman.
As the first project in this new era, Creature Commandos demonstrates Gunn’s ability to handle complex narratives and ensemble casts. Its success raises anticipation for future DC Studios projects, even as fans hope for a more balanced tone in upcoming titles like Superman: Legacy and Lanterns. With a second season already announced, the Creature Commandos are poised to delve deeper into their monstrous yet profoundly human stories.
Listen to the full episode here: Creature Commandos Season 1 Review.
