The first season of the *Creature Commandos* animated series, titled *Monster Commandos*, has concluded its run, setting the stage for a bold new DC Cinematic Universe under the creative direction of James Gunn. Across seven episodes, the show introduced key characters, teased future storylines, and left behind several intriguing cliffhangers. Here's a breakdown of what we've seen so far, including major character introductions, cameos, and connections to both past and future projects in the DCU.
Peacekeeper and Suicide Squad Are Canon
James Gunn confirmed early on that *Peacemaker* is part of the new DC Cinematic Universe continuity—excluding only Peacemaker’s cameo in Zack Snyder’s *Justice League*. The animated series references events from *Peacemaker*, with John Economos making an appearance as Amanda Waller’s right-hand man. Additionally, members of *The Suicide Squad* are acknowledged as canon within this universe, reinforcing the interconnected nature of Gunn’s vision from the start.
Themyscira, Bloodhaven, Star City, Gotham and Metropolis
Several iconic DC locations were featured throughout the season. Cerci hails from Themyscira, home of Wonder Woman. Dr. Phosphorus, one of the villains, was previously active in Gotham before being apprehended by Batman. Metropolis also made its presence known through the Galaxy Broadcasting System (GBS), where Clark Kent and Lois Lane have worked. Other locations like Bloodhaven, Star City, and Jharkhanpur were referenced, tying into various heroes and villains across the DC multiverse.
Sgt. Rock and Easy Company
In episode 3, G.I. Robot was shown fighting alongside Sgt. Rock and his squad during World War II. Sgt. Rock is one of DC’s most enduring non-powered characters, having debuted in *Our Army at War* #81 in 1959. He has appeared consistently across different DC media, often serving as a bridge between the real world and the superheroic. Maury Sterling voices Rock in the series, while there have been rumors Daniel Craig might portray him live-action in a potential film adaptation.
Dr. Will Magnus
Also appearing in episode 3, Dr. Will Magnus was shown analyzing G.I. Robot. He is best known as the creator of the Metal Men—a team of sentient robots named after chemical elements. His inclusion hints at future appearances of these characters in the DC Cinematic Universe.
Class Z Villains from the DC Universe
The Argus prison cells house a variety of bizarre and obscure Class Z villains. Among them are Animal-Plant-Mineral Man and Bloody Millipede—both classic DC antagonists. Other recognizable names include Shaggy-Man, Fisherman, Congorilla, Nosferata, Khalis, Kemo, and Egg-Fu. These characters appeared in the prison canteen scene, handpicked by co-showrunner Dean Laurie and the animation team.
Weasels' Lawyer
Elizabeth Bates, voiced by Lena Headey, is Weasels’ lawyer and a modern reimagining of Betty Bates from the 1940s comic strip *Lady-at-Law*. She brings a unique blend of courtroom prowess and physical combat skills, offering a fresh take on the legal hero archetype in the DCU.
Justice League and Other DC Heroes
Episode 4 features a powerful sequence where Cerci shows Amanda Waller a dystopian future filled with familiar faces. James Gunn confirmed some identities, while others remain fan theories:
- Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Supergirl, Booster Gold, Robin (Damian Wayne)
- Peacekeeper
- Batman, Vigilante, Judo Master, Metamorpho
- Superman, Starfire, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Mr. Terrific
- Gorilla Grodd
This apocalyptic vision suggests a broader scope for the DC Cinematic Universe, hinting at potential team-ups or conflicts down the line. Notably, Gunn expressed interest in continuing Blue Beetle’s story beyond the recent film, raising questions about whether Xolo Maridueña will return in this new universe.
Clayface
In episode 5, Clayface appears as a villain who impersonates Dr. Ailsa McPherson. Voiced by Alan Tudyk—who also plays other roles in the series—Clayface represents one of Batman’s more grotesque foes. Tudyk has expressed enthusiasm for portraying different versions of the same character across multiple DC properties. With Gunn recently announcing a *Clayface* movie written by Mike Flanagan, fans are curious if Tudyk will continue voicing the character.
First Look at Batman in the New DC Cinematic Universe
Batman makes his debut in the sixth episode, capturing Dr. Phosphorus after the villain's transformation under the influence of Rupert Thorne. This marks one of the earliest canonical appearances of the Dark Knight in Gunn’s universe, setting up future solo and ensemble stories involving Gotham’s protector.
New Creature Commandos
The season finale sees Bride forming a new iteration of the Creature Commandos, featuring:
- King Shark – Voiced by Diedrich Bader
- Dr. Phosphorus
- Weasel
- G.I. Robot – Fully restored and upgraded
- Nosferata – A Superboy comics alumna
- Khalis – A member of the original Monster Commandos
This team promises to be a cornerstone of the darker, more grounded side of the DC Cinematic Universe, blending horror, action, and deep lore. Fans are already eagerly awaiting Season 2 and the upcoming Superman movie, which will further expand this exciting new universe.
