The first season of the "Creature Commandos" animated series, officially titled "Monster Commandos," has concluded, setting the stage for a new DC Cinematic Universe under the creative direction of James Gunn. The series' seven episodes are packed with cliffhangers and introductions to key elements of the DC Universe, including cameos from iconic heroes and villains, and connections to past DCU projects before the reboot. Here's a detailed look at the cliffhangers and key moments from the series:
Peacekeeper and Suicide Squad are Canon
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James Gunn confirmed before the series launch that "The Peacemaker" series, starring John Cena, is canon within this new universe, excluding the cameo in "Zack Snyder's Justice League." References to the events of "The Peacemaker" were made by John Economos, an ARGUS agent and sidekick to Amanda Waller, who appeared in the animated series. Additionally, Peacekeeper himself made an appearance, reinforcing the series' connection to the broader universe. The first episode also established "The Suicide Squad" movie as canon.
Themyscira, Bloodhaven, Star City, Gotham, and Metropolis
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The series introduced various DC locales, enriching the universe's geography. Cerci, a witch, hails from Themyscira, home of Wonder Woman. Dr. Phosphorus, a Gotham criminal, was apprehended by Batman. The Galaxy Broadcasting System (GBS), based in Metropolis, employed Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Bialia, ruled by Queen Bee, was mentioned as the origin of the Scarab that powers Blue Beetle. References were made to Jharkhanpur, home of villain Ram Khan, Bloodhaven, where Nightwing operates, and Star City, the hometown of Green Arrow, where Mermaid (Nina Mazursky) originated.
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Sgt. Rock and Easy Company
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In episode 3, it was revealed that G.I. Robot fought alongside Sgt. Rock and the Easy Company during World War II. Sgt. Rock, a non-superhero soldier from the 1959 comic "Our Army at War," is a recurring character in the DC multiverse. There are rumors that Daniel Craig might portray him in a future movie, with Maury Sterling voicing the character in the series.
Dr. Will Magnus
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In the same episode, Dr. Will Magnus, the creator of the Metal Men, studied the G.I. Robot. The Metal Men are a team of androids named after elements from the periodic table.
Class Z Villains from the DC
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The series showcased a variety of villains in ARGUS prison cells, including those from the 10-plane villains of DC comics. Notable characters included Animal-Plant-Mineral Man, Bloody Millipede, Shaggy-Man, Fisherman, Congorilla, Nosferata, Khalis, Kemo, and Egg-Fu. James Gunn noted that the selection of these characters was left to the animators and co-showrunner Dean Laurie.
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Weasels' Lawyer
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Elizabeth Bates, reimagined from the 1940s comic strip character Betty Bates, serves as Weasels' lawyer. She not only fights for justice in the courtroom but also physically combats gangsters, reminiscent of Daredevil.
Justice League and Other DC Heroes
The fourth episode featured a significant cameo scene where Cerci showed Amanda Waller visions of an apocalyptic future. James Gunn confirmed the presence of several key characters:
- Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Supergirl, Booster Gold, and Robin (Damien Wayne)
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- Batman, Vigilante, Judo Master, and Metamorpho
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- Superman, Starfire, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), and Mr. Terrific
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- Gorilla Grodd, one of the Flash's notorious enemies, also appeared.
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Gunn highlighted the inclusion of Blue Beetle, expressing interest in continuing to work with the character post-movie.
Clayface
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In episode five, it was revealed that Dr. Ailsa McPherson was killed and replaced by Clayface, a Batman villain. Alan Tudyk voiced Clayface, having also voiced Dr. Phosphorus and Will Magnus in the series, and Clayface in another DC animated series, "Harley Quinn." Gunn announced a new "Clayface" movie with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan, sparking speculation about Tudyk's involvement.
First Look at Batman in the New DC Cinematic Universe
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The sixth episode delved into the origins of Dr. Phosphorus, involving Gotham crime boss Rupert Thorne. Batman eventually captured the villain, offering fans their first glimpse of the new universe's Batman.
New Creature Commandos
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The season finale introduced the new Creature Commandos team led by Bride, featuring:
- King Shark, voiced by Diedrich Bader, previously seen in "The Suicide Squad."
- Dr. Phosphorus
- Weasel
- G.I. Robot, restored and improved
- Nosferata, from the Superboy series
- Khalis, a member of the Monster Commandos in the comics
As fans eagerly await Season 2 and the upcoming Superman movie, "Monster Commandos" has laid a rich foundation for the new DC Cinematic Universe, filled with exciting cliffhangers and character introductions.