Preceding Superman, Creature Commandos serves as the first official chapter in filmmaker James Gunn’s brand new DC Universe. This animated series follows a group of lesser known DC Comics characters in the form of different creatures that are tasked by the government to carry out a dangerous mission. Think The Suicide Squad, but animated and with monsters. In terms of positives, the animation and the voice performances were stellar. The way this series’ events tied into others within the DCU was cleverly done, and James Gunn’s signature style of writing is definitely present here, featuring the irreverent witticisms that the filmmaker is known for. Also, behind the DC references and the bloody action set pieces were the in-depth character backstories. As tragic as they were, they were definitely put in place as an emotional catalyst for the viewers to relate to these characters that others would call monsters. It also made it that much more satisfying when these characters did come together and fight with each other rather than against, which I thought was really well done on Gunn’s part. I do think that the series’ irreverence tended to undercut some of the more emotional or heartfelt moments, but overall, this series did serve as a solid prologue to the DCU. Honestly, getting us to root for lesser known comic book characters is what James Gunn does best. Score: 8/10
Noah Robinson 