WHO ARE THE CREATURE COMMANDOS?
The Creature Commandos are a unique and lesser-known team in the DC Comics universe. First introduced in Weird War Tales #93 (1980) by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick, this team of monstrous yet heroic soldiers stood out for its supernatural elements combined with traditional military action. Over the years, the Creature Commandos have undergone several reinventions, but their core theme remains the same: a group of misfit monsters fighting for justice in the face of prejudice and danger.
Background of the Creature Commandos
The original Creature Commandos were set during World War II and were part of a secret U.S. military experiment. The idea was to use horrifying, monstrous beings as weapons of psychological warfare against enemy troops.
The Creature Commandos primarily undertook covert missions, often battling Nazis, supernatural threats, and occasionally their own inner demons. Their stories blended horror, action, and war drama, making them a cult favorite.
Creature Commandos in Modern DC
While initially a product of the World War II era, the Creature Commandos have been reimagined for contemporary settings in recent DC adaptations. Newer versions have expanded the roster to include other supernatural and monstrous beings, keeping the spirit of the original but updating it for modern audiences.
In many iterations, the Commandos explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the morality of using monstrous creations for war. They often interact with other dark and mystical elements of the DC Universe, such as Swamp Thing, John Constantine, or Justice League Dark.
James Gunn’s Perspective on the Creature Commandos
When James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed their plans for DC Studios' revamped cinematic universe, the Creature Commandos were among the first projects announced. This bold move surprised many fans, as the team is relatively obscure compared to heavyweights like Superman or Batman.
In Gunn’s own words, the Creature Commandos are an example of his passion for exploring unconventional and quirky characters. He has stated that he loves showcasing misfits, antiheroes, and outsiders—characters who may not fit into traditional molds but have incredible depth. This aligns with his previous work on projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad.
The upcoming Creature Commandos animated series will feature Gunn’s signature mix of humor, heart, and action. What’s notable is Gunn’s plan to keep the voice actors for the animated characters consistent with their live-action portrayals. This ensures a cohesive and immersive universe, blurring the line between animation and live-action storytelling.
The announced lineup for Gunn’s Creature Commandos includes:
- Rick Flag Sr. as the human leader.
- Nina Mazursky, a Gill-man-like creature.
- Dr. Phosphorus, a glowing skeleton.
- Eric Frankenstein, a modern Frankenstein monster.
- G.I. Robot, a mechanized soldier.
- The Weasel, reintroduced from The Suicide Squad.
Gunn’s version aims to mix absurdity with genuine emotional depth, giving each member a distinct personality and backstory.
Why Creature Commandos Matter!
The Creature Commandos are a perfect representation of James Gunn’s mission for DC: to celebrate the weird, the underappreciated, and the bold. By bringing these characters to the forefront, Gunn not only broadens the scope of DC storytelling but also highlights its rich and diverse history. The Creature Commandos remind us that even monsters can be heroes—and that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come from the most unlikely sources.
With the team poised to enter the spotlight, fans can expect a blend of horror, humor, and heart, establishing the Creature Commandos as a cornerstone of DC's new era.
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