As we first reported on ComicBookMovie.com, the review embargo for DC Studios' Creature Commandos has lifted and early word on the first DCU project is overwhelmingly positive.
James Gunn has set out to give fans a taste of what to expect from his reboot with the seven-episode animated series. Creature Commandos is made in the same vein as The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, but also bodes well for Superman and beyond based on these verdicts.
Fans have been understandably sceptical about the filmmaker's plans, no great shock after what's proven to be an up-and-down decade or more for the DC Universe courtesy of Warner Bros.' DCEU. Now, though, it appears the franchise is back on the right track and in the best hands possible with Gunn and Peter Safran.
Critics are full of praise for Creature Commandos after seeing the entire seven-episode season, and we'll have an updated Rotten Tomatoes score to share with you very soon.
For now, GamesRadar+'s glowing verdict reveals, "James Gunn's surprisingly heartwarming R-rated animated series is the explosive fresh start that DC so desperately needed, and more than proves that the DCU is in good hands."
IGN's review says, "Creature Commandos introduces the new DCU with a story only James Gunn could cook up, balanced by high-energy animated action, outrageous humor, and strong, emotional character arcs." JoBlo.com, meanwhile, wraps up with, "I’ve never been more jazzed to see what else Gunn and Safran have in store for their era of the DCU because they care about making their time with the franchise memorable and meaningful. Let’s f**king go!"
Looper counters that by noting, "This adult cartoon monster mash is an enjoyable time, but it doesn't quite rank as James Gunn's best work, and could have used an extra spark to stand out more from what its creator has done before." That's perhaps the only "negative" take we could find, though, as Collider declares, "The new series has all the laughs, emotion, and memorable characters that have already established Gunn as one of the biggest and most reliable names in the genre. If this series is any indication, the future of the DC Universe is in very good hands."
"Overall, the show combines individually strong elements that are executed to a high standard, creating a very worthy foundation for the DCU," adds Screen Rant. "Creature Commandos feels exciting, introducing brand-new characters with a side of incredible humor and wit."
AIPT clearly agrees: "Creature Commandos in a great start to the “Gods and Monsters” chapter of the DC Universe. It has great action from characters you grow attached to over the course of the season while incorporating James Gunn signatures such as the humor and distinct soundtrack." AV Club deserves props, though, for rightly calling the show a "violent, profane, and horny monster mash."
You can read our full review here but we concluded by saying, "Delightfully deranged, Creature Commandos is a crazy, captivating, instant classic that puts the new DCU on the map while offering fans an endless list of reasons to return each week. James Gunn has delivered a monstrous must-see."
It feels like DC might be turning a corner with Creature Commandos; while the likes of Superman, Peacemaker season 2, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and Lanterns are still to come, we may be on the verge of a renaissance for this brand.
Creature Commandos premieres on Max with two episodes on December 5.