Creature Commandos, Superman ignite DC's future

A review of Creature Commandos and the Superman trailer as DC Studios gives viewers a taste of the new universe to come.

From DC

At Cereal Creatures, we have been cautiously optimistic about the new DC Universe across screen and media—from the recent Penguin series to the Absolute and All-In comics. However, the real test will come with the first official releases from the new DC Studios led by James Gunn and Peter Safran.

The first look at the DC Universe arrives in the form of the adult animated series Creature Commandos, recently announced for a second season. The show is loosely based on a team introduced in 1980's Weird War Tales #93, featuring monsters who fought during WWII. These monsters have resurfaced several times, including in a 2000 mini-series and during the New 52. The new animated series on Max blends Suicide Squad concepts with the classic Creature Commandos formula. While the original team drew from Universal Monsters archetypes, this version largely departs from that template, save for a few characters. The new team, designated Project M within A.R.G.U.S., operates under Rick Flag Sr.'s leadership and Amanda Waller's supervision. When Congressional oversight restricts Waller's use of human operatives (as in Suicide Squad), she turns to monsters and non-human creatures to accomplish her missions—or at least what she considers the good fight.

The roster includes nods to Universal Monsters with Eric Frankenstein and The Bride, alongside Suicide Squad's Weasel, a fish creature named Nina Mazursky, the Nazi-hunting DC classic G.I. Robot, and Batman villain Doctor Phosphorus.

Four of the seven episodes have aired so far, weaving together a mystery involving the princess of Pokolistan and Wonder Woman villain Circe's assassination attempts, while exploring Task Force M members' backstories—including a fresh take on Dr. Frankenstein, his monster, and bride. The G.I. Robot-focused "Cheers to the Tin Man" and the recent "Chasing Squirrels," which shows a new perspective on Suicide Squad's Weasel, are competing for best episode.

As writers of a Universal Monsters-inspired team (our own "All Boy Monsters: Dead Offenders" comics), we recognize this isn't groundbreaking territory. Many works have explored these tropes. Yet James Gunn delivers something fresh—distinct even from his own Suicide Squad film.

Let's be clear: the series is excellent, bringing relief to DC fans. It balances action with robust story and character development. While the first episode raised eyebrows with its juvenile humor, these elements quickly subside. Brief cameos of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and others appear in a dream sequence, with Gunn confirming these represent their upcoming live-action counterparts (though only Superman has been cast).

Speaking of Superman, the new trailer has dropped, offering fans their first glimpse of the DC Universe's live-action future. David Corenswet debuts as the Man of Steel, alongside Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Krypto the Superdog. The action-packed trailer met expectations, but two elements caught our attention (pardon the Marvel reference to "Spidey sense"). First, Krypto's inclusion marks a faithful comics adaptation of Superman's canine companion, surpassing his previous animated appearances and Smallville cameo. Second, the return of John Williams's iconic theme—which we consider definitive for Superman, much like Danny Elfman's Batman score—appears in a fresh arrangement. Despite recent criticism calling it overused or dated, we're thrilled to hear it again. The film arrives in cinemas July 11, 2025.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, while not part of the new DC Universe proper, rounds out DC Studios' recent releases. This documentary chronicles Christopher Reeve's journey—from becoming the first blockbuster Superman through his life-altering horse-riding accident and subsequent paralysis. Featuring interviews with industry luminaries, it offers newcomers insight into Reeve's impact and demonstrates how heroism transcends fiction.

Now, with three major DC Studios releases before us, our cautious optimism has grown into genuine excitement. Yet questions linger: How will they handle the Batman universe? What's next for "The Batman" franchise? Will lesser-known characters share the spotlight with DC's icons? And will Tim Drake finally get his due?