REVIEW: ‘Creature Commandos’ Episodes 1-2 Is Bold Start With Room To Grow

The debut of Creature Commandos, the first project in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe, sets the tone for what fans can expect from this edgy animated series. With a mix of dark humor, violent action, and surprising moments of emotional depth, Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 hint at the potential for greatness while struggling to find their footing fully. James Gunn writes both episodes, and while they carry his signature blend of irreverence and character-focused storytelling, the humor and tone sometimes falter under the weight of their ambitions.

The first episode, “The Collywobbles,” dives straight into the new reality Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) faces: with human operatives off the table for Task Force X, she assembles Task Force M, a team of unconventional recruits collectively known as the Creature Commandos. General Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) is tasked with leading this motley crew of misfits, including the Bride (Indira Varma), Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), G.I. Robot, and the ever-quirky Weasel (Sean Gunn).

Their mission takes them to the fictional country of Pokolistan, where they must confront Circe and her band of red-pill-inspired followers, the Sons of Themyscira, a group determined to overthrow the Amazons and claim their land for themselves.

The setup in Creature Commandos Episode 1 is functional, but the humor feels underwhelming. Scenes like Weasel peeing on the bus lean too heavily on crude jokes, missing the mark compared to Gunn’s sharper comedic beats in The Suicide Squad (2021)—a film that is canon in this reimagined DCU, as evidenced by references to Project Starfish and Rick Flag Jr.’s death. However, the episode succeeds in creating intrigue around its characters.

Moments like Nina Mazursky’s silent interaction with a child who waves at her despite her monstrous appearance offer a poignant contrast to the chaotic and often juvenile humor. These moments of humanity—where the monsters feel more relatable than the humans pulling their strings—are where the show begins to shine.

General Flag Sr. also emerges as a strong moral center for the team. In a standout moment, he chooses not to activate the team’s shock collars during a confrontation with Phosphorus despite the risk to himself. His actions contrast sharply with Waller’s cold pragmatism, setting up an interesting dynamic between leadership styles and morality.

If James Gunn’s first DC series can invest in its deeper themes, it can be a success.

Nina Mazursky’s silent interaction with a child who waves at her, unfazed by her monstrous appearance, injects a tender, humanizing moment into the chaos and crude humor that dominates much of the episode. These fleeting glimpses of humanity—where the so-called monsters feel more authentic and grounded than the people pulling their strings—hint at the Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 ’s deeper potential.

Similarly, General Flag Sr. emerges as the team’s moral compass. In a defining moment, he refrains from activating the shock collars during a confrontation with Phosphorus, choosing compassion over control, setting him apart as a leader driven by integrity.

Creature Commandos Episode 2, “The Tourmaline Necklace,” builds momentum by diving into the Bride’s backstory, revealing her tragic origins as Victor Frankenstein’s creation and the fraught relationship with Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), who has relentlessly pursued her since the 1800s. These flashback sequences, presented with a striking comic book-inspired visual style, not only bring visual innovation but also underscore the Bride’s enduring struggle for agency and identity amid centuries of torment.

The episode also leans into broader social commentary, centering on Circe and her followers, the Sons of Themyscira. These red-pill-esque extremists, a pointed critique of toxic modern ideologies, are a bit on the nose but fit the show’s irreverent tone. By examining societal rejection and the corruptive nature of power through Circe’s cult, the series introduces deeper themes that give Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 a sharper edge beneath its humor.

What stands out most about Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 is the potential for its characters. The characters may begin as one-dimensional archetypes—like the Bride, withdrawn and guarded, or Phosphorus, the fiery hothead—but small, deliberate moments suggest deeper layers.

Nina’s quiet exchange with a child reveals unexpected compassion, while the Bride’s return to her homeland brims with unresolved pain and history. General Flag Sr.’s thoughtful decisions in the face of conflict hint at a nuanced take on leadership and morality that sets him apart from others pulling the strings.

The animation style and character designs set Creature Commandos apart.

Staying true to DC’s legacy of exceptional animation, the fluid combat sequences and striking character designs deliver on expectations in Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2. However, its creative use of comic book-inspired transitions truly sets the series apart in 2024. These are especially effective in the Bride’s flashbacks, where the visual style enhances the emotional impact of her story. This approach not only gives the show a unique aesthetic but also reinforces its connection to its comic roots in a fresh, inventive way.

The soundtrack in Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 becomes a vital storytelling tool that shows promise for the rest of the season. Whether it’s the subtle rhythm matching the drip of water or the swelling score as the team enters a Pokolistan, the music amplifies the tone without feeling forced.

Rather than relying on trendy pop culture hits, the music plays alongside the narrative, underscoring each moment’s emotional gravity or excitement. It’s a rare instance where you can feel the intention behind how the music shapes the story, becoming as essential to the experience as the visuals and dialogue.

Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 hint at a series with the potential to deliver bold, character-driven storytelling, but it hasn’t quite found its footing yet. While the show excels in emotional moments like the Bride’s haunting return to her homeland and Nina Mazursky’s quiet exchange with a child, these are often overshadowed by uneven humor that leans too heavily on crude jokes and pop culture references.

The tonal clash between juvenile comedy and the darker, mature themes feels at odds with the series’ TV-MA rating, preventing it from fully embracing its grittier ambitions. If the series leans further into its darker, complex storytelling and scales back misplaced humor, it could evolve into a standout entry in the reimagined DC Universe.

Creature Commandos Episodes 1-2 are available now on Max (formerly HBO Max), with new episodes every Thursday in 2024.