WARNING: Spoilers for the first two episodes of Creature Commandos
Task Force M has been assembled.
A New Breed of Monster
The soft kick-off to James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU has finally arrived. Creature Commandos premiered its first two episodes on Max. This sets the stage for a gory animated romp that evokes the spirit of The Suicide Squad but has the heart and found-family dynamic that made Guardians of the Galaxy fantastic. Between the crisp animation style, devilish characters, and a narrative that marries tragic genesis with current events, Creature Commandos delivers a shockingly entertaining opening. So much so you will want the next episode immediately.
The Collywobbles
Rick Flag and Amanda Waller find themselves in a bit of a pickle. Circe and her acolytes dubbed the “Sons of Themyscira” are invading the nation of Pokolistan to assassinate Princess Ilana Rostovic for reasons unknown. Amanda Waller wants the situation put under control and sends Flag out to Pokolistan with his new task force to protect Ilana. This rowdy bunch of monsters includes some sinister folks like Doctor Phosphorus and The Bride but is balanced out with the kindness of Nina Mazursky and the innocence of G.I. Robot. Weasel from The Suicide Squad is also back, and yes he’s still gnawing on everything.
Monster Mash
Flag and the Commandos arrive in Pokolistan, and are met by the Princess’s guardsman. They make their way to the castle, and the sons of Themyscira alert Circe that Ilana’s reinforcements have arrived. At the castle, Rick Flag opens up to Ilana, but may regret it as she comes onto him fairly strongly. Nina and GI form an earnest friendship, which is a highlight. Meanwhile, The Bride is not happy about being back in Pokolistan, which results in her taking off. Nina follows her out of curiosity. Later, Phosphorus contemplates an escape plan and finds himself fighting Rick Flag. This combat sequence is a true testament to the fluid animation style provided by Bobbypills. The episode ends with The Bride and Nina at the mansion where The Bride was created. However a commoner across the street alert Frankenstein that his Bride has returned.
The Tourmaline Necklace
The origins of The Bride are explored in this episode. From her creation to learning speech, we see her relationship with Victor Frankenstein and how that informs The Bride’s perspective. There is one questionable element that falls under the James Gunn Wheelhouse. Back in the present day, Rick Flag gives into the princess’s flirtatious endeavors, leaving him distracted. In the mansion, Bride and Nina find the tourmaline necklace Frankenstein gifted her before his murder. As this happens, the sons of Themyscira storm the area but are met with sheer brutality from The Bride. Circe appears and duels The Bride. The result is another spectacular fight, with Flag and the rest of the Commandos finding their location to save the two from the ambush. The final moments of the episode leave the Bride on the ground beaten apologizing to Nina whose water dome is shattered and says “Go F*** yourself”.
The New Frontier
Creature Commandos ushers in a brand new era of DC storytelling. This animated entry shows us what the rest of the world is capable of, and is off to an excellent start. Despite some over the edge moments of shock and toilet humor, the gravitas this show brings will keep you presently entertained. Each character has plenty to bring to the table, and it will be exciting to see where these characters go from here. Wether it’s an animated endeavor or a live-action outing, undoubtedly the DCU is off to a solid start.
New Episodes of Creature Commandos air on Max on Thursdays at 12AM PST / 3AM EST.