How Creature Commandos sets a new tone for the DC universe
Creature Commandos introduces audiences to a diverse team of monsters and one notable real-life figure in its opening credits.

The animated DC series showcases characters like Rick Flag Sr. (voiced by Frank Grillo), Frankenstein (David Harbour), the Bride of Frankenstein (Indira Varma), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Nina Mazursky (Zoe Chao), Weasel, and G.I. Robot (both voiced by Sean Gunn). Among them, an animated James Gunn makes an appearance in the opening sequence of every episode.
However, fans expecting Gunn to reprise a character role similar to his stint in season 3 of the Harley Quinn animated series might be disappointed. Gunn clarifies that his animated inclusion was more of a playful gesture from producer Dean Lorey. “Dean thought he was doing me a favor, but now I’ll forever be accused of inserting myself into the opening credits,” Gunn told Entertainment Weekly.
Lorey adds, “He did not put himself in the credits. We did that to him.”
While Creature Commandos may initially resemble the irreverent Harley Quinn series or its spinoff, Kite Man: Hell Yeah!, it sets itself apart as the first project within the newly interconnected DC universe led by Gunn and Peter Safran. Unlike the comedic and chaotic nature of the Harley Quinn series, Creature Commandos is designed to establish a more serious tone that aligns with the canon of other DC projects like Peacemaker and the upcoming Superman film.
“We wanted to keep the Harley-verse distinct and allow Creature Commandos to stand out,” Lorey explains. “James wrote every episode, which gives it a unique tonal feel compared to the pure comedy of Harley Quinn. Creature Commandos is grounded with an Eastern European ambiance, treated as if it were a serious live-action film that happens to be animated.”
Currently, the first two episodes of Creature Commandos are streaming on Max, with new episodes releasing every Thursday until early January. This series not only promises a blend of action and drama but also a fresh narrative perspective within the evolving DC universe.