Creature Commandos: DC’s SDCC 2024 News Includes New Look at Team
Get ready to assemble, comic book fans! DC Studios is bringing the heat to San Diego Comic-Con 2024, and one of the most anticipated reveals is a fresh look at the upcoming animated series, Creature Commandos. This ragtag team of monstrous heroes, led by the legendary Rick Flag Sr., is set to make its mark on the DC Universe, and we’re getting our first glimpse of their revamped designs and a glimpse into the series’ gritty, action-packed world.
As we inch closer to the end of 2024, we’re also inching closer to the premiere of DC Studios Co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran’s upcoming adaptation of writer J. M. DeMatteis & artist Pat Broderick’s Creature Commandos. With the animated series serving as our first full introduction to Gunn and Safran’s New DCU, it would be safe to say that there is a whole lot of anticipation surrounding it. Thanks to DC announcing its plans for San Diego Comic-Con 2024 later this month, we’re getting two new looks at the series. First up, we have our best publicly-released look at the team so far, courtesy of an animation-themed variant cover to Creature Commandos #1 (which includes Frankenstein: Agent of Shade #1 and the first appearance of the Creature Commandos in Weird War Tales #93). Following that, we have a preview of some official merch for the animated series.
A New Breed of Heroes: The Creature Commandos Get a Revamp
The Creature Commandos, originally introduced in Weird War Tales #93 in 1980, have always been a unique breed. This team of monstrous individuals, including Frankenstein’s monster, a werewolf, a vampire, and a gorgon, fought bravely against the Nazis during World War II. James Gunn’s vision for the Creature Commandos is a thrilling reimagining of this classic team. The new designs unveiled at SDCC 2024 showcase a darker, more menacing aesthetic, reflecting the gritty and violent nature of the series. The team’s monstrous features are on full display, with a blend of realistic and stylized elements that create a captivating visual identity.
Creature Commandos: J. M. DeMatteis on James Gunn’s DCU Approach
Thanks to a video presentation from Gunn (busy working on Superman and Peacemaker Season 2) during the 2024 Annecy International Animation Festival, we learned much more about what we can expect – and yes, those in attendance got a look at the adult animated series (though not released). The first look involved Waller (Viola Davis), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), Nina (Zoe Chao), and the topic of killing Nazis, followed by a fight scene between deep-sleeper Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) and Dr. Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk).
“It’s a cornerstone of the legacy we’ve been entrusted to carry at DC Studios and plays an integral role in the vision for our future storytelling,” Gunn shared with those in attendance. “Since taking the reins, our true north has been to bring DC film, TV, animation, and gaming into alignment under a single banner and bring a sense of unity and consistency into the DCU as a whole. This frees us to create a range of products that are diverse and compelling and deliver great stand-alone entertainment experiences on every medium while also being part of a larger story that we’re telling within our unified DCU.”
Gunn continued, “What this means in practical terms is that our characters can move in and out of animation or jump into a game or onto the big screen, but they will remain consistent throughout: same character, same history, same actor.” For example, Davis is reprising her live-action role as Amanda Waller for the animated series, and Grillo’s animated Rick Flag Sr. will be making the jump into live-action for the second season of Max’s Peacemaker. From there, Gunn shared that the series will pick up “directly” from the first season finale of the John Cena-starring series – with Waller finding “her hands tied operationally.”
“The new series picks up directly after our ‘Peacemaker’ season one finale, which leaves Waller with her hands tied operationally, meaning that she’s no longer able to get away with putting human lives on the line to carry out her clandestine morally questionable missions. Instead, she recruits a ragtag band of misfits, not unlike the Suicide Squad and Peacemaker,” Gunn revealed during the video presentation. That makes our leads a very different kind of hero than what viewers may have been used to in the past – and that’s one of the things Gunn loves about the series: they “are actual literal monsters, and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Creating this series has been one of the absolute joys of my life.”
A Star-Studded Cast: Voice Actors Bring the Creature Commandos to Life
The role call for the adult animated series (and any potential live-action takes) includes Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., with Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Indira Varma as The Bride, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus, David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein, Sean Gunn as G.I. Robot & Weasel, Steve Agee returning as John Economos, and Anya Chalotra taking on the role of Circe. This impressive lineup of voice actors promises to bring the Creature Commandos to life with nuanced performances and captivating personalities.
A Deeper Dive into the World of Creature Commandos
The Creature Commandos series will center on a team led by Rick Flag’s father, and including Nina Mazursky, Dr. Phosphorus, Frankenstein, Bride, and more. The team is thrust into a world of espionage, conflict, and morally gray decisions. We can expect to see the Creature Commandos battling against a variety of threats, both human and supernatural. The series will explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the lengths people will go to for love and loyalty.
A Sneak Peek at the Creature Commandos Merchandise
In addition to the exciting visuals, DC also unveiled a special Comic-Con exclusive preview of Creature Commandos merchandise. The preview showcases a range of items, including t-shirts, mugs, and even a limited-edition Creature Commandos action figure. The merchandise features the new team designs, giving fans a tangible way to connect with this exciting new addition to the DC Universe.
DC’s SDCC 2024: A Celebration of the New DCU
DC’s presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 is a clear indication of their commitment to building a vibrant and engaging DC Universe. The Creature Commandos are just one piece of the puzzle, with other projects like The Penguin, Batman: Caped Crusader, and the new Superman movie set to make their mark. Comic-Con attendees can expect a packed schedule of panels, screenings, and exclusive reveals.
The Future of the Creature Commandos
The Creature Commandos are poised to become a significant player in the New DCU. The series has the potential to expand into a multimedia franchise, with live-action adaptations, video games, and more. The team’s unique blend of action, horror, and humor appeals to a wide audience, and their presence in the DC Universe is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Get Ready for the Creature Commandos
The Creature Commandos are ready to take the DC Universe by storm. As we eagerly await their arrival, keep your eyes peeled for more updates from San Diego Comic-Con 2024. This team of misfit heroes is about to unleash a whole new level of excitement and adventure, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store. Get ready to experience the Creature Commandos in all their monstrous glory, and prepare to be amazed!
What is the Creature Commandos team and what can fans expect from the upcoming animated series?
The Creature Commandos are a team of monstrous heroes led by Rick Flag Sr. The upcoming animated series promises a fresh look at the team with revamped designs and a glimpse into a gritty, action-packed world in the DC Universe.
When was the Creature Commandos team originally introduced, and what is unique about them?
The Creature Commandos were originally introduced in Weird War Tales #93 in 1980. They are a team of monstrous individuals, including Frankenstein’s monster, a werewolf, a vampire, and a gorgon, who bravely fought against the Nazis during World War II.
What can fans expect from James Gunn’s reimagining of the Creature Commandos team?
James Gunn’s vision for the Creature Commandos is a thrilling reimagining of the classic team. The new designs unveiled at SDCC 2024 showcase a darker, more menacing aesthetic, reflecting the gritty and violent nature of the series, with a captivating visual identity blending realistic and stylized elements.
What additional insights did fans gain about the upcoming Creature Commandos animated series from the 2024 Annecy International Animation Festival?
During the 2024 Annecy International Animation Festival, attendees were treated to a video presentation from James Gunn, where they learned more about what to expect from the adult animated series, providing further anticipation for the upcoming adaptation.
