After “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” ended the DC Extended Universe in 2023, James “JG” Gunn resets the entire series rebooting it as DC Universe. The first TV show set in the rebooted cinematic universe titled, “Creature Commandos.” Then, “Superman” is intended to be the first film in a story arc under, “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” Other upcoming installments listed are tied together.
- Supergirl – June 26, 2026
- Clayface – September 11, 2026
- The Authority – N/A
- The Brave and The Bold – N/A
- Swamp Thing – N/A
Creature Commandos’ first season officially streamed in 2024 (same year My Hero Academia: You’re Next came out) on Max. It received positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers alike. A second season is currently in development. Before I see Mr. Gunn’s Superman reboot, I wanna share my thoughts on Creature Commandos. By the way, Frank Grillo’s reprising his role as Frank Grillo in the aforementioned film.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Alive & Dead Qualities
Alive: Frank Grillo, Indira Varma, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Zoe Chao & David Harbour all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Other Cast Members such as Maria Bakalova, Anya Chalotra, Steve Agee & Viola Davis all did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances.
James “JG” Gunn mapped out all seven episodes along with showrunner, Dean Lorey.
Animation looks polished and drawn by animators rather than A.I.
Action Sequences are visceral filled with blood and guts not for the faint of heart. As if “Doom Patrol” were a cartoon.
Funny Moments made me chuckle.
Chemistry between members of the titular team serves as the main highlight.
Clint Mansell (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan) & Kevin Kiner (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Doom Patrol, Peacemaker) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Like “Doom Patrol,” an episode features flashbacks of a specific character. Although some of them are monsters, they have an emotional side defying a grotesque appearance from the outside. A human on the inside.
Frankenstein’s Monster’s has a first name, Eric. He starred in his own comic book series. “Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.”
G.I. Robot’s my favorite character.
Although formerly tied to DC Extended Universe, plot elements from “The Suicide Squad” and Peacemaker’s first season are retained.
A princess named, Ilana factors in.
Random Fact: Circia’s soldiers are a group of misogynists who are recruited because they have a boner for her. They remind me of several dumbasses on the Internet who think Norrin Radd/Silver Surfer is replaced by a female in “The Fantastic Four: The First Steps.” Let me tell you something. In Marvel’s mini-series Earth X, Norrin’s love interest, Shalla-Bal takes his place in an alternate universe. The so-called “fans” didn’t do their research. They have the knowledge of a first-grade dropout.
If you’re a DC aficionado, there’s a ton of Easter Eggs.
A Plot Twist towards the end of Season 1 changes everything.
Dead: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Gunn and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 1 – The Collywobbles
When an Amazonian named Circie and a group of ignorant misogynists attacks Pokolistan Amanda Waller assigns Rick Flag Sr. to lead a group of monsters to aid the country.
Rick has a dispute with Dr. Phosphorus.
Episode 2 – The Tourmaline Neckline
The Bride visits her old home.
Flashbacks show how The Bride was created. Very different from the 1934 movie.
The Bride dukes it out with Circe.
G.I. Robot has an awesome moment.
A hilarious montage with The Bride & Eric Frankenstein.
Episode 3 – Cheers to the Tin Man
We learn about G.I. Robot. He fought in World War II assisting Sgt. Rock and his troops. A darn shame Daniel Craig bailed on Sgt. Rock. Colin Farrell’s rumored to play the character.
At one point, Rick yells, “Where are they!?” A reference to “The Dark Knight.”
At the 11;20 mark, a Wilhelm Scream is used.
Michael Rooker guest stars as an antique collector. He previously portrayed Savant in The Suicide Squad.
Episode 4 – Chasing Squirrels
Weasel has a sad backstory.
Somebody sees a vision of what’s yet to come. If you know, you know.
Eric shares his views on romance. Which is played for laughs.
Linda Cardellini guest stars as Weasel’s lawyer.
Episode 5 – The Iron Pot
Flashbacks center on Eric.
Eric & Rick investigate a professor who has connections with Circe.
A familiar bad guy makes his debut in the DC Universe.
A character plays “Mortal Kombat.”
Episode 6 – Priyatel Skelet
An origin story on Dr. Phosphorus.
Eric embarks on a one man mission to find The Bride.
Benjamin Bryon Davis (Dutch van der Linde from Red Dead Redemption) guest stars as Batman villain, Rupert Thorne. I guess JG’s a fan of “Red Dead Redemption.” How friggin’ awesome would it be if JG casts Rob Wiethoff (John Marston) in a DC project?
A familiar character makes a cameo appearance.
The Bride performs a fatality.
Episode 7 – A Very Funny Monster
We learn about Nina prior to being locked up Belle Reve. It’s pretty tragic. In the words of Lumpy Space Princess (LSP for short) from “Adventure Time.” “Oh, my glob you guys, Drama Bomb.”
The team engages in a climactic battle.
A shocking moment will make you gasp. More emotional than “Joker: Folie a Deux.”
Diedrich Bader guest stars as a familiar bad guy.
Stay tuned for a Post-Credits Scene.
The final verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Creature Commandos is a strong start for the DC Universe on the small screen. James “JG” Gunn knocked it outta the park making us care for another obscure team of misfits. I cannot wait for a second season. I’m so ready to see Superman. If you haven’t got a chance to see Creature Commandos’ first season, it’s definitely worth your spare time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 