Who are the Creature Commandos? Imagine a team of military superhumans, each with unique supernatural abilities, fighting covert missions during World War II. That's the Creature Commandos! Created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick, they first appeared in Weird War Tales #93 in 1980. Originally part of a top-secret project called Project M, this team included a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein's monster, and a gorgon. Fast forward to today, and the Creature Commandos are being reimagined in an animated series set to premiere on HBO Max in December 2024. With James Gunn writing all seven episodes, this new series promises to blend horror, action, and comedy in a way that only the DC Universe can deliver.
Key Takeaways:
- The Creature Commandos, a team of supernatural beings in the DC Universe, were created in 1980 and have since evolved to include new members and modern interpretations, bringing a unique blend of horror and action to the comic book world.
- The upcoming animated series, "Creature Commandos," set to premiere on HBO Max, promises an exciting blend of comedy, action, and horror, featuring a talented voice cast and connections to the larger DC Universe, setting the stage for potential crossovers and world-building.
Origins and Creation
The Creature Commandos have a rich history in the DC Universe, blending supernatural elements with military action. Let's dive into their origins and creation.
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The Creature Commandos were created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick. They made their debut in Weird War Tales #93, published in November 1980. This series combined horror and war genres, creating a unique niche in comic book storytelling.
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The team is part of a top-secret military project known as Project M. Initiated in 1941, Project M aimed to use supernatural beings as covert operatives during World War II. This concept allowed for a mix of historical fiction and supernatural adventure.
Original Team Composition
The original lineup of the Creature Commandos featured a mix of classic monsters and a human leader, creating a diverse and intriguing team.
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The original team consisted of Lt. Shrieve, a human leader, and four supernatural members. These members included a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein's monster, and a gorgon. Each character brought unique abilities and challenges to the team.
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Their first mission was to destroy Nazi-manufactured android duplicates of Allied leaders in France. This mission set the tone for their future adventures, blending espionage with supernatural elements.
World War II Missions
The Creature Commandos undertook several missions during World War II, each more daring and bizarre than the last.
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One mission involved liberating a scientist from a death camp. This mission showcased the team's bravery and the high stakes of their operations.
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Another mission took them to a dinosaur island in the South Pacific. Here, they encountered J.A.K.E. 1, a G.I. Robot, and discovered an underwater civilization believed to be a lost colony of Atlantis.
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The team ultimately sacrificed J.A.K.E. 1 to destroy the androids controlling the colony. This act of heroism highlighted the team's willingness to make tough decisions for the greater good.
Modern Team Composition
The Creature Commandos have evolved over the years, with new members and modern interpretations keeping the team fresh and exciting.
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The modern team includes the Bride of Frankenstein, a vampire named Velcro, a mute monster named Taylor, and a werewolf named Griffith. These characters bring new dynamics and abilities to the team.
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Clayface, a shapeshifting Batman villain, makes his DCU debut in this series. His inclusion adds a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the team.
Animated Series Adaptation
The Creature Commandos are set to make their animated debut, bringing their unique blend of horror and action to a new audience.
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The animated series titled Creature Commandos is part of James Gunn's DC Universe (DCU). It will premiere on HBO Max on December 5, 2024.
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Amanda Waller, voiced by Viola Davis, forms a new black ops team called Task Force M. This team is composed of supernatural beings, expanding on her previous Task Force X project from Suicide Squad.
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James Gunn wrote all seven episodes of the Creature Commandos series. His involvement ensures a blend of humor, action, and horror, similar to his work on Guardians of the Galaxy.
Voice Cast and Characters
The animated series boasts a talented voice cast, bringing the characters to life with depth and personality.
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The voice cast includes Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein, and Zoë Chao as Nina Mazursky. These actors bring star power and talent to the series.
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Steve Agee voices John Economos, Indira Varma voices The Bride, and Maria Bakalova voices Princess Ilana. Each actor adds their unique flair to their respective characters.
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Alan Tudyk voices Dr. Phosphorus, Sean Gunn voices GI Robot and Weasel, and Viola Davis reprises her role as Amanda Waller. This diverse cast ensures a rich and engaging viewing experience.
Connection to the Larger DC Universe
The Creature Commandos are not just a standalone team; they are integrated into the larger DC Universe, allowing for exciting crossovers and storylines.
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The series will dovetail directly into Peacemaker season two. This connection expands the narrative and allows for character interactions across different series.
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Task Force M, the new black ops team, consists of supernatural beings. This team is an expansion of Amanda Waller's previous Task Force X project, adding new layers to the DCU.
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The series is part of the DCU's Gods and Monsters phase. This phase includes other projects like The Penguin, introducing new characters and storylines that will shape the future of the DC Universe.
Themes and Inspirations
The Creature Commandos series explores various themes and draws inspiration from multiple sources, ensuring a unique and engaging narrative.
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The series is pitched as part comedy, part action, and part horror. It explores themes of humanity among monsters, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
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The introduction of monsters like the Creature Commandos opens up possibilities for Halloween specials or other themed episodes. This expands the DC Universe's creative scope and audience appeal.
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The series draws inspiration from prior projects like The Guardians of the Galaxy, Suicide Squad, and A-Team. This blend of influences ensures a familiar yet unique feel.
Future Potential and World-Building
The Creature Commandos series is still in the process of world-building, which is crucial for integrating it into the larger DCU.
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Characters from the Creature Commandos series will be integrated into the larger DCU. This means they can appear in any other live-action or animated project within the universe.
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There is potential for crossovers between the Creature Commandos and other DCU projects, including Suicide Squad. This could lead to exciting team-ups and storylines that expand the DC Universe.
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James Gunn has expressed his creative freedom in adapting the Creature Commandos. This allows for a unique interpretation of the characters and their roles.
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The series is still in the process of world-building. This includes establishing connections with other projects and characters within the universe.
Notable Voice Actors and Characters
The series features several notable voice actors, each bringing their unique talents to their respective roles.
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Alan Tudyk, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, voices Dr. Phosphorus. His involvement adds to the series' comedic and action-packed elements.
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Peter Serafinowicz, known for his role in Shaun of the Dead, will also be part of the series. He will voice a character, adding to the series' diverse cast and narrative depth.
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Anya Chalotra will play Circe, an ancient mythological witch and longtime Wonder Woman villain. This addition brings a new layer of mythology and magic to the series.
Release Date and Future Projects
The Creature Commandos series is set to premiere soon, marking the official debut of the DCU and setting the stage for future projects.
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The series is set to premiere on HBO Max on December 5, 2024. This marks the official debut of the DCU and sets the stage for future projects and storylines within the universe.
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DC Studios' vision for the DCU includes a mix of live-action and animated projects. The Creature Commandos series is a key part of this vision, aiming to create a cohesive and engaging narrative across different media.
The Future of Creature Commandos
Creature Commandos have come a long way since their debut in 1980. From their origins in Weird War Tales to their upcoming animated series on HBO Max, these supernatural soldiers have captured the imaginations of comic book fans and casual viewers alike. With James Gunn at the helm and a stellar voice cast, the new series promises to breathe fresh life into these unique characters. The integration of the Creature Commandos into the larger DC Universe opens up endless possibilities for crossovers and new storylines. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of DC Comics, the Creature Commandos offer a blend of horror, action, and comedy that's hard to resist. Keep an eye out for their debut on December 5, 2024, and get ready for an exciting new chapter in the DCU.
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