The first trailer for Creature Commandos, the latest James Gunn creation, dropped at New York Comic-Con, giving DC fans a taste of what's to come. The adult animated series will debut on Max on December 5th, 2024, as one of the first projects under Gunn's leadership at DC Studios. The show marks a shift from live-action to animation, following in the footsteps of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, but bringing a darker, wilder edge to the screen.
The premise is bold and fresh: Amanda Waller, infamous for assembling the Suicide Squad, now has a new trick up her sleeve—a black ops team composed entirely of monsters. Tired of risking human lives, she recruits an array of supernatural beings, including a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein's monster, a gorgon, and a human leader. The eclectic lineup is voiced by a stellar cast featuring David Harbour as Frankenstein, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as G.I. Robot and Weasel, and Viola Davis reprising her role as Waller. This monster squad promises to bring chaos, violence, and dark humor in a way that rivals the earlier DC installments.
The animation is as bold as the concept itself. Gunn's style—known for blending gore, humor, and emotional depth—is evident in every frame of the trailer. It suggests a story that's not afraid to push boundaries, aiming to be even more violent and irreverent than its predecessors. With characters brought to life through the voices of Steve Agee, Maria Bakalova, Zoë Chao, and Indira Varma, Creature Commandos is set to expand the DC Universe in unexpected and intriguing ways.
What makes Creature Commandos so compelling is its embrace of the bizarre. It doesn't just lean into the oddities of its characters; it revels in them. Gunn's background with The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy ensures that the series will likely balance outrageous action with moments of genuine heart, making for an experience that's as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining.
The concept of a monster-based black ops team is a bold move that reflects James Gunn's unique flair for bringing underdog characters to life. The trailer suggests a show that doesn't shy away from pushing the envelope in terms of tone and content, which could make it a standout in the often formulaic superhero genre. Creature Commandos appears poised to captivate viewers with its mix of horror, humor, and heart.
What are your thoughts on the shift from live-action to animation for Creature Commandos? Do you think this monster-filled lineup will live up to James Gunn's previous DC successes?
