The world of DC Comics is vast and ever-expanding, with characters that range from iconic superheroes like Superman and Batman to lesser-known figures who have amassed their own cult followings. One such obscure corner of the DC universe is the “Creature Commandos.” This unique group of characters, originally introduced in the 1980s, is now getting its own animated series as part of the new wave of DC animated projects under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
In this article, we will dive deep into what “Creature Commandos” will be about, the characters involved, and how this series fits into the larger landscape of DC’s current and future entertainment slate.
What Is Creature Commandos?
Before discussing what the series will be about, it’s important to understand who the Creature Commandos are and where they come from. The Creature Commandos made their first appearance in The Creature Commandos #1, published by DC Comics in 1980. Created by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick, the team consists of a variety of supernatural and monster-themed characters. Unlike most superhero teams, the Creature Commandos are more focused on fighting monstrous threats rather than typical villains like Lex Luthor or The Joker.
The original team was assembled by Dr. Vincent Velcoro, a scientist working for the U.S. government during World War II. Velcoro creates a group of super-powered beings by transforming soldiers into creatures with animalistic or supernatural traits. The characters in the original iteration of the team were:
Dr. Phosphorus – A man turned into a living being of radioactive energy.
The G.I. Robot – A military robot with a human-like mind.
Nina Mazursky – A female scientist turned into a fish-like creature with a strong, amphibious body.
The Werewolf – A soldier cursed with lycanthropy.
Viktor Strange – A man transformed into a living, breathing mummy.
These characters, though initially strange, grew to become cult favorites among comic book fans due to their unique blend of horror and action, along with their unusual backstory.
Creature Commandos in The DCU (DC Extended Universe)
The Creature Commandos animated series is part of the larger reshaping of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) under James Gunn’s creative direction. With the introduction of new characters, as well as the exploration of lesser-known comic book stories, Gunn is aiming to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to the DC brand.
Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, is particularly well-suited for handling this offbeat, supernatural group. He has stated that the Creature Commandos series will be one of the first projects to launch as part of the new DC universe under the “Gods and Monsters” saga, which is meant to be a re-imagining of the DC Comics multiverse.
This series will blend horror, action, and dark comedy—much like the tone that Gunn mastered with Guardians of the Galaxy—and introduce these monstrous characters to a wider audience. Importantly, Creature Commandos will be part of the animated content in the DC Universe, although characters from the series may later appear in live-action films or TV shows.
What Will Creature Commandos Be About?
So, what exactly will Creature Commandos be about? While details about the plot remain limited, the series will stay true to the concept of the original comic book team, involving a mix of monsters and military action, but with updated storylines and modern sensibilities.
The Premise: A Supernatural Task Force
The Creature Commandos animated series will follow a team of soldiers who are transformed into monsters, supernatural beings, and creatures to undertake high-risk, high-reward missions for the government. These missions will likely involve fighting against super-powered enemies, supernatural threats, and large-scale conspiracies.
One of the defining features of the Creature Commandos in the comics is that they are not a typical superhero team. Rather than dealing with traditional villains, they face off against monstrous threats, including undead creatures, alien invaders, and ancient deities. This opens up opportunities for a wide variety of storylines that can appeal to fans of action, horror, and sci-fi.
The team will likely be assembled in a similar manner to the comics, with each member being a unique creation or experiment gone awry.
The government’s need for this new task force will be based on the realization that traditional methods are insufficient when it comes to handling monstrous or supernatural threats. As the team members are all products of science experiments or mystical transformations, they will have their own struggles with identity, morality, and humanity. This gives the series a lot of emotional depth, as it explores themes of what it means to be human when you’re no longer entirely human.
Key Characters in the Series
While the complete roster of characters hasn’t been fully confirmed, there are a few characters from the original Creature Commandos that are expected to appear in the series. The animated show is also expected to bring in fresh, updated versions of these classic characters.
Rick Flag Sr. – The father of Rick Flag Jr., a prominent member of Task Force X (known for his role in The Suicide Squad). Rick Flag Sr. is expected to play a key role in the military side of the series, possibly acting as the team’s commanding officer or overseeing their missions.
Weasel – One of James Gunn’s more recent additions to the DC universe, Weasel is an oddball character who first appeared in The Suicide Squad movie. Weasel is a bizarre creature with human-like intelligence but an animalistic appearance. His role in Creature Commandos could either serve as comic relief or as a more tragic figure in the team.
Frankenstein’s Monster – This character has been depicted in various forms throughout DC Comics, including being a part of the original Creature Commandos lineup. With his backstory rooted in Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein, this version of the character is a towering, nearly indestructible creature who struggles with his monstrous nature.
The Bride of Frankenstein – Like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride is an iconic horror character. In the DC comics, she has appeared as a character with superhuman strength and durability, making her a formidable ally in the Creature Commandos.
Viktor Strange – A character who can be described as a living mummy, Viktor has the power of resurrection and near invulnerability. His eerie presence makes him a perfect fit for the team.
The G.I. Robot – This military robot is a sentient, human-like being that adds a touch of science fiction to the Creature Commandos series. He’s a war machine with a conscience, making him one of the more tragic figures in the group.
Tone And Style of the Show
One of the most exciting aspects of the Creature Commandos animated series is its tone. Given James Gunn’s involvement, the show is expected to mix dark comedy with serious action and character-driven drama. While the series will likely deal with heavy topics such as identity, morality, and the nature of humanity, it will also incorporate humor, sometimes dark, to balance the darker themes.
The animation style will likely be dynamic and intense, with vibrant colors that highlight the supernatural aspects of the story. Gunn’s team has a history of creating visually compelling animated content, and Creature Commandos will likely be no different. Think of a blend between classic monster horror and modern superhero action, set against a backdrop of military missions and global conspiracies.
Creature Commandos And The Larger DC Universe
Creature Commandos will also be important for setting up future DC projects. James Gunn has repeatedly stated that he wants to create an interconnected universe where animated and live-action projects complement each other. This could mean that the characters from the animated series may appear in live-action films or even crossover with other characters from the larger DC multiverse.
The Creature Commandos animated series will introduce a new type of hero into the DC universe, one that is far from the typical caped crusader. Their battles will be as much internal as external, as each character struggles to reconcile their monstrous form with their humanity.
Conclusion
Creature Commandos is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new animated series in the DC universe. By focusing on a team of monstrous, supernatural beings, the series promises to blend action, horror, and dark comedy in a way that hasn’t been seen before in the world of DC Comics. While much remains unknown about the plot, the series has the potential to explore complex themes of identity, humanity, and redemption, all while providing thrilling, monster-filled adventures.
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