James Gunn has made a name for himself elevating underrated and under the radar comic book characters as well as actors. So with the various struggles Warner Bros. has experiences over the years with the DC Universe, it was a no-brainer decision not only to bring Gunn on as co-head of DC Studios but to work his magic writing and directing a Superman film. Before that though, Gunn is returning to his roots doing what he does best with Creature Commandos, the new adult animated series premiering on Max this week.
In the wake of the events of the Peacemaker season finale, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is forced to dissolve Task Force X (better known as the Suicide Squad) and go with a different letter of the alphabet to form a new team of non-human combatants. Enter Task Force M (the “m” stands for monsters), a motley crew of quintessential James Gunn heartbroken misfits including The Bride (Indira Varma), Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), GI Robot and Weasel (both voiced by Sean Gunn), along with token human and field leader Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). Their first mission together finds them embroiled in international conflict to protect Princess Ilana (Maria Bakalova) from an assassination attempt by Circe (Anya Chalotra).
For my money, James Gunn can do no wrong when it comes to comic book superhero movies and television. Given his track record, I’m sure others share the same sentiment. On the surface, it may appear that Gunn is repeating himself with some of his familiar and trademark storytelling tropes and staples. Case in point, an aforementioned group of angry and sad misfits bereft of tenderness. Upon closer scrutiny, Gunn and everyone involved in this Creature Commandos animated series have crafted a deeply poignant show that stands above the typical superhero fanfare of the last few years.
One of my frustrations with current superhero stories is the over-reliance of humor and quippy one-liners that was once novel at first but have resulted in many superheroes becoming a parody of their former selves. It’s a criticism that’s been levied against Marvel Studios in recent years perhaps best epitomized by Thor: Love and Thunder. Gunn is no stranger to infusing his stories with plenty of comedy. The difference is he never forgets to root his characters in some universal emotional core which remains true with Creature Commandos.
Gunn has made it no secret how much he loves large ensemble stories. I swear the cast list for that Superman solo film keeps growing. As much as I adored both The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, I definitely felt certain characters were a bit under-served. I’m looking at you Adam Warlock. With the television medium and serialized storytelling format, all the Creature Commandos get a chance to shine with each episode devoted to their backstory.
If you thought the origin of Rocket Raccoon was tragic, get ready to have your heart broken every episode. It’s a testament to the top tier cast of amazingly talented actors. There is not a single false note. Gunn has received flack in the past for repeatedly casting his brother Sean. Any accusations of nepotism will quickly go out the window when people hear his nuanced performance of the team’s seemingly simplistic automaton GI Robot. Among the other standout performances is Zoë Chao as the team’s resident “Creature from the Black Lagoon” Nina Mazursky who could be argued is the heart of the series much like Ratcatcher in The Suicide Squad. I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight and praise the work of veteran voice director Charlie Adler.
The only character that may potentially divide viewers is Eric Frankenstein. Clearly taking cues from the science-fiction pulp hero reinvention of the horror icon by comic creator Grant Morrison that was continued by others like Jeff Lemire, the version in this Creature Commandos animated series straddles the line between infatuated man-child and toxic stalker. Despite his less than noble actions at times, there is something still endearing and charming to Frankenstein thanks in large part to actor David Harbour.
One of my current frustrations with superheroes, and franchises in general if I’m being honest, is the unnecessary complexity brought about by shared universes to the detriment of the viewing experience. The result, as we’ve seen with the decline of Marvel Studios, is hopelessly tangled and quite frankly formulaic storylines that are driving people away in droves. In contrast, although Creature Commandos certainly continues plotlines from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, it doesn’t punish potential new viewers.
Likewise, it seems like superhero projects are conceived merely to set up future sequels or spinoffs many of which never actually come to fruition. Is anyone still holding out hope to see Starfox, Clea, or Hercules appear again in the MCU anytime soon? While Easter eggs and cameos abound in this Creature Commandos animated series that will most assuredly please the hardcore DC Comics fans, it never feels forced or detracts from the story. It’s also planting seeds for the future DC Studios in ways both obvious and subtle.
At this point, it goes without saying that Gunn’s use of music is Tarantino-esque and Creature Commandos is no exception. Leaning most heavily into Eastern European punk rock, notably Gogol Bordello, every song choice from this eclectic soundtrack masterfully enhances the visuals. For instance, a sequence in the third episode set to “Coin Operated Doll” by the Dresden Dolls beautifully depicts both the joy and tragedy GI Robot.
Likewise, it wouldn’t be a James Gunn production without some dancing. That honor goes to Doctor Phosphorus in his own centric episode. Albeit brief, it’s one of the best animated segments in the whole series. I dare say it rivals that of the Peacemaker dance intro to the point that I can’t help but wonder if the series enlisted Peacemaker choreographer Charissa Barton who incidentally happens to be married to Doctor Phosphorus voice actor Alan Tudyk. I fully expect, or at least hope, Doctor Phosphorus becomes the next viral internet star on TikTok.
Though any major criticisms or shortcomings for this Creature Commandos animated series are few and far between, some may be disappointed that the entire team roster, namely Frankenstein, doesn’t appear fully on screen together. In fact, Frankenstein is not actually an official member of the team. Moreover, due to the necessity of the storyline Rick Flagg Sr. is sidelined towards the end of the season. As a result, his is the only character arc that feels somewhat unsatisfying. However, since we already know Grillo will be reprising the character in the second season of Peacemaker, it’s safe to assume Gunn is picking up this plot thread.
The animation and style, particularly the violence, call to mind the recent Mortal Kombat Legends animated direct-to-video films. It’s not surprising considering the involvement of Rick Morales as supervising producer. I’m willing to bet a Mortal Kombat video game Easter tgg in the fifth episode can be attributed to Morales. Maybe it’s because Mortal Kombat sets such a high bar, the gore and violence in Creature Commandos is rather tame by comparison. That said, the animation courtesy of the European studio Bobbypills is consistently topnotch. Quite possibly the most inventive and creative kills go to Doctor Phosphorus.
It’s hard to tell if a second season of Creature Commandos is in the cards. Not so much due to the current fluid state of the animation industry but only because James Gunn is already stretched thin as it is. Although it certainly sets up a potential second season, it still functions as a standalone season. But as the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue.” So with any luck, it won’t be long until we see the Creatures Commandos again whether in animation or even live-action.
Creature Commandos premieres with two episodes this Thursday on December 5th on Max
