For those unfamiliar with the source material (such as myself), Creature Commandos is a great introduction to the world that James Gunn is in the process of adapting. It's bloody genius at times, deeply moving at others and just damn brutal. A worthy beginning to the DCU. 

 

The first two episodes of this seven episode trek are a bit of an exposition pain to get through. But once episode 3 hits, everything hits the throttle with some riveting and emotionally triggering backstories to coincide with the main mission. The mission in question: to protect and/or assassinate Princess Ilana Rosotovic (Maria Bakalova, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3).

 

Throughout the season each individual member of the Creature Commandos receives their own origin story to help further the narrative and give an extra level of depth to a few demises along the way. 

 

A prime example being for one of the oddest creatures, their origin truly stunned by providing a cute and moving backstory that almost drew a tear with how it concludes. If anything this series certainly shines a negative light on the police in this universe, making it all the more reasonable for these “heroes” to rise up. 

 

For those less familiar with the comics, such as myself, here’s a rundown of the lead characters in the simplest of terms (no spoilers): 

 

Frank Grillo plays Rick Flag Sr., the father of Rick Flag from Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, he functions well as a leader - a serious man amongst the insanity of the remainder of the team. Saddened by the loss of his son two years prior, he takes the reins of the operation under Amanda Waller. 

 

Along with Viola Davis’ return as Waller, Steve Agee reprises his role as John Economos from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. Resuming presumably right where we left off from Peacemaker in 2022. 

 

Amongst the team of outcasts lies Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus, a radioactive skeleton that can set ablaze anything in his path. Zoë Chao as Nina Marzursky, a human turned amphibian, who can only survive when submerged in her underwater helmet. Sean Gunn as G.I. Robot, a unit built to eliminate Nazi’s during WWII and returning as Weasel (‘nough said). 

 

David Harbour plays Eric Frankenstein (AKA Frankenstein’s Monster), an obsessed being looking for his bride. Which only leaves The Bride in question played by Indira Varma, an absolute badass that refuses to be involved with the murderous Eric Frankenstein after an unforgivable killing.

 

As the season goes on and characters start to unravel their mysteries, the chemistry begins to show and by the end, the fractured individuals truly become a functioning team. 

 

In an odd turn of events for the usual jukebox maestro James Gunn, the selection of music is the least synchronized and distracting of his career. One of the only true sour notes for a series that pulls no punches and stuns with its beautiful animation that welcomes Gunn’s new nuanced vision. 

 

The animation reminded me a lot of growing up watching the iconic original Teen Titans (2003-2006) series on Cartoon Network, it brought back a sense of nostalgia I’ve been longing for. It's beautifully executed and full of brutal action that’ll easily please those hoping for the satisfaction of its adult oriented rating. So much so that the kills in this had me at times audibly going “Oh, shit!” as some truly shocked me with their gruesomeness. 

 

Easter eggs are assuredly scattered across the season that die hard DC fans should come to appreciate. However even the most basic DC fan will be capable of fulfilling their very own “Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) pointing at the TV” moment as familiar imagery briefly highlights their cowls and accessories. 

 

Albeit a slow start to the season, as a whole, Creature Commandos is phenomenal, full of goretastic action and emotion. Tackling the episodes solo grants a less compelling narrative as it’s clearly serial in nature, but the definitive climax is what’s worth waiting on as it is merely only the beginning.