CREATURE COMMANDOS Review: "A Crazy, Captivating, Instant Classic That Puts The New DCU On The Map"

CREATURE COMMANDOS Review: "A Crazy, Captivating, Instant Classic That Puts The New DCU On The Map"

Ahead of the show's two-episode premiere on Max later this week, we're sharing our verdict on the entire first season of DC Studios and James Gunn's Creature Commandos. You can find our thoughts here...

Review Opinion
By JoshWilding - Dec 02, 2024 12:12 PM EST
Filed Under: Creature Commandos

The DCU kicking off with an animated series in the same vein as The Suicide Squad is an unusual way to launch a new shared universe. However, James Gunn has always walked his own path, leaving us with beloved hits like the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and Peacemaker. Creature Commandos proves to be a spiritual and literal successor to the filmmaker’s DCEU work, and a thrilling taste of what’s to come from DC Studios moving forward. The result is an action-packed, hilarious, and surprisingly moving romp which effectively establishes the DCU’s tone and leaves us positively obsessed with the monstrous members of Task Force M. 

Visually, Creature Commandos looks great and is arguably at its best delivering bloody, maniacal fight scenes. However, the character moments also benefit from the expressive nature of how the leads are brought to life, something that’s vital when a fair bit of this series is devoted to exploring their respective, and often tragic, backstories. The music is another highlight; not only does Gunn find some unexpected, catchy tracks to accompany the action, but Kevin Kiner and Clint Mansell’s score is perfectly suited to this zany team-up, helping make the show feel wholly unique. As for the voiceover performances, whereas many of the on-screen actors who worked on the first season of Marvel Studios’ What If…? occasionally sounded awkward due to a lack of experience in the recording booth, everyone here comes across as natural and the perfect fit for their respective characters. 

Frank Grillo is the standout as Rick Flag Sr., the reluctant leader of Task Force M who finds himself falling for the Princess they’re sent to protect from the villainous Circe. He’s gruff, and badass, but clearly haunted and often in over his head trying to balance doing the right thing with following orders. The actor looks set to be a huge part of the DCU in future and Gunn has done well to cast the former MCU actor. 

There’s not a single weak performance to be found, though Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus, Sean Gunn as G.I. Robot, and David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein all deserve to be highlighted. That takes nothing away from Zoë Chao as Nina Mazursky, Anya Chalotra as Circe, or Indira Varma as the Bride; everyone delivers A+ performances and each viewer will surely have their own favourites after watching. Even the actors who just drop in for cameos are memorable - Michael Rooker’s Sam is a brilliant role for Gunn’s longtime friend and collaborator - and this ensemble gels in a way not many do in similar animated TV shows. 

Crucially, Creature Commandos left us desperate to see these characters return not just in a potential season 2 but in live-action DCU movies and TV shows. If that was the goal, mission accomplished (please, James, make Circe a lead character in a future Wonder Woman project). 

Make no mistake about it, if you’re excited to see what’s to come from the new DCU, Creature Commandos is a must-watch. Tonally, it’s very much its own thing, but there are some exciting glimpses into the future and some clarification of what is and isn’t canon. Beyond that, the series - overseen well by showrunner Dean Lorey - is an immensely enjoyable watch, with some legitimately funny gags and characters it’s a blast to spend time with.

We were fortunate enough to breeze through all seven episodes over the course of a couple of days, but it should make a terrific weekly watch thanks to a compelling story boasting unexpected twists and turns and a lot of heart (you may well find yourself tearing up at times). Gunn’s writing ensures that each lead is in a different place when the show ends from where we first found them - perhaps with the exception of the completely bonkers Eric Frankenstein - and the filmmaker’s sheer delight in writing these characters is apparent. The big test will be Superman, of course, but if Creature Commandos is a sign of things to come, we’re all in on the DCU. 

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CREATURE COMMANDOS Creator James Gunn Releases BTS Footage Of Frank Grillo And Maria Bakalova's Sex Scene
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CREATURE COMMANDOS Creator James Gunn Releases BTS Footage Of Frank Grillo And Maria Bakalova's Sex Scene

CREATURE COMMANDOS Spoiler Discussion And Poll: What Did You Think About The First DCU TV Series?
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CREATURE COMMANDOS Spoiler Discussion And Poll: What Did You Think About The First DCU TV Series?

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SATW42
SATW42 - 12/2/2024, 12:07 PM
@slickrickdesigns - well considering everyone here says Josh is a Disney shill whose on their payroll and hates everything that isn't Marvel or Disney, I would think people would be encouraged by this.

Or is he only a Disney Marvel shill when it's convenient for the narrative?
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 12:12 PM
@SATW42 - I thought Josh just hated us CBM fans. Not the studios.
I guess we’ll find out on the top 5 reasons why DC is going to be great… then most likely followed up by a top 5 reasons DC is failing already. Those articles will probably be a couple hours apart.
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 12/2/2024, 12:16 PM
@slickrickdesigns - 😆 🤣 😂


Part of me:

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The other part of me:

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slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 12:43 PM
@KennKathleen -
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SATW42
SATW42 - 12/2/2024, 12:06 PM
I know this is in continuity and is technically the start of the DCU (and I'll be watching it) but I can't really believe this is the start of the DCU. Superman is the true test and start of the DCU, for me.

I just don't think an animated streaming television show is a good barometer for the direction of the franchise.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 12/2/2024, 12:08 PM
@SATW42 - I agree

This is just the appetizer , Superman is the main course.
mountainman
mountainman - 12/2/2024, 12:18 PM
@SATW42 - As far as I’m concerned this is a one off. The trailer looked cool to me so I’ll check it out.

But I do agree that Superman will be the official kick off and what will matter for the DCU. I’m hoping it captures the genuine optimism and hope that the character represents and we can finally get past the cynical deconstruction of our heroes.
soberchimera
soberchimera - 12/2/2024, 1:38 PM
@SATW42 - It’s going to be hard to decipher what’s truly the start of the DCU since Peacemaker is in it and he originated from The Suicide Squad which was set in the DCEU.
RolandD
RolandD - 12/2/2024, 3:35 PM
@soberchimera - I doubt it will be that hard once it’s laid out for us.
soberchimera
soberchimera - 12/2/2024, 4:16 PM
@RolandD - I meant hard for people to agree where the DCU begins and the DCEU ends considering Gunn is picking and choosing what stays and what goes.
RolandD
RolandD - 12/2/2024, 5:41 PM
@soberchimera - I know. Once we have seen what’s coming I think we will have a clearer idea of that. I admit it would’ve been easier if he had made a clean break, but I think we can figure it out.
DanFlashesShirt
DanFlashesShirt - 12/2/2024, 6:17 PM
@SATW42 - put it wherever you want on the menu, but this is the first story in this new shared continuity.
AnEye
AnEye - 12/2/2024, 12:06 PM
........did Batman appear?
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 12/2/2024, 12:08 PM
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slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 12:09 PM
I stopped believing things when they said Frank Grillo was a stand out performance. Dude has about the same range as Steven Seagull.
I’ll be watching this… but not for a Grillo “standout performance “ lol. David Harbor is the only draw to this besides Sean Gunn’s standout performance.
JayLemle
JayLemle - 12/2/2024, 12:25 PM
@slickrickdesigns - I'm a Frank Grillo fanboy, and you are 100% correct. Dude plays himself, no matter the project. He can be put into that "Kings/Queens of Having No Range" category with Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds.
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 12/2/2024, 12:27 PM
@slickrickdesigns - But does he "run" like him?

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BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 12/2/2024, 1:15 PM
@slickrickdesigns - that's an insult to seagull! At least seagull can do Jamaican 😫😅
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 1:45 PM
@JayLemle - I agree with all except Reynolds. That man child is a saint and way more Range than many actors in Hollyweird.
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 1:48 PM
@Nomis929 - only Charlie Chaplin can run like Steven Seagull. Or maybe that’s reversed.
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slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 12/2/2024, 1:51 PM
@BraveNewClunge - he does have a little more Range than Grillo…. I’ve never seen Grillo bust a move like Seagal.
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JayLemle
JayLemle - 12/2/2024, 12:27 PM
This character in the picture above reminds me of the villain in the first Hellboy movie.
marvel72
marvel72 - 12/2/2024, 12:29 PM
Love horror comic books, so this could be right up my street.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 12/2/2024, 12:33 PM
Cool , looking forward to seeing it!!.

It’s looked good imo and plus Gunn is adept at ensemble work by now hence knows how to make you care about the story & characters with humor , drama and heart.

While some people might have issues with Gunn repeating himself to an extent here since this is in the vein of his past comic book media work , I don’t mind giving us something familiar to ease us into this world since I hope & feel Superman will be somewhat different at least from his usual so far.
Baf
Baf - 12/2/2024, 1:00 PM
Josh, blink three times if you are in danger.
DocSpock
DocSpock - 12/3/2024, 1:32 AM
@Baf -

LOL!!

TheRedLeader
TheRedLeader - 12/2/2024, 1:03 PM
It’s a cartoon show. Who cares?
Arthorious
Arthorious - 12/2/2024, 2:22 PM
@TheRedLeader - some of these cartoon shows are getting recognition: Invincible, Arcane, etc.

But if you’re speaking in terms of the DCU as a whole then I see where you’re coming from. Superman will be the bench mark for me.
Truoptimusprime
Truoptimusprime - 12/2/2024, 1:05 PM
I thought weasel was apart of snyderverse!?
BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 12/2/2024, 1:14 PM
Im glad josh enjoyed Gotg 5 😅
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 12/2/2024, 1:14 PM
Glad Tudyk is in the cast, the man is already gold as Clayface on Harley Quinn.
BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 12/2/2024, 1:24 PM
Gunn just reposted this article on twitter so there's a chance he has taken a look at the comments.

If that's the case ...

Superman's suit is hot trash! 😌
GiverOfInfo
GiverOfInfo - 12/2/2024, 1:25 PM
Gunn reads CBM.com!! He just posted it on his IG!!

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GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 12/2/2024, 1:34 PM
@GiverOfInfo - Whaaat. He may even be an undercover user on here.
GiverOfInfo
GiverOfInfo - 12/2/2024, 2:09 PM
@GirshwinDavies - you may even be speaking to him right now...

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Arthorious
Arthorious - 12/2/2024, 2:22 PM
@GiverOfInfo - ha Jingle All the Way, now there’s a Christmas classic! Good times
bkmeijer1
bkmeijer1 - 12/2/2024, 2:28 PM
@GiverOfInfo - that's pretty cool. Wonder if he also reads the comments and articles about him debunking stuff of social media. Must be kinda funny to read
LogansRazor
LogansRazor - 12/2/2024, 3:07 PM
@GiverOfInfo - or right noooowwwww.....
BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 12/2/2024, 3:24 PM
@GirshwinDavies -

If he is an undercover user here it's a good chance its that Deadpool & wolverine hating vectorSigma guy. He's been tryna coin that inGunWeTrust hashtag going for a while now 😫😅😭
GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 12/2/2024, 3:29 PM
@GiverOfInfo - Is that you James Gunn??
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