James Gunn proves time and time again why he’s one of the best superhero filmmakers out there. Look no further than the brilliant ‘Creature Commandos’, which has expertly kicked off his DC Universe.
Back when it was announced that James Gunn was working alongside Peter Safran to develop their very own DC franchise, people were a little apprehensive. Mostly excited apprehension, mind you. These big superhero franchises are hit and miss. On one hand, you’ve got the Marvel Cinematic Universe– the crème de la crème of connected universes. But for every MCU there’s a more lacklustre Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters. You see what I mean; there’s myriad examples of brilliance and disappointment.
My faith in James Gunn’s DC venture has instantly been validated. The first instalment, an animated series, Creature Commandos, which is a sort of precursor to the Suicide Squad, is outstanding. James Gunn once again takes hold of a group of rogues, many of which aren’t necessarily household names, like Doctor Phosphorus and Nina Mazursky, and he instantly makes viewers form a bond with them. He famously did it in the MCU with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and he’s doing it again with Creature Commandos.
‘Creature Commandos’ has so many masterful backstories!
What I adore so much about Creature Commandos is to do with something he never got to do properly with Guardians of the Galaxy (at least nowhere near as quickly). Thanks to the serialised format, he’s able to masterfully craft backstories for each character. Every episode is dedicated to another member of Amanda Waller’s black ops team of rogues. We learn so much about them: their moral dilemmas, emotional histories, and cruel turns. I quickly realised that I was way more infatuated with each character’s backstory than I was with the larger plot.
Firstly, you’ve got the dynamic between Frankenstein’s monster and The Bride. I like how Gunn stays close to Shelley’s beloved Frankenstein lore. It’s dark and brutal, maintaining the atmosphere of the classic novel. We feel an empathy for the monster, even if he’s an unhinged, mis-understanding monster. And The Bride is equally fascinating. Their ongoing dynamic at the heart of the series keeps me invested.
Then there’s Weasel, the misunderstood creature accused of being a serial killer. Weasel’s backstory stuck with me long after watching. It carries so much emotional weight — so much that whenever Weasel appears on-screen, you don’t need words to understand him.
I could go on and on about these backstories, from G.I. Robot to Doctor Phosphorus. Each one is utterly fascinating in its own way. From his first project for DC Studios, Gunn has already drawn me into his vision and the initial group of characters.
Sure, Creature Commandos features a few cameos teasing the larger franchise to come. Most notably, episode 6 gives us a very brief look at Batman, shrouded in darkness against the night sky. Scenes like this are fun, and they’re naturally going to make noise online, but what I hope more than anything else is that they make people check out the show. Creature Commandos is a top tier start to the franchise. I couldn’t be any more invested.
Moreover, if case you didn’t know, Creature Commandos is officially returning for another season. Bring it on!
Next up for DC Studios is Superman: Legacy, starring David Corenswet in the titular role. Superman: Legacy debuts in theatres July 11, 2025.
