Creature Commandos marks a triumphant beginning to James Gunn’s much-anticipated DC Universe, showcasing some of the finest writing Gunn has ever delivered. As the first official chapter in the revamped DCU, co-helmed by Gunn and Peter Safran, the series effortlessly blends heart, chaos, and Gunn’s trademark irreverence, reminding audiences why his vision is one to celebrate—even amidst the mythical concept of superhero fatigue.
This animated Binge series is a feast for the senses, packed with astonishingly visceral action, a stellar jukebox soundtrack, and Gunn’s signature balance of absurdity and poignancy. But what truly sets Creature Commandos apart is Gunn’s uncanny ability to craft compelling characters out of the most bizarre and unlikely figures. From the snarky yet tragic The Bride (voiced brilliantly by Indira Varma) to the unsettling yet sympathetic Doctor Phosphorous (Alan Tudyk), every member of this “Task Force M” feels fully realised, their motivations vividly painted against a backdrop of carnage and comedy.
The storyline dives deep into the heart of these monstrous misfits, offering not only adrenaline-pumping action but also deeply human (or inhuman) explorations of redemption, purpose, and identity. Gunn’s attention to detail ensures that even a character like Weasel—previously a punchline—gets an entire episode of surprising depth. It’s a testament to Gunn’s storytelling prowess that these characters, in all their grotesque glory, resonate emotionally. If you had ever told me that I would be weeping in an animated TV show about a Nazi killing robot called GI Robot (voiced by Sean Gunn) , I would have laughed at you, yet that’s exactly what has happened here. Each character gets their own backstory and justification for their monstrous ways and how the human race has misinterpreted that. It’s such a classic way to tell every story without having to cram a lot of backstory at the start. Gunn is no stranger to this, having done it successfully across Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad projects, here there is more time to breathe with each character and relate their past to the decisions they are making in the present.
There are some standout characters here, Nina Mazursky (voiced by Zoe Chao) who has a dome of water around her head to breathe and has fish powers. Her relationship with The Bride is an endearing tale of female friendship in a world that has rejected them both. The understated Frankenstien (voiced by David Harbour) and his obsession with The Bride, travelling through various time periods to find and make her fall in love with him is an interesting take on the traditional tale.
Visually, Creature Commandos is a triumph. The animation by Paris studio Bobbypills is dynamic and inventive. The action sequences are dazzlingly creative, striking a perfect balance between chaos and creativity, with every superpower uniquely tailored to its wielder’s personality. This show is unapologetically violent, leaning into the blood and gore these characters leave in their wake. There are also some explicit sex scenes here that may rule younger viewers out from watching this show. Gunn’s ability to layer emotional beats within the madness ensures that even the messiest moments feel intentional, grounded in the richly textured world he’s building for the DCU.
Creature Commandos is a bold, bloody, and brilliant start to the James Gunn era of DC. It’s a monster mash with heart, humour, and just enough mayhem to leave viewers begging for more. This isn’t just a great DC series; it’s a milestone that sets the tone for what’s to come—and what an exciting future it promises.
Creature Commandos is written and executive produced by James Gunn. Based on DC characters and produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation; additional executive producers include Peter Safran, Dean Lorey, and Sam Register; Rick Morales serves as a supervising producer.
Creature Commandos will premiere with two episodes on the 5th of December, followed by weekly episodes.
