James Gunn’s expertise in crafting eccentric, emotionally resonant teams is on full display in Creature Commandos, an audacious opening act for the all-new DC Universe (DCU). This seven-episode animated series demonstrates Gunn’s unique ability to blend grotesque humor with poignant storytelling, delivering a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.
While Gunn has explored a variety of genres, his love for superheroes is evident in his filmography, from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Suicide Squad. With Creature Commandos, he channels this passion into a distinctively quirky project that showcases his knack for creating teams where each member is integral yet individually compelling.
Creature Commandos introduces audiences to Task Force M, a covert group of monstrous misfits tasked with impossible missions. Set two years after The Suicide Squad, the series plunges into the darkly comedic and tragic lives of its characters, using flashbacks to build a rich and immersive DCU. Gunn’s decision to kickstart this new era with Creature Commandos—a blend of the grotesque and heartfelt—proves both bold and effective.
Anchored by standout voice performances from Frank Grillo, Indira Varma, Zoe Chao, and Alan Tudyk, Creature Commandos balances intense action, emotional depth, and irreverent humor. The Bride, voiced by Varma, emerges as one of Gunn’s most compelling female characters to date, symbolizing resilience amidst chaos—a recurring theme in Gunn’s career.
Unlike Gunn’s previous team-oriented works, Creature Commandos delves deeper into its characters’ psyches. The series avoids excessive Easter eggs or overt cameos, opting instead for a Tolkien-esque approach to world-building. Subtle references hint at a larger narrative, including a 15-year-active Batman, mysterious events in Themyscira, and other potential storylines waiting to be explored.
Fans concerned about similarities to Guardians of the Galaxy or The Suicide Squad will find that Creature Commandos stands apart as Gunn’s most mature and evolved creation. Its mix of comedy, tragedy, and bold storytelling suggests a promising future for the DCU under Gunn’s leadership.
About Creature Commandos
Produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, Creature Commandos chronicles a secret team of imprisoned monsters recruited for perilous missions. The series features Indira Varma, Frank Grillo, Alan Tudyk, and Viola Davis, among others. Written and executive-produced by James Gunn, Creature Commandos debuts on Max on December 5, with new episodes airing weekly through January 9.
This daring start signals that if the DCU continues with the same energy and innovation as Creature Commandos, it will carve a lasting legacy in superhero storytelling.